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FORWARD OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq – A video tele-conference was held between Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Sustainment Brigade at Forward Operating Base Q-West and their families at Fort Stewart, Ga., July 15.
This is one of many morale and welfare VTCs scheduled to occur during the deployment of the 3rd SB.
"It's been about two months now since we've been in theater," said Maj. Patrick M. Curran, executive officer for the 3rd SB. "It's just kind of the right time to see our families."
Curran was able to see his wife and his two boys for the first time since he left Fort Stewart back in May 2007.
"I'm looking forward to it, personally," said Curran just before his allotted time at the VTC.
"The best time to keep morale up is not necessarily a holiday," said Maj. Jeffery M. Schroeder, 3rd SB signal officer here. "It's whenever you can get to it. We've been going a million miles a minute since we've been here and now we are starting to get to the point where we're getting into a steady pace. The Soldiers are starting to think more about home and their families."
An email was sent by 2nd Lt. Misty J. Hannah, strength manager for the 3rd SB, to Soldiers informing them about the event and who to contact to have their time slot reserved. But that's not the only way a Soldier can find out about VTCs and upcoming events.
Staff Sgt. James Whitley, the 3rd SB VTC coordinator here, said morale VTCs are scheduled every weekend for the various battalions throughout the FOB.
"Soldiers can contact their S6 shop or their local VTC coordinator to find out times and dates of upcoming VTCs," said Whitley.
For rear-detachments, family members and friends can contact their local family readiness group liaison for times and dates of upcoming VTCs, said Capt. Michael C. Suarez of the 3rd SB finance section.
The VTC systems are something bought prior to deployment for both the Soldiers deploying and for the rear-detachments.
"It's a brand new system with a high definition camera, so the picture quality is much better," said Whitley. "There is only a 2-second delay."
"We're using architecture that is already here," said Schroeder. "The only cost for us was the purchase of the VTC suites."
This is a significant event for Soldiers and family members said Hannah. They can actually see their family as opposed to just talking to them on the phone.
Pfc. Hansel O. Medina, supply specialist for the 3rd SB was able to talk to his wife, his cousin, his son and his friend over the VTC.
"It makes me feel good," said Medina, "because I can't do that everyday. I can see that they are doing ok and they can see that I am doing well also."
The Army recognizes the hardships to be had and sacrifices made by the Soldiers and their family members.
"Sometimes," Schroeder says, "it's just funny to hear your kid laugh. It puts a smile on your face and recharges your batteries."
| Date Taken: | 07.22.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 07.23.2007 12:42 |
| Story ID: | 11422 |
| Location: | QAYYARAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 125 |
| Downloads: | 109 |
This work, Soldiers phone home, by SFC Gaelen Lowers, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
