Technology Strengthens Family Bonds: A Look at DVIDS’ Face of Defense

Key Takeaways

Video technology allowed Marine Staff Sgt. Derek A. Smoak’s wife to witness his promotion ceremony from Afghanistan.
During the ceremony, he received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his contributions to International Security Assistance Force operations.
The Marine Corps is exploring more opportunities to use technology for family involvement in important events during deployments.

Technology Connects Families During Deployments

Service members and their families often miss significant life events during deployments, but advances in technology, such as video chat, are helping bridge that gap. The 2nd Marine Logistics Group utilized this technology so Michelle L. Smoak could see her husband, Staff Sgt. Derek A. Smoak, receive his promotion to staff sergeant and an award during a ceremony held on February 1 at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Michelle attended the event remotely from the group’s headquarters in a conference room. “I was very proud to see him get those staff sergeant chevrons,” she expressed, highlighting her husband’s progress and achievements. Serving as a tactical vehicle license examiner, Staff Sgt. Smoak completed almost a year of deployment in Helmand province.

In addition to his promotion, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his dedication to the International Security Assistance Force. Michelle praised the heartfelt words shared by his peers and commanding officers during the ceremony. “I appreciate everyone who was involved in putting this together, and taking time out of their day to celebrate a wonderful and exciting day for us,” she said.

Col. Mark R. Hollahan, commander of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, emphasized the significance of enabling families to engage in personal ceremonies, describing it as an invaluable experience. “This was a big win on a target of opportunity,” he noted. The success of this event has encouraged the Marine Corps to seek additional ways to incorporate technology for future ceremonies, enhancing family participation for deployed service members.

Michelle concluded positively, stating, “This was a great way to end a long deployment,” underscoring the importance of technology in maintaining connections for military families during challenging times.

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