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

Yelomoon....I believe your right about the intelligent ones sent over.

TexasDoc...I hope I didn't come off as being insensitive towards Lorilab. I feel for her,her family & most of all her son. I am just a "Big Huge Worry Wart"!!! When our oldest was deployed a couple of years ago, (on a Sub), someone tried to extort $ from my parents (living alone @ the time, in their 80's) over the phone. It was a scam for the deployed. My parents actually believed the caller b/c the caller identified himself as our son using our sons name & knew "their" names as well. He said he got himself in trouble & was in the brigg overseas, needed $ to get out & would call back on how to send it.He Begged my parents "NOT" to say a word to us. My parents "sat" on that info for a couple of days before they informed me b/c they actually thought it was true. Now mind you, our son never got in any trouble throughout his whole life. (A Goody 2 Shoes). I informed our ombudsman who assured me they were well under the sea. My husband had to contact an officer in charge of those issues. About a week "Prior" to this call, our son's sub pulled into a port & he made a phone call to them using the Skype method. At that time we lived in NJ & several months later, sure enough on the news, there had been a big sting operation in the Phila area that caught several scam artists doing this. So, that's why I sounded so "Protective" with giving out address info.

Jersey Susan, you did the right thing to question Lori's post!   You didn't know her and no harm was done.  THAT is one reason TDM keeps after us about the info we share on here.  Also, thank you for sharing the story about your parents.  Sometimes, that is easier to remember than just a general statement about not sharing details.  There were times when I came here with something scary or wonderful or whatever, and when I went to write it I didn't know what to say. (I, too, err on the side of caution)  Since you really KNOW some of the danger (never mind that no one wants to risk anyone's safety) feel free to gently remind others.

It's so good to hear from you, Lori!  How is your son doing now?  I'll never forget your first post saying you had been told he was injured, but knew nothing more.  That had to be pure HELL!  It was so hard to reply to you...trying to give you courage, while tears were pouring down my face.  Your strength and courage are an inspiration for all of us!!!

It is GREAT to hear from you Lori! I hope your son is on the mend...is he ready to go back to his unit? or is he thinking about leaving the military? Whatever he chooses, I hope his  future is bright. I think that's so sad to hear that families are not with their loved ones are not there with them...wonder if it's financial issues? I can't imagine not being with my child during any hospital stay.

Jersey Susan, thank you so much for sharing that story. I know I sound like an old harpie, and have been told I don't know squat about OPSEC, but I don't care. I do not want con artists or crooks coming to read our posts and use this information to do exactly what your family went through. Sharing that story occasionally as new moms come in is a great thing to do! I often forget that we have new folks all the time and have to remind myself to repeat things...this is a good one to share again and again.

Hi all....being new to this site, I am very uncomfortable about what to say and what questions to answer. My son has told me to be very careful and I know little about what his "mission" is in the sandbox. I stay off FB and such, as I tend to talk too much. I appreciate the info given here, being new.

Adale...you're right to be careful...but you can share your feelings here. It's safe to say things like you haven't heard from him, and you're nervous about that...it's safe to let us know you got a call or an email, we know you'll sleep good on those nights! It's safe to tell us about your tears and your fear...and when you are feeling good because at some point relatively soon (no dates, no countdowns) he'll be coming home...and it's safe to tell us he's safe home and getting a mom hug!  If you'd like Lorilab to get some packages to his unit, go private message her his address, she'll make sure they get some good stuff for Christmas...and she's trustworthy! Also check the discussions up above about packages and stuff we've written over the last few years...we're here when you need us and you are not alone. 

Thanks TexasDocMom......your email brought tears to my eyes. My son has "issues" over my divorce from his dad, so things are complicated. He never calls, and e-mails are sparse. I went on Lorilab's web site, but didn't see how to private message her. I am not too puter literate, so please advise how to get her my son's address. I am so excited to have found this site.

Everyday I feel like I get to know all of you more & more. It's a good feeling. ;)) We know very little about our son over there too or what his mission actually is. I'm not a FB user either, Hah, but my husband is! He always keeps me up to date with who said what, who did what, & who's in trouble now!!

The only time I know anything about my son's missions are if they are released in the news. 

My son didn't tell me squat about where he was, sometimes he'd say something like "we're at a good sized base" (he was in Iraq, and I don't know if A has the bases Iraq did ) but that was it. I know where he was stationed out of, but he did not seem to stay there much. 

