Libertyville boys chat with dad stationed overseas

It's nice when kids can give mom or dad a quick call or text during the work day.

But what if your dad's "office" is in a war zone on the other side of the globe?

That's the situation for Libertyville resident Jason Hunt, a soldier in Iraq, and his sons Ryan and Jason. On Monday, the boys got a chance to do what many of their fourth- and fifth-grade classmates at Butterfield School in Libertyville might take for granted: Take a few minutes out of their day to chat with their dad.

Butterfield fourth-grade teacher Norlene Kemp thought the rare daytime talk would serve two purposes: Give the boys a chance to spend a few moments with their father, and teach there rest of her students about the meaning and importance of Veterans Day.

"At this very special time of the year, what an extraordinary way to bring a family together," Kemp said.

The call was arranged through the nonprofit Freedom Calls Foundation. The organization has more than 10,000 video conferencing sites across the country that allow loved ones to connect to their family members serving in the military.

Monday's video conference started out as any conversation might between a father and two sons separated by 6,500 miles.

"Hi, Dad. How's is the weather?" Justin asked.

"It's in the upper '70s," said Jason Hunt.

After the boys had a chance to talk with their dad, Kemp invited some of the other students to ask the soldier whatever was on their minds.

The questions ranged from what's on the Army's menu to Hunt's favorite color.

One by one, the students took turns sitting in front of the Mac laptop.

"What's your favorite thing about being in Iraq?" asked a student.

"Working with the other soldiers," Hunt said. "They are really great guys."

One of the children wanted to know when Hunt goes to bed.

"Midnight," he chuckled. Another asked what he most missed about Libertyville.

"Pizza!" he said.

Remembering there is a war going on, one boy asked if Hunt could show them his gun. Hunt responded with a smile.

"Well, I'm not sure that would be appropriate," he said.

Hunt is a U.S. Army Major stationed somewhere north of Baghdad. A supply supervisor, this is Hunt's second tour in Iraq. He should complete his service and return home this summer. The boys' mother, Kristin, is a teacher in Waukegan.

The boys say they miss their dad, and really enjoyed talking to him over the computer.

"He left home on our first day of school," Ryan said. "We've been able to talk to him over Skype on some weekends."

Teacher Kemp closed the session with a report on the boys.

"I want to thank you for your service, dedication and sacrifice," she said. "I just want you to know your boys are very good students. They are really on top of everything. You would be proud of them."