22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs

Story by Staff Sgt. Matthew Epright

USS BATAAN – Father's Day can be a rough time for deployed dads, especially those whose wives have given birth since the start of the deployment. The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is using modern technology to ease the separation.

Marines from the 22nd MEU whose wives gave birth after the mid-May start of the MEU's deployment got to see and hear their newborns for the first time via Video Tele-Conferencing aboard USS Bataan June 20, 2009.

"We gave each father about 20 minutes to be able to spend some time together and to be able to get acquainted," said Cmdr. Richard Bonnette, the 22nd MEU chaplain and native of Holiday, Fla. "They could see their little girl or little boy just the way they are right now."

Bonnette added that II Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik provided a conference room with VTC capability back at the MEU's base, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Though most Marines can receive family photos and updates through email, this gave them an opportunity to see their new child in a new way.

"I've seen pictures, but I haven't been able to see him moving around or making noises," said Lance Cpl. Eric Swisher, a mortarman with Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and native of New Port Richey, Fla. "Just seeing my new son – it was awesome."

Bonnette said he plans to have future VTC sessions for new dads as opportunities become available. And in the meantime, these Marines will have something to take with them from the experience.

"We're recording the session for the new dads, so they'll not only be able to relive what they did here today, but keep this for years to come so it will be a family memory," said Bonnette.

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