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

Please allow me to add your group to "My groups."  I am an Army/Navy mom.  My Sailor deploys soon for another several months in the Gulf . . . and my Soldier, who just completed JRTC with his Battalion, will head for the Sandbox some 4 weeks after my Sailor's ship deploys.  So I will have 2 deployed.  It will be my Soldier's first deployment, my Sailor's 2nd.  All support is appreciated.

Welcome, slapout52.  I hae two on deployment right now - one in the Middle East and one in Afghanistan.  Both Navy.  You will love all the support this site offers.

You're welcome to the group that no one wants to join, slapout! please take a look around, check out the discussions and links and previous posts, and remember, you are not alone. In more ways than one, we've had several moms/dads over the last few years with multiple kids in multiple branches of the military, many who deployed at the same time. Not all of them are posting right now but I can whistle and they'll come running...so if there is anything you need, let me know....Please let other Army moms know about this group, we hold no prejudices towards any branch, a kid deployed is a kid deployed....and we all know the fear and we all try to support each other. A military mom is a military mom....you are not alone. 

I read posts, but don't comment often. Just leaving this group as MY SON IS BACK IN THE USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  He is off to Post-grad school in CA now for 15-18 mo. I may be back after that, as he has ~7 yrs to go till his 20 is up. I appreciate all the support over his year in the sandbox. Will miss you all!

adale, You are a lucky lady. 

I am  in happy tears!!!

Thanks yelomoon. He isn't one to communicate often, so I am finally sleeping!

Thanks Susan.

Hi Ladies.  I just caught up from my reading my last post to see what's going on here.  I have to say even though my son came back in Sept from his first deployment to the sandbox, I can't really tell what group I should be with but this one seems to fit even though he's stateside now because I'm not quite past all we went through and I know here is where you will understand me.  I teared up just reading about the new moms who have sons there now and I know you all will find great comfort on this group like I have.

I am about to leave to go visit my son in 4 weeks and I am putting together a scrapbook of his deployment.  While he was deployed his Battalion had a facebook page that had pictures and updates daily almost and I'd scour every picture for a pic of him and then download it to my computer.  I just had them printed so I could make a book for him to keep.  I'm hoping he likes it.  We bought the cruise book that the Battalion had made too after deployment and I was very impressed with it. 

If you can, get involved with the Family Readiness Group for your Battalion.  Me and my daughter in law did every activity they did through the deployment even though we were in another state.  They sent weekly emails to us and if they made T Shirts, we bought T shirts.  If they made signs for homecoming we did the same thing and when they celebrated hump day (halfway through deployment) we did too.  So I encourage all of you to get involved.  Even right now even though he is stateside they are letting me be on one of their committees to help write letters to Battalion members with birthdays or special occasions and it's helping me be supportive to our military as a Navy mom.  I feel like I can do something useful. 

I like the mention of the Dogs on Deployment post you shared TexasDocmom.  I am going to mention it to my daughter in law.  She loves dogs and maybe she can help watch someones dog that's on deployment.  There are so many ways to help our soldiers that I never dreamed of until my son got in...it's been a real eye opener. 

God Bless All us moms and dads and God Bless our Serving Sons and daughters.

when you sailor returns from deployment are they going to be running around doing military things right away or will they have some time to social before going back to there base? 

Tyler said they would have 4 days off when returning this time...

My son had four days off too when they returned home in September and even after that it wasn't too busy.  It was nice to see him to relax and sleep in a safe environment.  We took pictures of him asleep just because it was nice to see him rest.

Ktssong....you will always be part of this group, the support you share is important to each of us. My son left the Navy right at one year ago, but here I am, I can't give this group up. My memories of his deployment is vivid, and probably more so when I read the posts shared here. It's what we do, and it's what we need to do, pay it forward because of the support we received from other moms when our kids were in war zones. 

4 days. Running here and running there. Paperwork, storage.

 Wondering about the work day hours.

Thank you!!!

I don't post very much these days, but I agree with you, TDM.  I follow all the posts, and while any information I might have is probably outdated, I don't want a new Mom to come on here, filled with that panic we all know so well, and have nobody to reach out.  Events, facts, and resources may be different now...but the feelings never change.  Just as "Once a Mom, always a Mom" is true, a Mom with a kid in a war zone never completely leaves.  When all our kids are back home and there are no more wars, I will happily say goodbye to everyone.

So I have gone from counting months to counting weeks!  :)  As I found myself in fear months ago, but then became an accepting medium a while ago, I now am finding myself very nervous of the unexpected, yet very filled with joy at the same time. Does that make sense?

YES!  If you are a Mom, it makes lots of sense!  lol  Actually, the same thing happened to me and I thought I was crazier than a bedbug!  After the first horrible panic, I settled down and most of the time, I was able to keep my emotions on an even keel.  Then at the end, it seemed almost too good to be true...I was THRILLED he was coming home...but I "knew" if I got my hopes too high, something awful would happen.  (It didn't!!!)  Just hang in there...as the saying goes, "This too, shall pass."

