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Kerry Barrett ReportingYesterday we introduced you to the Gerling family. Today, we're meeting another.
Captain Christopher Vasquez is a pilot. He and his wife Aubry have two young children, Luke and Chloe. Unlike the Gerling's, this is their first experience with combat deployment. So, Aubry's learning as she goes along. Her children are, too.
Today on "On a Wing and a Prayer," two families going through the same situation, but with two very different perspectives.
Four-year-old Chloe Vasquez and her family are getting ready for Christmas. But instead of praying for the toy she wants to find wrapped under the tree so badly, the first thing on her wish list is having her dad, Chris, come home safely.
Chloe Vasquez, Dad's Deploying to Iraq: "We talk about it. We just tell each other that he's going far away."
Chris and Aubry met while attending the Air Force Academy.
She gave up her own career dreams of becoming a pediatrician and moved happily into marriage. Eight years later, Chloe and her younger brother, 14-month-old Luke, keep them plenty busy.
They've gotten used to military life as a family.. but, this is the biggest challenge they've faced, yet.
Aubry Vasquez/ Husband Deploying to Iraq: "A possibility that he might not come home. And that's really scary, but I try not to think about it."
Putting her fears aside, Aubry's first concern is for Chloe and Luke, delicately trying to explain what's about to happen.
"Where's Daddy going?" "To fight the bad guys."
It's hard for a child to understand. Dad's not leaving because he doesn't love them, but instead because he loves them so much that he's trying to make their future a safer one.
"She doesn't have a concept of geography yet, but she does know that her Daddy's going to fight the bad guys."
"Why are you proud of him?" "Because he's so brave." "Why is he so brave?" "Because he's a daddy."
Aubry is also preparing herself, getting ready to step into a new role as a single mom for the first time. Whether she can live up to Chris' revered spot as master chef, she's not sure. But she does know her little girl is already eager to take on new roles of her own.
"What are you going to do to help Mom out?" "I give him his blanket when he's sad."
"I put the plates out and help her make dinner."
In the busy, bittersweet days before his departure, in the moments between Christmas excitement and daily life, they're making room for memories.
Capt. Christopher "Hercules" Vasquez, Pilot Deploying to Iraq: "As the time comes to go, it becomes more important to just sit on the ground and play My Little Ponies, or whatever she wants to play."
The best part right now for Chloe is that "he can play them with me." The best part for Chris is hearing "I love you Dad."
We've just introduced you to two of the families preparing for a combat deployment. But, that's really just one part of it.
Coming up tomorrow, we'll be taking a close look at the massive undertaking of getting several hundred airmen ready for a war-time mission.
