Father, son example of one team, one fight

Published Feb. 11, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle
451st Air Expeditionary Wing

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- [The interviewees' names are exactly the same, but the author will refer to Airman 1st Class Walter Josephs Jr. as Josephs Jr. for clarity purposes in this article.]

It isn't everyday that a father has a chance to observe his son at work, especially if that son is in the Air Force and deployed to Afghanistan.

For 1st Sgt. Walter Josephs Jr., field artillery instructor deployed from Fort Hood, Texas to Kabul, deployments are nothing new, especially after 25 years in the Army. While Josephs is on the sixth deployment, his son, Airman 1st Class Walter Josephs Jr., is on his first one. Josephs Jr. is a 451st Air Expeditionary Wing services journeyman, deployed from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. When Josephs found out he would be in the area of responsibility at the same time as his son, he couldn't resist checking in.

"I know the Air Force will take care of him, but nothing short of a presidential order could keep me from visiting my son to see him settling in," Josephs said.

Going the extra mile, quite literally, is the norm for Josephs, whether it's for his family or the Army. While Josephs was stationed in Korea and Josephs Jr. went through basic training and technical training, Josephs flew out not once, but twice, to attend both graduations. Seeing his son's shocked expression on basic training graduation day was worth the 16-hour flight, said Josephs, but visiting his son while deployed is even more special.

"That God gave me the opportunity to be with him means more to me than winning $100 million dollars," he said. "It's truly priceless."

For Josephs Jr., he considers himself lucky to be able to see his father down range.

"Everyone around me is missing their family, so seeing my dad here is great," Josephs Jr. said.

Family isn't the only thing Josephs Jr. appreciates at Kandahar Airfield.

"This deployment has helped me realize how fortunate we are in the States," he said. "We have so many luxuries that most people don't have."

Josephs knows something about not having enough. He grew up in Panama and immigrated to the United States in 1980. He even remembers the exact day he entered the United States.

"Sept. 6, 1980," Josephs said. "I decided to leave and do something better with my life."

Six years later, his dreams of citizenship and serving in the Army were realized. Since then, he has risen through the ranks and has been selected for sergeant major, a rank very few achieve. Josephs attributes his successful career to keeping a focused but helpful attitude.

"You should be like a racehorse with blinders on - just watch your lane," he said. "Don't worry about what others do. As long as you do what is right, you can make a difference."

Both father and son share a drive, attention to detail, and a willingness to help others.

"My dad taught me to give 110 percent in whatever I do," Josephs Jr. said.

Giving it his all is what Josephs Jr. does at home station and in the AOR.

"I'm in school for a medical career, but with services I'm a cook," he said. "I hate to cook, but I don't just throw things together. I try and do it right."

Here at Kandahar Airfield, Josephs Jr. works at the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation building at Camp Samek. A chief at the MWR even complimented Josephs on raising such a nice, respectful son. Josephs said that makes him feel good.

"I'm so proud of the young man he's become and how he's contributing," Josephs said.

"Watching him help provide a place for service members to eat, play games, rest and forget about their jobs for a little while is amazing."

Josephs said he's proud to explain to people what his son does in the Air Force. He tells people all the time, especially service members who might not feel their job is critical, that whether you are a cook or a pilot, everyone's role is important to the mission.

"Without cooks, the pilots wouldn't eat," he said.

Josephs Jr. doesn't plan to stay in one area of services for his entire enlistment, though. Once his education is complete, he hopes to be transferred to the gym where he can be an athletic trainer.

"I like a challenge," Josephs Jr. said. "I'm bored if things are simple. You don't improve that way."

Both father and son are driven to improve their lives. Josephs Jr. continues to challenge himself through education and Josephs hopes that by attaining a higher rank, he can continue to give back and make a difference. They are both examples of how exerting willpower helps not only their lives but others as well.

But even an energetic and committed person like Josephs experiences fatigue occasionally. After staying up on the night shift to be with Josephs Jr., he called his wife and explained he was having a hard time staying awake.

"She told me I could sleep later and that I should be cherishing this time with my son!" Josephs said.

Josephs's cherished albeit quick visit with his son has come to an end. He's needed back at Kabul, where he can continue doing what he's done throughout his career, taking care of soldiers.

"Parents entrusted us to do that," he said.

Josephs said he realizes that just as he's watching over his soldiers, the Air Force is watching over his son.

"I need to remember that he's an Airman," he said. "He's not a kid anymore."

Father, Son visit during deployment