Photo By Maj. Andrew Adcock | (From left to right) U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert W. Pharris and his son, Marine Cpl....... read more read more
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - It’s not often a father and son visit in a combat zone, but that’s exactly what happened when Staff Sgt. Robert W. Pharris, a Missouri Army National Guardsman, reunited with his son, Cpl. Benjamin J. Pharris, a Marine, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Nov. 17.
The last time the two had seen each other was Christmas 2009, when Cpl. Pharris was home on leave.
Staff Sgt. Pharris is currently serving in Afghanistan on his first deployment as a member of the Nangarhar Agri-Business Development Team IV with Task Force Bastogne.
"We’re one component of rebuilding the Afghan infrastructure. We take graduates from Nangahar University and work with them as they improve their agricultural and farming skills so they can sustain themselves and solve their own problems,” said Staff Sgt. Pharris.
First enlisting in the Army in 1981, and later in the Army National Guard, Staff Sgt. Pharris has more than 14 years of service in a variety of assignments. Primarily serving as an infantryman, he has also served as a drill sergeant and recruiter. After leaving military service in 1997 and experiencing an 11-year break, Staff Sgt. Pharris rejoined the Missouri Army National Guard in 2008 after he learned that an infantry unit was being formed.
“I surprised my son by having him show up at my re-enlistment ceremony. He had no idea I was re-enlisting,” said Staff Sgt. Pharris.
Cpl. Pharris, also on his first deployment, is serving at Kandahar Airfield as an individual augmentee supply specialist with the 184th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, a Mississippi Army National Guard unit that assumed the responsibilities of Joint Sustainment Command-Afghanistan, October 17.
“As a Marine individual augmentee, I had no idea I was coming to a National Guard unit. It’s been a great experience so far and I want to continue to learn and do well,” said Cpl. Pharris.
Military tradition runs deep in the Pharris family with generations of the Pharris family having served. In addition to Cpl. Pharris’ father, his mother, grandfather, and great-grandfather served in the military. His great-grandfather served in the South Pacific during World War II.
Cpl. Pharris recounts one of his childhood memories solidifying his decision to join, “When my mom received an award on the parade field, I knew that I would serve. The only question that was left unanswered for quite some time was which service I would join.” Cpl. Pharris enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2007 after completing high school early.
Staff Sgt. Pharris is fully supportive of his son and said, “I’m proud as hell of him and what he’s accomplished. He’s done very well and I’m looking forward to his promotion to sergeant. He’s continued the family military tradition with the same pride in service carried on.”
While deployment is never easy on families, both agree that being together is one of the best things about deploying to a combat zone at the same time.
“Like any dad, I worry about my son. I just wish we served in closer proximity to each other,” said Staff Sgt. Pharris.
“I love it that my dad is over here the same time as I am,” said Cpl. Pharris.
Stress is abundant in combat zones, but the Pharris men have found effective ways to deal with it. Both father and son enjoy working out in their off time, honing their video game skills, and playing cards.
Pamala Pharris, as wife and mom, maintains their Missouri household and tends to the family farm, where they raise sheep and South African Boer goats.
“She’s very supportive and she’s the queen when it comes to sending care packages,” said Cpl. Pharris.
When asked if he had any goals during this deployment, Staff Sgt. Pharris said, “I came to Afghanistan to make a tangible difference. Hopefully, 20 years from now, someone will remember an American who was here and be thankful their life is better.”
The family reunion was facilitated by Joint Sustainment Command-Afghanistan and Nangarhar Agri-Business Development Team IV.
| Date Taken: | 11.17.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.02.2011 07:05 |
| Story ID: | 62883 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 98 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
This work, Father and Son Reunite in Afghanistan, by MAJ Andrew Adcock, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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