|
Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Kaffenbarger and Becky Pennock are a typical couple in many ways. They do typical couple things, like telling each other about their day, joking or even fighting about the Cubs or White Sox. With every conversation, they remember to say “I love you.”
But they are different from most couples in one major way. Becky is in Chicago. Jeremiah is in Diyala Province, Iraq.
The engaged couple recently received a welcome surprise when Jeremiah heard the announcement on the line that the call would be free, thanks to a “Free Call Day” sponsored by VFW.
“Being able to hear Becky’s voice is the greatest morale booster. We didn’t get to talk as much during my last tour, and I would almost forget what her voice sounded like,” said Kaffenbarger.
“Getting a free phone call to or from Iraq provides great financial relief,” said Pennock, noting that she spends $.50 a minute every time she talks to him. “For just a few minutes, we forget that he is on the other side of the world!”
Until they reunite, the happy couple relies on their conversations to keep them connected—and keep their love for each other going strong.
“I am most looking forward to having him return to Germany because he will be out of Iraq, and I won’t wake up worried every single morning,” Pennock concluded. | 
