By Lt. Penny Cockerell
Naval Expeditionary Logistical Support Group
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Serving overseas during the holidays is a little easier for two members of the Jiordano family who are both mobilized with Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group's Customs Battalion TANGO.
The uncle and nephew duo are both Customs Border Clearing Agents working for the same command. They spent six weeks together during pre-deployment training last fall at NAVELSG headquarters in Williamsburg, Va.
But the two are currently at different parts of the war. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Jiordano, inspects passenger and helicopters in Balad, Iraq, while his nephew, Petty Officer 2nd Class Vincent Jiordano, inspects military vehicles crossing the border into Kuwait. On Christmas, Michael was in Kuwait to spend the holiday with his nephew.
The Jiordano Sailors come from a long line of military service. Michael, 49, served in the Navy for nearly eight years before getting out. After Sept. 11, he felt compelled to re-enlist and is now on his second deployment to Iraq. Vincent, 28, has a similar patriotic streak.
"Every male Jiordano that I know of has served in the Army or Navy," said Vincent, the son of a retired Naval officer who also joined because of the educational benefits.
Getting deployed together was no coincidence.
"I knew my uncle had put in for the customs mission," Vincent said. "It was also a good move for me financially, with me and my wife having a second child on the way."
Vincent will get to see his new baby and his son, Dominick, 18 months, in March, when he returns home to Rockville, Md. His uncle will head home to Orlando, Fla.
| Date Taken: |
12.31.2007 |
| Date Posted: |
12.31.2007 10:06 |
| Story ID: |
15080 |
| Location: |
CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: |
301 |
| Downloads: |
131 |
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