Pocono News Section

Fond Farewell for PA Patriot Heading to Iraq

Fond Farewell for PA Patriot Heading to Iraq - Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 6:50PM EST

Reported by: Jeff Chirico
Saturday, Aug 22, 2009 @ 06:50pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- It's the last weekend at home for Air National Guardman Javier Acosta. The Pennsylvania Patriot is leaving supportive family and friends in Scranton.

Burgers sizzle as family and friends enjoy an outdoor barbeque in Scranton. But behind the smiles --emotions run deep. JavierÕs mother Nancy said, "Sometimes I want to cry. But I have to hold that and believe that he going to be good.

22-year-old Javier Acosta - a West Scranton grad - is heading to Iraq with the Air National Guard. "I'm sad to leave friends, home, family. Happy to serve. I'm scared. That's normal," he told Eyewitness News.

His parents threw the party Saturday so Javier knows his loved ones support his decision to serve his country. His friend Jule Grant said, "I don't think it was as hard for him as for his friends. It's hard. You don't want to see your friends put their life on the line."

His father Rafael added, "I'm proud of him. But also worried for his safety. Hope he comes home soon."

But this party is all about fun, and celebrating one man's pride in his country. Javier leaves for three months of training on Monday. He hopes to return from Iraq in May.

Javier Acosta is the fourth generation of his family to serve in the U. S. military.