Long-distance Dad looks forward to birth of child

Photo By Spc. Michele Meadows | Pfc. Wilson Jundi, a Chicago native, works as a motor transport operator for the 297th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, attached to the 41st Transportation Company, 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, in support of Multi-National Division-Baghdad. Jundi stands in the gunner's turret of a M1038 (LMTV) on May 12.  

TAJI, IRAQ

05.17.2008

Story by Spc. Michele Meadows 

1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade

By Spc. Michele Meadows
1st Sustainment Brigade, PAO, in support of MND-B

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Pfc. Wilson Jundi, a Chicago, Ill., native, working as a motor transport operator, for the 297th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, attached to the 41st Transportation Company, 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, in support of Multi-National Division-Baghdad , counts down the day until he departs for his 18 days of R&R. Not only does Jundi get to see his wife and step-daughter, he and his wife are expecting the birth of a baby girl on June 11.

For Jundi, this is his first child and he feels the birth of his daughter is going to bring about some major changes.

"I was accustomed to being self oriented, going out and partying all the time, but now I have more important things to worry about," stated Jundi.

Just like every new parent, Jundi has fears of the new responsibilities that are yet to come. He also fears his daughter getting older and dating as well as not being around to take care of her.

"I just don't want to mess up," Jundi said.

Jundi and his wife met when he arrived to Fort Hood, Texas, in February 2007, they were married in October of 2007 and then a few days later, Jundi departed for Iraq.

"My wife has been dealing with me being gone pretty well. She is just like everyone else; she has her good days and her bad days," stated Jundi. Jundi is able to keep in touch with his wife on a daily basis, by phone and Internet. "It feels good to hear her voice and to know that she is doing okay."

Sometimes deployment gets to Jundi, and he starts to get upset about having to miss out on all the appointments and ultrasounds throughout his wife's pregnancy.

"I just wish I was there to see and feel the baby move, to talk to her and let her know that Daddy loves her and can't wait to meet her," said Jundi.

For now staying positive and counting down the days to R&R is all Jundi can do, but the moment Jundi's daughter is placed in his arms, he will no longer be a long-distance Dad.

• Date Taken: 05.17.2008
• Date Posted: 05.17.2008 15:34
• Story ID: 19542
• Location: TAJI, IQ