Apr 21, 2009

An Exciting Letter I got emailed today!

First Rock Families-
It is with great joy and excitement that I share this email with you as it not only makes your life easier, but it also serves as an exceptional example of the Army Family Action Plan (AFAP).A bit of background, late last year a Soldier in this BN and his wife had a baby boy. They wanted the son's first name to be the same as the father's.The middle names were different. When the father arrived at the birth registration office downtown, he was told that, under Italian law, it was illegal. Forced with no alternative, he switched the child's names and registered his birth - thus legally naming the child a something neither he nor his wife truly wanted. His only recourse was to take time and money to legally change his name upon returning to the states. Original document,however, would always have the wrong name. I was frustrated by this and put in an AFAP issue. It seemed unfair that we, non-Italian citizens whose children would ALSO be non-Italians, would be forced to give up one of our fundamental freedoms as American citizens - the right to name our children whatever we want. It turned out the Red Cross also put in a similar issue. In the end it was a hot topic at the local conference. Work to change the situation began immediately. The positive result is attached. I am so excited for EVERYONE, but especially the folks who want to continue family names, have hyphenated names or make up a name that no one has ever had before. Although it may sound like I am bragging, my real purpose is to share the AFAP news with all of you. If YOU are outraged by something that affects more than just your family, AFAP is your recourse. Submit your issue today at http://www.vicenzamwr.com/acs_afapform.html I have already put in two since March! (but you could have guessed that!)Thanks Jennifer

I wanted to share this exciting news! CPT Saahene has achieved what was thought impossible! I guess that is what AFAP is for :) See attached for the agreement to allowing the naming of children with the following exceptions to Italian regulations:
a child of two non-Italian citizens will be able to name their child the same as the parent, with two last names (of both parents), geographiclocations, seasons, months, days, after someone famous, or with a first name widely considered to be a last name.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

No attachment- I assume peanut can be Reamer if male! Great news. We need to talk- Dad is wanting to make reservations and is confused as to #'s where. I will try to come home from school on Wed. at 10:30- (4:30 your time?) so we can Skype- e-mail Dad when you read this to let us know if this works for you. I love you!!!
Mom

Tiny pieces of me... said...

Sorry I should have read this post BEFORE I posted a comment on your prior blog. That will teach me! lol. Congrats again!