Father and son deploy with Greywolf brigade

By Staff Sgt. Chris A. Bridson, 3rd AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div.June 20, 2011

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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq -- On Dec. 6, 1907, Monongah, W.Va. was the scene of a mining disaster in which 210 fathers lost their lives. Mrs. Grace G. Clayton organized the first observance of Father's Day on July 5, 1908 in Fairmont, W.Va. to celebrate their lives.

The tradition of Father's Day has continued across the world on various dates ever since and usually involves gift-giving, special dinners, and family-oriented activities.

Michael V. Jalbert is a civilian contractor currently working as the brigade safety officer with the 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq and has been with the brigade since Jan. 4.

Unlike most people that come to Iraq for work, whether they are here with the military or with a civilian contracting company, Michael has the unique opportunity of traveling with family.

At Contingency Operating Station Garry Owen, in the Maysan province of Iraq, Co. C, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cav. Regiment, 3rd AAB, 1st Cav. Div., has made a temporary home where they conduct various missions in support of Operation New Dawn. This is also where Staff Sgt. Timothy C. Jalbert, the son of Michael, is stationed. They are deployed together for the first time.

"This is his third trip over here to Iraq, he has been to Afghanistan once also," said Michael. "He has to look out for me and I have to look out for him."

The father and son team deployed from Fort Hood, Texas in February and although they are stationed in different locations in Iraq, they appreciate the fact that they've had the chance to see each other a couple of times so far.

Michael flies up to COS Garry Owen periodically to conduct safety checks of the installation, and if Timothy is not out on a mission, the two get together to catch up.

"It's definitely a plus to be able to see him every now and again," Timothy said. "I always hear when he is coming down to COS Garry Owen to conduct an inspection, or to talk to the battalion leadership, so if I'm not out on patrol, we always grab lunch in the DFAC (dining facility)."

Michael and Timothy recently had the chance to spend some time together due to Michael conducting safety checks at COS Garry Owen.

"I'm very proud of Timothy, he has done a very good job," said Michael proudly. "He is a really good trooper."

Timothy, like many during this holiday, took the time to acknowledge his father and the fortune of being deployed with him in Iraq.

"People say how I'm lucky to have my father deployed with me and I'd have to agree with them," said Timothy. "I'm lucky he's where he can keep an eye on me and the job I do, and I'm lucky to have him as a father."