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

Thanks all! Susan, your comment on the weather when your son came home reminded me of something I found amusing. After being apart, of course the wives and girlfriends wanted to look attractive for their warriors, but I have never seen so many questionable outfits in my life! 7" heels, plunging necklines, hemlines pretty much just past the danger zone... and it was misting and windy most of the time. Those gals were COLD! I kept thinking that any man who hasn't seen his honey for that long would probably have been happy with someone who was (1) female, (2) clean, and (3) affectionate!!! Ahhh to be young and in love!

New program for veterans announced!  I have been screaming and blogging about this for several years, and finally, it's happened. Helping our veterans get civilian certification for the jobs they've been doing for years! Experienced,  hard working vets with strong work ethics, now will be able to fill those critical jobs quickly and get to work faster!

Hope you're all doing okay....

I haven't been on for over a week.  Read all the posts that I've missed and really happy to hear about sons coming home and lists of things to send.  My son said he got 2 boxes from me and one from his wife all in one week.  Because of limited space, he took what he needed out othem and let everyone else have whatever they wanted.  He thought it was funny.  I've been busy working two jobs 66 hour weeks and my motivation is to pay for a plane ticket to MS and back when that special time draws near.  I have had my car break down, my ac breakdown my dishwasher breakdown and my dog got sick and my cat died all in one week.  That was last week.  I was one step away from going coo coo because it was week my son went outside wire.  I was really concerned and this week I'm doing better...I got a brief message saying he wanted to just say he is ok.  He couldn't talk much but wanted to say he is ok and let all the family knows he loves them.  Just writing that makes me choked up. 

I have two very large companies that buy from a company I work for and they have been very supportive.  They are putting boxes together and they ask weekly how he is doing.  They said they loving filling their box.  They said tell him and all of them thank  you.  I told them I would. When I said in one response yes we don't know what he is doing today.  He could be saving a life, she said, "He is, he is saving mine by being there".  Wow.  It got me right in the throat...I got choked up.  Well everyone have a good weekend. 

Glenda, you are right.  Knowing he said he was ok was all I needed.  I would love to let him bear his heart but security doesn't allow him to say anything in detail and I know what he's doing is probably the most difficult he's had in this deployment so I'm praying for him and hoping he reaches out when he can.  I like thinking I did all I could do to make this experience he is going through one that he has support from us.  And Susan yes it was a horrible week and I did have the message from him and they do have a fb page and i'm on it everyday and I read all the stories and I look through every photo.  In fact, I found three of him last week.

The first one was the back of him.  I know it's crazy because they all dress the same but I could tell it was the back of him and then the next picture I saw was a picture of a profile of him with sunglass on and I knew it was him and then the next one I seen was him running straight toward me.  It was awesome.   Their Battalion ran a race for the cure over there.  They wanted to do something to support those back home.  I'm a woman of faith and the church has a saying, you can't outgive God.  You try to and He is always doing something for you and you can never  catch up with all he does.   Same with our Seabees, I don't think we can outdo them...we can try but they just keep giving their all and then 100% more.   Well I just choked myself up again.  Just sharing about them when I do, tears well  up. 

ktssong, all of you....be proud, mom, be very, very  proud, you deserve to be,and your kids deserve to have that pride show....and tears help, they really do...let them flow, they help, and then wash your face and get on with the day...but remember, be proud of that sailor/marine/soldier, each and every one of them!

my daughter is in Afghanistan and she said that they only get the packages and mail when a cargo plane comes in depending where they are located, she said it could take a month to get the packages!

Well, for some reason this week just seems like this part of the deployment is getting more challenging mentally and emotionally to keep the same stamina up on endurance.  It's like we just made it to half way through but have to pace ourselves emotionally to get rest the way through staying strong.  If we are feeling that, I'm sure they are more so.....it's kinda like being in for the home stretch and then having to keep telling yourelf,,,we can do this, come on...we got this.  Does the Chaplain with the Battalion go outside the wire or is there one with every group that goes outside the wire and will he go to each person and just check in with them or is it just the soldier deciding he wants to see him?

ktssong, wish I had words to comfort...but if it helps we know how you feel...and you're not alone in those feelings. Up in "Discussions" I copied a post from my blog that I wrote when we were in the middle of deployment...it helped me to write it, it seemed to help some to read it, just know you are not alone. 

and...the only damn photo I got of my son during deployment was a side view of him taken by the chaplain! so they are close at hand!

