By Peyton Dickerson, Online Editor-In-Chief
The inevitable date they anticipated had arrived – this is the hard part. Yet, nothing could prepare his parents and brothers for the day he would actually be deployed. Tears and words of anxiety flowed from his family, but none from him.
FFHS graduate Cody Turbitt was excited for his deployment.
“He always wanted to join (the armed forces). He tried for seven years,” Noah, one of Cody’s five brothers, said.
Cody’s ambition to enter the military was intense, but joining wasn’t a smooth process. Yet, his efforts to become the best version of himself along with his desire to serve his country eventually paid off when Cody was able to join the Army.
“I was excited for him because he wanted to get in for so long,” Noah said. “But I was nervous because I knew the day would come where he’d go.”
Tensions within the Turbitt household began to surface when information about conflicts with Iran appeared in the media. And for Cody, this meant the countless hours spent in preparation at Fort Bragg in North Carolina were about to be put to use.
However, this meant saying goodbye to family members on the beach and his wife, Ashley, for a nameless amount of time.
“I’ve been an emotional wreck since Cody left,” Charmaine Varela, Cody’s mom, said. “Cody is strong, but he is my son, so I can’t help but worry about him.”
Cody had only been home with his family for the holidays. Just as swiftly as he’d arrived back at Fort Bragg, the time came for him to head overseas. Cody was told that not all troops were needed, but those who volunteered would be deployed.
Without hesitation, Cody took the chance and signed up. The fear from his family was overwhelming, but they knew it was what he had always wanted.
His excitement to serve comes from his eager and caring character. For him, the preparation at Fort Bragg was for this moment. The moment where everything he had learned on base would come into play.
“Cody is one of the most driven people I’ve ever met,” Caleb, one of Cody’s brothers, said. “He’s always accomplished anything he’s ever set his mind to, so I know everything is going to be all right.”
Despite the anxiety and fearful thoughts from family members, Cody is proud to be able to serve his country. He is ready for any challenge brought to him on the other side of the world. For now, his friends and family wish him a safe return.
“My family was crying so hard, and my grandma was,” Noah said. “I just had to remind her that’s what he always wanted to do. It makes me happy that he wants to protect and serve.”
Junior Peyton Dickerson can be reached at [email protected].
