April 4, 2008 - On April 18, 2008 the world of Fontbonne University sophomore track and field star LaRoyce Wooten was turned upside down. On that morning, Wooten was informed his Army National Guard Unit was deploying for the European nation of Kosovo. Wooten was told he would have less than 48 hours to report to Camp Crowder in Neosho, Missouri.

Wooten, a biology major, is a member of the 129th Field Artillery Unit, Battery D. He serves as a combat ready Fire Direct Specialist. Wooten, a graduate of Van Horn High School in Kansas City, joined the National Guard in January 2007. Wooten's Unit will spend up to one month in Germany until placement on the ground in the Baltic Region of Kosovo sometime in May. His until will be deployed for one year.

Kosovo is a volatile region in the former nation of Yugoslavia. The 129th's mission will be to assist the multi-national United Nations military forces already in the region serving as a buffer between civilians and warring ethnic groups.

"Our job is to be peace keepers, not wage war," Wooten said.

Fontbonne track and field coach Dave Almany said his squad will miss Wooten, who is an outstanding 400 meter runner.

"LaRoyce was my first recruit when I took this job two years ago, that alone makes him special to me," Almany said. "LaRoyce is a great teammate and is well liked around campus. I have seen him mature and grow in his time at Fontbonne. He is just a good person. Our prayers will be with him."

According to Wooten, his tour of duty will be only a temporary delay in the fulfillment of his academic goals. With an eye to becoming a vetenarian, Wooten said his expects to returns to earn his degree.

"I have a responsibility and a duty to my country. After I meet that commitment, I intend to return to Fontbonne and finish my education," Wooten said.