FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): State Senator Jim Banks of will be deployed to Afghanistan this Friday.

Our partners at 21 Alive say the Senator of District 17 had a special send off on Tuesday during the Whitley County Auditor Republican Caucus.

Banks will be deployed throughout the entire legislative season and will return this May.  Legislative leaders will hold a caucus to fill his position and Banks' wife, Amanda, intends to run.