380th Air Expeditionary Wing

Story by Staff Sgt. Michael Andriacco

SOUTWEST ASIA - Several thousand miles away from home, a 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Airman was able to witness the birth of his first child live thanks to modern technology.

Senior Airman Daniel Warila, a 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Aerospace Ground Equipment mechanic, welcomed Lucas Daniel Warila into the world thanks to the staff at the Chapman's Activity Center and the webcam capability they provided for the occasion.

Setting up the webcam required coordination with the hospital as well as the CAC to ensure the computer would be available and that the couple could connect through a chat program long enough for the birth.

"I would like to thank the staff of the CAC," said Airman Warila. "There were some very angry people who wanted to use the webcam while Lucas was being born and they explained the situation to them and enabled me to be there for the whole birth."

Deployments are always hard on loved ones but it can be especially difficult when faced with such a momentous occasion alone.

"[Giving birth to Lucas without Daniel there] was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do," said Skye Warila, Airman Warila's wife. "I cannot begin to tell you how much it helped having him present via webcam. Seeing him and being able to hear him tell me I was doing great and that he loved me gave me the strength to have our son."

And for the father of the newborn?

"It was awesome," said Airman Warila. "I mean, I was able to be there for my wife and our new baby at least in some way. Now I can't wait to meet him when I get back."

Being able to keep in touch with friends and family through a variety of means is a morale booster to the Airmen as well as their loved ones. Showing what Airmen are doing in the deployed environment to support the various missions is something family members view as a source of pride.

"I'm so proud of the work he is doing and the person he has become while serving in the military," said Mrs. Warila. "My husband faces being separated from his wife and son everyday and still continues to go to work, do his job and serve our country. I admire him and could not be more proud of the man I married."

Any Airmen wishing to learn more or who finds himself in a similar situation can contact their local Force Support Squadron or their 1st Sgt. for more information.

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