Missouri Guardsman serving in Honduras is new fath

NACO, Honduras -- A Missouri National Guardsman participating in Beyond the Horizon 2012 returned home to St. Louis earlier this month for the birth of his first child.

Capt. Michael Paluczak, the operations and executive officer for BTH Honduras and a combat engineer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1140th Engineer Battalion in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and his wife have a new son.

Paluczak found out his wife would be induced and was able to get a flight home in time to be with her during the delivery.

His son arrived on May 9. Paluczak's visit with his wife and newborn son was short-lived. He had to catch a return flight to Honduras only three days later.

Before returning to his unit in Honduras, Paluczak was able to take his wife and newborn son home from the hospital. He stayed up with his baby boy on his last night home so his wife could get some much-needed rest.

"My wife and I are both from St. Louis so we have a great family support system there who can help her take care of the baby," Paluczak said. "Both of our parents and brothers live within 15 minutes of us."

Even with a strong family support system in place, leaving his family behind is no easy task.

"It's hard," Paluczak said. "You see the baby born and you're helping mom with taking care of the baby, and you're both there when the baby wakes up in the middle of the night. And you know when you leave there is only one person left to do all of that."

Paluczak returned to his Army duties on May 12. Now more than 2,500 miles separate Paluczak from his wife and son. But they are still able to keep in close contact.

"My wife and I have Skype set up," Paluczak said. "She has it on her phone so her and the baby are able to Skype whenever I'm able to call."

Having his boots back on the ground means it's time to shift his focus back to his operations and executive officer responsibilities.

Beyond the Horizon Honduras 2012 is an Army South exercise deploying military engineers and medical professionals to Honduras for training, while providing services to rural communities. Beyond the Horizon is part of U.S. Southern Command's annual humanitarian and civic assistance program.

"I work with getting all the rotations to and from the airport," Paluczak said. "I make sure requests are processed through Army South and I coordinate operations between the staff sections."

As with any job with the military there are challenges Paluczak faces. But for him, the challenges are the most interesting and fun aspects of the job, he said.

"I've never done anything to this scale before," Paluczak said. "The biggest challenge is trying to figure out what everyone's strengths and weaknesses are and then utilizing the staff to get them to work together. Everyone has a different level of expertise in his or her particular field. Everyone brings something different to the table."

Paluczak has served 11 years with the Missouri Army National Guard. He began his military career as an enlisted Soldier in the field artillery. He graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo. with a bachelor's degree in psychology in December 2005. He was also a member of ROTC and became a second lieutenant upon graduation.

In 2009 Paluczak deployed with the 203rd Engineer Battalion to Afghanistan.

Initially Paluczak joined the Missouri National Guard for the educational benefits.

"But those benefits only get you so far," Paluczak said. "Now it's about having American pride, giving back to my country, and knowing that I'm good at my job."

Paluczak is currently attending Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo. where he is pursuing a master's degree in education. He plans to become a history teacher. But for now, his sights are set on July when he can return home to his wife and son.

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