In the lives of warfighters not every significant moment can be shared with loved ones. However, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Janet Pelayo, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, celebrated her promotion ceremony Jan. 31 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, with her family in an unconventional way.
Pelayo, deployed with Defense Logistics Agency Support Team - Kuwait, enjoyed her promotion to master sergeant with her daughters through the use of video teleconferencing technology with the help of Defense Logistics Agency Aviation. Since her children couldn’t fly to Kuwait, the girls were able to watch the ceremony at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia.
“When I was first told about the promotion ceremony I didn’t want it to happen because my girls weren’t there,” said Pelayo. “But, DLA made it happen and I could share this moment with my girls.”
DST Kuwait Commander Air Force Lt. Col. Rolandis Crawl spoke highly of Pelayo and her contributions during her deployment.
“The promotion of Sergeant Pelayo is not only a testament to all of the things she has done, but also a testament to every supervisor, every leader, every subordinate that knew she would be standing here on this very day,” said Crawl.
Emotions ran high at the ceremony, as Pelayo claimed the title of senior enlisted and reveled in a virtual reunion with her daughters. 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Commanding General Army Brig. Gen. Robert Harter understood the value of these emotions.
“Tears are fine sometimes, we cry in the Army too, I am proud of you,” said Harter.