published: Friday, March 08, 2013

Pigman summoned for third deployment in May

By SAMANTHA GHOLAR

sgholar@newssun.com

SEBRING - Following the election season, Dr. Cary Pigman has been busy getting himself aquatinted with the legislative business over the past few months. Splitting his time between Tallahassee and Highlands County has become a regular task for the 55th District Representative but come this summer that six-hour drive will be on hold for a while.

Pigman will spend his summer months in another sunny, warm region of the world when he heads out for his third deployment since joining the Army Reserves in 2010.

"About three weeks ago they (Army) phoned me up and said that they needed me," Pigman explained. "They're like your wife. When they call you asking for your help, the answer is always yes."

Though Pigman is becoming more comfortable in his legislative role in Tallahassee, the physician is more than comfortable in his medical role, even with the duties he is sometimes ordered to fulfill.

The upcoming deployment to Kuwait isn't something Pigman was expecting, but he always remains prepared for these types of happenings.

"They like ER doctors. We come, we get plugged in with a unit and we work. It's a little bit different than a traditional hospital job. There is a lot more trauma. The patients are younger but it is still the same work. I won't say that it is an easy job, but it's the same job. Different uniform," Pigman said.

The Army wanted Pigman to ship out as soon as possible, but Pigman had to explain his situation here in Florida with the Army regarding his newly earned legislative duties.

"They wanted me to come now. I explained to them what was going on with Tallahassee and they offered me the opportunity to come on May 10," Pigman said.

The current legislative session in Tallahassee will end May 3. Pigman will have one week to prepare for his departure overseas where his contract states a minimum of 90 days service. Pigman should arrive back in Florida by the end of August.

Deployment has become a bit of a routine for the seasoned doctor/veteran. Pigman finds no anxiety or worries about traveling to serve the country, but is always concerned about his wife, Darlene.

"Poor Darlene, she's the one who is going to be stressing. I just put on my boots and get on a plane and follow orders. She had just gotten used to the fact that I'm up in Tallahassee for the week and home on weekends. She only planned on me being in and out a few months, now she's got to tack on another three or four months to that," Pigman said.

Despite the obvious worries for his spouse, Pigman knows he is always up for the challenge.

"It is wonderfully invigorating, yet it is challenging to keep on top of things," Pigman said of his legislative duties. "But I find it all very rewarding."

Pigman will deploy to Kuwait on May 10. His offices and staff in Sebring, and the newly slated Okeechobee office, will continue to be open throughout his deployment to serve the legislative needs of the citizens of Florida's 55th district.