Saluting Father's Day: dad raises three daughters as wife deploys Published June 18, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Aileen Carter Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- At 7 a.m., there isn't much time for tranquility in the Collins' household before a much anticipated interruption by Kennedy, 12, Taylor, 4, Reagan, 2, and three dogs - under the care of one parent. Nicknamed 'Mr. Mom' by Nellis community members, Mr. Clinton Collins, a dependent father and husband of 1st Lt. Christine Collins, a trauma nurse deployed to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, successfully negotiates a listing of to-do items, keeps his home spotless, takes care of his three daughters and manages time to train for a half marathon. Well rehearsed and in tune with his family's morning routine, Mr. Collins is prepared to greet the first of his staggering daughters, Reagan. Shortly after, his second oldest daughter, Taylor, emerges. With a brush and hair ornaments in one hand and cartoons playing in the background, Mr. Collins fashions his daughters' hair into pigtails - both a learned skill and accomplishment since his wife's deployment. "Usually I have everything pretty accessible, from the diapers right there on the ledge to all my hair essentials to get the girls ready in the morning" Mr. Collins said. "It's probably not the best tool -watching cartoons first thing in the morning, but it keeps their attention most - so I can do their hair and take over one child to the next, without them running off." As the primary caretaker while his wife is deployed, Mr. Collins' role as a dependent father at Nellis represents only a handful of men in similar situations. "I'd say about five to six percent of our military families is a dad, staying home, taking care of the kids, while the moms deploy," said Susan Robinson, director the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Nellis." With a background in the Air Force as an eight-year staff sergeant in law enforcement, Mr. Collins separated five years ago. He had met Lieutenant Collins when she was enlisted as an Airman in law enforcement. She went onto pursue nursing and commissioned in the Air Force. "I know my children are very well taken care of, I've got no worries [with Mr. Collins as the sole caretaker]," Lieutenant Collins said. "That's what makes me able to do what I do at work; I am able to focus on my job." But the highlight of the Collins' family takes place around 8 a.m. almost every morning, when the Collins' family here speak to Lieutenant Collins via web conference on their computer. It's as if Lieutenant Collins is physically in the room, and not over 7,000 miles away. Shortly after, breakfast is served and everyone is ready for a run. Mr. Collins takes his daughters to Runner's World, a rubberized track here, and runs up to 10 laps, the equivalent of seven miles, with Taylor and Reagan in the double jogging stroller and Kennedy walking behind. "From there, I'll go to either the library or grocery shopping, and then come back," Mr. Collins said. "By then, it's usually lunch time. We'll do lunch back in the house, and keep things going as far as laundry, dishes and picking up toys. I think what I do most days is picking toys." With increased deployments, military families must adapt and in some situations, such as this, switch roles. Mr. Clinton said he is lucky to be with his daughters and watch them grow. With Father's Day on May 21, Lieutenant Collins left her husband with a message. "Hi Clinton, this Father's Day will be more special than any Father's Day we've had in the past few years," Lieutenant Collins said. "Because we're apart, and in this moment that separates us, know that I am truly grateful for everything you've done for me and everything you've done for our children. You are my best friend. I love you, and I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day." Lieutenant Collins will be reunited with her family this month and their future family plans include a trip to Disneyland.