I'm another that knew VERY little.  The worst part is when he got home I learned that the few places I thought he was, and the few things I thought he was doing, I was wrong about.  LOL  Even when they are "assigned" to a certain base or post, they are constantly making side trips.

Wonderful!!!  Sleep well, tonight, Julie.  (It's amazing how so little makes us SO happy!!!)

Frankly, I think this shut on information is in response to social media. If they can't tell us, then no one else can tell anyone else either...just like Jersey says!

Julie! sleep well tonight!! hope you all get a call or an email soon!!

I see many of us have deployed ones.. I to only have an address and rec'd two calls in a month.. So blessed for those.. Not sure where he is.. I asked the FRo if we could know since they arrived safely and she informed us the location is to remain unknown.  LOL I tried. 

He is doing well and learning lots as a Corpsman.  He has rec'd our packages. He of course cannot share much and i dont ask but I do know the weather and time difference.. makes me more of an investigator. LOL

Angel, how horrible!  Just between you and me...I think your son is better off getting rid of a woman who would do something like that.  However, that doesn't help him (or you) right now.  I am not religious or preachy, but I DO believe in God...and I believe he is watching out for your son.  Just the fact the you have DAILY communication with him is so rare, that it is a marvel.  The only thing I can think of is for you to read up on PTSD and depression and maybe YOU get help from some support group, so you will be able to reach out to him.  Even though you can do nothing to change his situation, the best thing he can do is vent his feelings, and I think you are already helping him by listening.  I'm sure others will be here for you, and if I think of something later, I WILL be back.  Stay strong, Sweetie!

Angel, I would suggest the FRO officer or ombudsman, get in touch with them. They can help you figure this out. This can't be the first time they've handled this situation, and he needs someone close to him physically to reach out to him. In the links above there is an Ombudsman Registry if you do not have that information. Keep us updated, let us know how he (and you) are doing. 

Oh...and this is just my south Texas side coming out...if I saw that little snip who did such a stupid thing, the least I'd do is trip her as she walked by. But that's just me, probably not the way to go....what a dumb, insensitive thing to do!!  He IS better off without that one. Too bad it's so painful for him now. 

Any friends his age that can write him? flood him with mail? spread the word.

hey angel, what rate?

Angel.. the FRO is your best friend during a deployment and their job is to be of use ANYWAY they can so please take advantage of the FRO and let them know. They will know who in your sons unit to talk with so that the appropriate people will be able to talk with him and help him through this difficult time. 

WHY on Earth would she tell him this while he on a deployment I have no idea. I am so sorry he is going through this.  Just send him lots of letters and get family or friends to send him cards. Provide the stamps if you have to just get them sent to him... Its so hard to be away as it is but not to have this added to his plate. 

I will keep him in my prayers.  I hope she is having a hard time sleeping at night!

Angel, I hope you dont get in trouble too.  Because I asked the wrong question.  I was curious about job. I get the two mixed up. I am still learning and cant seem to get it straight. If you get in trouble just send them my way and I will take full responsibility!!  :) .   I think you are a very strong person and I but your son is just as strong.

No one's in trouble, just cannot figure out what A3  means. Could it be E3? Is your son a corpsman, Angel? or with the Seabees? You're safe saying that, just no locations or dates/times of activities, arrivals or departures...and no names! 

Angel(blue-eyed-son),

I am so sorry you have to go through all of this.  My son has been diagnosed with PTSD upon his return from Aghanistan in May.  It took me writing the Surgeon of the Navy, writing a Congresswoman and calling his Sr. Chief for him to get help.  Not because he didn't want it, but because they would not allow him to go to his appointments.  Have you contacted his unit or someone back in his unit to let them know?  Chaplain may be a good place to look as I even contacted one for my son.  I really feel for you.  I am here if you need to talk.

I'm sure this has been asked and answered somewhere, but I just can't find it...if we send Christmas/Birthday gifts, can we go ahead and wrap in wrapping paper before we place it in the care package?

I may be giving bad advice here, but I would wrap them up! If I was doing it now, I'd use the kiddie super power figure Christmas paper...and he'd kill me when he got home! can you imagine how his buddies would ride him for that? HA!

TexasDocMom: Thanks and I probably will use some silly wrapping paper too and include some crazy kids toys to give him something to do!

