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    Holloman airman achieves both childhood goals, becomes military dad

    Holloman airman achieves both childhood goals, becomes military dad

    Photo By Tech. Sgt. Eboni Reece | Senior Airman Edduard, a 49th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance...... read more read more

    ALAMOGORDO, NM, UNITED STATES

    06.15.2016

    Story by Staff Sgt. Eboni Reece 

    49th Wing Public Affairs

    Senior Airman Edduard, a 49th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance specialist, cradles his infant son on the couch, and gazes adoringly as he sleeps in his arms.

    Like many others, he will be celebrating his first Father’s Day this year as a military dad.

    As a little boy from Baltimore, Maryland, this is all he ever wanted.

    Childhood dreams

    The Senior Airman, who grew up in a single-parent home without his father. He yearned for a father-son relationship and knew early on that he wanted two things: to become a military member and a father.

    “A bond with a father and son is what I always dreamed of. There’s nothing that can compare to the relationship that a father has with his son and I couldn’t wait until I could provide that for my child one day,” said Edduard. “I always knew I wanted to be in the military. I was a member of the drill team in middle school and completed Junior ROTC in high school. I fell in love with the organization and knew I wanted to be a part of that lifestyle.”

    Edduard achieved the first of his childhood goals when he enlisted in the Air Force, in December of 2011 and officially accomplished his second goal in March.

    He and his wife, became three, and he gained a new name – Dad.

    “When I was younger, I envisioned my life with a son and a dog,” said Edduard. “I don’t have a dog yet, but I have a son and a wife so that’s even better.”

    And now, Edduard is excited to take his place as a father.

    “Fathers are so important,” said Edduard. “It’s the greatest job you can have as man and I want to do the best that I can with that responsibility.”

    Sacrifices

    According to Edduard, being a father is an honor—one that requires selflessness and discipline, such as Air Force core value, Service Before Self.

    Edduard deployed shortly after discovering his wife was pregnant.

    “Even though, it wasn’t my preference, ” said Edduard. “I accepted missing time with my wife while she was pregnant because it was even more important for me to witness my child being born. I made it my goal to fulfill my duties during my deployment so that I could return home and be with my family.”

    As his deployment neared an end, anxiety grew in Edduard about the possibility of not being reunited with his family in time.

    “I had an amazing group of people within my leadership chain while I was deployed,” said Edduard. “I expressed my wishes to them, they listened and they cared. My desire to get home in time for my son’s birth became just as important to them as it was to me and knowing that really made all the difference.”

    With the help of those leaders, Edduard was on flight back to New Mexico to be reunited with wife, two weeks before her due date.

    Less than a week later, his wife went into labor, gave birth and Edduard held his son for the first time.

    “I remember seeing him for the first time and thinking ‘He looks just like me. He’s perfect.’” said Edduard. “I was just overwhelmed with every good emotion you can think of. It was amazing.”

    Becoming a military dad

    “Even though I know I’m a father, this will be the first time that many others will address me as such and recognize me for that,” said Edduard. “I’m excited about that part. It’s an honor to be a father. I’m looking forward to future Father’s Day celebrations when my son is older and when we can engage more.”

    Even though he received countless tidbits of advice, warnings and suggestions, he was comfortable with his inexperience.

    “I wanted to enjoy the newness of being a father,” said Edduard. “Whenever I’m doubtful about how good of a job I’m doing, a smile on my son’s face provides me all the feedback I need.”

    Dirty diapers, spit up, and sleepless nights is not the most glamourized side of fatherhood. But, after a long day at work that is all he wants to come home to.

    Within minutes of his return, the home is filled with the sounds of eager conversation. As a method of decompression, Edduard enjoys affectionately trading coos and babbles with his son.

    “Coming home to spend time with my son and my family is all that I need,” said Edduard. “I leave the stress from work in the workplace and devote myself to focusing on spending quality time with him. I feel like you don’t truly begin to live life until you create life. I’m just happy to be living now.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.15.2016
    Date Posted: 08.04.2016 22:36
    Story ID: 206151
    Location: ALAMOGORDO, NM, US
    Hometown: BALTIMORE, MD, US

    Web Views: 45
    Downloads: 2

    PUBLIC DOMAIN