Stephen F. Austin State University

Capt. Robert P. Hurst missed the ceremony when his brother was married two years ago because he was on his first deployment in Al-Asad, Iraq, as a pilot for the United States Marine Corps. When his sister was married Saturday, he was again in Al-Asad on another deployment, but he said a few words at the reception, thanks to modern technology.

"We are a very close-knit family," said Bob Hurst, Robert's father. "When we realized he would not get home for his sister's wedding, I was determined to see if modern technology could bring the family together."

Since the reception was to be held in SFA's Grand Ballroom, Hurst contacted SFA IT personnel to see if they could create a technological solution for bridging the gap. Hurst also worked with Reggie Hudson, director of Fredonia Hill Baptist Church's TV ministry, to stream the wedding on the Web so Robert could watch from Iraq.

"SFA was wonderful in their response," Hurst said. "Scott Lofton did a yeoman's service in helping set things up for success. Technology on SFA's end was flawless, so any quality issues were simply from the Web and the military Web servers in Iraq. Additionally, the Fredonia Hill TV ministry did a great job broadcasting the wedding on the Web for Robert to watch."

Capt. Hurst attended the reception from the confines of his barracks at Al-Asad airfield.

"It meant a lot to at least feel like I could say 'howdy' to the family and wish my sister and her new husband the best," Robert told his dad. "Tell everyone involved thanks for making this happen."

Robert is a 1998 graduate of NHS and a 2002 grad of the U.S. Naval Academy.