thedrifter
01-10-07, 12:56 PM
Dry Ridge marine experiences birth of daughter over phone
By Trina Kinstler, Staff Writer
There was no way that Lance Cpl. Dusty Webb would be able to physically attend one of the biggest moments in his and his wife's lives.
A Marine serving in Iraq, Webb was overseas when his wife, Nikki, was scheduled to give birth to the couple's first child.
However, on the morning of Dec. 7, 2006, Dusty called Nikki from Iraq using a satellite phone and was told that she was in labor. The doctor estimated that the baby would be born between 4 and 5 p.m.
So Dusty got special permission from his sergeant to use the satellite phone and called his dad's cell phone at 3:45 p.m. that afternoon. His dad, Bill, relayed everything that was happening in the delivery room over the phone so Dusty was able to witness the birth of his daughter, Hailey Marie.
"It was exciting because it was like he was really there," said Bill.
Bill says that Dusty rarely gets to call home and hardly ever gets to use his company's satellite phone. It was just by chance, and good fortune, that he called the morning his wife was in labor.
Dusty, who is a graduate of Williamstown High School, is currently on his second tour of duty in Iraq. He was there for seven months before coming home last April. He left again in September and will be there until at least April, perhaps longer.
During his first tour, Dusty served as a gunner on LAR motor vehicles. Currently, he is doing search and seizure work. A graduate of Coastal Carolina University with a degree in Arabic, Dusty has also worked as a interpreter for his company.
Dusty was recently awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the Marines. According to the certificate, "Appearing before a board consisting of the senior enlisted leadership of 2D Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Lance Corporal Webb demonstrated superior knowledge, decisiveness, presence of mine and military bearing far beyond that of his peers. Lance Corporal Webb is an example of all Marines to emulate."
Only four certificates are given per year in a battalion, and Webb's battalion has over 11,000 members. Dusty also earned a meritorious promotion, a high honor in the Marines.
"I'm very proud of him for it," said Bill.
Ellie
By Trina Kinstler, Staff Writer
There was no way that Lance Cpl. Dusty Webb would be able to physically attend one of the biggest moments in his and his wife's lives.
A Marine serving in Iraq, Webb was overseas when his wife, Nikki, was scheduled to give birth to the couple's first child.
However, on the morning of Dec. 7, 2006, Dusty called Nikki from Iraq using a satellite phone and was told that she was in labor. The doctor estimated that the baby would be born between 4 and 5 p.m.
So Dusty got special permission from his sergeant to use the satellite phone and called his dad's cell phone at 3:45 p.m. that afternoon. His dad, Bill, relayed everything that was happening in the delivery room over the phone so Dusty was able to witness the birth of his daughter, Hailey Marie.
"It was exciting because it was like he was really there," said Bill.
Bill says that Dusty rarely gets to call home and hardly ever gets to use his company's satellite phone. It was just by chance, and good fortune, that he called the morning his wife was in labor.
Dusty, who is a graduate of Williamstown High School, is currently on his second tour of duty in Iraq. He was there for seven months before coming home last April. He left again in September and will be there until at least April, perhaps longer.
During his first tour, Dusty served as a gunner on LAR motor vehicles. Currently, he is doing search and seizure work. A graduate of Coastal Carolina University with a degree in Arabic, Dusty has also worked as a interpreter for his company.
Dusty was recently awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the Marines. According to the certificate, "Appearing before a board consisting of the senior enlisted leadership of 2D Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Lance Corporal Webb demonstrated superior knowledge, decisiveness, presence of mine and military bearing far beyond that of his peers. Lance Corporal Webb is an example of all Marines to emulate."
Only four certificates are given per year in a battalion, and Webb's battalion has over 11,000 members. Dusty also earned a meritorious promotion, a high honor in the Marines.
"I'm very proud of him for it," said Bill.
Ellie