Multi-National Division Baghdad

Courtesy Story

By 1st Lt. Aaron Testa
16th Eng. Bde. PAO

BAGHDAD – Soldiers' husbands and wives don't usually get to visit with each other while they are deployed, so it is a special opportunity to get to see what the other is actually experiencing.

On Nov. 7, Sgt. Maj. Rebecca George, senior supply supervisor for the 16th Engineer Brigade at Camp Liberty, Iraq, was able to spend a few hours with her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Mark George, a platoon sergeant with 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment at Joint Base Balad, for the first time since Feb. 2009.

The couple, both members of the Ohio National Guard, deployed separately in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"It was good to actually see in person what I had only seen via Skype," Rebecca said.

Mark was eager to show her the places where he spent most of his time.

"We did lunch at the DFAC [dining facility], toured my living CHU [containerized housing unit] area and work areas, then sat on the deck and chatted until it was time for her to leave," Mark said.

"The best thing about seeing him was just being able to talk without static, delay or via text. Skype is great but only when the bandwidth is strong. Oh, and one other thing...a hug!" said Rebecca.

One of the challenges this couple faces is timing. When spouses deploy to separate locations, it can be a year and a half or more before they see each other again. So taking advantage of opportunities like these is key.

"I last saw Mark in February, when he went on a four-day pass from Fort Sill, Okla. We spent time in Las Vegas. Since we were married there [in Jan.2004], and missed our fifth anniversary due to the deployment, we thought it would be appropriate," Rebecca said.

Another challenge the Georges face is caring for their things back home when they are both deployed.

"Fortunately for us, we have great friends that are able to help us our on that end. It would be very difficult if we did not have support from friends, family and co-workers."

On getting through deployment whether deployed with or without your spouse, the couple's advice to other Soldiers is to communicate with each other as often as possible.

"If you have the ability to call, call. If you have the ability to Skype, Skype. Write letters or just a simple card," Rebecca said.

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