Darts! dart boards ! When my son was in Iraq, he called me with a list of dart replacement stuff they needed, and as they went around he repaired and replaced darts and the boards....

I think darts are a great idea.  oh by the way. if my seabee has a birthday am I allowed to send alcohol as a gift?  just wondering? 

I would say no alcohol. We couldn't send it to Iraq, I'm sure Afghanistan is the same.

Sure not liking the news over there the last couple of days.;(( I try to steer away from it as much as possible, but my husband & I just drove up to NJ to be with our daughter & the grandchildren for Halloween, now contemplating whether we should drive back down to Georgia with them this weekend before the Hurricane hits up here. We have to watch the news for weather up-dates.

Thank you for the info.  Keep safe Jerseysusan!

In case anyone is interested, I just found out that Amazon.com ships FPO/APO,  I just ordered some things yesterday so when I hear from my seabee I will know more about using them again. 

Just thought I would throw that out there!

Julie! glad to hear no terrible damage where you are...I remember as a child those days of no power after a storm, and the heat, it was so hot ( grew up on the Texas coast). No ice, boiling water before we could drink it, and then wait for it to cool to drink...we had canned goods, might be why I hate canned vegies now. I remember when I was older, the people walking around after the storm just so thankful to be alive.

Hoping to hear from others...including JerseySusan! hope they are all okay. 

Wondering about dropping MREs and bottled water into those hard to get to places...think that would work?

GREAT to hear your kid is HOME. I feel the same way, though knowing they have to return is always in the back of our minds. Enjoy him for us all!

LOVE THAT!  wish we had a "like" like facebook does! cool! If anyone has a Texas Doc named Matt, I have a welcome home banner you may use!!

MalaMama, I am Soooo Happy that your son is home. I can only imagine the feeling in your heart!!!! LOVE YOUR SIGN!!!!!

Julie, our daughter still lives in our house in South Jersey. We were so blessed that our power "Never" yes, "Never" went out. But my sister who takes care of our parents & lives 30 miles west of Phila, was without power for 4 days too. My husband finally got a hold of a generator for them & brought it over yesterday morning. Both our parents were wearing layers of clothes with winter hats,gloves,and coats on & they still had blue hands. Thank Goodness their power went on last night b/c the temperatures have been very cold today.

TexasDoc, I just love it when you make a "bad" into a "good"!!!

On another note, our son was able to Skype with us yesterday. He sent us an e-mail a week ago & didn't go into any detail, but said he had a rough couple of days. We were so Happy to see him on Skype yesterday, but we could all tell he was holding something back. You could just see it through his facial expressions & eyes.=(( It's hard b/c we have to be so strong for him & not show any sad emotion towards him. I just wanted to put my hand through the computer screen & touch & hug him. I did put my mouth up to the camera & kiss him. I just had to do that.

ok, I think we can all stop chatting about the liquor

malamama, wow, you have really touch base with me.  sounds like you had a really nice home coming.  My only child is at the sandbox now.  Already preparing me for her change, She realizes it and can feel it.  She keeps her self busy and takes classes I think it the withdraw of freedom and the high school drama that should not be going on. Im not saying mine is perfect but I think now that only the smart ones go to the sandbox. 

Does anyone know if there is a support group for Marine mom's .. My son is in the Navy and My daughter is going into the Marines.. I am going yo need all the support I can get to get thru 2 of them

Melray, Try- MarineParent.com. Also, The Blue Star Mothers of America in your State, is for All Military, and a great support of volunteering your time that helps lift your spirits.

Malamama, I hope your son gets approved for the reserves. Our son deployed gave us the news a couple of weeks ago, that he has re-enlisted with the AF for 5 more years. He told us before deployment that he will have to make his choice the end of Oct. He was considering a couple of options. One being the National Guard & going to the University of Alabama. The other of course, re-enlisting. We do know he truly believes in his job & loves what he does. But we also know that if you re-enlist while deployed, you get a pretty big bonus. Just hoping & praying it wasn't b/c of the extra bonus, & this is what he truly wants in his heart. I know the week after he made his choice, he said he had a rough week, but did not go into any detail what-so-ever.

The Blue Star Mothers of America are in my area.

Kym, please, no reference to exact days or times of arrivals or departures, please!! Delighted he's returning, but we follow OPSEC and no countdown dates, etc can be posted, thanks. 

My Christmas Tree made from Tyler's uniform...Love it!