ABC 7 Chicago Presents "The Ñ Beat: A Call To Duty"

"THE Ñ BEAT" cameras take viewers inside the home of Illinois National Guard First Lieutenant Aleida Barrera, as she breaks the news to her parents about her upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. A nine-year veteran of the Guard and a practicing attorney in Chicago, Barrera's story is one of courage and honor.

Then, Corporal Antonio Garcia, who has served honorably in the United States Marine Corps, shares a very personal story of his life as a soldier in "Operation Iraqi Freedom."

Next, Chicago Fire Department District Chief Jose Santiago and Fire Fighter Brian Velez provide insight on what it takes to tackle their line of work, where courage and bravery are part of the routine.

Finally, THE Ñ BEAT" profiles Patrol Officer Andres Zayas. He is a 14-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department and a 3rd Class Petty Officer with the United States Navy. Whether he is patrolling the streets of Chicago or on a tour of duty in Afghanistan, Officer Zayas shares his story of the warrior as an artist. Several photographs from his tour in Afghanistan are on display at the National Viet Nam Veterans Art Museum.

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