Courtesy Photo | Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Buchmuller and his son Spc. Robert Buchmuller Jr. enjoy...... read more read more
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CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Christmas is often, times for families to gather together and create some happy memories. This can be especially hard when your son is in a war zone. It can be even more difficult when your son and your husband are in that War Zone at the same time. This was the case for Lilia Buchmuller, from Layton, Utah.
"This Christmas has been a unique one with our Soldiers deployed at the same time," Lilia said, "We can't buy gifts together, decorate for the season or enjoy various activities together ... although their service comes with much sacrifice, especially during the holidays ... we are proud of the service they are willingly able to give to their country."
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Buchmuller Sr. and his son Spc. Robert Buchmuller Jr. were deployed at the same time to Iraq, Buchmuller Sr. in Camp Basra and Buchmuller Jr. in Camp Taji.
"My dad had been in the Inactive Ready Reserves for about 18 years after serving on active duty when he received his orders. I was still in Advanced Individual Training when I found out that he was being deployed. The whole family was very surprised, and we thought that it was ironic he was being deployed and that I was in AIT," Buchmuller Jr. said. "I found out that I was being deployed only after I graduated, when I first reported to the 96th (SBDE)."
"We both hoped that we would get the chance to meet up sometime during our deployment, but we weren't aware of any concrete plans," Buchmuller Jr. said.
Buchmuller Jr. is his oldest of six children. The Buchmullers live in Layton, Utah and they have a very close family, according to Buchmuller Jr. His father is on his third rotation dating back to Desert Storm and Operation Just Cause. He currently serves with the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade. Spc. Buchmuller is an intelligence analyst for the 96th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).
Father and son held webcam meetings using Skype with their family a half dozen times during the holidays. The Buchmullers, together were able to talk to their family on Christmas Eve. Spc. Buchmuller said he was surprised at how excited his mother was to see them both together.
After the video meeting, Lilia told her son, "I was so grateful you and Dad were able to be together for this special day. It was rewarding to see you two together and know that you weren't alone on Christmas day."
On Christmas morning, son and father enjoyed watching, via webcam, as each of the Buchmuller children opened their presents one by one, which they had sent to them using online shopping. "We were able to enjoy our Christmas morning together even though we were thousands of miles apart, laughing and enjoying the element of surprise together," Lilia said.
They had a great time and they even spent time talking to their dog, King. "He heard our voices," Spc. Buchmuller said, "his ears perked up, but he couldn't quite figure out where we were."
During their time together, Buchmuller Sr. got to see what his son does day-to-day. He spoke of how very proud he was of his son and the kind of soldier he has become. He said that he never pushed his son into the Army life, but he is impressed with his professionalism and his work ethic.
Buchmuller Jr. said, "I'm proud to serve with my dad. Being in the Army has given me insight to the experiences he told me about when I was a kid, and has helped me appreciate the service that he has given."
What makes Christmas special is different for everyone, but the sights and sounds of home can help a Soldier to not feel quite so alone during the holidays.
"We have missed them a great deal and think of them often," Lilia said. "These are traditionally times when our family is together experiencing traditions, enjoying each other's company and creating and sharing memories. We were all able to enjoy each other's company though, with all of our family members present. Memories of this Christmas will be one we will reminisce about for years to come."
| Date Taken: | 01.02.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.02.2010 19:57 |
| Story ID: | 43401 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 235 |
| Downloads: | 199 |
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