Local family's Marine is featured in recent military story about life in Afghanistan

Local family's Marine is featured in recent military story about... (Added: November 25, 2009)

Marine is featured finding new ways to work out in war zone, and family is thankful for yet another reminder that loved ones are far away fighting for their country this holiday season. (more)

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Local family's Marine is featured in recent military story about life in Afghanistan

First Lieutenant Billy Goodwin of the United States Marine Corps works out using parts he found around his base while on deployment in Afghanistan. Billy's parents live in Georgetown.

By: Rusty Ray | SCNow
Published: November 25, 2009

William and Pat Goodwin say their son, Billy, knew he wanted to be a United States Marine at a relatively young age.
"He decided one day he was going to be a Marine," said William, "and he did what it took to get there. That's Billy," he said.
That doggedness landed Billy a scholarship to attend N.C. State and then he entered the corps as an officer when he graduated. Upon his return from Iraq in September, First Lieutenant Goodwin quickly signed up to be a fill-in executive officer for a unit on its way to Afghanistan, where he is now.
As proud of Billy as they are, his family misses him, especially during the holiday season.
"I love to see pictures," said Pat, his mother. "At least I know he's still there."
A few weeks ago, the military news service DVIDS--Digital Video and Image Distribution System--published photos and a quick blurb about Billy, as he improvised some workout equpment, fashioned out of gear he found around the base.
"That's his way of getting rid of stress," said Pat. "I knew when he went over there, he said there was nowhere for him to work out, and I knew he'd find a way to work out," she said.
The photos are a reminder that Billy is still the same guy with the same interests, just trying to stay safe and sane during his time in the war zone, but his parents also think it's a great reminder of what he's doing there in the first place.
"We forget that these people have left behind families (to go to war)" said William. "They've gone over there to take care of business for us."