Posted on 08/19/2005 5:11:01 PM PDT by SandRat
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq -- Soldiers deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom 3 enjoy face time with family thanks to video teleconferencing.
The VTC is providing not only Soldiers the opportunity to see and hear family, but their families the opportunity to participate in their lives while deployed.
Sgt. Jeffrey J. Garner 3rd Signal Company, 3rd Infantry Division, re-enlisted during a VTC broadcast in order for his wife and son to watch.
“I’ve used VTC before. It allowed me to see my son for the first time,” Garner said. “I am happy we have VTC available. It gives me a chance to see my family face-to-face without delay.”
The VTC personnel have completed about 150 morale conferences since they have been in theater, Anderson said. While re-enlistments and ceremonies can be broadcast for the families to see, VTC is also a great way for Soldiers here to see those “can’t miss” moments back home.
Any Soldier can take part in VTC said Staff Sgt. Michael Anderson, noncommissioned officer in charge of the VTC in the 3rd Infantry Division.
“Units fill out a form on the 3rd ID website and then we schedule a time for a conference,” Anderson said. “We coordinate with the unit family readiness group in the rear and set up a time that Soldiers can meet with their family.”
In order for families to talk to their Soldiers via teleconference, they must go to a base in the U.S. that has a VTC.
Maj. John Moelter, 3rd Signal Co. commander, knows the importance of VTC.
Moelter encourages Soldiers from his unit to use it whenever they get the chance.
“This is the second time my company has had a chance to use VTC. Soldiers wish they can see their families, and through this technology, we can make it happen,” Moelter said. “Soldiers are so grateful and happy to be a part of this. I try to give them this opportunity as often as possible.”
Anderson said one of the most gratifying VTC conferences he set up involved the graduation of the seniors at Liberty County High School and Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, Ga.
“About 20 Soldiers here who couldn’t make it to their kids’ graduation were able to see their child walk across that stage,” he said. “Everyone was so happy and thankful.”
Being away from family can be hard on Soldiers who have been gone for so long, but VTC helps bring family together. Moelter has used the VTC and he believes Soldiers shouldn’t pass it up.
“I got a chance to see my 1-year-old child walk over VTC,” Moelter said. “I think every company should take advantage of this opportunity. The Soldiers love it and so do the families.”
(Editor’s Note: Spc. Derek Del Rosario serves with the Task Force Baghdad public affairs office.)
That all important call home update to VTCs to Iraq.
I can remember a time in 1967 Chu Lai RVN. when late at night walking firewatch, the phone in the dayshack rang
and it was some guy with a shortwave group that was
doing phone connections back to the states, I got to
talk to my family for about 10 minutes. It was awesome.
Operation M.A.R.S., Military Affilliated Radio Stations, a radio wire interface (RWI) patch over AM frequency radio the part of the call that ever cost was from the RWI stateside station to the family member. Sen Barry Goldwater of AZ used to do it as a hobby and any time it was his station the phone call to family was paid for.
All I know is it made that first year a little easier.
God bless the people who cared.
Now you have general idea of how it was done. BTW M.A.R.S. is still a going program for reaching places to talk to troops that aren't where VTCs can be set up.
BTTT!!!!!!
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