Chaplain's office offers opportunity to make DVDs - Speak, sing or read to loved ones through program

Photo By Spc. Laura Bigenho | Sgt. Michael Trapp, chaplain assistant, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, reads "When Duty Calls," a children's book about what it means to be a deployed Soldier. The Saginaw, Mich., native and father of four took advantage of the opportunity to create a DVD for his family at the Multi-National Corps-Iraq Chaplain's Office.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.17.2007

Story by Spc. Laura Bigenho 

28th Public Affairs Detachment

By Army Spc. Laura M. Bigenho
28th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq -- While thousands of miles away, deployed troops and civilians can place themselves in their loved ones' homes, if only for a short period of time.

The Multi-National Corps-Iraq Chaplain's Office offers the opportunity to make a 30-minute video in the privacy of a classroom at the Mini Chapel.

Aside from personal props, all supplies are provided by the office and participants can choose between recording on DVD or VHS. According to Army Spc. Denise Monroe, chaplain assistant, MNC-I, participants can sing, speak, act, read a book or do whatever else they prefer. The Crown Point, Ind., native said the possibilities are limited to one's imagination.

"The most popular thing to do is read a book," Monroe said. "It's really good for the kids to be able to see and hear their parent reading, but they can do pretty much whatever they want,"

Monroe said. The process is simple. She sets up the camera equipment, ensures the participant is comfortable and prepared with any props he may have, instructs how to start the camera, and closes the door for privacy. After the participant is through with recording, Monroe takes care of the rest and sends him off with either a DVD or VHS of his recording – the choice is up to him.

For one Soldier, husband and father of four, sending a video home was a way for him to tell his son a little bit about what he is doing in Iraq.

Army Sgt. Michael Trapp, a chaplain assistant with 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, decided to record himself reading a book to his 7- year-old son, Nathanial. The book, "When Duty Calls," explains a little about what Trapp does as a Soldier and suggests ways for children to deal with a parent being deployed, he said.

Trapp, a native of Saginaw, Mich., said the video is a great way to stay connected to family.
"It is a great way to read to your children from far away and also to have a chance for your family to see you, even if you cannot see them," Trapp said. "It may also make them want to try and do the same so you can see them as well."

Monroe said although there is a 30-minute time limit on the tape, there is no limit on the number of tapes participants can create. She also said she hopes others will take advantage of the opportunity to send a little piece of themselves home.

"Come use it," she said. "It's a great way for people to stay in touch with family back home, especially younger kids."

• Date Taken: 08.17.2007
• Date Posted: 08.17.2007 02:00
• Story ID: 11851
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