Westfield State Representative John Velis is being deployed to Afghanistan.
Velis is set to spend about a half-year in the country as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves.
This will be his second deployment.
He served in Afghanistan back in 2012.
Velis says he won't be able to vote, but that his office will continue to be staffed and open.
(Picture with thanks: State Rep John Velis)