thedrifter
11-15-07, 07:29 AM
Buffalo Marine Visits with Newborn From Iraq
Posted by: Addie Bradshaw, News Reporter
Created: 11/14/2007 4:37:56 PM
Updated: 11/15/2007 2:42:19 AM
Since 8:56 a.m. Tuesday, 21-year-old Amanda Shea hasn't taken her eyes off baby Madalyn or her mind off husband, Michael.
As a United States Marine Corporal, Michael Shea has been stationed in Iraq since October. The last time he saw his pregnant wife was in mid-September.
"There are tough nights. Especially once he left and I couldn't call anymore," Amanda said.
She relied on both their families to get her through the final months of her pregnancy and Tuesday morning she realized why it was all worthwhile.
Madalyn Marie Shea, a name Michael chose, came into the world as a healthy, happy baby. Amanda says she immediately showed her a picture of her dad.
It was the first time she laid eyes on Michael; and, today, he was able to look right back.
During a video conference provided by Freedom Calls, Michael, Madalyn and Amanda visited for nearly an hour.
Despite being nearly 7,000 miles away, both parties were able to see and hear one another clearly.
"It's pricesless," Michael said. "It's just amazing."
The Freedom Calls Foundation was formed in 2003 when the executive director heard of a soldier who'd spent $7,000 calling home to speak with his family.
Together with the U.S. Army and Marines, Freedom Calls built a satellite network that ensures service members don't have to miss major milestones back home.
The organization says while many of the necessary computers and webcams are donated, they still spend tens of thousands of dollars each month in satellite time.
The Freedom Calls Foundation said if one million Americans would donate the cost of a family dinner, the organization would be able to provide communication time to virtually every soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan. Without it, they're in danger of shutting down.
Amanda Shea said she looked forward to the possibility of seeing Michael for months, and couldn't imagine him missing such a milestone.
"Although he can't physically touch her, he's going to be able to know more about her just by seeing her," Amanda said. "Being able to talk to him--it's amazing."
If you'd like to learn more about Freedom Calls and how you can help, click the link on the right side of this page.
Ellie
Posted by: Addie Bradshaw, News Reporter
Created: 11/14/2007 4:37:56 PM
Updated: 11/15/2007 2:42:19 AM
Since 8:56 a.m. Tuesday, 21-year-old Amanda Shea hasn't taken her eyes off baby Madalyn or her mind off husband, Michael.
As a United States Marine Corporal, Michael Shea has been stationed in Iraq since October. The last time he saw his pregnant wife was in mid-September.
"There are tough nights. Especially once he left and I couldn't call anymore," Amanda said.
She relied on both their families to get her through the final months of her pregnancy and Tuesday morning she realized why it was all worthwhile.
Madalyn Marie Shea, a name Michael chose, came into the world as a healthy, happy baby. Amanda says she immediately showed her a picture of her dad.
It was the first time she laid eyes on Michael; and, today, he was able to look right back.
During a video conference provided by Freedom Calls, Michael, Madalyn and Amanda visited for nearly an hour.
Despite being nearly 7,000 miles away, both parties were able to see and hear one another clearly.
"It's pricesless," Michael said. "It's just amazing."
The Freedom Calls Foundation was formed in 2003 when the executive director heard of a soldier who'd spent $7,000 calling home to speak with his family.
Together with the U.S. Army and Marines, Freedom Calls built a satellite network that ensures service members don't have to miss major milestones back home.
The organization says while many of the necessary computers and webcams are donated, they still spend tens of thousands of dollars each month in satellite time.
The Freedom Calls Foundation said if one million Americans would donate the cost of a family dinner, the organization would be able to provide communication time to virtually every soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan. Without it, they're in danger of shutting down.
Amanda Shea said she looked forward to the possibility of seeing Michael for months, and couldn't imagine him missing such a milestone.
"Although he can't physically touch her, he's going to be able to know more about her just by seeing her," Amanda said. "Being able to talk to him--it's amazing."
If you'd like to learn more about Freedom Calls and how you can help, click the link on the right side of this page.
Ellie