Deployed parents witness children graduate

By Spc. Charlene Apatang MendiolaJune 11, 2011

Deployed parents witness children graduate
Soldiers stood in the position of attention as the national anthem played at their childrens’ graduation ceremony on Fort Hood, Texas. The Soldiers participated in a video telecast program, Grad Cast, to watch their children graduate while deployed o... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

When it comes to graduation day, things like commencement speeches, school-themed caps and gowns, graduates and parents come to mind. For the graduates it is a moment in time that marks the end of their studies and begins the possibilities that lie ahead. For most parents, however, it is simply rewarding to watch their child walk across the stage with diplomas in their hands.

Halfway around the world, eight deployed Soldiers and a civilian had the opportunity to witness their children’s graduation ceremonies, which they expected to miss, through a video telecast on Camp Victory, Iraq.

The VTC was made possible by a program called ‘Grad Cast’ out of Fort Hood, Texas, said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Amy Losoncy, an information system technician with 62nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion. This program allows deployed service members and civilian contractors to watch their children graduate from high school.

“Grad Cast has been around since my deployment back in 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom,” Losoncy said. “I took on the role as the coordinator for this program, which has been successful and pleasing.”

As a joint venue linking Fort Hood and its area high schools, Grad Cast was available to several schools including Cooperas Cove High School, Harker Heights High School, Robert M. Shoemaker High School and Ellison High School.

Participating in the program for the first year, 1st Sgt. Reuben Tull, first sergeant for Co. A, 62nd ESB, said it is a great program to have out here for deployed service members.

Watching his daughter, Shayra Lashea, receive her diploma while serving his country was an amazing opportunity, he said.

“We are not there physically, but we can relate to the level of excitement as they walk across the stage through a television,” Tull said.

While celebrating his daughter’s graduation and his 20th wedding anniversary, Tull said nothing could be more rewarding than to see great things as they happen.

Not new to the program’s benefits, Sgt. 1st Class Mervin Manning, liaison officer with 62nd ESB, said he watched the Grad Cast first-hand when he attended a graduation ceremony last year on Fort Hood.

He described the setup as a big screen facing the graduates. His deployed friend appeared on the screen when his daughter walked on the stage. It was setup to honor the graduate and the Soldier, Manning said. “They were both very happy.”

Through the excitement and joy revealed on his face, Staff Sgt. Christopher T. Reed, combat medic team leader with 546th Air Support Medical Company, said he couldn’t be more grateful for his command to allow him to sit in the VTC.

“I showed interest in attending the telecast and they [command] supported me all the way,” he said. “I was able to realize the same dream my daughter, Lydia, had and I am so proud of her.”

“It is a proud day for us to watch our kids graduate,” Manning said. “This is the first step for them to be on their own and to witness it while we are away is incredible.”

“My wife took on the challenges during this time of my son’s achievement,” he said. “But I am at ease knowing I was able to support financially and assist in the preparation prior to my deployment.”

Not many deployed parents are fortunate to experience an opportunity like this, Losoncy said. The Grad Cast program out of Fort Hood, Texas has done a splendid job supporting the troops in this manner.

“I am so proud of my son, Steven Lee, congratulations to you and to all the graduates of Shoemaker High School,” Manning said.

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Deployed parents witness children graduate

Deployed parents witness children graduate