Valuable moments no longer go unseen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Trevor T. McBride
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  In November 2014, the 48th Fighter Wing was named one of only two finalists in the running to be the best installation in the Air Force.

While first place narrowly eluded the Liberty Airmen, their efforts earned them $400,000 in second-place prize money and the opportunity to decide how it would be used to improve the base.

Ideas poured in, but the most resounding, repetitive request was for more Wi-Fi.

"'We Are Liberty' Wi-Fi is now in full force throughout the wing, with as many as 1,000 simultaneous users," said Col. Marc Vandeveer, 48th Mission Support Group commander.

Although it may seem like the wing used part of the $400,000 just so people could surf the Web around base, the real benefit is the ability to communicate with people around the world during priceless moments.

"It was a smart move," said Alyssa Pfeifer, wife of Airman 1st Class Bryan Pfeifer, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy equipment operator. "Especially in the hospital, because of my recent circumstances."

Pfeifer was well aware nine months ago that her husband was going to miss the birth of their son due to a deployment. When it came closer to the delivery, they found out about the newly-implemented Wi-Fi.

"It was such a relief to know that Bryan could share the moment live via FaceTime," she said. "His face [when he saw his son] lit up like I had never seen before."

Carly Moon-Warnick, military spouse and freelance photographer, was there to capture the Pfeifer's perfect moment.

"This was my first session after the Wi-Fi had been implemented, and it was incredible to watch as the deployed father was able to meet his son instantly," Moon-Warnick said.

According to Moon-Warnick, the Wi-Fi has benefitted other families she works with as well, and it has given her imagery and her job more meaning.

"It's not always easy, affordable or possible for parents to be with their babies or grandbabies, but having such a common and accessible way to stay connected has completely improved the labor and delivery experience and makes us feel a little closer to home," she added.

With Wi-Fi now at most customer service locations around RAF Lakenheath, it's easier for the wing to stay in touch, both near and far.

"Now that Wi-Fi's available, our Airmen and their families can benefit from it," Vandeveer said. "From the smallest tasks like sending an email, to major life events like watching the birth of a child from a deployed location."

In the eyes of Staff Sgt. Bobby Cash, 351st Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, and his wife Tabetha, who also shared their child's birth with their family via the Internet, it was well worth the investment.

"I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you!" Tabetha said. "You gave us something my family and I could never repay ... a wonderful memory."