Sgt. Chris Burchfield left Meridian in September 2004 to serve with the fellow Guardsmen in Iraq. His wife, Perrin Weems Burchfield, welcomed him home on Dec. 22 — just in time for Christmas.

I would like to nominate my husband, Sgt. Chris Burchfield of the 150th Combat Engineer Battalion as an Unsung Hero.

Although he is my husband, and a native of Meridian, he is naturally my hero. I think his military record and the way he handled being pulled from home and family to serve 10 months in Iraq demonstrate clearly devotion to his country.

Even during his countless hours of protecting his fellow soldiers and doing his duty while in Iraq, he set aside his personal thoughts to carry out the task at hand.

He believes that the reason for the military being in Iraq is a good one. We are not only making it a safer for us here, but working for a better lifestyle and security over there. We should sing the praises of all the soldiers in this dedicated Mississippi Army National Guard group.

Chris has served his country for 12 years to date; he re-enlisted for an additional six years in the Army National Guard while still in Iraq.

I hope he will not be called upon to return to Iraq or to duty in defense or our country abroad — but should that happen, I know that he will go proudly and without hesitation.