For Quentin Carmichael, and the thousands of other deployed soldiers, a call home is a precious gift. Carmichael joined the Army National Guard following the September 11 attacks. In 10 years of service, he has seen the communication options for military members change dramatically by the growth of Cell Phones for Soldiers.

“Cell Phones for Soldiers has helped a TON of soldiers be able to call home,” Carmichael said. “Many of the younger soldiers don't have a lot of money, and I personally know at least a dozen soldiers that rely exclusively on the cards to call home, and their call frequency would’ve gone down to once every couple of weeks if they didn't have them.”

Carmichael also understands the importance of keeping in contact with his own family while separated. When asked what the hardest part of deployment was he said, “Not being there to help when things happen at home.” Carmichael explained, “Being able to call home helped a lot because she (his wife) could at least talk to me if she needed advice or just (needed to) vent.”

While many things involving deployments to the Middle East remain uncertain, Carmichael explains that one thing is for sure, “Cell Phones for Soldiers will continue to support soldiers overseas in all kinds of great ways.”