The Oshkosh West Index - Sween trades classroom for fatigues as deployment begins

Volume 106, Issue 1

Online Features

Sween trades classroom for fatigues as deployment begins

By Logan Fassbinder
posted September 26, 2009

True heroes have a peculiar tendency of hiding themselves in plain sight. Whether it's the caring friend, the concerned family member, or the engaged teacher, heroes have a way of supporting those in distress, no matter what the adversity. Such is the case of Josh Sween, a local social studies teacher at West. Sween, who is serving in the Air Force National Guard, was deployed to Balad, Iraq on September 17. While in Iraq he will be serving his country for two and a half months as an Aerospace Propulsion Technician, or as he prefers to call it "A jet engine mechanic."

Sween, who heard word of his possible return in May, has already served in Iraq in the past. He will be returning to the same Air Force Base that he was appointed to in 2006.

"Initially, I wasn't really shocked. This is the second time I'm going to be going over there, so I kind of already know what to expect," said Josh Sween. "Obviously there are a lot of things that could have changed over three years."

At the age of 18 Sween signed up to be a part of the Air Force National Guard. Since then he has served for nearly 10 years, while getting his teaching degree and working as an educator.

"I initially joined the Air Force National Guard simply because. I wasn't gong to have any money to pay for school and my parents weren't going to be able to afford it, so it seemed like a good option at the time," said Josh Sween.

While in Balad, Sween will have to deal with blistering heat that can easily get in to the hundreds,the endless upkeep required for F-16s, and the constant burdens of war. While the dilemmas of service are on Sween's mind, his main concerns remain steadfastly at home. His wife, Erika Sween, teaches economics.

"I guess my biggest concern really is leaving my wife alone for a couple of months and all of the hassles and headaches that can happen while I'm gone that I can't deal with," said Josh Sween. "I mean, she can tell me about them but there's really nothing I can do about it."

Not only will the absence of loved ones be on Sween's thoughts while he's away, but also the classrooms he's leaving behind. Sween is a teacher of such classes as American Government and Politics, Area Studies of Wisconsin, and Physical Geography. These classes will be taken over by his wife during the vacancy.

"As far as the class it's kind of bittersweet. I've been here for about two weeks and I just started getting to know the class," said Josh Sween. "Its probably tough for the students as well, to get used to me for about two weeks and then having to switch and then switch back."

Along with the difficulties for the students transitioning classes, Erika Sween can attest to the feelings of loss. During Josh's previous deployment, the couple had been engaged.

"Obviously I'm sad he's going to be gone, but I also kind of understand what its like, because this is his second time going over there," she said "I'm more comfortable with him going over this time. He's going to be on a base which is probably as safe as you can be over there. I know some of the people he's going over there with so that makes me feel a little better"

While teachers in the district thrive on collaberation, the Sweens are obviously even closer.

"Because we both teach Social studies, we bounce a lot of ideas off of each other when it comes to planning lessons," said Erika Sween. "And I'll miss just talking to him about my day."

Not only will he be missed by his students and family members but also by his co-workers. In honor of his departure the faculty and students of West commemorated him with his very own day. Along with the commemoration of the day, the faculty threw a send off for Sween. There the teachers shared their memories of fond memories of him.

"Obviously [we'll miss] the quality of his teaching. I think he really relates well to the kids." said social studies department chair Dan Cholewinski. "And as a person he's always fun to be around. "

The faculty was sad to see him go, but all understood the importance of the work that he was doing.

"We all obviously wish that he comes back to us safe. He's a great person. He keeps us all connected," said Cholewinski "He's been a positive benefit to the whole [social studies] department and like everyone else we wish him Godspeed and to come back safely."

Both Erika and Josh were very greatful for the support that the faculty has provided them. Sween thanked everyone for their help through the whole ordeal.

"I just appreciate the chance that the school district is giving me," said Josh Sween. "By allowing me to go and serve my country and be able to come back to a job and know that my wife is going to be taken care of by the great people here."

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