KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan –
Being promoted while deployed to a hostile area is a bittersweet moment for many servicemembers. While they are surrounded by their comrades, their families often miss out on the opportunity to congratulate their relative on a job well done. Through advances in technology, one Soldier was able to bridge the ocean and bring her family to her promotion ceremony.
Maj. Victoria Snow, Task Force Resolute support operations liaison officer to Forward Operating Base Tarin Kowt, was promoted to lieutenant colonel during a ceremony at the TF-Resolute support operations conference room on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Nov. 1.
Snow made the trip to KAF because it provided her a rare opportunity. Her husband and children were able to see her promotion ceremony from Fort Eustis through a teleconference call. Her husband and children went to the 7th Sustainment Brigade headquarters at 4:30 a.m., local time to enjoy the live video chat with their Soldier.
"It was wonderful to see my husband, Randall, and my three children, Quiana, Zachary, and Misae," said Snow. "I know they were happy to be a part of my promotion, even if they were a little sleepy."
Any promotion in the military shows faith from the Soldier's command and the branch of service to continue serving at a higher level. Promotions mean more responsibility, new challenges and higher expectations of the Soldier, said Col. Alan Woodard, TF-Resolute deputy commanding officer.
"A promotion downrange is hard because the Soldier is away from their family, but it shows their dedication to service because they are in a combat zone," said Woodard. "Lieutenant Colonel Snow has shown her ability to accomplish the mission in some rough conditions and she is definitely ready to take it to the next level."
Snow will redeploy with the rest of TF-Resolute in the coming months. Upon her return to Eustis, she will become the brigade SPO officer in charge.
"I'm ready for the challenges of my new position," Snow said. "I know it will be challenging, but it will be worth it."