good morning ladies... Its been awhile.. My former sailor's son was born 2 months early so we were pre-occupied.. Jasper is doing fantastic.. home now and growing like a weed... I have been on for a bit but wanted to stop by... My brother came home early from AFG.. he began having stomach pain that led to vomitting blood, they evact him to Germany where they said he had gastritis once he got back to the states it was discovered he actually had bleeding ulcers that may or may not have been caused by the little critters he picked up.. WORMS... who knows what he ate!!! he had to have a bilateral hernia repair also ... He's doing fine now and has now completed his service to his country and has begun civilian life..

ktssong I know the feeling of that "midway slump" for me it was when my sailor was heading home but worry cause my soldier was still there.. awful feeling.. again with my montra... stay busy it will pass and he will be home safe and sound... and always remember you are not alone although my son's are home safe.. one is now out of the navy (which after 3 deployments who can blame him)  I know those feelings.. we all know those feelins.. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Now a picture of my little monster Jasper Dakota...

Thank you everyone.  I heard he is back safe on base.  I only found out from his wife.  I'm kinda sensing that he may be feeling some stress because I think he knows I can tell in his messages or voice.  I've not had either.  So you know when a mom has an instinct that when your kids don't face your or approach you because they know we can read them like a book.  I mean we can read them even when they aren't in the room or even when they don't write or talk.  We can't help it.  It's what moms do.  I kinda sense that he is very tired.  I won't be discouraged...however, I'm wearing a little because I feel like it's harder to be mom now because we take second place now that he's married.  I can deal with that but I'm not used to it yet.  Will make the best of it.  I will feel better when I hear direct from him a word or two.  Then I'll know he's ok.  I am going to read the ptsd articles.  The good thing is we are half over now and also I saw pictures today of a group of Seabees that came home this week.  Just seeing their homeecoming made me emotional.  I'm so happy for them.  And for any of you that have had loved ones come home. 

Well.  I've been working too much and decided to take a weekend off and then also going to a friends for Fourth of July.  I remember last fourth of July my son wasn't home and I was really emotional that day. So I prepared to do something positive to keep me busy this fourth. 

My daughter in law received a gift from my son for her birthday.  She was worried that he wouldn't get to call her.  I told her....you know he will if he can and if he can't you know he wishes he could but I told her that she can know for sure he's probably anxious about that too.  Then today she got a gift.  Her birthday is in two days...I'm telling you what, it's amazing to me that these guys are out there protecting our country and also taking the time to worry about taking care of family details like birthdays.  That's impressive.  Oh well.  Thank you for all the encouragement.....Love all of you moms.  You are the best and I told someone this week that I'm making it through this deployment because of Navy Moms...Can't thank all of you enough...I'm here to stay.

is it true that there was an earthquake in Alfganistan on Thursday if so was anyone hurt my daughter is station there on her first deployment.  A gal from my hometown said she heard about it on the news but I can't find anything in any of the papers or on line about it.  Just wondering?

I heard nothing about US or allied troops being injured in that quake, it was very rural, but you can probably bet US troops are on the job there doing rescue. The RSS news feed above this box reported it on Thurs and Friday. Always check there first for any news about Afghanistan. 

My heart goes out to their family, Susan.  My son lost two close friends on his recent tour.  It breaks my heart for him and for these families. I to just want to see them all come home now.

So close to coming home, that family must be destroyed....blessings to them, prayers for strength for them and for those with whom Gino served, so they stay focused and come home without any more losses. 

Dawn, I wish there were magic words to help you...probably, quite frankly, the meltdown and the tears helped as much as anything. And really, no news IS good news, because if anything has happened, you would know right away. In Iraq, I went a month without hearing from my son, and that was probably the time he talks about with no shower and the same clothes on his body, altho he made everybody change socks! So, you do the drill, make the list and keep it by your phone of all the things you want to tell him about happening at home, about the dog  and the neighbors and his buddies at home because you will forget then he calls....I painted bedrooms, all 3 of them...walk the dog, dig a garden, start water aerobics, volunteer at the hospital, do family history, stay busy, very busy. Keep the box open on the dining room table, and keep filling it up and mailing it off.  He is busy, he is well trained, he is doing the job, and all we can do at home is wait. He will call. His voice will sound different and just the same all at the same time. 

I'm sorry, so sorry it's so tough right now, but you are not alone, there are moms waiting with you, and it will get better. 

Dawn, let the crying come.  I had many meltdowns.  I didn't hear from my son for a week and it was because they were stuck in a sandstorm and had to stay put where they were and sleep on the desert floor.  He'll call.  I know it is hard and words alone cannot help.  Realize we have all gone through the same feelings or are going through them now.  I had good days and bad days.  Stay busy and stay on this site to communicate with people who understand what you are going through.  I will be thinking of you.

