(By MIREYA MARTINEZ-SOTO)

When he received the word, he was shocked and in disbelief.

“I remember saying to myself, ‘Oh God, this is actually happening, they weren’t kidding.’”

This is what Petty Officer 2nd Class David James said to himself when he received his notification to deploy to the Middle East. Now, the former Austin Community College student, like so many others who serve as reservists in the military, is having to put a pause on his personal life to serve his country once more.

Ever since the drone attack on the Saudi Arabian oil facilities in September 2019, the U.S. Department of Defense said it would be increasing widespread military mobilizations across the Middle East. The tensions and questions began to arise within the unit at the Navy Operational Support Center in North Austin.

It was another drill weekend for James, but in November 2019, he was notified by the Navy that reserve personnel were to be recalled to active duty in support of Operation Spartan Shield for a period of over 300 days. Even though he knew it was a matter of time, he did not expect it to happen to him this soon. This will be his second deployment to the Middle East.

While proud to serve, having to be away from his family for an extended period is heartbreaking for him. He is also having to put a hold on his college education, preventing him from graduating this year from Texas State University-San Marcos with a bachelor’s degree in childhood education after receiving his associate’s degree at ACC two years ago. “Now I have to put my life on pause again for a duty I swore to uphold over eight years ago.”

It is not easy for every military reserve member, but each one has sworn an oath to protect the United States against all foreign and domestic enemies, and for James that day has arrived once more.

“I knew it was going to happen at some point, but the reserves have prepared me for deployments like this.”

Through high school he was not sure what he was going to do with his future. It wasn’t until 2012, when he turned 20, that he decided that he wanted to start a career in law enforcement. He joined the military for a chance to build his experience. He said the Navy had more job opportunities compared to other military branches. He didn’t know that after becoming a sailor he would be in a position to obtain a free education, travel across the world, learn new aspects of different cultures, build lifelong friendships, and gain beneficial skills as a civilian; but this comes at a price.

“You have no control over what could happen in the next six months, knowing that in any moment in time you could be called to put a stop to anything that you considered important or to be part of.”

But James knew what he signed up for, so he was ready to accept the call. Any personal experiences will have to wait for now.

This summer he will have to put on his uniform, strap on his boots, head to the airport, and leave his civilian life behind until he returns.

Currently, there are more than 3,000 active reservists on deployment across the globe for the Navy.