Anyone with Sailors/Soldiers/Marines in War Zones and Combat Areas

I think Malamama's son just knows her really, really well...don't they all?

TNM...hope those storms just passed you by the last few days...and so glad your son is home with you!!

TDM I can't agree with you more, we are moms and we can't help it, we want to know.  I still laugh at what I told my son when we rode with the recruiter the first time to another city for his testing overnight.  I said when you get there tell me what hotel you are at.  I told him I will always find where he was last seen and come find him if he is ever missing.  I keep track of him all the time.  He's almost 24 and we laugh about it but he seems to find great relief in telling me too because he knows mom has to know.  All my friends laugh at that cartoon for this group that shows moms parachuting in...haha.  We do what we need to do.  Anyway...   I have some questions too because I can't tell if my son is trying to protect me "mom" or just isn't able to say so maybe if I ask someone can tell me how this works...

If he has found out he is "going outside the wire" for a project but he can't say where or when, after they are gone from the main camp will we know where they are?  When I hear "outside the wire" is it more dangerous?  Do the guys themselves typically get more nervous about "outside the wire" too?  I read one of the moms say that you son wants food sent because he doesn't like the food {MRE}  what is MRE?  And finally if I send a box with food to the same address on the base where he's at til "outside of wire" will it get to him once he is "outside the wire"?  Okay....can you tell someone is feeling a little better?  I did go to church for first time in over a month this weekend.  I've been to my day job 4 times now and went out to eat for my birthday several times this weekend but I'm still feeling a little weak.  But much better.  Also,  good news...my son got his guitar that I was worried about getting to him.  He was so happy. 

Any information teaching this mom on first deployment the in's and outs of this inside and outside wire stuff would be appreciated....thanks.  He seems to be learning as he goes too.  We all are.  Which I'm glad we are all learning together.  It keeps me occupied.  Love and prayers to all you moms and all our kids. 

ktssong, here is when you have to learn to let go a little...you can't keep track of him all the time, you just can't. He's a military professional, he has a job to do that you know little about and that's how it's supposed to be. No, you won't know where he is most of the time and he won't be able to tell you. He'll tell you more when he gets home, but he can't share information with his family about military movements or action. If he does tell you something, you can't tell anyone else. You can speak in generalities here, but you cannot share what he says. OPSEC is important, some links above to info about it.

Outside the wire means they are out of their safe pocket, be it a base, camp wherever. On patrol, on a project, in the villages around, someplace. I don't know if I'd call it "nervous" but they are on high alert when they are out of the wire, as it should be. Packages will wait until they come back..

MRE meals ready to eat : " a self-contained, individual field ration in lightweight packaging "  All I've heard about them is some are better than others, and it usually beats going hungry. It's also the reason I'm sure that I made soft tacos every single morning  for 3 weeks when my son came home from Iraq and chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy every night.

Now, I hope I haven't said anything to upset you, or make you worry more because you are sounding better! It's a new world for moms, handing control of our children off to them, and without asking us anything about it! Ma Navy is in charge, I grew up like that, and you get used to it.

Yep, No offense taken.  I understand OPSEC and follow it.  Just wondered how parents are sending food to them when they aren't on base, how did they know where to send it.  Trying to understand what things mean as they progress like the word "Det".  When I read articales in Seabee Magazine or on the Battalion Blog and they speak of Det's.  Are those the groups that have been sent outside the wire on projects and it is short for word  "detachment"?  Because we are following OPSEC we have to figure some things out by experience.  Next time we will better understand.  One thing I fully try to follow though is not giving out info of where or when etc.  I understand the importance of their safety and will not jeopardize that.   Just trying to learn about what this means in a forum where I can ask because we are talking but in keeping with OPSEC.  They say experience is the best teacher and we are learning alot of lessons here for sure.   I'm sure when we all reunite afterwards just like when we all got together after bootcamp we talked and shared about what happened we learned alot about what each other went through during the experience.  Thank you for the info on the  MRE too. 

I don't know what the DET means, I'll check with my son or another Bee mom, maybe they know...nothing in the link up above for it, or when I google it.

