MOORE — On October 18, Oklahoma’s 45th Infantry Brigade deployed 2,400 guardsmen to Fort Bliss, Texas, in preparation for a tour of duty in Iraq. Moore Public Schools athletic director Carl Franks, who has been in the National Guard since 1981, was part of the deployment, which was the largest of an Oklahoma National Guard since the Korean War.

When he left, Franks didn’t think he would see Oklahoma for at least a year. However, at this time, Franks is back home playing the dreaded waiting game.

“They have some testing going on with a medical situation,” Franks said. “Something to do with my heart valves. They are sending me to testing before I can be activated. I’m kind of limbo right now.”

Franks said that he didn’t find out until six months ago that he would be heading to Iraq. But after being in the armed forces for as long as he has, he doesn’t get caught off-guard too often. Franks served as Company Commander for the 135th Transportation Company in Desert Storm/Shield.

“There was no surprise,” Franks said. “My first thoughts were what will be our mission? Where we will be located? Do I have enough time to take care of all the things my family and civilian job will need me to do before I leave?”

It was his family and friends that was foremost on Franks’ mind. After he found out he would be deployed, he had to break the news to his wife, Clinette, and daughters Jordan and Bethany. He also had to tell the people he works with at the school district that he would be leaving.

“It was pretty tough to break the news to both of them,” Franks said. “However, they had an idea it was going to happen based on all the news coverage before the official notification. I spent most of my time trying to make sure I had as many things as possible taken care of for my family, and the district athletic department.”

Even though Franks is not pleased with having to wait around to find out what test he will need to take before he can rejoin his unit, he did enjoy being able to spend Thanksgiving with his family.

“That worked out great,” Franks said.

Until he gets the word from the Army, Franks has resumed his obligations as athletic director.

Franks said his tour in Iraq, if and when he leaves, should last until October 2008. Then he will return to Moore and resume his duties as husband, father and the athletic director.

But he knows he will still miss a lot during his stint.

“I will miss working with the outstanding personnel within the athletics department,” Franks said. “I will miss my family and having the opportunity to attend the activities with them.”

Since he has seen combat before, he knows that there is danger in every situation. Whatever fears Franks may have about going to Iraq mostly center around his family.

“Fear of the unknown,” Franks said. “Not knowing what situations my family might be faced with while I’m gone.”

Franks graduated from Ardmore High in 1982 and worked as a strength and condition coach at Oklahoma State from 1986-89. He became an assistant football coach at Chickasha before joining the Westmoore staff in 1992. After a year as assistant principal at Chickasha Junior High, he took the job as the athletic director for Moore Public Schools.

Whether it has been in the armed forced or in the educational system, Franks has always been in a leadership role. Even though he will not be around the athletes and students in the school district for a year, he still wants them to learn a lesson by his deployment.

“I hope it will help them realize the sacrifice the men and women in uniform make in order for all Americans to have the opportunity to live and enjoy the freedom we have as a country,” Franks said. “I also hope it will help all Americans pay more tribute to our American flag when the national anthem is being sung or played based on the sacrifice and dedication of our past American service men and women.”