The Herald Bulletin was given a rare opportunity to interview a deployed soldier via e-mail.

What Marine unit are you attached with?

I am a lieutenant in the Navy’s Medical Service Corps, and am currently with the U.S. Navy’s Medical Task Force, Medical Expeditionary Facility Kuwait. I am the Medical Regulating Officer and responsible for the coordination and movement of patients throughout Kuwait and southern Iraq, from the point of injury to our Level III Military Hospital. My home station is the Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton, California. 

What is the biggest challenge about being away from your family on holidays like Mother’s Day?

The biggest challenge during holidays away from home is knowing about the little things that are being missed, i.e. the smiles, the laughs, the family dinners and just the feeling of home. I’ve been stationed in San Diego since 2004, so being able to visit during the holidays has always helped. It’s a little challenging when you’re literally halfway around the world, but a simple phone call and the sound of a familiar voice makes a world of difference!

How important is regular correspondence with family in keeping up morale?

Regular correspondence with family and friends is vital to morale. Mail call is always a highlight of the day, and so is checking e-mail to see if you’ve got mail. Phone calls are the best, especially when it’s been a challenging day.

Have you encountered any close calls while serving in the Navy?

I have been fortunate to have not experienced any close calls while serving in the Navy.

What are your feelings about the war, and have they changed since you enlisted?

I grew up as an Army brat and have always had a desire to serve our country. Sept. 11, 2001, was the deciding factor — that and the fact that my youngest brother was deployed with the Air Force shortly thereafter.

The United States is doing some great things around the world to win the War on Terror; unfortunately, the media focuses mostly on the negative aspects and not the positives. I had the opportunity to deploy on the hospital ship USNS Mercy in 2006 for a five-month humanitarian mission to Southeast Asia and Indonesia. We completed over 1,100 surgeries and provided health care to over 60,000 people who would not have received health care had the United States not provided it. I will obey the orders that I am given, knowing we are doing the right thing. Winning the hearts and minds of individuals around the world is one way we are fighting and winning this battle. I just wish it would be highlighted more in the press.

What would you like civilians to know about serving in the military during wartime?

When one joins the military, he/she takes an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and defend it against enemies both foreign and domestic. We take this obligation freely and without mental reservation. In short, we know what we are signing up for, and to me, it’s an honor to wear the cloth of our nation and follow those who have gone before me.

What would you say to the mothers here in the U.S. who won’t see their sons and daughters this Mother’s Day due to deployment?