My son talked when he came home for the most part. He did talk to me on one of his calls about how he saw PTS in the Marines who had been on multiple deployments, how they were one person back in NC, and another in Iraq. He told me to get my Navy moms fired up and writing Congress to make sure they got more help and were not going to be belittled for being diagnosed with PTS, or not get help. He says it's a lot better now, more is being done for those diagnosed with PTS.

If you are interested in what your kid is eating check out these "menus" for MREs

http://www.mreinfo.com/us/mre/menus-xxxi-2011.html

They HAVE improved over the years, but from what I understand how good they taste depends on how hungry a person is. (Chances are, it doesn't taste like Mom's cooking...and even things (s)he turned up his nose at, will suddenly taste like heaven.)

When my son (a Seabee) went over there, he went with a battalion...his DET (detachment) was a group within the battalion.  That probably doesn't help much but it might explain a bit.  I think, depending on where they are and what they are doing, they can get mail, but it is iffy. 

Since it's a learning experience for him and I both sides home and there I just do what he says for now.  He said to stop boxes til he lets me know ok to send again .  I  thought I'd ask because it sounded like some of the moms comments had sons or daughters off the base too and were sending things still.  I'm definitely sure of one thing that if they can have it and want it he will find a way to get that message to us if possible.  In meantime I will keep busy.  I decided to organize a Navy4Mom Spring Breakfast in our area.  I posted on our moms group for our state and have already had responses so that will be good. 

Off to go to work and vote today.  I've urged all those I can to do same.  Also TDM tell your son we will write.  That is another positive thing we can do.  Have a good day moms. and God Bless our Troops.

This is one of those days I read these posts and say thanks to God for each and every mom and dad that posts here. The support is incredible...I don't need it any longer like you do, but I've been on this board for so long that when it happens, it makes my heart sing and my eyes cry.

Malamama, yes, many times those who have never had a child in a warzone do not understand. I think it's just they don't understand the fear, how deep it is, how real it is and how it consumes a parent who has worked her/his whole adult life to raise a young man or woman, and now they are in harm's way and we can do nothing. I sometimes think that my nephew's terrible car accident that left him brain injured prepared me somewhat, the sitting in ICU being helpless....except I could see him, hold him, sing to him and work to help his rehab. So, to me, this war zone hell is worse. They just don't get it. Sometimes it can make you angry,  and all the time it's frustrating, but I finally came to the conclusion that I don't want any more people than necessary to ever know this fear.

I do a water aerobics class at an all women's gym, many older (even then me) women in that class...almost all have had husbands or kids in the military. That was a huge support for me, a huge support when Matt was deployed. They got it. It didn't matter their politics, race, faith...they got it. He had prayers going up for him from all of them in so many different languages and to this day, when I walk in, they each ask after him. So much joy when I said he had finally left the Navy..! (by the way, his official last day of leave was yesterday! he's out!)

Mala,please take a look at the links above the discussion area, including the ones about after deployment and secondary PTS. As you read, if you find better information you think we need to have there please post it here so I can share the links with all. It's good he's talking, even if it's hard for you to hear, and I agree with you, I didn't want to hear it either. But you know what he's facing and what he's seeing, and you know it's affecting him (and you). Start your research now and reach out to those professionals who know how to help you and your son when he returns. Be prepared. And do not hesitate to come here, you are not alone in this, my friend. You are part of an amazing group of strong parents here, and you will not face it alone. If you like, send your friend here to read, maybe she would understand just a bit better the everyday hell of being the mom of a child in a war zone. And if you can, let her know that none of us wish this on her or another mom. Ever. 

Malamama....I read your share and I have tears in my eyes with you as I read.  We may not be in a physical room next to you but this group is like being in a room together when we share.  I care too about your son and your heaviness and I'm so thankful with you like your husband said for your line of support to each other, that painted a beautiful picture in my mind of how you are holding each other up.  I will be praying for all of you, especially your son.  I promised my son I will support  his choice to join the Navy when he signed up last year but I honestly after only one year can say I will be glad for the day that comes like TDM when your son is out.  I'm really happy for you.  I can almost feel your relief.  I did something a little silly for my son today.  He sent me a message saying they are doing a little fun thing right now having a mustache march and everyone has a mustache....I guess...well my daughter had just posted a picture of my six month old granddaughter, his niece with a Mustache on her face from the Dr. Suess movie.  It was so funny, I posted it on his wall to make him smile and told him that she wanted to be in the mustache parade too...I hope it makes him smile next time he gets online.  

