Yakima family says goodbye to soldier deploying to Iraq

YAKIMA, Wash.- Yakima soldier Thomas Knoll deployed to Iraq this afternoon. His mother says it is his second time and it wasn't any easier. He is now leaving behind a wife and a daughter.

“I know it’s probably really hard for him to know that he's going to be gone for a year and miss her whole year,” said Esmeralda Knoll, Thomas’ wife.

"It's the hardest thing in world to send your son somewhere you know is so dangerous and you have no choice,” said Jerri Knoll, Thomas’ mother.

His family shared pictures of Knoll in Iraq. He was seriously injured last time and earned a purple heart and several other medals. His newest treasure is four-week-old Natalia. Knoll recorded his voice as he read bedtime stories, so no matter where he is he is still helping put her to sleep.

“He is my husband, my best friend and not having him here everyday to deal with all the good and bad, just not having him daily,” said Knoll.

The Knoll family is relying on the internet to communicate with Thomas. This is actually the way he started dating his wife.

“She worked for me and she talked to him on the internet and over the phone while he was waiting to talk to me she would talk to him and that’s how they got together,” said Knoll.

Thomas and Esmeralda have already had a few webcam conversations. She saved some of them to remember him. For now, the family says they are staying strong and proud of their soldier, Thomas Knoll.

“He's leaving behind a family and he wouldn't do this if he didn't feel it was something he had to do,” said Knoll.

“I tell him he's my favorite soldier, I am so, so proud of him,” said Esmeralda.

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