Parents, children reunite for Christmas in Iraq

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Randy L. Mitchell and By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
BAGHDAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT and BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq , (AFPN) --  Two different families deployed at two different places in Iraq have reunited over Christmas. The first article, written by Sergeant Mitchell, is about a mother and son who made it a point to visit one another during Christmas even though they were stationed in different locations. The other, written by Sergeant Moore, is about a father and son reunion.

Mother and son
Some families go through a great deal to spend time with loved ones on Christmas, but rarely do they deploy to the desert to do so. One family did, however, and they were able to spend this special holiday together in Baghdad. 

Staff Sgt. Salvador Russo, a secure communications craftsman with the 447th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, received a special Christmas gift this year when his mother traveled from Tallil, Iraq, to spend the holiday weekend with him. 

Sgt. 1st Class Ana Russo, who deployed to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 485th Combat Support Battalion from Hanau, Germany, in November, had sought permission from her commander to spend Christmas with her son. 

“I will be in Tallil for a year,” she said. “So this was the best gift I could receive, to spend time with my son during his first deployment. It is also a special time of the year when most families share time together.” 

This was not Ana’s first deployment to a war-time environment. The 17-year Army veteran was deployed for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. This was also her second tour to Iraq. She served at Al Taji in 2003. 

Sal, from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, last saw his mother before he deployed here in September. 

“(Mom) came to Ramstein to visit me and we went to restaurants, shopping, and just hung out together relaxing,” he said. “We cooked, laughed, watched movies, and called family back in the states. She even helped me with abBusiness writing course I was taking.” 

The two were hoping to share this Christmas with another family member, Ana’s other son Robert, a senior airman assigned to the 55th Communications Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. 

“My other son, Robert, volunteered to come to Iraq,” Ana said, “but his chain of command did not allow it because his brother and I would be deployed here at the same time, too.”

“To me, to spend Christmas with my mother while deployed in Iraq is nothing short of an act of God,” he said. “I am still amazed at the opportunity, and feel completely grateful to those who helped make it possible. 

“The memories we make will last a lifetime,” he said. “I wish all deployed members could have this wonderful luxury, and I hope that our unique story brings some sort of warmth and happiness to those around us,” he said. 

“I want to thank (the commanders) for giving us the opportunity to spend this special time together,” she said. “I also want to say how very proud I am of my sons and the great job they do for our nation.”

Father, son -- together in Iraq
Tech. Sgt. Craig Laubender was in a bit of a “bah humbug” mood when he arrived at work on Christmas Eve. He was feeling down about spending the holidays away from his family. 

However, after checking his e-mail, the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron operator dispatcher’s sprits were suddenly lifted. His son, a soldier also deployed to Iraq, was on a mission that would bring him to Balad for Christmas. 

“When I heard about the mission that was opening up, I crossed my fingers and asked to come,” said Army Private 1st Class Andy Laubender, 4th Infantry Division, Bravo Company Aviation Support Battalion. “Getting picked up for the mission was a huge morale boost.” 

The last time the father and son spent time together was more than a year ago when Sergeant Laubender attended his son’s technical school graduation. 

“We had to travel more than 3,000 miles to see each other again,” Sergeant Laubender said. “This is a holiday surprise I will never forget. I don’t think I could have asked for a better Christmas present.” 

Private Laubender, a Blackhawk helicopter mechanic, agreed. 

“I am happy I am here,” he said. “I am glad to see my dad. It is a nice Christmas present, but it would have still been special no matter what time of the year it was.” 

While the Laubender’s will not have their normal deep-fried Christmas turkey and 8-foot-tall Christmas tree, the two plan to make the best of the three days they will have together before Private Laubender’s helicopter is scheduled to return to Camp Taji, Iraq. 

“Andy arrived in time to come to our section Christmas party, so we will be having pizza and near-beer this evening while watching Christmas movies,” Sergeant Laubender said. “After that we will just spend our time catching up with one another.” 

Darlene, Sergeant Laubender’s wife, was ecstatic when she heard the news. 

“I was glad that the boys could spend Christmas together,” Mrs. Laubender said.
Sergeant Laubender said, “Hopefully next year we will get to spend holidays with the whole family together.”