Much Trouble, That's is "Exactly" how I feel. I just didn't want to come out and say that. Thanks for your comforting words.

Normally I'm  not a superstitious person, but today I had to pick a penny off the floor "Tails Up" and the first thought that came to my mind was exactly what you said. I kept saying myself, "That's Ridiculous Susan, just get that thought out of your mind right now". 

Yeah, we're down to counting the last few weeks til homecoming...I just love it when we get the careline number...You know it's very close!!  Getting excited in Summit, MS!!!!

what will the careline number tell you? Is it a recording or someone you talk and asks questions?

I don't know what a careline is either? Is that only for the Navy?

Check with your Family Readiness Officer (or someone with a similar title). Find them on the web site for your unit...your son/daughter should have your email/phone contact info on the list for the person assigned to keep families updated. If you're not sure, check with another parent whose kid is in the same unit as yours and find out the info. We started getting phone calls about 10 days out, with the times/dates, etc...they changed up a little as time got closer, but generally we knew when he would be boots down USA. I had his phone turned on when I knew he was out of the sand for sure, so it was on when he hit the USA so he could call his mother!!! 

By the way... I am so damn excited and happy for all of you welcoming home your sons and daughters!! Especially this group of them, because hopefully, we will not have a lot of Marine units headed to Afghanistan, and so fewer Corpsman moms here...but we're sticking with this group until the last soldier, Marine, Sailor or Airman is OUT OF THE SAND!! whichever sand based hell hole we have military in...

It's a phone number you can call 24/7 and it gives updated homecoming information and other pertinent info on the battalion...It gives all the info you need to be there to greet your sailor....If there is a change in dates/times/meeting place it will have that info also....The phone number came to me in an email from the Ombudsman group for our battalion and it changes with each deployment...I don't know if other military branches use it or not.

Thanks TD.....Our oldest son deployed on a sub with the Navy, we receive up-dates all the time through the Ombudsman group, BUT I have to tell you, we have been totally in the dark with our youngest in the AF over there unless we hear from him personally on an occasion now & then. He never gave us any info for a contact person or group. But the next time he deploys somewhere (and there will be a next time b/c he has re-enlisted), I will be sure to try and find out if there is such a group type as Family Support or Family Readiness. I have been so "Extremely" Thankful for this site!!! So many of you Ladies have always been there for us all, and you always put "everything" into perspective. I honestly can't begin to Thank you enough. Even when our son does arrive home, I will keep you up-dated on how he is doing. TexasDoc....You are truly an Angel.   

Are there no AF groups, Susan? I know when my son was greenside with the Marines, I found several Marine parents support groups....altho in the long run, I  found this one more helpful to me than the others. But when he was deployed, it was helpful to stay on top of activity or get to see a few photos. 

TD I have searched & Googled quite a few times. I thought I had finally found something one time and the Website stated its "Under Construction". I just checked again and it still is. I have to tell you, there is no military website that can even compare to this N4M's site. It is remarkable and outstanding with all the different groups to choose from.

Air Force Moms is one I found, but you're right, it's nothing like this !

AF Facebook Group I didn't join this group, so I don't know what it is like...

@ TexasDocmom- will AirForcefor moms work for wife

Yelo, don't see why it would not, I'm sure they are like us and take all in!

Thank you Texasmom.  I saw a post from her the other day. Looks like she found her a military site. I wish the best for her as she and her new hubby are young.

Im sorry, I am just going to take this moment and boost about the beautiful Seabee as we know as our daughter.Prayers are being sent for EVERYONE.

Just curious, Someone from a different site that I am in a group with stated that she recognized my son from my pictures, but I have my settings set for "Friends Only" that can view my profile pics. Can you all see my pics as well? Just wondering if I am misunderstanding my settings.

JerseySusan: You're not on my friends list and I cannot see anything on your profile page except your one profile pic.

Hmmmm, OK, I thought that is how I understood the Privacy Profile. It is a wife from my sons sub that just came on that site last month & said she recognized my sons pics from my profile & that her husband & my son are good friends & she knows my sons fiancé really well. Hmmmm... I think I know what's going on. Thanks Joanie.  

