Fairchild tests morale video phone calls

October 1997
Originally published by Airman Magazine

Families of the 98th Air Refueling Squadron here became the first military dependents and active duty personnel to use a device for video morale calls. The calls were made while the aircrews were on a deployment to RAF Mildenhall, England, in July.

The device, a compact unit called the VideoPhone, allows families and deployed airmen to see and talk to one another through a regular telephone and a television set. On the deployment, all six morale calls made through the new device were successful, according to Von Poehlein, with the Air Force Communications Agency at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

According to Poehlein, the VideoPhone will sell as individual units for approximately $500 each. Ordinary phone lines are used, and a telephone is plugged into the unit. The VideoPhone then hooks up to the television.

"It’s similar to how you would use a VCR," Poehlein said. "Making sure you have the TV tuned to the correct channel, you make the phone call to the location. The other person must have the same device up and running for it to work, however."

The VideoPhone recieved good reviews from the separated families, which operated the unit for the first time. All agreed they like seeing faces as well as just hearing their voices over a conventional telephone.

"This was a great experience. We would love to be able to do this again," said Sara Nicholls, wife of Capt. Kennis Nicholls of the 98th ARS.

"My kids enjoyed seeing their dad," said Keri Millward, wife of Capt. Michael Millward.

"The VideoPhone is a great idea today," said Colleen Lippert, wife of Capt. Steve Lippert. "It is nice to know that morale is valued during deployments. We appreciate it."