July 4th special for veteran

By Staff
Melissa Cason
RED BAY – Today is the Fourth of July. A day set aside to celebrate our nation's independence from England. While activities for Independence Day typically include grilling out and swimming, one Red Bay paramedic has found a new appreciation for his freedoms after spending one year deployed to Iraq.
Patrick Emerson, 36, of Hamilton, is a paramedic for NorthStar Paramedic Services in Red Bay, but he is also a part of the 877th Engineering Battalion based in Hamilton. He was deployed with the 1203 Engineer Battalion based out of Dothan.
"Basically they had a slot to be filled before going to Iraq so they filled it with me," Emerson said.
He left his wife of 11 years, Dana, and two year-old son, Joshua, in June 2007 for training and left for Iraq two months later.
While he was in the training portion of his deployment, Dana gave birth to the couple's second child, Caleb, who is now 10 months old. Emerson was lucky to be able return home just one day after Dana delivered their son.
"I talked to her the whole time she was having him, and he was one day old when I first saw him," Emerson said.
"I surprised my wife though. I wasn't supposed to have my pass yet but my battalion commander let me come home to see my baby."
After returning to his battalion, Emerson left for Iraq.
While deployed, he worked in the administrative offices for his battalion working on payroll, promotions, leaves, and casualty reports.
Emerson said the worst thing about being deployed was being away from family. His son, Joshua, knew he was gone, and it didn't really bother him, but his new baby Caleb did not really know who he was when he returned home for leave in March.
"The hardest part is not being able to see your kids and wife," Emerson said.
"I'm glad I went and would gladly do it again if they called me up."
Emerson added that he did have 30 months before he could be called for duty again.
Emerson said seeing life in another country and seeing the sacrifices made by soliders, makes him realize that our freedoms are not free and that our country takes our freedom for granted.
"I know we take our freedoms for granted here," Emerson said.
"We have a lot more than many other countries. We are very lucky to live here."
Emerson returned from Iraq on June 8, and has returned to work at NorthStar.
He is beginning to settle back into civilian life, and plans to enjoy today like anyone else.
"I'll probably do some grilling like everybody else, and spend some time with my wife and kids," Emerson said.