Staff Writer

Kay Penn did not choose a political position, but she stepped up to the challenge when her husband was called into action.

Monday afternoon, Penn was sworn into office as Pike County Commissioner for District 3, a position her husband, Larry, has held for two terms.

Although Penn cannot comment as to where her husband is heading, she identified his unit as the 167th Transportation Theater Support Group out of Birmingham and expects to hear from him "when he gets where he’s going."

She said they "had very little time" because her husband was notified last Tuesday he was being activated and had to report Friday to Birmingham.

It was, however, enough time to decide who would fulfill his obligation to the Pike County citizens of District 3.

"It wasn’t a hard decision, at all," Penn said after taking the oath of office given to her by Probate Judge Bill Stone.

"I’m doing this because he cares so deeply about Pike County and District 3," Penn said of her agreement to sit on the county commission.

The new commissioner placed her left hand on her husband’s Bible as she was sworn into temporary public life.

"I will serve to the best of my ability pending my husband’s return from active duty," Penn said to the small crowd gathered at the swearing-in ceremony.

Just after the ceremony, Penn was presented a vase of roses from her husband. They will celebrate their anniversary on Thursday.

The 167th TSC personnel will form a logistical command and control cell to provide homeland security support at locations within the continental United States.