WHS Assistant Principal Derrick Nelson to be Deployed to Afghanistan in August

Westfield High School Assistant Principal Derrick Nelson, a sergeant first class in the U.S. Army Reserves, will be deployed to Afghanistan this summer, according to a report by NJ.com.

The 38-year-old from Plainfield will undergo almost three months of training before being deployed with the 143rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command based out of Orlando, Florida this August, the report states. 

Nelson told NJ.com that he credited serving as an Army Reservist for 16 years with enabling him to earn undergraduate and master's degrees. Additionally, the educator has nearly completed a doctorate at Seton Hall University. He will leave the Garden State at the end of May. This is his first overseas deployment, according to the report.

Though he said his parents and girlfriend are concerned for his safety, Nelson said he is "proud to be able to go help" his fellow soldiers, according to NJ.com.