
Episode #133
Camaraderie, Colic and Courage: Mikey’s First Baby on Deployment
On this episode of Jenni's Uncensored Pennies, host Jennifer sits down with Cameron and his guest Michael ("Mikey"), currently on assignment in Okinawa, Japan. The conversation centers on Michael’s experience becoming a first-time dad just as his unit deployed — he was fortunate to be home for the birth and given two weeks afterward before shipping out. The trio explores what that timing has meant for him, his wife, and their newborn son. Michael shares candid moments about wrestling with the emotional strains of separation: the powerful impact of their first FaceTime calls, the pain of missing daily milestones (and the relief of avoiding dirty diapers), and the constant tug between duty and family. He talks about how his wife has handled pregnancy and early parenthood, the support network she has at home, and the realities of a colicky infant that throw routines off balance. The episode also dives into practical coping strategies while deployed: staying busy with fitness, golf and chores, maintaining frequent communication through daily FaceTimes and calls despite time differences, and leaning on shipboard camaraderie. Cameron and Jennifer highlight how this deployment feels different from previous ones because of the added responsibility and focus that parenthood brings. Key takeaways include appreciation for military spouses who hold down the home front, the importance of open communication during separation, and empathy for service members who balance duty with sudden life changes. The guests reflect on resilience, priorities shifting with a new child, and the hope of returning home in time to share big baby milestones. The episode closes with a heartfelt reminder from Jennifer: your voice matters — you are capable, lovable, deserving and enough. Listeners can expect an honest, emotional and uplifting conversation about love, service, and the challenges of being a deployed parent.

