Deployed Soldiers able to watch high school graduations
By Spc. Jeanine Kinville, 1AD PAO
 BAGHDAD, Iraq – At Freedom Rest, an R&R facility in Baghdad, seven 1st Armored Division Soldiers watched two television screens intently. They weren’t catching the latest baseball game or watching their favorite sitcom. Instead, the seven were proud parents watching their high school seniors graduate from General H.H. Arnold High School at the Kurhaus in Wiesbaden, Germany on June 5.
“This was the last of three video teleconferences held for 1AD Soldiers with graduates in Hanau, Baumholder and Wiesbaden, Germany,” said Lt. Col. Chris Argo, 141st Signal Battalion commander. “The VTC was open to all 1AD soldiers with graduates in the rear.”
More than 25 1AD Soldiers were able to watch from Baghdad as their children graduated in Germany.
Weeks of planning and coordination were required to ensure the VTCs went according to plan. Together, signal and personnel Soldiers worked on setting up communications and arranging the Soldiers overnight stay at Freedom Rest.
“A lot of work goes into getting the system together and working,” said Argo. “This is a no fail mission.”
Two VTC systems were provided for the graduation. A troop of signal Soldiers operated the VTC at Freedom Rest, along with a small extension node team that worked to relay the signals back to Germany.
This allowed the Soldiers to be part of the ceremony. While they watched on screen, a camera captured the Soldiers watching from Freedom Rest and projected their images at the graduation ceremony on a gigantic screen for graduates and families to see.
Soldiers were seated in the order their children graduated so the camera captured each individual as their graduate received their diploma. Each Soldier had a moment to be face to face with their child.
“It felt great to see him,” said Master Sgt. Earl Edmund, a personnel noncommissioned officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1AD.
Edmund’s son Neil, 17, graduated from General H.H. Arnold High School and will be attending South Carolina State University in the fall.
“I can’t be there in person, so this is the next best thing,” Edmund said. “What I wish most of all was to be there to see my son. I just want to tell him I am proud of him and his journey is just beginning.”
During the ceremony, Soldiers held up decorated signs and cheered with as much enthusiasm as anyone attending the ceremony in person.
After the graduates were announced and the diplomas handed out, Soldiers clapped as they watched the class of 2004 adjust their tassels and toss their caps in the air.
“I enjoyed the VTC,” said Chief Warrant Officer William Scott, battalion maintenance officer assigned to HHC, 123rd Main Support Bn., whose son Antonia, 17, also graduated from General H.H. Arnold High School. “It was very nicely done. I think it’s a lot better that they can see us and our reaction.”
After the ceremony was finished, Soldiers were allowed ten minutes of personal VTC time with their graduate and family.
“My son is looking forward to seeing me,” said Edmund before speaking to Neil. “I am sure my wife is excited about it. My oldest daughter, granddaughter and mother in law are there. This was kind of a reunion because I haven’t seen them in so long.”
The Soldiers were thankful they were given the opportunity to watch their children graduate while deployed.
Maj. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, 1AD commanding general, made sure all Soldiers had the chance to come to Freedom Rest and relax during the day before watching their child’s high school graduation, said Argo.
“I am glad the chain of command supports this function by making it as comfortable as possible for us,” said Scott. “Maj. Gen. Dempsey has really taken care of the Soldiers and I, for one, really appreciate it.”
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