Webcams Helping Connect Soldiers to Families at Home

Mar 20, 2008 by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) A program that allows Utah soldiers serving in Iraq and their families at home to keep in visual contact is gaining popularity across the state.

"It's been a lifesave with my little kids, I have a two-year-old and a one-year-old. If it weren't for the webcam that we have, and the opportunity to talk to [their father], see him, and hear his voice, especially my one-year-old, really would not know his father," says Jennie Taylor, a family readiness group leader with the Utah National Guard. "It's neat to see my little son come running when he hears the sound on the computer that indicates dad is calling."

Taylor has helped spearhead Operation Keep In Touch, which hopes to put webcams in public libraries statewide. The webcams are then made available to the families of deployed service members allowing them to see and hear their loved one serving in the war. Funding has already been provided to put webcams in many Utah County libraries. Taylor says the group is working on the rest of the state.

"You can get a decent webcam for about $50, but when you multiply that by the number of libraries across the state, you can see why the funding is such a critical asset," says Taylor.

To listen to a conversation with Taylor, click here. If you would like to donate to Operation Keep In Touch, Taylor can be contacted at feedunclesam@yahoo.com

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW