G.I. Joe

Cap. Joe Barnett recently returned to his civilian job following his second tour in Iraq with the 769th Engineer Battalion.

The 35-year-old Barnett is neuroscience senior account executive with pharmaceutical maker Abbott Laboratories. He is married to Courtney Schexnayder of Vacherie, and they are parents to a 5-year-old son named Blaine.

Before his return, Barnett participated in an e-mail interview with 225 editor Tom Guarisco, a teammate of Barnett’s on a men’s over-30 soccer team with the Baton Rouge Soccer Association amateur leagues.

When and where were you deployed?

July 2007 until July 2008, in Baghdad, Iraq

When were you scheduled to return to Baton Rouge?

Some time in July

This was your second deployment to Iraq?

Yes. I served in Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Sapper Company Commander in 2003-2004.

What’s your primary job this time?

I am the Battalion Logistics Officer (S4). I have 9 soldiers under me, but I logistically support 500 soldiers with beans, bullets and all manner of equipment and materials they need to perform their construction missions.

What’s been difficult about it?

The most difficult thing is getting quality tools and materials on the local economy for a fair price and in a timely manner.

What’s been the worst day?

When we lost Sgt. Terrell Gilmore. He was our first, and only killed in action thus far. He was a silent hero that did his level best every day and on every mission. A true hero.

What’s been your best day?

There have been a lot of great days, but I’d have to say my most memorable and proudest was when my soldiers received their end-of-tour awards. All of them are patriots and selfless servants to our state and nation. It was special seeing them recognized for all of their hard work.

Do you see Iraq making progress toward a more peaceful independence, or has life there gotten worse for the locals since your first deployment?

While there have been highs and lows in regards to the level of violence, it really seems like the opposition is decreasing more and more every day. By partnering with the Iraqi Army, police and government, we continue to pave the way for an independent Iraq that will function autonomously at some point in the future.

You must look forward to coming home. What have you missed about Baton Rouge?

My family, soccer, tennis, all of my friends and clients in the mental health community, burgers at the Times on Hennessy, and breakfast at Frank’s Smokehouse in Prairieville.

What don’t you miss?

I really do not miss the traffic on Airline, the mosquitoes (especially while sitting on a deer stand), and from what I have heard from my wife, the gas prices.

What’s on the top of your list of things to do/places to go/restaurants to eat at when you return home?

My son is excited about going bowling. He loves Chuck E Cheese (but not for the pizza). I want to get back in goal for my soccer team. I am hoping to work in some tennis with my friend David McGraw. As for food, I like everything at the Cheesecake Bistro, love good cheap Mexican food, and am craving my wife’s homemade shrimp po-boys. She batters the shrimp in cornmeal, which gives the shrimp an extra crunch, and uses fresh French bread from Albertson’s.

What do you want 225 readers to understand about what soldiers like yourself endure, sacrifice and face in doing your duty for the country, and then returning home to civilian life?

I can only really speak for myself. Different people cope in different ways. The transition back can sometimes be a challenge. The spouses left at home are forced to be really independent and to handle all of the daily chores of life, such as all the housework, bill-paying, caring for kids, etc. I’d argue that the biggest sacrifice is made by the kids. My son and I spoke on the phone every other day or so, and could even see each other live via the Internet. He has been a real trooper and my wife helped him cope by keeping him busy with swimming lessons, T-ball and soccer, but he still cried when I had to end the phone calls to get back to work. My being deployed meant missing two of my son’s birthday parties, my wife’s birthday, our anniversary and all the traditional holidays. That’s just part of what it means to be a deployed citizen soldier.

Serving with the 769th Engineer Battalion under Lt. Col. Damian K. Waddell, Maj. Cindy Haygood and CSM Chad Lynch has been one of the highlights of my life. I look forward to continuing to serve, but at the same time can’t wait to get back to my family and civilian job.