SOUTH POINT - When South Point resident Travis Utley joined the Army no one ever expected that he would play a role in the biggest event of 2003 and become a part of history.

Pfc. Utley, in the Army's 4th Infantry Division, was recently pictured on

page 10 of

U.S. News & World Report's special edition that features the capture of Saddam Hussein. In the magazine, Utley is pictured guarding the area in ad-Dawr, Iraq, where Saddam was captured.

The 20-year-old, 2001 South Point High School graduate enlisted while he was still in high school. His mother Teresa Utley said she was at a loss for words when she saw his picture in the magazine.

"I was amazed. I was just so proud of Travis," she said. "I thought this was something that he could keep forever to show his children and grandchildren that he was a part of history."

Originally though, it was hard for Teresa to see her son go overseas.

"I hated to see him have to go to a foreign land and be a part of war," she said. "But since he has been over there with those soldiers, I am happy he went. As he said before, it made it all worthwhile. He said that it was his job and that he knows what to do."

Teresa talked with Travis Monday. He was a little depressed because he is getting ready to turn 21 on Dec. 31 and is away from his friends and family.

"I said 'When you get home, we will have you a celebration for your birthday and Christmas, too,'" she said.

As a Vietnam veteran with the Marine Corps, his father Larry Utley of South Point said he was just proud that Travis joined, but that this is icing on the cake for him to become a part of history.

"I do feel like it is a part of history. Everyone that was involved will be walking around proud with their chests stuck out," Larry said. "They are proud. It is an accomplishment to them but they probably don't realize how much history is involved because it is too new."

Larry said he was amazed to see his son in the magazine and

has also been trying to catch him on the news as well.

"I watched the news constantly, but missed him every time," he said. "They have interview him several times. His grandparents have seen him."

Overall, Larry said he was happy that Travis was a part of this momentous event, but that "it is not just about my boy, but all the people over there."

If everything goes as planned, Travis will be back in Texas in March. All of his family can only wait for that much anticipated hero's welcome he is sure to get.