By Brian Cutshall, Director

GreenevilleSun.com

KABUL, Afghanistan -- U.S. Air Force Maj. Johnnie Imogene Barrett is a nurse 6,000 miles from home, but she still reads her Greeneville Sun.

"I'm an Air Force nurse stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan, but I'm proud to call Greeneville my home," Maj. Barrett wrote in an email to the newspaper.

"I thought you might like to see that The Greeneville Sun is being read at the Afghan National Police Hospital, where I'm nurse mentor of the Chief Nurse."

A 1992 graduate of West Greene High School, Barrett is the daughter of Heath and Jean Varady of Mosheim.

While military duties kept Barrett from attending her 20th year high school reunion this past weekend, the proud Greene Countian exclaimed, "Go Buffs!"

"There is no place like home," she added, but "I'm honored to serve my country and help spread freedom to the people of Afghanistan.

"I'm continually overwhelmed and truly touched by the support and love of the American people through prayers, letters, care packages and 'cups of joe.'"

Barrett has been a nurse for 15 years, has served in active duty for 10 years and has been deployed to Kabul for four months.

Barrett will return from deployment in November, returning to her home station, Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.