Deployment and Relationship

[Michael, My sailor is Andy]

My son is on the Carter Hall and as you know has been gone for a few months. I miss him and am excited for him. It seems that the sailors are having a lot of life enriching experiences. They are truly seeing the world and having experiences we can only wish we could have. I wish the danger element was not present. I send him care packages frequently. The sailors are probably quite isolated and can use the support from us at home. I am very proud of him and of how he has learned and grown since joining the Navy. It has made a man of him and is probably the most significant growth force in his life. Mike

[Michael, My sailor is Andy]

The short deployments are ok because you know it is more or less parctice. But when the big one comes and you do not really know where they are and when you do not hear from them you now things are going on. it gets frightening. but you are correct this has matured my son Andrew, and has totally changed his perspective on life and has made quite a responsible man of him/ Hope your sons are well. Mike

[Linda E./Justin div 161]

Thats one PROUD Dad! Thankyou and your son! Hope all stays SAFE.

[Michael, My sailor is Andy]

yes I am quite proud but yet scared. My son seeems to volunteer for the dangerous stuff. Oh whell i guess it is his life and excitment. Thanks Mike

[Carrie F]

Mike: My son is on the USS Ramage. Both the Ramage & and Carter Hall are both with the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group. I agree, their experiences will be ones that they'll never forget and I'm so grateful for the Navy and all that it's given to my son. But, I'm definitely looking forward to the homecoming... I'm already planning the party!

[Michael, My sailor is Andy]

You must be proud of your son as i am of mine. lets hope they all return unharmed and beetter for the experience. Do you have any idea about where they are? I know where they were but my sons silence the past week strikes me as his way of keeping secrecy. Mike

[Michael, My sailor is Andy]

it was nice hearing from you. If i hear anything shareable i will let you know so you may be less worried about the situaation our sailors are experiencing. Mine recieved an email after several weeks at sea from his wife and she statedd she needed a divorce. I think he is handeling it alright but is suffering. How can someone do that when you are awaiy defending your country? I worry that he can concentrate well enough to protect himself and his fellow sailors. Oh well s happens. Mike

[Kay]

Mike, I'm so sorry to hear about the e-mail from the wife. I agree with you, how can someone do that when you are away defending your country. It's only my opinion, however, for what it's worth: I really believe a man, or woman who leaves the spouse OR fiance when their significant other is defending our country has several severe problems. First (again IMHO) selfishness, Second, Immaturity and last I believe it is mental abusive. From what you've said, your son has really matured. Never having been in the military, I am assuming that the sailors serving together become close friends and like family. Your son has (I believe it with all my heart) a wonderful support group around him. I am not sure that I personally could have handled my husband being away from home all the time 30 years ago. I would have stayed because I took a vow of for "better or worse"... I would have honored it. It's hard for either spouse. However, it seems to me that she could have waited until he came home. I can tell you from experience that "what comes around goes around" He is in my prayers.

[Michael, My sailor is Andy]

Thank you Kay. Your value system is much more gentle and humanistic than his soon to be ex wife. I appreciate your thoughts and feelings concerning this matter and our sailors best interest.

[Kay]

Mike, Thank you for your kind words. I wish I could take credit for the thoughts -- I was taught by a friend of my husband's who retired from the Marines as a Major. He taught me. The witch with a 'b' comes out in me many times. One thing I would suggest, no matter what is that your son get an excellent attorney -- tell him he's done nothing wrong, so don't let her have everything she wants, he has no reason to feel guilty for his courange. I can tell he has a good support system in his Dad too. that will help.

[Michael, My sailor is Andy]

Thanks Kay I think he is doing well.

[connie]

My son has only been a Sailor since July 08-----he is on an aircraft carrier and will experience his first deployment.
I am excited an nervous for him...Heis going to experience so much and I look forward to hearing about it-----I know th edays heleaves will be very sad for our family----I went to see hi ship leave port when they went out for 2 months of work-ups...that was hard--but as Kathy said--our kids have really matured and manned up-----very proud of him--

[Michael, My sailor is Andy]

The first one for my son was a shake down for the sailors. When they deploy for the large number of months is when it becomes scarry. Mike