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the  6 British soldiers killed today in Lash Kharga.  How horrible.  My son's return cannot come quick enough.  It is getting more scary every day he is there.  Also I ask all of you to please say a prayer to the family of Conner Lowry who was killed last week.  He was a very close friend of my son.  My son has lost 2 close friends on this deployment.  He really is hurting and I wish I can take his pain away.  Why is there no counceling out there for these men and women?  He doesn't have anyone to talk to.  He called me crying and said he won't be able to deal with losing another friend.  I feel so helpless.  It breaks my heart seeing him go through this.  I just bawled on the phone with him and could not help myself.  I told him I just want him home and it can't come soon enough.  I wasn't much of a help to him, but I guess all of it was building up over the last month as I haven't cried in that long.  I'm sure it didn't make him feel any better.  He use to hang out with Conner and his fiance on the weekends.  I cannot imagine the pain they are going through right now.  We really need to stop this nonsense and bring our men and women home.  Sorry, I just had to let this all out.  Even my husband is feeling it now.  He knows as he lost several in Iraq when he was there.  My husband still has nightmares and has to take meds to sleep.  So sad to see them go through all of this.  I tell my son I am always here for him and will be here if he needs me.  Thank God he can talk about it to me and his girlfriend.  We are the only 2 he calls.  I guess this is a step for him to heal. Sorry I have just rambled on,  but had to get out and write down how I feel at this moment.  Thank you all for listening.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the  6 British soldiers killed today in Lash Kharga.  How horrible.  My son's return cannot come quick enough.  It is getting more scary every day he is there.  Also I ask all of you to please say a prayer to the family of Conner Lowry who was killed last week.  He was a very close friend of my son.  My son has lost 2 close friends on this deployment.  He really is hurting and I wish I can take his pain away.  Why is there no counceling out there for these men and women?  He doesn't have anyone to talk to.  He called me crying and said he won't be able to deal with losing another friend.  I feel so helpless.  It breaks my heart seeing him go through this.  I just bawled on the phone with him and could not help myself.  I told him I just want him home and it can't come soon enough.  I wasn't much of a help to him, but I guess all of it was building up over the last month as I haven't cried in that long.  I'm sure it didn't make him feel any better.  He use to hang out with Conner and his fiance on the weekends.  I cannot imagine the pain they are going through right now.  We really need to stop this nonsense and bring our men and women home.  Sorry, I just had to let this all out.  Even my husband is feeling it now.  He knows as he lost several in Iraq when he was there.  My husband still has nightmares and has to take meds to sleep.  So sad to see them go through all of this.  I tell my son I am always here for him and will be here if he needs me.  Thank God he can talk about it to me and his girlfriend.  We are the only 2 he calls.  I guess this is a step for him to heal. Sorry I have just rambled on,  but had to get out and write down how I feel at this moment.  Thank you all for listening.

DJ...I know you want to be up-beat for your son, but for something like this, crying with him and really sharing his pain, may be the best thing.  If only you could hold him as you used to do....  Anyway...I know when I'm hurting REAL bad, I get upset with those that try to brush it off.  Follow your heart on this one, and keep praying.  Get him home safely...THEN you can deal with his mental state.  Prayers are going out...but so many times I wish I could do more.

My heart to all of you in such pain for your kids and to the family of Conner Lowery as they try to come to peace through their grief, and to all of those who have served with him and loved him. DJ, you follow your heart with your son, you're his mom, and he turns to you. Is there a chaplain there? He needs to talk this out with someone face to face. I'm going to ask around about how to do this without causing any waves for him. I've always thought they should have a specialty school for PTS corpsmen with one on site all the time, just for this.

Malamamma....new meltdown spot....the dentist's office! We've had Walmart meltdowns, Target tantrums, and now Dental screams. We will make this country remember we are at war.

Welcome, Dawn...we're here!

Have to head to work, thinking of you all. You are not alone.  

