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Tonya Papanikolas Reporting Dads all across the state have been enjoying time with their kids today. At least one father and daughter team did not take the day for granted. They're both working in Iraq.
Staff Sergeant Heather Banich is on a four-month deployment to Iraq with the 388th fighter wing. Her job is to test the metal integrity of F-16s to make sure they're safe.
While her husband is here in Utah, she now gets to spend time with her father in Iraq.
David Weiss, Retired Air Force Master Sergeant: "I was thinking when was the last time we were together on Father's Day? And it was her sophomore year in high school was the last time we were together on Father's Day."
David Weiss was stationed in Germany until just recently, when he retired from the Air Force. He is now working as a civilian contractor in Iraq, maintaining army vehicles.
Heather says being able to work near him gives her new insight into all that her dad does.
Heather Banich, US Air Force: "My dad's my hero. He absolutely is. He's a great guy."
Staff Sgt. Heather Banich, US Air Force: "He's the reason that I joined the Air Force. He gave me everything I needed to know about the military."
The father and daughter both say it makes their jobs a lot easier to have someone near them from home. They try to see each other every day for a short time.
Weiss has two other daughters. Though he couldn't be with all of them, he says this Father's Day was very memorable.
David Weiss: "I knew I was going to see one of my daughters on Father's Day. It makes me feel good. Then we had dinner tonight together, so it was really good."
Weiss will be in Iraq through the end of the year. Staff Sgt. Banich is scheduled to come home in September.
