Photo By Spc. Jessica Kent | Newly-promoted Spc. Craig A. Wayman, a medic with Troop C, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry...... read more read more
By Cpl. Jessica Kent
Multi-National Corps-Iraq Public Affairs
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – In anticipation of medical training, Pfc. Craig A. Wayman traveled via helicopter from Forward Operating Base Prosperity, Iraq, to Camp Victory, Iraq, Dec. 9.
When his boots hit the ground, he was shocked as his mother greeted him and transported him to the Al Faw Palace, where a unique ceremony took place.
The medic with Troop C, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, was surprised by a chance to promote his mother, Wendy A. Wayman, to the rank of chief warrant officer 4. She then promoted him to the rank of specialist.
"I haven't seen her for two years," said Craig. "When she came up behind me, I was so happy to see her. This is one of the best days I've had since I've been in Iraq."
During the promotion ceremony, Craig tossed his mother's old rank insignia and stuck on the new, giving her a playful punch. A few seconds later, his mother, a signal intelligence officer with Multi-National Corps-Iraq, returned the gesture.
"When he promoted me, all I could think to myself was that he had no idea what was coming next," she said. "I have a cavalry background myself, so I'm used to it."
The day was a little overwhelming for Wendy. Her husband promoted her to the previous rank, and she wanted her son to carry the family tradition. However, she doubted the timing would be right for a mother-son promotion.
"I called and asked his first sergeant how things were going and if he thought this could be possible. I thought it would be done in January, but they had (a waiver) done in December," she said. "They were more than happy to do it and make arrangements for them to come here."
Travel arrangements did not include telling Craig about the plans. His platoon and section leaders, who traveled with him, convinced him that he was traveling for medical training.
The false front led up to a big surprise for Craig. After his parents re-located two years before, he enlisted in the Army and went to basic training. During advanced individual training and preparation for deployment, he had no opportunity to visit his parents.
"I love my mom and I'm proud of her. She was my motivation to join the Army and hopefully, I'll have a career as good as hers," he said. "If anybody deserves promotion, she does. She has always worked so hard."
Members of Wendy's chain of command agree with her son's assessment.
"She is a master of her craft, she knows her stuff and she knows how to make things happen, which improves our ability to prosecute the fight," said Col. Marcus A. Kuiper, intelligence officer, MNC-I. "She helps take bad guys off the table and save American and Coalition lives."
Craig, whose father and uncle also completed military service, is following in his family's footsteps.
"He's one of the best medics we have in our squadron," said 1st Lt. Jason L. Tucker, platoon scout leader, Troop C, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment. "He's a real asset to the platoon, and I'm happy to take time out so he could link up with his step mom and make this ceremony happen."
Wendy couldn't be more proud of her son, who has turned into the man his parents always hoped he would be. The only way the day could have been better, she said, is if the rest of the family could have been there.
After the promotions, Craig returned to his unit and Wendy re-deployed from Iraq. Another reunion is not scheduled in the near future because both mother and son are busy carrying on the proud tradition of military service.
| Date Taken: | 12.09.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 12.12.2006 09:34 |
| Story ID: | 8551 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 545 |
| Downloads: | 274 |
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