Local soldiers redeployed

Sergeant Johanna Casas Pruett and Specialist E-4 Isaac Allen Pruett recently returned to Afghanistan as part of the continuing “Operation Enduring Freedom.”

This is the second deployment for both; each having re-enlisted to extend their service to finish out this deployment. Both soldiers are based at Fort Drum’s 10th Mnt., mountain division in upstate New York near Watertown, 30 miles south of Canada.The couple met in training classes last spring and were married in December 2010.

Johanna is a medic with the 3rd Brigade Health team. She is the daughter of Rosa Rivera and Cesar Casas, and sister to Augusto and Christian of Newton, New Jersey. Having grown up most of her life in the U.S., but having family in Peru and Brazil, she speaks Spanish, Portuguese and English.

Specialist E-4 Isaac Allen Pruett is attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat team, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry, Charlie Co. (Commanches). He is Alpha team leader for 1st squad, 2nd platoon (Rough Necks).

Isaac is the son of Stan and Sandy Pruett, brother to Alisha Pirtle and Shayna Pruett and grandson to Lillie Berry. Isaac’s two and a half year old son, Ezekiel, helped Grandma hang the Fort Drum Division flag,which will fly until they both return home. Every U.S. flag Zeke sees, he says “That’s my Daddy’s flag!”

The couple appreciate those of you who have added them to your churches prayer list.