Alabama doctor going to war at age 68

[KelleyKramer]

http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=2059072&nav=0RdEOwmL

Decatur He may be 68, but a north Alabama psychiatrist says he's heading to Iraq.

John Wicks, who works at North Alabama Regional Hospital, has been called out of retirement by the Army to fill a shortage of mental health experts needed to help soldiers cope with combat stress. He could be overseas as long as a year.

The Army has not told Wicks what his exact assignment in Iraq is, or where in the country he'll be based.

Wicks is in Texas for a week of training. The Army said he will have the rank of colonel. His previous military experience includes two years active duty with the Marines and 18 years in the Alabama National Guard.

Wicks, a veteran of Desert Storm, said he may be the oldest soldier in the war, but he thinks his age isn't be a big deal because he stays in shape by riding his bicycle and working out three days a week.