Father-son Soldiers reunite at Camp Arifjan

By Sgt. M. Benjamin Gable, 27 PADOctober 26, 2010

Father-son Soldiers reunite at Camp Arifjan
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Lt. Col. Maurice Williams II, an aviation operations officer with the 1st Armored Division, (left), and his son, Staff Sgt. Maurice T. Williams III, an infantryman with the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, spend time togeth... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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Father-son Soldiers reunite at Camp Arifjan
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Lt. Col. Maurice Williams II, an aviation operations officer with the 1st Armored Division, (left), and his son, Staff Sgt. Maurice T. Williams III, an infantryman with the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, spend time toget... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -An Army lieutenant colonel currently stationed at Camp Liberty, Iraq, enjoyed a two-day reunion at Camp Arifjan with his son, an Army staff sergeant stationed at Forward Operating Base Solerno, in Afghanistan, Oct. 17.

Lt. Col. Maurice T. Williams II, an aviation operations officer with the 1st Armored Division, tracked down his son, Staff Sgt. Maurice T. Williams III, an infantryman and member of a quick-reaction force with Halo Platoon in the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, at Ali Al Salim Airfield.

"I tracked his movement all the way in from Bagram Air Base," said the elder Williams. "Once I had that information, it was just a short wait."

From there, the younger Williams decided to use two of his rest and recuperation leave days here visiting his father.

The father and son had not seen each other since Christmas 2009. This deployment has kept them apart, but despite the operational pace, Williams found a way to see his son.

The day of relaxation made the week even more special.

In the last seven days, the elder Williams celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary. The younger Williams celebrated his birthday Oct. 16 and now they were sitting side-by-side enjoying each other's company.

"This has been the best week of my deployment by far," said the elder Williams.

According to his son, he wouldn't have missed this opportunity either.

"It's very special," he said. "To be able to see dad, even in a war zone; it means a lot to me."

Lt. Col. Williams is currently serving his second tour of duty while his son is on his first.

They spent two days together here before the younger Williams continued his trip home to visit with family and friends.

Father and son hope to reunite in Germany, their adopted homeland, upon redeployment in early summer 2011.

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