Anyone have a son or daughter in or heading to Behrain

[Denise]

My son left this morning for Behrain, and I am a nervous wreck!! He recently finished his school, and was assigned to Virginia. My son was home on leave for Christmas, which was great, but upon arriving in Virginia on January 8 he was told that his unit had already left port, and was deployed to Behrain and he would most likely have to meet them. We were informed by my son yesterday that he would be leaving this morning. I thought when he first told us that he would be going to Behrain (when he called us upon arrival in Virginia )I thought I was ok with it. It began a reality when his navy sponsor called our house yesterday trying to reach my son, at that point I knew it was really happening! They called a few times during the day, the last call came at 3:40 pm and he was officially given his orders. At this point he was only told that he would be leaving at 7 am, he did not receive any more information that , I guess for security reasons. I talked to him early this morning as he was packing up the last of his things, he still had no idea what his travel plans were. He sounded more anxious today than when he first found out he was going ( I think his anxiety was about not knowing his travel plans). I asked him if he was alright with his deployment and he said "yeah", but it is not my top ten list of places to visit. I kept the call short and told him how proud we are of him and how much we love him. He said he would try to call after he was briefed on his travel arrangements, but have not heard from him. I know he will be fine, for me it will take a bit longer. Can anyone let me know what to expect when he is in Behrain, what about a call saying he is there?, mail? any tips or advice is greatly needed at this time

[Anti M]

Both my husband and my friend Troy have made portcalls at Bahrain. They seemed to have liked it quite a bit. The base there is very secure, and one of the safer places in the Middle East. I know Troy couldn't call us from his cellphone, there was no service for his plan (don't recall what he had). Make sure your son has a hard copy of the phone numbers he will want, if he can't get service, he may not be able to access his phone list. I don't know about mail, but I assume they'll have access to an FPO/APO like any other base. It will be slow.

I know they keep the guys busy, but I understand there's enough activities no one should get terribly bored. The shopping is fabulous! Tell him you'd like him to visit the Gold Suq (sook) if he has the chance. Bahrain is one of the places I'd like to go! But then, I'm a culture and history junkie.

Then again, if he's guarding oil platforms, he may be bored out of his skull, I've heard that from Navy buddies too.

[Denise]

Thank you for your response, I feel less anxious than what I was. I think it was just the thought of him shipping out right out of school and even before he had time to check out his base, for him it was the not knowing how he was getting there. I talked to him right before his plane left and he sounded good and much more relaxed, there was about nine of them going, so he was not alone. We will be fine, thanks for your support.

[Gary]

My son was over there for 1 year. He loved it. He wants to go back. He told me it was safer over there than most major citys.

[Denise]

It seems that Bahrain is a place that you dont think you will enjoy, but from what I hear those who have been there would have no problem going back. I cant wait to hear his opinion, it is sure to be good. Thanks for your response, it has helped me to be less anxious about his deployment. Thanks again

[Barbara Georges]

My son was there last March for a few days on his way to Iraq. He liked it. He also stopped there in Oct. on his way home. He just told me tonight that he may be headed back to Iraq again in March.

[Denise]

It seems there a lot of positive feedback about Bahrain. Thank you for you input, as for your son going back to Iraq, I am sure it is just as hard as to have him go back as it was the first time he went. Stay strong as you did in the past and keep him close to your heart and mind, and you will get through it as you have.

[Doreen]

Hi Denise - you should check out the group called "Bahrain Moms". It has a lot of good information on it. My son will also be going over there next month sometime. I know it will be hard on me - but he is doing what he wants and I couldn't be more proud of him. A lot of people in our small hometown always ask where he is and what he is doing. It is nice to see that some people really respect our sons and what they are doing for our country. God bless you and your family and keep in touch.

[Anti M]

Everyone repeat after me, "Son, I'd like you to visit the Gold Souk and bring me a small souvenir."

Trust me on this!