A New York firm is providing 24-hour Web-based live video and conferencing services free to American troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and anywhere in the world to help them keep in closer touch with their families back home.
The program, known as Video Furlough, was introduced shortly before Christmas by Instantstream Multimedia Communications Inc., a software provider involved in low-cost global interactive communications.
"Enlisted men and women are making a big sacrifice when it comes to their families. I can't imagine what it would be like to be away for nine months and not be part of my family's life," said Michael J. Daly, chief executive officer of Instantstream and a father of two.
He said about 800 Americans, including troops overseas and family members in this country, have signed onto the Video Furlough service.
"Many of the approximately 400 military people who have registered so far say they just want their family members to see them and know they are OK. The program gives them a temporary vacation" from uncertainty about what is going on in each others' lives, Mr. Daly said.
He said Video Furlough can allow a soldier sitting in his bunk in Baghdad at night to become directly and immediately involved in the life of his family back home in the United States by seeing firsthand his son or daughter's latest report card or joining in a child's birthday celebration.
"Up to 60 people can speak in a live video conference, so it's a real family get-together," Mr. Daly said.
Rick Cole of Morris County, N.J., a former Marine, found out about Video Furlough through an article in a local newspaper and has been helping spread the word.
"This is technology that's available now, which would be so beneficial to our men and women away in the military. Once people know about it, they will use it," said Mr. Cole, 50.
E-mail can be difficult in many parts of the world, and calling home is apt to be harder. Mr. Daly said he had two Marine relatives who served in Iraq during the first Persian Gulf war in 1991, and it cost at least $10 per call to phone home then. He said he also knows of an American stationed in Japan who pays $1,200 monthly to call family members in this country.
By Kara Rowland - The Washington Times
Obama was excoriated for continuing the Bush administration's strictest national security policies, including indefinite detention, military commissions and a "targeted kill" program that authorizes the government to take out suspected terrorists anywhere. Published 8:56 p.m. July 29, 2010
By Sean Lengell - The Washington Times
The House ethics committee officially lodged charges against Rep. Charles B. Rangel, including that he used his office to raise $8 million for a college public policy center named after him and didn't file taxes while he was Congress' chief tax writer. Published 8:56 p.m. July 29, 2010
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