Families of Deployed National Guard Members Get Creative to Communicate Home

By Mindy Mizell, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Right now, dozens of Oklahoma's finest are headed to Afghanistan. The National Guard members will serve overseas for six months as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Here at home their families are coming up with creative ways to endure their loved ones' deployment.

The Burnetts are a picture perfect family of four today doing one of the hardest things they've ever had to do; say goodbye to Dad.

Matthew Burnett is just one of 30 Oklahoma National Guard members headed out on a six-month mission to southwest Asia. But, for many of their children it's the first time Dad will be gone so long."

"Knowing she has to be the person of the house, that's hard, yea," Matthew Burnett said.

But now, thanks to the Internet and a little creativity, some Oklahoma children with parents being deployed have a little more company at home.

Two-year-old Nathan Mosher has no intention of letting so of his doll. They're called Daddy Dolls and are available for sale online through operationhugahero.org, a Web site that gives military children a gift that gives back.

Each doll is uniquely designed to feature a head-to-toe image of their military hero, but for Mom, no pillow will replace six months of her hero being gone.

"It's emotional. But we're so proud of our daddy already," Amy Mosher said.

The Internet is also going to provide comfort. Many of the guard members said they plan to keep in touch by e-mail and skype while they're gone.