Scotty Evans wears both hats. Earlier this year, the veteran Norfolk Police officer set aside his uniform, badge and glock pistol. He put on a desert battle dress uniform, picked up an M-4 rifle and headed for the rugged regions of Afghanistan. Commander Evans has served as a reservist for 25 years, but his duties rarely took him beyond Little Creek Amphibious Base.

But this spring he answered the call to help fight the war on terrorism. It is a war unlike any other, as our nation responds after the September 11th attacks.
His role does not involve an invasion, bullets, or bravado. Instead he is armed with compassion in a mission to win the hearts and minds of the impoverished people of Afghanistan.

He has spent several months on the ground, helping the Afghan people with basic needs including food, clothing, and water. Commander Evans keeps the folks back at home informed through periodic newsletters and riveting photos.

In a newsletter sent home this summer Evans wrote, " It broke my heart to see the children living in those conditions. The bricks used to make dwellings were made up of mud and straw. Believe me, when I tell you Americans have no idea how lucky they are".

The story of Scotty Evans is one of the many stories WVEC will share with our viewers beginning at 8pm on Christmas Eve and again at noon on Christmas day. Formerly known as Navy Christmas, Holiday Salute is our way of reminding the people of Hampton Roads about the sacrafices military families make year round.