On November 11, 2024 Fayette County Deputy Josh Barker, a combat veteran, gave a speech to the West Central School for their Veteran's Day Program about his experiences in the military, and advice on overcoming everyday challenges he faced throughout his life. Deputy Barker served from 2004 – 2018 as a Mental Health Specialist for 3 years, and a Special Forces Green Beret for 10 years. Deputy Barker deployed to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2009 and 2011. Deputy Barker served as a Special Forces Instructor from 2012 – 2017 when he was medically discharged from the Army.