Sweetwater Board Member to Deploy to South Korea

Sweetwater Union High School District Trustee John McCann, a Navy Reserve lieutenant, has been called to active duty and will deploy to South Korea this week.

Tensions are high in the Asian region with North Korea issuing near daily threats against South Korea and the United States.

"It's an honor to be called to serve my country," said McCann, a 12-year Navy Reserve veteran. "I'm proud to not only represent the U.S. Navy, but also to represent the thousands of families from the Sweetwater School District."

The district said the supply officer would be involved in training and operations while on active duty.

McCann was deployed to Iraq during his second term on the Chula Vista City Council.

"We wish him the best in his activation and hope to have him home safe soon," said board President Jim Cartmill. "We are proud of his accomplishments and thank him for his service."

According to the district, McCann hopes for a short call-up that would allow him to return next month but his schedule could be changed by unfolding circumstances on the Korean peninsula.

McCann is the sole member of the Sweetwater Union High School District School Board who does not currently face charges from the District Attorney's Office for alleged pay-to-play politics.

Sweetwater board members and other defendents are due back in court Friday at 9 a.m. in Department 15 at the South County Courthouse in Chula Vista.

City News Service contributed to this report.