Weekend deployments deliver Navy medicine's best

Like all military families, Naval Hospital Jacksonville make tremendous sacrifices when they deploy not only because of the challenges of the service member's duty but also because they miss the comfort and sharing of special moments with their families. That's why it's not only important to "Support the Troops" but also to support their loved ones. All these people play a vital role in the war on terrorism.

One hospital corpsman who was glad to return to the comforting arms of her family and friends was HM3 Holli Moak of the hospital's Radiology Department. She was greeted Saturday by her mother, Rhonda Grice and friend, Jessica Booher. Holli's mom, who came here from Ocala, Fla., clearly thinks her daughter is the best. She said, "Holli is still my baby girl, but she's definitely made me proud."

Lt.j.g. Tijuana Milton, a nurse in the Naval Hospital's Maternal Infant Unit, was greeted by his wife, Demisha and seven-month-old son, Tijuana Jr. "TJ" upon returning from GITMO. Demisha pointed out that "TJ" was born at Naval Hospital Jacksonville and it was a wonderful experience.

She said she kept her husband up to date on TJ's development by webcam but she looks forward to him being here with his son. She said, "It was challenging functioning as a single parent," adding that she was grateful to her friends, particularly Lt.j.g Mitchell and his wife for being so supportive while her husband was away.

HM3 Angelo Vivio is welcomed by HMC Deborah Bannister as another Sailor gets a big hug from HM1 Brenda Edwards at the homecoming Sunday.

"They would see that I just needed a break and they'd offer to babysit. I'd just pack up a bottle and clothes and they would take him for a while," added Demisha. She was also grateful for the support she and her husband received from their church, the Mandarin First Baptist Church, recounting how they would prepare care packages and send them to her husband to keep his spirits up.

That's the kind of community support that makes all the difference to the deployed service member and their family members. It's the kind of caring that Naval Hospital Jacksonville has come to expect from the Jacksonville community. And it is what makes delivering top quality healthcare to our military family such an honor. Whether deployed or at home your Naval Hospital Jacksonville staff is proud to be shipmates caring for shipmates!

HN Michael Friel checks musters for a deployment flight bound for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Feb. 2.