TexasDocMom, No Chaplain available.  Infact, he is not with his unit at this time and the guys he is with do not understand.  He is feeling a lot of guilt because him and his other Corpsman buddy are the only 2 not assigned where his unit is. I try to talk about other issues to him now and try to make him laugh.  He has a fantastic girlfriend who has been so supportive.  Both of us feel the same, though. Helpless.  He is now moving to a Patrol Base permanently and that scares me even more.  2 months of hell before he comes home.

Much Trouble, Thank you for caring.  You are right, I guess crying with him and talking about it is the first step in healing.  When he called me, I was having lunch with my brother and my legs nearly gave out.  I started bawling in the restaraunt.  I just wanted to hold him and tell him it was all going to be ok.  I don't think I cried so hard in a long time.  Then his girlfriend called me bawling since she knows Conner and his fiance also.  She is in CA and I always feel so helpless since I am so far away here in DC.  Very frustrating to me.  I cannot tell you how much I want him home and safe.  

BTW...I cannot thank you all enough for being here.  I love being able to relate to you all and know you all are feeling the same pain.  

Coaching Into Care

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Hi, I don't say too much but I read your posts and appreciate them. It is comforting to know that you understand how I feel and we are getting through this together.

I feel a bit jealous since my son hasn't called. He did email me once though. 

Thanks!

Barbara! I know exactly how you feel....and then when he did call, ATT had messed up the changing of my phone number and I missed 3 calls! I was so angry! He told me once that the lines at those phone banks/places are so long and he felt bad taking a spot when some father had a kid to call.....

Post anytime you feel like it! we love to hear from you!

DJones...You, your son and husband are in my prayers.

Thank you all for being here for me.  Remember I am thinking of all of you also who have loved ones over there.  I absolutely agree, it is time to come home.  Not next year, not 6 months.  NOW...It breaks my heart knowing these families/friends are suffering the loss of their loved ones.  I just cannot imagine what they have to go through.  I really want someone to explain to my one thing, "Why are we still there?"  Majority of our military doesn't trust the ANA or any Afghans.  Why should we?  Sorry, I am just so angry.  I pray my son comes home without ANY PTSD.  

Oh...and please keep all the families of the 6 British soldiers killed in your thoughts.  How horrible.  Most were so young.  They are feeling the pain also.  A waste of life.  So sad.

Malamama, there is another group we started a couple of  years ago: Futtlebutt  where we have had discussions like this in the past. Please join us there , we can get a good conversation going on the topic about ending this war  ( and avoiding more war in IRAN!! ) etc.

My son was talking about Invisible Children, he likes the focus, he's concerned about the handling of all the money flowing into it as people realize what's going on. I'll hunt down the link he shared and post it on Futtlebutt.

Susan, you worded it perfectly. Only military families will feel sympathy for this man and his family, but we know he was driven to the edge, and then went over. I wonder how many deployments this man has been ordered on...Innocent women and children in 3 homes died. And yes, his family at home will not have their son come home again.

I just heard about all this by getting an email from my church today saying they heard the morning news and started praying for our soldiers today.    I just sat down this minute reading emails and realized more going on over there. Above this comment wall is a section called RSS.  It seems to have most recent news and I'm glad it's there because I'm starting to check it but what does RSS stand for?  I'm just going to keep praying for all our men and women and that God would help their minds and that our leaders would come up with a plan of action to help prevent sending anyone with PTSD back over.  I feel awful for his parents also.  God Bless everyone. Sorry for all that this kind of news hit. 

I set up the RSS from http://www.icasualties.org , they have the latest news and info, as well as casualty information than any other site I've read over the last few years.

I appreciate you setting that up because to tell the truth it's kinda overwhelming all the news in all the different places so it's easier for me to come here and read it too then I don't feel so all over the place.  You amaze me.

There would never be a right time for this to happen.  Its something that we would never dream would happen.

I can't think of words of comfort for you all. War is horrific and this is a worse night mare. I feel guilty, my son is here in my home, came to work in the yard with me over spring break. Today, I enrolled a young Marine (or ex Marine, out 1 month, just like my son) in our weight room program at work. Both of them sporting beards and swearing to never shave again. Tomorrow night my son will visit with a young Marine (also now an "ex"Marine) who visited with us a couple of years ago when he was home on R&R when he was injured in Afghanistan. He's 100% well, going to college here in Austin. They all look great, well  built young men, smart, and focused on working hard in college. I can't tell you that what is inside is as well as the outside but they are here, and safe.  

