49-Year Old Public Defender and Father of Two Fulfills Dream to Serve in Iraq
"I really wanted to support what I believe is an honorable job. I looked at the men and women who are serving, and I was so proud of them. I thought if they'll take an old Rambo back, then I'd join up."
(Santa Fe, New Mexico)—Often referred to affectionately as "Grandpa Rambo," Damian Horne, a Santa Fe, N.M. public defender, is also part of a special forces unit of the National Guard waiting to be shipped out to Iraq in October. Damian is 49 years old and the father of two children.
According to a Newsmax report, Horne has been trying to get to Iraq for nearly two years. (Photo by: Jane Phillips/The New Mexican)
"I really wanted to support what I believe is an honorable job," said Horne, a former Army Ranger and reserve Green Beret. "I looked at the men and women who are serving, and I was so proud of them. I thought if they'll take an old Rambo back, then I'd join up."
Horne's wife Sydney West, also a public defender, was quoted as saying her husband gave her no advance notice of his decision to re-enlist, and she wasn't surprised that he opted for a combat job over anything else, including putting his legal background to use."
Notes the report: "As for those who might call him irresponsible for heading off to combat with two children at home, Horne said: 'I can't think of a better example to set for them.'"
