The Iraq connection
Congratulations to Neal and Betsey Clinard on the birth this week of their son, Aaron Neal Clinard III.
Today's story by Joe Killian and photos by Jerry Wolford explain how technology by Freedom Calls Foundation has helped Neal enjoy this special event even though he's serving in Iraq with the Army.
I've known Neal and his family for many years. He's a fine young man who could have pursued many career options but chose to serve his country in the armed forces.
His dad, Aaron, a High Point attorney, served in Vietnam. Neal's sister, McLean, is engaged to a pilot who's also deployed to Iraq.
Betsey is the daughter of Russ and Susan Mendenhall of High Point -- Susan being the former long-time school board member.
They all worry about Neal, who has a demanding job in Baghdad, but the ability to bring him home for important family occasions or even routine visits via this technology is a blessing.
Comments (6)
To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.
One can certainly understand this young soldier's future dilemma at the end of his tour, when they try to get you to extend.
Baghdad or close to Mom-In-Law?
Baghdad or close to Mom-In-Law?
Baghdad or close to Mom-In-law?
I would imagine the wife and new family will win out in the end, which is how it should be.
All kidding aside, may they all be together for real very soon.
Posted on June 11, 2008 1:39 PM
Yep, I kinda figured someone would go there. Sad, but expected.
Posted on June 11, 2008 2:23 PM
Sour Grapes, Just. Sour grapes
Posted on June 11, 2008 4:13 PM
What do you mean by that?
Posted on June 11, 2008 4:30 PM
I hope he's referring to his own attitude. Even so, hardly an excuse for souring a feel-good story about a young man serving our country in a dangerous place and his family at home.
Posted on June 11, 2008 4:35 PM
Just, I was implying you were miffed becauSe you didn't get there first. Obviously, the whole thing is meant to be a joke. I thought it was pretty clear it was ridiculous from the get-go.
Doug, if you are suggesting my own mother-in-law experience was coloring my attitude YOU WOULD BE RIGHT!!!
Also, it appeared that this thread was laying fallow, so...
Old habits are hard to break, but hopefully I'm getting there.
Posted on June 12, 2008 8:51 AM