R v. D

HOGAN, Judge.

This appeal is taken from that part of a decree of dissolution awarding principal custody of the parties’ minor child to his mother. The child, whose custody is the subject of this appeal, is a male now six (6) years of age. R_ is the mother; D_ is the father; they shall be referred to as such.

The parties were married March 4, 1977. Shortly thereafter, the father joined the Marine Corps. While they were living on a military post in California, the child was born. After the child was born the father was posted to Okinawa. The mother moved back to Missouri. Both parties and their…