KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - A kind gesture can go a long way in Afghanistan, uniting soldiers in common bond and giving them a taste of what awaits back at home.
May 13 is Mothers Day across the nation. Although serving in combat thousands of miles away from home, one specific gesture gave soldiers of the 45th Sustainment Brigade a closer feeling of home and brought them closer to their loved ones who rely on them the most.
Spc. Jennie L. Scipio, a property book clerk for the 45th Sust. Bde, made it a very surprising day for women within her unit by holding a gathering in her company’s conference room and paying tribute to them. Scipio, a mother of a seven-year-old son named Justin, thought it would be a great idea to personally write a poem for all of them, whether mothers or not. She also prepared 58 gift baskets, filled with Mother’s Day cards, flowers and stuffed animals.
The title ‘Special Mother’ was given to the women who don’t have any kids, but may experience a different type of motherhood with people they encounter on a daily basis.
“It lets those single women know that just because you don’t have a child and you haven’t physically given birth, you’re still a mother and a role model to [others],” said Scipio. “If you are a [non-commissioned officer] or an officer, you can be a mother figure to your subordinates under you,” she added.
Deployment life can have a fast tempo at times and everyone tends to focus on the mission. Personal observances can easily fall out of sight for some, so the ceremony came as a complete surprise for many of the soldiers.
“I didn’t know anything about it,” said Sgt. Coreen J. Quammie, orderly room NCOIC. Quammie is a mother of 2 sons, Jaelen, 9, and Jaeson, 7. This Mother’s Day surprise made her think of her boys even more and let her know that others share the same feelings.
“I think it was a nice gesture,” she added. “I didn’t think anyone cared because we are in Afghanistan. It made me feel like somebody cared about me being a mom.”
This tribute held a different meaning for Chief Warrant Officer 3 Emmaline T. Tallmore, property book officer. Tallmore is a mother of two son herself, Shamal, 11, and Shalan, 4. She is also Scipio’s supervisor and assisted with the planning for this event.
“I just think it’s a great day for women,” she said. “To know that soldiers want to recognize what women have done and what women are continuing to do, it’s a great thing and I’m very proud of her.”