Family Sends Another Soldier to War

A local soldier is following in his brother's footsteps, just two years after his brother died in battle. David Weir of Cleveland died in Iraq in September of 2006.

Now, family and friends are gathering today to send off Weir's other brother Chris for his first tour of duty.

"With David dying that was the catalyst for me, that was the push that I needed. So I finally stepped up," says Chris Weir.

Chris Weir has always wanted to be a soldier but losing his brother in the war two years ago finally made it happen.

Weir leaves for his first tour in Iraq next month and today the community came together at Waterville Baptist Church in Cleveland some giving farewell hugs others sending him off by writing a simple note.

However, saying goodbye is not so simple for Chris Weir's family especially his mother.

"I don't want him to be gone for a whole year...its just hard to let another one go. I wish he didn't have to," says Jackie Weir.

Jackie Weir lost her middle son David two years ago, who died while patrolling the streets of Baghdad. She says she can't bear the thought of possibly losing another son.

"I support his decision to serve or country its his decision but its really hard right now," says Jackie Weir.

However that decision is driving support from the community even family friend Congressman Zach Wamp.

"Families like this are precious to our country, families that will make this commitment and then continue this patriotic commitment," says Zach Wamp.

Sergeant. Chris Weir is following in his brother's footsteps but his assignment is different. He'll be giving supplies to other soldiers while his brother was right on the front lines.

While their paths are slightly different, their commitment is the same.

"It's everybody's duty to serve their country one way or another," says Chris Weir.