Sunriver soldier, family connect across the miles

Back in June, about 190 Central Oregonians left for a year-long deployment in Afghanistan with the Oregon Army National Guard.

The 1st Squadron of the 82nd Cavalry is based in Bend. We were there as friends and family said goodbye to a father, husband and soldier, 28-year-old Travis West.

Five months have passed since West left his wife, Amanda, and two daughters, Hanna and Elizabeth, in Sunriver and headed to Shindad Airbase in western Afghanistan. He’s since moved to the international airport in Kabul.

“One started pre-school and the other started walking right after he left,” Amanda said this week as the couple talked once again by Internet using Skype to not just talk, but see each other, and the growing kids.

There have been many changes since West was deployed. During a season when daylight hours fade, and family gathers to celebrate, his absence is more profound.

“With Christmas coming, it’s definitely been a little rougher,” she said.

Even so, the family is able to Skype every day. Amanda says the girls are able to connect with him, despite the two-dimensional barriers.

She says they plan to open stockings together Christmas morning, though the focus is on West’s planned return in May.

“We keep an eye on when applications are due, what jobs are coming,” she said.

They’re excitedly waiting the inevitable surprises West will encounter with two growing daughters under the age of 3.