Haven't been on for awile but I think of anyone everyday and say a prayer for all.  I have been going through some ruff patches myself.  I started having nightmares about my daughter in Afganistan.  This is her first deployment.  It seems like everynight the nightmares start earlier and earlier, leaving me with little or no sleep.  Sometimes I wish I could have these meltdowns everyone talks about but I just hold in. I can't hardly read a newspaper for fear there will be something in the paper about the fighting.  I know no news is good news but when you are worry wort like myself that doesn't help.  How do I get past these night mares.

Ladies, I just have a moment right now...but I have to say one thing ...PLEASE come here when you're going into those rough patches, it's why we're here, it's what we do. I've been really nervous about how quiet it has been, please know there is nothing you can say or do that is going to be greeted with anything but compassion and love. We cry, we laugh, we scream, we meltdown...and you are not alone while you are doing any of those things.

Good news, Dawn! thanks for letting us know...sleep well tonight, mom....and don't wait until you're climbing walls to stop by, someone will always be home here....you are not alone. 

It is wonderful to see Chief here! voice of experience there....and the beef jerky queen of the moms....

Susan, you are almost as big of a worry wart as I am! find us in our group called Transistions at this link: Transisitions Group  that Debby started. We are not a big group, but the moms there all have kids who have recently left the Navy or Marines. My son has not had a lot of issues with his benefits, the only one was when he entered a wrong date on the GIBill papers, but he jumped on the facebook page of our Congressman Lloyd Doggett, and heard back in an hour or so with a phone number to call and a person assigned to help him get it changed. It took a couple of weeks, but he was pretty pleased that it went quickly. He bought his home with his VA Benefits and is utlizing his GI Bill for school. He has had little problems with his VA medical stuff either. Now, he's in San Antonio, a military town, but he says if  you do the drill, fill out the forms, and stay on top if it, it works. He also says to make sure the sailor/marine/soldier gets a full medical check up to list all the medical stuff so they get all the disablity benefits they are owed.

It has been a rough 24 hours for me, wondering how my daughter is doing and if she has had any after effects since her episode with hitting an explosive with her truck, thank God it wasn't a full blast or her injuries would have been much worst.  But even though she was able to facebook me and she told me it's okay I don't really know that for sure.  She has never been one to admit that she injured either way emotionally or physical, and I know she doesn't want people to think she is weak.  I wish I could see her because I usually can read the truth on her face.  Sometimes when there is more to the story, she doesn't always tell the truth to prevent me from worrying.  Another thing that has made me worried since yesterday while we were messaging back and forth privately, she all sudden disapear, she never did come back on which is unusual, normally she would sign off by saying with all my Love Mama,  I haven't heard from her since.  So now tell me how I am going to put this new fear at ease.  Military life is so hard for everyone especially for me since is her first deployment.  If my night mares wasn't bad before they sure are now.

mama bear...so many hugs to you, you have every reason to be frightened. It's hard to know your child could be injured and not be able to do anything about it...but the good news is that she was in touch, so she's physically able to be up and around. She might have just been on a computer where she had to get off quickly, so don't read anything into the end of that communication, there will be more. They will be watching her for brain injury and checking her hearing, etc...and she sounds like one who will want to get back on the job. They'll have their hands full with her, huh? She will tell you all when she comes home, my son did the same thing, but he'd say to me "not now, later, mom"...so right now that's the message for you "not now, later, mom"....and you know you always have her love, Mama. Let us know when you hear from her again, please? I'll be watching the board for your messages, you aren't alone, and neither is your daughter. 

Mama Bear,

It is so hard to go through all of this.  I know.  My son would call and in mid conversation say, "Gotta go." Then there were times I wouldn't hear from him for weeks.  When he went to Camp Boldak, he was on patrol every day.  So scary.  I had so many nights where I would just lie awake and think horrible things.  It is draining.  Stay positive and busy.  I will be thinking of you.  NEVER leave this site.  It will help you through.  I wish I could give you a big hug.

