Technology Helps Military Families Keep In Touch

PALM SPRINGS – While our military men and women fight for freedom, their family members must celebrate Veterans’ Day without their loved ones. However, new technology is bringing military families together even when they’re worlds apart.

” It’s hard to wake up and she’s not there,” says Cody Miller, whose mom is at war in Afghanistan. ” It’s hard to go to school and know she’s won’t be there when I get home.”

Michelle Cherland is a wife, mother of 7, daughter, sister and teacher. She’s also a soldier.

” We are very proud of her, she’s our hero,” says Rodney Cherland, Lt. Cherland’s husband.

KESQ met with Lt. Cherland earlier this year before she left for Afghanistan for her 3rd tour of duty.

” It’s what I was meant to do,” says Lt. Cherland. ” The roughest part is not seeing my family.”

Lt. Cherland’s loved ones haven’t seen her for about 3 months. Well, they not in person any way. However, with new technology, they can see and chat with her on a regular basis.

” To see her is good, to see she is well,” says Ryan McLaughlin, Lt. Cherland’s brother.

” We say good night and good morning,” says Cherland.

The whole family carries internet capable cell phones, checking Facebook and email messages. They also chat face-to-face through Skype.

” When I see her face, I just light up,” says Cherland.

” It’s like she’s in person,” says Miller.

This is quite a change from the communication during Lt. Cherland’s last tour in 2003.

” Last time, they did not have access to email, it was just phone calls,” says McLaughlin.

Now, thanks to web cams, mom can still be a mom.

” Last week, she typed and told me to get a haircut, so I did,” says Miller.

After getting that hair cut, Miller showed his mom.

” She thought it was amazing,” says Miller.

Lt. Cherland also keeps up on her duties as a wife.

” She makes sure I’m awake, she got me up for work,” says Cherland.

Although technology brings mom closer to home, this family is ready for her to come home.

” We want her back,” says McLaughlin.

” I’m going to hug her,” says Miller.