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Clinton, MA – State Representative Harold P. Naughton, Jr. (D-Clinton), a veteran of the Iraq War and a Captain in the United States Army Reserve, will be deployed to Afghanistan next week for a period of 200 days. He will deploy as a JAG officer with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division out of Ft. Carson, Colorado.
“The Army has called for me to serve. I am proud to follow the example of many in our community, including my late dad, who has served in the past. Serving our great country in the military and serving my district as State Representative is truly a dual honor,” said Representative Naughton. “With the help of my dedicated staff, my colleagues and the House Speaker’s office, my constituents will be well served throughout my deployment. This is something we have done before.”
In the Massachusetts House, State Representative Naughton currently serves as the House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. Previously, he served as the House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.
Representative Naughton recently informed House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) of his deployment. “He has my full support,” said Speaker DeLeo. “Harold’s commitment to serve our country, not only once but multiple times, should be respected. My office will work with Representative Naughton’s office to ensure his district’s needs are met.”
“I believe that as Americans we should all respect those who perform military service on behalf of our country,” said State Representative Vincent Pedone (D-Worcester). “I along with other members of the Massachusetts House will do everything possible to ensure Representative Naughton’s office will remain fully functional during his deployment. I wish both he and his family the very best during this time.”
It is not uncommon for state legislators serving in the military to be called to active duty. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as many as 32 members of various state legislatures have been deployed to another country during the past two years.
Most recently in Massachusetts, State Representative Jerry Parisella of Beverly announced his deployment to Iraq and State Senator Michael Rush of West Roxbury announced his deployment as an Intelligence Officer to Iraq.
Representative Naughton was last deployed from September 2005 to May 2006, serving in Kuwait and Baghdad, Iraq. For his second deployment, Representative Naughton will be stationed near Kandahar, Afghanistan.
“I stand with thousands of military men and women who have served our country in the past decade,” said Naughton. “I will work my hardest to perform the duty the Army has asked me to. I will reach out to my colleagues and am confident in their support. With their assistance, and the knowledge of my capable staff, the work I was elected to carry out on behalf of the 12th Worcester District will continue at a very high level during my deployment. Constituents of the 12th Worcester District may feel free to continue to reach out to my office at any time. My experienced staff will continue to service people in the same hard working manner as we always have.”
Representative Naughton represents the 12th Worcester District including Northborough, Clinton, Boylston, the second precinct of Sterling and the second precinct of Lancaster. He lives in Clinton with his wife, Ellen, and their four children.
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