I haven't talked lately but I'm still checking that everyone is okay.  You ladies are doing a wonderful job!!!  DJ, I was thrilled to see you here!!!  Yes...You will forever be THE beef jerky lady! LOL  (What can I say?  The guys enjoyed it and it kept you reasonably sane.)  Mama Bear...I don't have any magic answers for you, except to tell you that others have been through the same thing and everything turned out okay.  My son got hurt while over there...but I didn't even get a chance to talk to him.  He is married and he would call his wife.  She is a sweetheart who kept me up to date on everything...but I thought she was too trusting.  Anyway...He said he was fine, just a bit sore.  He also told her it involved a wild ride ala M*A*S*H, to the hospital, he refused to be placed on restriction, etc.  To this Mama, those facts didn't add up to anything that  made  sense.  YES...I worried myself sick over it and came here for comfort...even as I told myself "He IS alive and he is able to use the phone."  Grab any comfort you can...Your daughter IS alive...she IS being treated, and cut off messages are NORMAL.  Keep packing boxes...She will get back to you as soon as she can.  I don't know if it helps...but just reading what you posted gave my heart a jolt and put the rocks back in my stomach.  We WILL walk through this with you!!!

Mama Bear no words that have not already been said.. internet does go out and unfortunately with no warning... When two of my son's were in Iraq at the same time worry was my middle name... along with zanax... The fact you did get to speak with her should tell you she's ok.. and she will fill you in on everything when she gets home... You are not alone we are all here for you...

Dawn, I've read your comments and the coping is difficult.  I had to get my doctor to prescribe an anti depressant that helps calm me on those really low low days.  I don't like medication but he prescribed something I only take when I need it and it so helps me.  I didn't want to fall apart and others think I couldn't handle this and tell my son so I pulled myself together and went to the doctor.  It also helped me with night mares too mamabear.  I will be praying that you hear from your daughter.  God bless you and her both.  I know he will take care of her.  I wish we could do more than encourage but I'm so thankful for this group.  There is a scripture that says God is able to do above all that we ask or think.  That is a comfort that God can see all and take care of our kids.

My son is back out of the wire on some project he said will last probably the rest of his deployment.  He said he has earned some ribbons, and pins and he said his dress uniform will look pretty impressive next time I see it on him.  I'm still amazed that they do all they do and study to earn pins and things while working long days.  He did say he is tired of the desert and the sand storms and ready to see USA.   It chokes me up.  I made deliberate plans to go spend this week  at a friends home in Nashville because last year on the fourth he was in Gulfport MS at homeport and I didn't get to see him and it just made me emotional knowing  he had no one with him on the holidays and because it was a military holiday it really choked me up and so this year I said I'm not going to go through this alone...I have to be with friends and face this with someone....So I think it will be better.  This morning in church they did a presentation video on the importance of the fourth of July and I teared up watching it because I realize how much our kids are sacrificing.  I knew this morning, my friend has no idea how important this visit with her is because I need a support system.  I recognize where I'm weak and try to strengthen it like a house that is getting ready for a storm...strengthen the weak spots and we will get through it.

I relate to you too Much trouble because before my son got married in November he talked to me most of time first.  Now I've had to get some of it through my daughter in law who doesn't share much.  Thank God, he is trying very hard to touch base with me once a week.  If it goes longer than that, then I have to reach for the prescription because I just start thinking too much.  I have been filling boxes too, and going to zumba once a week and working one full time job and one part time job and selling pampered chef.  I just signed up for my church drama team to do some comedy acts so that should help me smile more too.  Oh well,,,I may not check in everyday but thats what I have for catching all up.

Thank you for all your caring thoughts and ideas to try to cope, I have been on anti depressent meds for many years, and don't want to increase it because of all the other medication that I take for my heart problem and asthma.  I dread the next holiday to and especially the one that is coming. While most people are enjoying the parade and celebration for many other reasons the military families and those who have served there focus is thanking God, thinking for our Loved ones.  And realizing without these men and women  sacrificing  their lives we may be living a nightmare of our own in the USA. While I stand proud to be an American My heart will ache for all.

Susan...All I can say is "WOW!"  What an inspirational message.  I should be feeling very sorry for that family...and I am, but most of all, I am filled with pride for that young man and the family that raised him to be what he is today.  I just know that they are going to be okay.

I have to join in on MT's WOW! that young man has learned about priorities in life, hasn't he? Plus I bet he was pretty glad to know his family is safe. I have friends still trying to recover from the horrific fires in Central Texas last year, I just cry when I see those across our country right now. 

I know the holiday will be hard. I'll be here most of the day....probably all of it! I hope to go down to the parade, but we'll see. I'm the dog mamma, and there will be a lot of noise going on, started last night already. Here's what I think...put on that Navy mom t shirt/pin, whatever....cry with pride, ladies...and if anyone has the nerve to say one work (which they won't)...just simply say, "my son/daughter is in Afghanistan, where is yours today?". or if you're nicer than me "My son/daughter is in Afghanistan, I hope yours is not...". People need to see it, they need to know, our kids (well, now...YOUR kids!) are fighting in war zones and it is ongoing, and we need to support them and those who want to bring them home safely! Of all days, the American public needs to recognize these brave young warriors serving around this world. That's the word "CRY WITH PRIDE!" and send anyone who gives you any lip to me. 

