On YouTube, numerous social media platforms and even television commercials, heartwarming videos of military servicemen or women returning home to their families always manage to surface every few weeks or so.
While the emotions of family members can be seen in these videos, few really know the emotional tax that families of military personnel go through during this time.
Sophomore Chris Klementich and his family went through all of this during the 15-month period that his father, Michael Klementich Sr., was deployed in Afghanistan. He suffered a collapsed lung and was rehabilitated on the East Coast.
During the majority of his deployment, Klementich Sr. was a Corporal, but went on to become a Sergeant before an honorable discharge due to his lung issues.
At this time, Klementich was only 11 years old and in fifth grade at Emperor Elementary School.
“When he left, I felt as though my closest friend had left,” Klementich said. “I had to confide in the comfort of my mother and older brother and I remember being really depressed.”
In the early months of his father’s deployment, Klementich’s grades began to slip and he had no motivation to succeed.
As time passed, however, Klementich and his family were able to cope with the absence of his dad better, but things were simply different without him. While his mother could fill his daily roles, there was a real emotional absence within the family.
“My family life was very plain and repetitive without him,” Klementich said. “My dad’s personality is very unique and outgoing and he gives some flare to the lives that surround him.”
Upon returning home, Klementich Sr. decided to surprise his son at school with a pizza party for his entire sixth grade class.
While administrators, teachers and even Klementich’s family were aware of what would happen at the party, Klementich had no idea. When he saw his father for the first time in over a year he was shocked.
“When I saw my dad, I immediately ran to give him a hug,” Klementich said. “It wasn’t until I hugged him, that I really grasped that he was back.”
Luckily for Klementich and his siblings, this was their father’s first and last deployment. Klementich Sr. now works in the construction industry and has gone back to school at Pasadena City College.