Father's day, minus the father Published June 11, 2007 By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- Like most families, the Bonds have already started mapping out their Father's Day plans. Mother Aimee has organized a picnic with family. Kylie, 14, and Kory, 13, have helped purchase presents, and four-year-old Kenna has even colored pictures for the occasion. But the Bonds will be missing one critical element this year - the father. The Bonds are among the many military families who won't be watching their dad unwrap ugly ties and homemade gifts this June 17. Instead, Tech. Sgt. James Bond will be thousands of miles away in Iraq, fighting the Global War on Terror. "This is the first time, that I can think of, that he's ever missed a Father's Day," Mrs. Bond said. "So it's definitely going to be a little different for us." And for Sergeant Bond as well. Deployed since May, Sergeant Bond, who works in the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron, said he'll be celebrating the holiday at a special dinner for all of the dads he's stationed with. But he - and the others - will likely be thinking of home the whole time. "There are plenty of dads here, and I think that everyone, deep down inside, misses the special someones in their life," he said in an e-mail. "It is hard being away for any holiday, especially such a long distance away." Sergeant Bond said he takes comfort in the fact that he should be home by October, though, and that his work in Iraq is helping the U.S. military. "I have a job to do right now, and that is to build a better and stronger Iraq," he said. "I would love to be with my family on Father's Day, but I feel I am doing something for the good of all the military over here." And, Mrs. Bond said, she and the kids will just hold on to their celebration until Sergeant Bond returns. "They're already excited," she said. "We'll have a party. They want to make signs, meet him at the airport. We can't wait." Comment on this story.