 We all have to know and believe that this will happen to each of you as well, there will be an after deployment for your kids, and for you. You have to focus on that, the end of their deployments, and they will come home.

Just remember you are not the only one praying for your kids. This nation is waking up to the right thing to do about this war, and it will be over. You are not alone.

TDM...Once again, you have found the "right" words.  There IS a life after...and it can be a good one.  Also, some of the changes you see may be very positive.  A lot of "growing up" is done over there...That crazy kid you had may suddenly start talking about the world situation, and no matter what his opinions are, you can see that he has given everything much serious thought, and his ideas really make sense. 

At times like now, the sayings "One day at a time", "Left foot, right foot", Let go and let God", and "No news is GOOD news" are especially important.  They will get you through the day...or even the hour.  When nothing seems calming, come here and talk about it...There is another Mom (or many other Moms) sitting in front of her computer feeling the same way.  It is strange how it works, but every time I've come here for comfort, it seems to comfort someone else.  (Of course, it also works the other way, when I reach out to another Mom, I find comfort for myself.) 

I'm on here this morning after a night of tossing and turning and dreaming of my son all night.  The good thing was that I was dreaming about the "after" deployment so that was good but when I wake up from tossing and turning all night he is a constant on my mind.  He told me not to worry if I don't hear from him for a couple months because he didn't know if he'd have ability wherever he goes but with this new event I'm glad he said that but I don't feel good.  I feel selfish for asking God to let me just hear his voice or just a one sentence on fb or anything.  If it comes good.  If not...no news is good news is how I will look at it.  At least I'm not the only one on here already this morning.  Off to work now.  I had to stop in and say good morning moms and like others, would rather hear news here than at work.  Even my co-workers have said they have heard about everything on the news and can't quit thinking about my son and all of them so many thoughts are with all of our children today.  God cover them with your protection and help them be more than conquerors today.  Amen

Our Battalion posted alot of pictures of their Seabee Birthday Celebrations and just spent time looking at all of them.  It's just nice to see them smile and enjoying a celebration together.  It cheered me up to see all of them.  We have alot of strong men and women.  God Bless them All and it was just so nice to see our Military take time to let them have a picnic.  They are an example to us of making the best of it and so should we.  What an inspiration.

PTS and laughing  spotted this article on how one woman beats back her PTS ....and thought...laughing is always good, maybe there's a hint here for someone to help beat off the worry blues.

We have suddenly  received bills here at our house for our son's Verizon bill.  He suspended it before he deployed and it was supposed to stay suspended until he came home and told them to reactivate.  After me talking to them twice and sending a letter (forging his name) I was getting nowhere, and getting frustrated.  I kept going up the ladder, and then I mentioned the Servicemember's Civil Relief Act.  They are required to suspend contracted services for deployed military.  When he comes home I will get a POA from him, and he will add me as his account manager for Verizon.  Reminds me of the Delta fiasco where they charged people coming home from deployment for their luggage!

eurekamom, I went through something similar with my son's Sprint folks. Finally I just asked to speak to a supervisor, when I faxed the info they wanted (that copy of those orders they get for this purpose)...he not only wasn't charged, when he got home he had a rather large credit!

Dawn, our hearts to you...and our ears to listen, and lots of support here when you need it.

I don't have time right now to go into it, but I met a young musician here working with Soldiers Songs, and another group, doing guitar workshops and instruction for veterans here in Austin and in San Marcos. Anyway, Dustin's dad, Kevin Welch is pretty well known in singer/songwriter circles. We were discussing deployment....and they said if I could discribe it in one word,....and I said "fear". and burst into tears on them...I'm having meltdowns and my son isn't even in the Navy anymore. It just doesn't go away, I guess. That memory of it, feeling the pain of families...and I thanked Dustin with a Navy mom hug, because he is REALLY working hard to raise funds and awareness for this music program for veterans and wounded warriors. I told him our second greatest fear was that Americans do not think about this war and our kids there...and his work showed that he is finding people who do. Many of my music friends stepping up to work this program, make cds for fundraising, etc. I'll share the flyer when I am at my home computer.The goal is to make this a nation wide program, with musicians across the country working with vets and wounded warriors.

