Air Force Father, son spend holiday together in service of nation
OPERATION EDURRING FREEDOM (USTCNS) --- For most military people serving overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Father’s Day was just another day at the job since their families are back stateside. That was not the case for one father and son team from the 434th Air Refueling Wing at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., now serving at a forward deployed location in support of OEF.
Air Force Reserve Tech. Sgt. Bill Garman, a crew chief assigned to the 384th Expeditionary Logistics Squadron, planned to take some time away from his duties on Father’s Day to spend with his son, Reserve Senior Airman Mike Garman, a boom operator assigned to the 384th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron. They have been here four and five weeks respectively.
According to the elder Garman, they have made time for lunches or dinners during their time here but a lot of times its by chance meetings that they get together.
“We just try and keep up with each other,” said Mike.
Mike kept his Fathers Day plans secret from his dad, but did manage to “do a little something,” he said.
For service members who couldn’t be with their families the junior Garman offered a few words of encouragement.
“Fully understand what you’re doing over here and that things like this [deployment] do happen. You should count the times when you are at home [with your families] and spend time with them,” said Mike. “Naturally, I’m sure mom would like to have us both at home but, she understands what we’re doing here and she supports us.”
Although it’s not a requirement to serve in the military any more Bill said, “it’s a great feeling to know that your offspring is following in your footsteps. It’s good that he volunteered and made a commitment to protect our country. I think the goals that he has set are outstanding. He promised me that I would have to salute him before I retire,” he said as they both chuckled.
Air Force Reserve Tech. Sgt. Bill Garman, a crew chief assigned to the 384th Expeditionary Logistics Squadron, planned to take some time away from his duties on Father’s Day to spend with his son, Reserve Senior Airman Mike Garman, a boom operator assigned to the 384th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron. They have been here four and five weeks respectively.
According to the elder Garman, they have made time for lunches or dinners during their time here but a lot of times its by chance meetings that they get together.
“We just try and keep up with each other,” said Mike.
Mike kept his Fathers Day plans secret from his dad, but did manage to “do a little something,” he said.
For service members who couldn’t be with their families the junior Garman offered a few words of encouragement.
“Fully understand what you’re doing over here and that things like this [deployment] do happen. You should count the times when you are at home [with your families] and spend time with them,” said Mike. “Naturally, I’m sure mom would like to have us both at home but, she understands what we’re doing here and she supports us.”
Although it’s not a requirement to serve in the military any more Bill said, “it’s a great feeling to know that your offspring is following in your footsteps. It’s good that he volunteered and made a commitment to protect our country. I think the goals that he has set are outstanding. He promised me that I would have to salute him before I retire,” he said as they both chuckled.
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