Video Link Brings Soldiers Face-to-Face with Families

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Jeffrey J. Garner, 3rd Signal, 3rd Detachment and Baltimore native, gets a chance to talk with his wife, Stephanie, and son, Jaheim, over video teleconference at Camp Liberty July 31.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.16.2005

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

Spc. Derek Del Rosario
Task Force Baghdad PAO

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq -- A smile appeared on the face of Sgt. Jeffrey J. Garner as he looked at his wife and child on the large screen.

Soldiers deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom 3 cherish the times they can hear the voice of their loved ones. Garner had the pleasure of both talking with and seeing his family, even from thousands of miles away.

This is possible thanks to video teleconferencing which allows Soldiers to see and hear from people on the other side of the world in real time.

Garner, a Soldier in 3rd Detachment, 3rd Signal Company, 3rd Infantry Division and a Baltimore native, re-enlisted during a VTC broadcast in order for his wife and son to watch. He then had a chance to speak with his family and see their reactions. Garner is not new to the VTC experience.

"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. It is much smoother than a web cam."

Any Soldier can take part in VTC said Staff Sgt. Michael Anderson, a Cincinnati native and noncommissioned officer in charge of the VTC in the 3rd Inf. Div.

"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. Setting up the VTC requires some planning.

"It can be a challenge to coordinate a meeting time for the Soldier and family to meet," Anderson said. "But it is worth it. VTC is important because it's a morale builder. It allows Soldiers to see their family members even from so far away."

Maj. John Moelter, 3rd Signal Co. commander and a Sturgis, S.D., native, 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."

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.

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."

• Date Taken: 08.16.2005
• Date Posted: 08.16.2005 19:37
• Story ID: 2755
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