May 9, 2008 6:59 pm US/Central
Military Dad Meets Newborn Daughter By Satellite
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Video conferencing may sound like a cold business tool, but as CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports from Hoffman Estates, it's helping a Marine in Iraq bond with his new infant daughter.
For Americans confronting the harshness of war in Iraq any connection to home can be a comfort.
But a face-to-face conversation with his wife and newborn daughter was truly amazing for Raymondo Galarza, stationed in Baghdad.
Luciana Ray Galarza and her full head of hair entered this world Thursday night.
Mom, Monica, in Schaumburg, and Dad, Raymondo, in Iraq were able to bond Friday thanks to a webcam and a special military satellite hookup
The Galarzas said even spotty transmission helped them bond with their daughter, as a family.
"I broke down crying as soon as I saw him," Monica Galarza said.
"I wish I could have been there and I wish I could hold her right now and see her and spend some time with her right now especially when she is this small," Raymondo Galarza said.
A charity known as the Freedom Calls Foundation helped set up Friday's connection at St. Alexius Medical Center. The Galarza's were able to spend nearly an hour together, hopefully enough time to see them through the next three months, when Raymondo is expected home from his second tour of duty.
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