Photo By Lindsey Kibler | Col. David Passwaters III, left, the 261st Theater Tactical Signal Briagade's deputy...... read more read more
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq- It is hard enough to get families together to celebrate birthdays or holidays, but imagine the challenges a family faces when more than family member serves in the military.
Despite being in the same unit, it has been years since Col. David A. Passwaters III has been able to spend a Father's Day with his son, Staff Sgt. David A. Passwaters IV, but this year that will change.
The Passwaters, Milford, Del., natives serving with the 261st Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, Delaware National Guard, blame different training schedules as the main reason for not being able to spend Father's Day together.
"It seems like his annual training always happens at the same time in June," Col. Passwaters, 261st TTSB's deputy commander, said of his son's schedule. "It's been about 12 years since we have been able to spend a Father's Day together."
Col. Passwaters began his military career in 1977, joining and serving with the Marine Corps until 1981. After leaving the Marine Corps, he joined the Army National Guard that same year, and has been a Soldier ever since.
His son, the only one of his children to serve in the military, followed in his footsteps and joined the Army.
"It is a family tradition, and it seemed like the right thing to do," said Staff Sgt. Passwaters, an authorized signal interruption night manager, who has 10 years in service.
With this being the first deployment for both, the added relief has been much-needed at times.
Staff Sgt. Passwaters said that it's comforting to have his father around because they are able to act as a support system for one another, and in spite of working different shifts, they make time to get a meal together or catch a sports game on TV.
"It's really good that we can sit down and talk about issues going on back at home," said Col Passwaters. "We come up with solutions together, work it out. He's someone I can really talk and relate to, obviously."
Although this Father's Day will be like any other working day in Iraq, the Passwaters will be able to spend it together.
Laughing, Col. Passwaters said, "This deployment is certainly one way of making sure we get to spend Father's Day together."
| Date Taken: | 06.20.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.20.2009 11:14 |
| Story ID: | 35396 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 240 |
| Downloads: | 211 |
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