Not too bad for not having enough time to go into it...geez.

Well haven't been on in a few days.  Have been having one of those weeks.  You know the kind where you fall off ladders, break your phone, tires go flat and then I did have a meltdown too,  it hit me while I was on hold with a customer and a song me and my son used to sing together came on that he had played at his wedding.  "It says can you hear me, I'm calling to you, across the waters, in the deep blue ocean,.....says he's talking in my dreams."  I had just had a dream where he was talking and it was as if he was talking to me on hold line and I got to listen to the whole song.  My phone had been broke that day and when I ran home there was a message from him on fb to me...Wow...tears filled my eyes.  Guess what.. those moments make everything worth it...I also got a bill from his Sprint saying he owed.  They are really good.  They don't make you go through hoops.. They accidentally put him on season hold which charges you instead of military suspension which doesn't.  They backed it up and fixed it and cleared his bill to zero.  They verified he was active duty while I was on the phone in less than 5 minutes.  My daughter in law didn't want to deal with them and asked if I would, she is a little young and shy so it was something I could do to help but I can't say enough good about Sprint they are great with the military.  PS Tire is fixed, no broken bones from fall off ladder just a ripped ear and on medications again, back to working two jobs and doing zumba and kinda tired but forging ahead...Feels good because after next week we have two months behind us and that is a great feeling.  .....Not sure where everyone is from but if you are like us this weather is fantastic we are having and makes it easier to deal with difficult days at least to look at the sunshine.  Have a good one...Praying for all and I brag about you moms....You are all a strength to me you will never ever know.

I just read about the well water project, I am so proud of all the Seabee's who have worked on this project along with other projects..My daughter has been in the Navy for one year know.  She is on her first deployment in Afghanistan as a Seebee.  I hardly ever spot her in any of the pictures but she has never been one to like to be in pictures any way so it's no surprise I don't see her, but one little glimpse would be nice someday.

Everything you send, put in a zip lock bag...buy the big ones too, they use every one of them. My son wrapped his laptop in a towel, then in two big ziplocks.  That sand is horrific!

Hi everyone!  I don't post much on here, but read EVERY last post. Thanks again, who ever I took the advice from, too, about packing everything in Ziploc.  I finally saw my son in a FB pic...and it really was him.  I had "thought" I saw him in pictures in the past (wishful thinking I am sure) and he shoots back "don't you even know your own son?"  you know, it is kinda hard when they all dress the same....anyone else do this?  I KNOW it's wishful thinking to just catch a glimpse. That waterwell project looked really nice.  My son is building roads

Just had a facebook chat with my son - even though he's in that sandy place... How wonderful it was!  We have never been on at the same time, and he has only posted something on fb 3-4 times since he went overseas.  I am just so so so so happy!  He sounded good, very cheerful, getting all his mail and packages.  I don't know how I will ever get to sleep tonight!

The good thing is about the 'return' to deployment is that it isn't their call, it's the Navy /Marines call...and anyone can be transferred out at any time. I learned that with  my son, his procrastination about re enlisting ended up with him being transferred to 2nd Reg, when he thought he still had time to decide. Ended up working the Methadone Clinic and learning a whole lot about addiction and how you cannot make someone help themself.

Congrats to Julie!! and to Chief for BOOTS DOWN USA!!!!!

First of all, we've started a group called Transistions for moms whose kids are leaving or have left the Navy/Army/Marines/Air Force.  Just comparing notes.

What I meant was this...I was like you, worrying about the next deployment. The Navy/Marines, however, have their own plan for each of our kids, and it doesn't automatically mean that they will stay with that unit to deploy again. In my son's case, his screwing around about reenlisting (he was offered the lead spot as corpsman with his Marine unit, he was "thinking" about it), meant on March 1 of that year, bam! he got his  papers to transfer out to 2nd Reg. (and THEN he reenlisted, like he thought he was getting fired or something..). Corpsmen, in particular, can be transferred as need requires.

