Welcome to the Skype show US Army wives of deployed Soldiers take the stage

Photo By Timothy Koster | A soldier from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 40th Military Police Internment and Resettlement Battalion at Camp Cropper watches his wife take to the Catwalk during the Patriotic Pampering held at Fort Leavenworth Kan., June 30. The soldiers were able to watch their wives take part in the event via Skype.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

07.01.2011

Story by Spc. Karen Sampson 

U.S. Forces Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Messages from home are essential staple for good morale of deployed service members. Seven spouses of deployed soldiers from Fort Leavenworth, Kan., to Camp Cropper, here, found a new way to keep the relationship fires burning.

The spouses participated in a “patriotic pampering” followed by a fashion show broadcast live via Skype to their husbands, Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 40th Military Police Internment and Resettlement Battalion, June 30. In turn, the MPs broadcast themselves as an audience.

“We are absolutely excited,” said Sgt. Thomas L. Rincon, whose wife Darcell L. Rincon participated in the show. “We have been here since January 2011. I love to see my wife any chance I can get.”
In anticipation of the show the soldiers wired a 42-inch flat-screen television in a conference room to see the live broadcast.

Back in Fort Leavenworth, after complimentary spa treatments, the wives donned evening gowns and exquisite jewelry.

“She doesn’t get to do that very often because she takes care of four children while I am away,” said Sgt. Tim J. Gruver, smiling about his wife Dena. “She deserves this.”

‘Pampering the Troops’ is an idea developed four years ago by Jim Potoski, business owner and Nathan Irvin, general manager of Rajeunir Medical Spa. Neighboring businesses joined in to donate their expert services.

Hosting the event a few days before Independence Day is a way to say thank you to the troops and military families for their service to our country, said Potoski.

The enthusiasm seemed high as each wife graced the catwalk. Their husbands traded the front row seat as each wife took the stage. After the show’s conclusion, each couple took a few minutes to talk.

First Sgt. Britt Cogan, on his 2nd deployment, manned the computer desk as his wife Rashell took the stage first in a strapless black jeweled gown. Cogan also had the good fortune to see his 8- year-old son Griffen during the chat phase of the event.

“We give our thanks to our wives, Jim Potoski and his pampering crew for their time and effort in putting this all together,” said Cogan. “We really couldn’t get through this deployment without their support.”

• Date Taken: 07.01.2011
• Date Posted: 07.06.2011 05:30
• Story ID: 73271
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