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Leslie Bailey always has her cell phone within reach. Whether in the car, at home or at a Family Readiness Group (FRG) meeting, she never lets it out of her sight. No, she isn’t waiting to win a radio contest … she’s waiting for the moment when her husband—her hero—calls her again.
“You should see all the wives here [at the FRG]. It’s heartbreaking when one of us misses a call from our soldier,” explained Leslie. “That call means the world, so we carry our phones everywhere.
“When I hear my husband’s voice on the other end, it makes the day better,” Leslie continued. “I can go to bed without fretting about how he is doing. It’s hard to say goodbye at the end of that call.”
Her husband is Staff Sgt. Jeff Bailey, a member of the Army’s HHC 1/35 Armor Battalion in Iraq. While he fights in Iraq, he never forgets his three favorite girls back home—Leslie, his mother and his little girl, Robin.
In 2003, Jeff actually donated a portion of his liver to his daughter who was suffering from a rare disease. Today, Robin is healthy and happy.
“Jeff is my hero,” Leslie said proudly. “Not only did he risk his life and health to save his daughter—the greatest gift a father can give—but he is doing his duty in Iraq. I love him so very much.”
With the help of VFW Operation Uplink™, Leslie is able to remind Jeff of her love for him with every phone call. For that, she is extremely grateful.
“Service is not just putting a life in danger but showing love and appreciation for others. Without the support of those at home, the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines would not be able to so selflessly do the job they are tasked to do.
“I hope they are often told they are among those who proudly serve our country ... by providing their love, kindness and support to our military personnel.”
With 14 months remaining on Jeff’s current tour of duty, Leslie will continue to ease the knots in her stomach with their simple, but special phone calls.
“I truly appreciate the opportunity to give my soldier my love before he goes out and does something potentially dangerous. I just have to take it one day at a time for now,” reflected Leslie. | 
