Two-year-old Megan Taylor runs at full speed to the computer whenever she hears the ringing that signifies her dad, who is currently serving in Iraq, is online and on the webcam. This is a rare treat for Megan, her little brother, Lincoln and her mom, Jennie Taylor. These webcam conversations include playing games, singing songs and many other activities, which could not otherwise be enjoyed through phone calls or letters.
Volunteers around Utah have been raising money as part of the project "Operation Keep in Touch" in order to provide webcams to Utah public libraries, so military family members can enjoy the same opportunity as the Taylors.
Jennie Taylor, leader of the Family Readiness Group for the 116th Convoy Security Company, didn't have a web cam for the first five months her husband was in Iraq, and she has noticed an incredible difference.
"He was very rarely able to call home," Taylor said, "and though letters work fine for adults, we have a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old so letters don't do anything for them."
Taylor said the webcam allows them to talk and laugh together and it makes things more real. "It's the only way for the kids to know who their dad is," she said.
Taylor's husband told her he was amazed to hear what how much she and the other volunteers were working to make webcams available to more families.
"He told me that all the soldiers really appreciate the opportunity to be able to communicate with their families easier," Taylor said, "and they really love to know they have the support of the state behind them, even though many people don't like the war itself."
Ben Enfield, a freshman at BYU, recently returned from northern Iraq. He said it's an awesome opportunity to be able to speak with friends and family back home over a webcam, and he's happy more people will be able to enjoy that.
"It's really nice," Enfield said, "because when you are able to actually see them while you talk, it makes you feel like they are still a part of your life."
Enfield's father, David, also served in the military for a while and spoke with his family over a webcam.
"My wife said it was really good for her and especially for the children," David Enfield said. "It made them feel more connected."
This Friday at 2 p.m., a special event called "Military Mother's Day" will be in the Capitol Building Rotunda to celebrate the success of this operation.
Representatives from various library systems will be presented with the webcams and a live webcam conversation will be held with a group of deployed Utah National Guardsmen.
Other activities include speeches by Gov. Jon Hunstman Jr. and Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and the performance of a patriotic number by American Idol's Carmen Rasmussen.
Webcam Event Info
What: Military Mother's Day
When: Friday at 2 p.m.
Where: The Capitol Building Rotunda
Copyright Brigham Young University 7 May 2008
