By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Camden, Tenn.–Benton County Mayor Brett Lashlee has been called to active military duty, possibly as early as the last week of June.
This means Lashlee will be taking an official leave of absence from the County Mayor’s position until he returns home from duty, which could range anywhere from 10-13 months in total. An interim mayor will step into the County Mayor’s role.
Sargeant First Class Lashlee, an enlisted member of the Tennessee Army National Guard will be serving up to an 11-month deployment (9 month “boots on ground”) to an undisclosed overseas location in Africa. He reports to Fort Bliss, Texas, in two weeks.
Lashlee’ s expected return will be around April 2022. This will be Lashlee’ s fifth deployment during his tenure as a reservist for the US Army and National Guard.
Mayor Lashlee told RadioNWTN that an interim mayor will step into his role during his deployment. “The Interim Mayor will have the full authority of this office and the position’s functional role. I am calling for a public notice to be issued regarding the absence and the need for an Interim Mayor election for the legislative body to decide on the protocols and election next month if they so choose,” he said.
Mayor Lashlee serves as a member of the 1957th Contingency Contracting Team, a highly specialized unit conducting operations in contingency operations.
Lashlee said, “Any loss of a member can be detrimental to the mission; therefore, my response to my country’s call is vital.
Mayor Lashlee said, “I proudly campaigned on the fact that I was a member of the National Guard. I have nearly 50 months of activated mobilization time with 41 months served in combat zones, but the cycle of the overseas rotation simply hits my unit at an unfortunate time that greatly impacts my civilian occupation as County Mayor. Although I value my service to Benton County, I equally value my obligation of military service to Country.
Mayor Lashlee said since he is nearing the mandatory age of retirement from service (age 60), this will be the last time he is called to service.
“I, like my fellow soldiers, must retire from the Army National Guard at the age of 60. For me, that comes in October 2022 following my return. I didn’t expect a deployment to have come during my service as County Mayor, but my commitment to my Country has been called and I have to work with the hand that is dealt.
“I very clearly understand the complication this can bring in the management of the County’s fiscal and administrative operations. Although I will be in regular electronic contact with leaders and staff, it is important to still have someone loyal and trustworthy to the County’s best interest and to carry the torch of forward vision and the multiple projects are already in process. My staff and county leaders have continually demonstrated the energy and motivation to continue to move our projects forward. I trust they will faithfully and honorably fulfill the duties needed to be representative of my role and the best interest of our citizens. Although my home station is halfway around the world, I am just an email, text, or zoom meeting away from Benton County as so much of my administrative role comes from electronic and digital tools already.
“Additionally, we have engaged an excellent team of professional service providers (all of whom have local connections, and affiliations) to help guide the implementation of our capital projects while I am overseas serving our Country.
“I fully expect to return home to an operation that has risen to the call of duty during some challenging and historic times and come through with flying colors. I am proud to serve both my Country and Benton County, but equally proud of the unselfish and community minded work our County leaders and staff will put in over the coming year.
“I ask the citizens of Benton County to pray for my safety, the safety of my family (and especially my wife Joleen), my fellow soldiers, and for the best wellbeing possible for our County while I am deployed away from home”, he concluded.
