FORWARD OPERATING BASE HUNTER, Iraq - Ted Landry was working for the Department of Homeland Security when he was recalled to active duty. Landry retired from his military career in 1995, but found himself traveling to Iraq as a liaison between the Army and Air Force Exchange System and the Department of Defense.
Spc. Eric Landry, Ted's son, is a Soldier assigned to the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
In an unlikely twist of fate, father and son found each other half-way around the world.
Eric is a scout in Troop B who did not think for a second that he would get to see his dad during a deployment to Iraq. The Head Hunter Squadron received the mission to build Forward Operating Base Hunter, which brought the two together.
"I am (involved in the) interface between the military and AAFES," Ted explained. "I help teach the units how to request and get AAFES' services and coordinate with AAFES for delivery."
The new AAFES shoppette on FOB Hunter is a huge hit at this remote base. Prior to the grand opening, the only way Soldiers were able to get items like energy drinks and other snacks were to have it mailed to them, or to get lucky enough to go to a more established base such as Contingency Operating Base Adder. Adder is about 120 miles away.
This particular AAFES shop also connected a family. "It's something very few other people will get to experience," Eric said. "It makes me really proud."
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