Tameka and Robert grew up in Atlanta Georgia and were High School sweethearts! This is their first deployment with the Destroyer, USS Oscar Austin, out of Norfolk Virginia. Robert was scheduled to be gone for 8 months. Before he left they found out that they were expecting and that Baby Riley would be born while he was out to sea. I can’t image how hard that must have been on the two of them. But I can tell you that the anticipation that Tameka and Riley felt on homecoming day was contagious! I was so excited for them to be reunited with Robert! The whole Family drove up from Atlanta to make sure he was surrounded by loved ones! It was a steamy day on the pier! Not a single cloud in the sky and the temperature was nearly 90 degrees at 9:30 am. But, when they finally docked and called for the new Mom’s, nothing mattered but getting to Robert as quickly as possible!! He was one of the first Men off the ship and immediately saw Tameka. There was not a dry eye when the hugging and kissing began. They were interviewed by several local TV stations, and showed much grace under the pressure of only getting to be together for a short time before they were separated to answer questions for the cameras. Soon enough though, they were back together and Robert got to do what he had been waiting 8 long months to do…hold his Daughter! She cuddled quickly into the crook of his shoulder and was fast asleep in his arms. And he was BEAMING!!! Thank you Robert and Tameka for your service and sacrifice to our Country. I know that is something people “say,” but I truly appreciate what your Family has given for mine. It was such an honor to be a part of your homecoming. Thank you so much for allowing me to tell your story! XOXO!!
