University Park Mayor Takes On The Challenge
George Toubekis and his family share a special moment for the camera shortly before he loaded a bus for his yearlong deployment. (photo by Ginger Allsup)
Camp Dodge – The sound of bagpipes fills the small auditorium of Freedom Hall on the grounds of Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa. The packed to capacity crowd was a surprise to many people who are use to the send off ceremony.
University Park Mayor George Toubekis was one of the approximately 60 soldiers standing at attention today as tears fell and emotions ran high, as sons and daughters, wives, husbands, moms and dads and friends all bid farewell.
Toubekis is headed to Northern Afghanistan where he will serve with the 1034th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, but he will also continue to serve his community back at home, from half a world away. “The plan is, I’m going to try and run the meeting via Skype while deployed overseas,” Toubekis said in an earlier interview with Oskaloosa News.
Toubekis will have help in the form of Mayor Pro Tem Arlen Phillips who will help him in the day-to -day issues that arise.
“The people of University Park elected me to be their Mayor, whether I was in the military or not,” Toubekis says of his reason for continuing to be Mayor while deployed.
But today was all about his family, and preparing for the task ahead. Before he deploys overseas, the unit will undergo further training at Ft. Hood, Texas.
“Let’s hurry and get it over with,” says Amy Toubekis, who had just seen her husband load a bus to begin his year long deployment. “Actually, it’s easier once they are on the bus and they’re gone because you know it’s started. The adventure begins.” Amy can tell you how many days are left until his return, 361 to be exact.
Many military families face struggles while their loved ones are deployed, but Amy says she’s had many people offer to help, “It’s amazing.”
Amy says that the family has prepared for the yearlong deployment by taking lots of videos and pictures and the family enjoyed a couple of special trips in order to share more time with one another.
Social media and the internet make communicating from the battlefield much easier. Facebook and Skype all play an important role for the soldier and their family. Amy says that once training is done, they hope to find a time that works out so they can communicate one on one. “We’re hoping to at least instant message once a day or so,” Amy says.
Amy isn’t giving up her spot on the track playing for the Oskaloosa Mayhem Girls either. “You could say I might have a lot more pent up frustration to get rid of.” “I feel sorry for the other girls if I hit them too hard,” Amy says with a laugh. She says that having some “me time” along with an outlet to connect and share with her team will be important. “And staying as busy as possible,” Amy added.
Amy says “I love you”, just in case you didn’t already know it George.
