New Deal Teacher Returns from Afganistan
By: Lauren Murphy
Updated: February 11, 2008

Folks in New Deal came out today to welcome home a hero.
Rocky Upchurch pulls double duty as a teacher and an army officer.
Upchurch has taught math and science at New Deal High School for the past nineteen years.
He spent the last year and a half in Afganistan with the Army Reserve, helping rebuild the country.
He says his work there is done, and he's happy to be home with his family and students.
"They're the next generation that's going to run this country," said Upchurch.
"They're the next parents. We want them to be knowledgeable and responsible to carry on our works when we're gone."
"He's proud to be in the army. He's proud to be a teacher." said his wife, Kim Upchurch.
"I just know he does a great job wherever he goes."
Upchurch serves with the 413 Civil Affairs Battalion in Lubbock.