Hi Kelly...Welcome to a wonderful group that no one wants to join. When my son went over there he assured he he was going to the safest place in Afghanistan. (Kandahar) Before he even arrived I heard all kinds of news reports about suicide bombers blowing up the base. OMG! That is when I found this site and the lovely ladies here helped me get my heart out of my throat. We have all had the same feelings you are having! You may have to explain to family and friends...but not to us. I can think back and I STILL get a lump in my throat. Stick with us..we will walk this whole "journey" with you...You are NOT alone and don't have to pretend to be brave. Your son will probably be fine...he has a lot of people looking out for him. We are here so that when he returns home, Mom isn't sitting in the corner of the kitchen babbling. LOL

The one thing I have adored about my son since he's been in the military though has been his sensitivity to my feelings too.  He really seems to care whether he worries me or not....when he was a teen and jumping off roofs with skateboards and doing crazy things he didn't seem to think about it like he does now.  He's become a wonderful young man and I love that about them that they care about us as much as we care about them. Kelly,  I know when my son was over there last not too long ago he probably thought, mom probably just told me what she wanted me to know so I wouldn't worry.  And that was true.  I didn't want  him to worry about anything that would take his focus off his job and doing all he could to stay focused.  We did all the catching up on the unsaid things when he got home--both of us ---and it was a special time because we really had alot to tell each other.  I still like what the moms on here alway said though, no news is good news.  So if they aren't saying something it's usually because they can't. 

Sometimes it seemed like when we got the opportunity to talk the most we kept saying was we loved each other and missed one another so that was the most important message of all; the support. 

Oh yes, Kelly...The STUPID PEOPLE!  Now that my son is back safe and sound, I can be tolerant and understanding, but I had the same urge to slap them.  They have a mental image of our military heavily armed and so very much in control...I had the mental image of of my baby boy in his little footie P.Js facing people who wanted to kill him.  If you have time, scroll back and read our comments about the clueless folks, Walmart meltdowns, and all the rest.  Of course, it works the other way, also.  There were a few (who had been in my shoes) who would just give me a hug and saw "How awful".  That is why I stress hanging out in here.  It DOES help you maintain some degree of sanity.  If your son said he will be working in a hospital, then he will be...unless the powers that be want him elsewhere. Try not to worry too much about the things you can't control.  Instead, put a box on your dining room table (or where ever) and start filling it with all kinds of goodies.  Don't forget about things such as the hometown newspaper, pictures of home, etc.  On a final note, I've heard bravery defined as being scared to death, but doing whatever you have to do anyway.  That is exactly what you are going to be doing, and you will be amazed at the end, how strong you really are!

Good morning,

I just received an email from a Major Susan Jones of the U.S. Army.

Found it very odd. Wanted me to read an article from a bbc site about some money being found in Iraq. I dont think I am going to reply to this email because I have never been in the military.

Do not respond to any emails from anyone you do not personally know, particularly if they mention or say they represent the military. This is one reason we push OPSEC regs so hard on this group. Families with loved ones in war zones are very vulnerable and can be easy targets for con men and scam artists.

Welcome, Kelly! we have great moms here (and the occasional dad, aunt/uncle, grandma/grandpa, spouse...) who will always reach out to you when you need it. Go up to read through the discussion area, also check out the links posted above this comment box. Don't pay any attention to those who do not really "get it"...after a while, you get past that "well, have your kid in war zone and see how you feel feeling" because really, none of us want any one to know this fear, or spend those nights in tears like we have....plus, we've used up all the bond money and we can't get you out of jail if you hurt them. Don't hurt them. If I heard one more "oh, I know just how you feel, my son left for college today" comment, I was going to start carrying a baseball bat just to swat them. So ...I came to this group. A lot cheaper than a lawyer...

Just remember, you are not alone, we do know those feelings....start that box on the dining room table, make a list of hometown topic (high school game scores, stories about the dog, or the neighbor down the street who asked after your son, etc) so when you get that call, you can remember things to talk about so you don't spend the whole call with tears flowing...and remember, keep the "I miss you so much" to the end, don't let it overwhelm the call. He has to KNOW you're okay....he has other things to focus on...and take care of ;yourself. Let him hear mom when he calls....you're going to get through this...you are not alone.

DsMoma, I have 1...yes ONE photo of the side of my son's head in Iraq. ONE. Sent by the parent volunteer coordingtor. ONE. grrrr

Skype! I didn't use it because it was just getting out, and my son didn't want to mess with it. He was out and about a lot...but many, many moms skype. If you get a web cam for a lap top, or have a lap top that has one, your son can "attend" your daughter's graduation if the timing is right...and the least you can do is video it and post it on his facebook page. Myspace saved my sanity when my son was deployed...that "so and so logged on at 3am" sign at the bottom made me know he was safe that day. Plus I packed mine with home photos and he said he was really glad to see those photos of home, the back yard...etc. I made a little cheap dollar photo book, very small, of  photos, and he carried it with him all the time. He still has it. 

Made Spaghetti & Meatballs for dinner.....Jonathan's favorite.....BUT then watched the movie...."The Lucky One".....definitely should have waited a couple of more weeks for that one.....Now I'm an emotional, slobbering, mother..  :(

Don't worry about it, Jersey Susan...sometimes we NEED a good cry...it washes away all those feelings we have buried. 

my seabee became a petty officer while on her deployment.  woo hoo for her.

hmm, what is a petty office?