Cheyenne River Sioux soldier home from Iraq

Chris Condon, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, is spending some time with his family after a long tour of duty in Iraq.

Condon, 29, joined the U.S. Army in 2004 after his older brother, Kerwin, became ill. Kerwin, who was diagnosed with cancer at a young age, wasn't able to enlist.

“He always wanted to be in the military so I did it for him,” Condon told The Rapid City Journal.

Kerwin died three years ago and Condon has continued his service. He signed up for another six years in February.

“A lot of people said I was crazy, but I like what I do,” said Condon, who will return to Iraq after his visit home and is also scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan.

Condon's large Lakota family supports him through prayer. He has an 8-year-old son.

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Red Scaffold family welcomes soldier son (The Rapid City Journal 4/8)