Hallelujah !!!!! Thanks for sharing and give that Marine a hug from all of us, that's a lot of hugs, Mom...get started!!!!!

I had the same thought today...it doesn't matter if it's hot here, there are people have lost their homes and the things we think are problems really aren't.  We can deal with it.  I feel bad for the families that are facing losses of all kinds.  Praying for them.  Very proud to be a mom with a son serving and will definitely be wearing my Navy Mom T Shirt on the Fourth.  God Bless our men and women serving and all their families waiting here at home. 

Glenda, I had that same thing happen! my son was transferred out of Weapons unit into whatever it's called, the ones that set up and stay put...I can't remember the name. Anyway, he was ticked, I was delighted...but it made no difference, he was all over Iraq on patrol, not just on that base. I kind of figured it out about half way through deployment. He, too, neglected to mention until he got home. 

I need some info please...the last time my son (single sailor) was deployed to Afghan, he lived in the barracks before deployment and did not receive BAH...Now he lives off base and receives BAH and is getting ready to deploy again.....He is receiving conflicting info regarding his BAH and deployment...One commander says he will continue to receive BAH while in Afghan and another commander says no he will not receive BAH...We're trying to figure this out to see if he needs to get out of his lease and store his stuff at our home...Can anyone clarify this please?

Asked my son, he said "it depends, but if he's single, and serving with Marines, it's highly unlikely he'll keep getting BAH while he's deployed."  That probably doesn't help you much, but it's the best I could do!

Thanks TexasDocMom....I think we'll just plan on him not getting it and then we won't be caught unawares...Thank you.

What is BAH?  Also Happy 4th to all the military families out there, please say an extra prayer to keep our loved ones safe while they do their duty to keep USA free, and at peace!

mama bear...it is basic allowance for housing...if they qualify to live in housing off base, they get an allowance to help cover housing costs.

Malamama....hugs to you, and remember the motto "cry with pride"...I know how scary it is to not hear from your son, and also believe in the "no news is good news"...he's taking care of business and doing his job , you'll be hearing from him SOON!! 

Spotted on FB....

OMG!  TDM...You have me laughing so hard I can barely see to type!  I love it!!!  I tried so hard NOT to be like that...no matter how i felt in my heart.  Thanks for the laugh...

I cracked up..."no, ma, we're in combat"...holy crap! I asked Debby if I should post it here and she said YES!! 

cuz if we don't laugh, we'll cry all the damn time! 

and now we know why there's no cell phones on deployments....

My son got back from Afghanistan in February and made it home for a visit in March. I really didn't expect to see him again until possibly sometime in the fall, but got a wonderful birthday surprise when he showed up for my day. I wish I could do the same for him as his birthday is only a week after mine, but I am sure his buddies will take care of him. Anyways, he took the advancement test in March and passed and is now at E5, a CM2. He was telling me that when he deploys next he will probably go either back to Afghanistan and to Africa. We don't hear much about what our troops do in Africa; I have read that the Seabees build alot there. I wonder if its any safer there than Afghan...

cancerthecrab, I'll ask my son what the scuttlebutt is on Africa....he was there on a Mediterranean cruise deployment with his Marines once. Some went in and built a school...

Well, I am in Tennessee for my planned getaway so that I didn't spend the fourth feeling to glum.  Wanted to come be around some friends.  I got here and there is a drought and fireworks were cancelled and it seemed more glum than ever...haha.Oh well, making the best of it.  My son is somewhere he cannot say right now, doing something he cannot say right now.  I don't really have much to say.  I will keep reading all of your comments because it helps so much.  TexasDocMom....it was worth it to get on just now to see the little cartoon.  It made me smile.  I feel I'm in good company with other moms who feel the same...we can't get enough of our kids; they are our lives.  Have a good day all.

Hope everyone had a great fourth, I had a meltdown at our local parade when pass me by with the Flags being carried by the military of each branch than of coarse they had taps, and they payed a few more military songs.  People couldn't understand why I was crying but all I could think of was my daughter serving her time in a dangerous place for her 1st deployment.  I stood proud with tears rolling down my face.  My husband, her dad refuse to go with me so I was all alone as usual because my son was in the parade for FFA,  the entire day I was alone and my thoughts could not be turned off about her and wondering if she had any other effects from her ordeal with the bomb.  Not knowing or being able to communicate much tears me up inside.  jAny way Have a Great Day!