My son used to tell me, before deployment, that I had two perfect grandkids from his sister and I didn't need anymore. When he came back from Iraq, I heard "I don't want to start a family in the military, it's too tough on them." I have to admit, I almost fainted at the "start a family" words...Yes, deployment changes their perspective. And one reason he left the Navy is because he fell in love and that was the first time I ever heard him say "I don't want to deploy any more." This wonderful young woman was more important to him than anything else. Thank God.

Your son needs to look at his future, and what he wants to accomplish. Does he want to go to school? My son bought that new house in San Antonio, shares the rent with othes, and uses the GIBILL for school...works a part time job. He's making it, but he saved his money before. He still had his enlistment bonus in the bank from 8 years ago! (not from my side of the family, that's for sure). Anyway, visit the other group and you'll find some moms with good thoughts on this topic.

Funny mom2nw I also have seen pics and some I thought were my son and weren't.  I'm sure I was wishful thinking.  I finally did see one of him playing ping pong during the day they celebrated the Seabee Birthday.  It was really nice to see him.  It was no mistake, it was him.  Made my day. 

And TexasDocMom that video made me stand and raise my arms and say yes,  I dream of this day...I can't wait.  It was an awesome video.  Thank you for sharing.  My office is in the front of my home so when I'm in there at night with a light on if anyone drives by they may see through my sheers and think I'm crazy with my hands in the air...awe...who cares what people think...I can't help it....they are coming home one day and I'll be singing that song too.  Thanks again. 

Air ForceFinancial Analyst recieves Bronze Star

Yep, that's what it says...an Air  Force NCO received the Bronze Star. Did she do her job? yes. Did she do it well? evidently. But A BRONZE STAR?? those awards are for warriors...out of the wire, watching each other's backs, taking fire for their brothers....I am livid. And it's getting quite the reaction from the Marines and Corpsmen on Facebook, at least the ones connected to my son's page.

Heard from my daughter in law that my son messaged that he had lime burn on his feet.  I got the message while everything at work was going haywire because we are shorthanded.  I felt my heart sadden for discomfort he may have while working in boots but found myself pull it together and thank God that it wasn't worse than that.  It's a discomfort that will pass, it could be worse.  Then I went on with my day thankful for that.  Neither of us know more than that. I'm sure there are so many with so many different discomforts.  I actually have caught myself begin to say something stupid like "oh man, I gotta go cut the grass" then I realize that's nothing.  They would love to be here cutting grass.  Having a family member deployed certainly brings perspective on alot of life's everyday chores.  They are no longer a pain.  More a reminder.

All I can say is that I'm learning during this how to keep it together and keep moving on.  Just like I'm sure they have to do too.  I think our sons and daughters are strong because they come from strong family. 

Also, thank you to those of you with the advice on the baggies, wish I had read it before I sent the box out on Monday.  Oh well, next week I'll send them.  Good advice because he's already mentioned how bad the last sandstorm was.  He said they couldn't see the sun all day and the sky was orange all day. 

Foxsox.com  Spoke with my new buddy at work, the young exMarine, and he said Foxsox were the BEST.  He talked some about the sand and how very, very fine it could get, just infiltrated everywhere and that zip lock bags were worth their weight in gold in sand storms for electronics, food, clothing....

ktssong, I'd send some soothing creams and lotions before the heat hits....there's a Vit E yellow cream that is really good, I only found it at Sam's, tho. Aloe vera gel...I'll check with my son to see what's the best for lime burns. Maybe some of that neosporin with the pain reliever in it. Don't know if it works but still. Also lots of white socks besides the fox sox.

Malamama...Lime burn is like a bad sun burn with blisters.  It is usually caused by expposer to Limestone dust.  Limestone is a common stone used in building.  Because the dust fly's around wiith the sand it is a common aliment in the sand box.

Susan....Prayers and good thoughts for you.

Ktsong...  Hope your son recovers quickly. 

Always, Susan. Feel that positive energy coming to you and all of  our prayers today.

Learning more about that medal....I'll post later. Got a great discussion goin on FB with Marine, Army, Navy and AF vets and active duty weighing in....the vote seems to be a commendation was in order, not this medal...altho the AF seems to have two versions of a Bronze Star, one for valor, one for merit. The AF vet is the one that is really ticked about it, funny....