PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Pfc. Mario Charles prepared for deployment just like any other soldier in D Company, Task Force Phoenix, Task Force Falcon; however, his story is a difficult one that many soldiers face before deployment.
This is Charles’ first deployment with his first unit. He is excited about the deployment as he prepares himself for this year-long adventure.
“I am ready for it and excited to do something new,” said Charles, a native of San Angelo, Texas, “It is crazy, though, because I have heard a lot about Afghanistan. I don’t know what to believe. I have heard it is good, and I have heard it is bad; but whatever the case, I am ready for it and all the challenges that are coming my way.”
So, he put on his mental rucksack and headed for the mountains of Afghanistan. Charles left behind his wife, Noemi, whom he married June 18 of this year. In addition, he and his wife are expecting their first child. His first baby will be born while he is deployed.
Noemi, also a native of San Angelo, Texas, is excited to be pregnant and in high spirits even though her husband is deployed during her pregnancy.
“I feel happy,” said Noemi. “It is by far the most wonderful gift. It’s a great joy. I’m excited to find out the baby’s sex. I wish I already knew. I feel like a part of me left, but I know he will be back.”
No doubt leaving behind a wife is hard - especially one who is pregnant. Charles admitted he is sad and believes everyone should be able to see their first baby born. He may be sad about the possibility of not being around for his first child’s birth, but he asked for leave around the baby’s due date with the hope he will get lucky.
“When I found out I was having a baby, my eyes got watery,” said Mario. "I always wanted a baby. After my sister gave birth to her son, Zachary Charles, I knew then I wanted to have one. I would wake up in the early morning to feed him and put him back to sleep every night. I was going to school and working full time, so I know the hardship you go through for a newborn. In the end, though, it pays off – I hope.”
His upbeat humor keeps him grounded and helps raise morale of the soldiers in his section. A fact few people outside of his section know is that he enjoys writing poetry and songs on his downtime. This is where his story becomes unique to other soldiers. Mario decided to begin writing a song for his first born a couple months ago. It is still in the process, but he hopes to complete it before the baby is born.
He is such an eager father-to-be that he finds light in having to leave his new family for deployment.
“I am excited to know that one day, later in life, I can tell my kids and their kids that I [deployed to Afghanistan].”
| Date Taken: |
11.21.2010 |
| Date Posted: |
11.21.2010 14:15 |
| Story ID: |
60599 |
| Location: |
PARWAN PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: |
172 |
| Downloads: |
2 |
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