Jul 2, 2021 / 07:18 PM EDT One of those deployed is Army Specialist Anthony Spencer of Crossville, a Cumberland University graduate who became a medic because he wanted to help people. He’s been on the front line in communities throughout Tennessee now for 15 months. “Initially when we first started the primary mission was to help the Health Departments in testing,” said Spencer. He spoke with WATE from a clinic in Hartsville, Tenn. about 150 miles west of Knoxville. “In the summer of last year, we started going to nursing homes here in Middle Tennessee, then I got moved out to Wilson County where I stayed for a long time. When the vaccines rolled out, as soon as we had them in hand we were trying to get people vaccinated. There were tears, tears of joy from people who were just so ready to move on with their lives and try to get back to whatever normal is going to be.”