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

Barbara, "welcome back" is just not what you want to hear, but we are glad you know where to find the support you'll need. And I know your experience will help others. 

Curleytop. If you look up in the "discussions" area, you will find my post I wrote 4 years ago...FOUR years! ohmygosh, I can't believe it. You are not the only one with those feelings of despair.  And yep, moms are control freaks, and when you spend your life keeping your children safe, it's hard as hell to not panic when you cannot control their circumstances. Trust that those with him will take your place and have his back. 

Kathy, I could not be happier.  News that one of boys is coming home, thrills my heart.  It gives me hope.  My count is just beginning.  Each day that passes just means one day closer to his return.

Barbara, my thoughts and feelings are certainly with you.  We will weather this storm together.  I am going to need you, Barbara.  To keep giving me hope.  It is hard not to let my thoughts run away with me and go down a dark path.  Barbara, that your son has returned gives me hope.  He can draw on his experience and return again.  I will pray for him as I do all the military serving.

TDM, when my son was home, he talked about his group.  Those he depended on to do their jobs.  Those who do their jobs so everybody else can do theirs.  The military has trained him well.  He does depend on his group and they depend on him

Hi girls,

I had a unique experience yesterday.  I meet another Navy mom in person that had just sent her only son to BC two weeks ago.  We had a lovely visit.  I told her my experience with BC and about going to PIR.  I also told her about this web site and the groups she should join.  She thanked me for the information.  I thought maybe someday I would be able to talk about my 'expertness' of the Navy to help another mom.  I never thought it would be in person or come this soon in my 'Navy career' (ha,ha). 

One of you wrote that we would laugh together.  When I read that, I thought I could not smile or have any laugher while my son is gone.  That is not the case due to all of your support.  I am so grateful for all you.  Thank you for being here.

When I write to all of you, I feel connected, not alone, able to look up and move forward.

And that's why we're here, Curleytop...glad to hear you sound so positive. You'll have down days, too, and we'll still be here! And next year, God forbid we are still in a warzone, you will be one of the experienced moms smoothing the way for a new mom of a deployed kid...

Thanks TDM,

I like the positive days so much better.  It is nice to have a little hope restored.

My nephew had a horrific accident when he was 16, killed his best friend on impact and my nephew suffered a severe closed head injury. My son was about 10 at the time, and my nephew's little brother was about a year younger. Those two boys grew up in rehabs and then 9/11 hit. My son enlisted in the Navy (they had hoped to do a buddy plan, but my SIL just could not let go at the time, so he waited) and now my "almost nephew" is in the Army and just left for his second deployment. A full year. He has a wife and two gorgeous daughters. So, I'm right back in the lap of deployment, as if being here with all of you didn't keep me there anyway. I wish I could get my SIL (actually ex SIL) to come here, but maybe she comes reads, I don't know. But I know I'm not alone, so many other aunts and uncles are out there praying every day for nieces and nephews...

Susan,

You keep us posted about your grandchild and the wedding.  We like good celebrations.

And photos of babies, we LOVE photos of our young vets and babies!! 

Hi TexasDocMom.  I haven't been on here too much lately as I've been on a group about another place my son is deployed to right now trying to learn about that place.  Anyway, of all the groups I am in, I've found you to be the most knowledgeable about everything.  You are so awesome. I have a question to ask.  I have a friend at church who has a son that just enlisted in the Army.  She loves that I have had so much help on NavyforMoms and so we were wondering for her do you know if there is something like this for Army Moms.  I googled it and I haven't found a website as wonderful as this one to direct her too.  And just like all moms have a variety of different types of sons that get info for them and some that do not.  So she hasn't had any information about this kind of site for her.  So I told her I'd ask.  Which meant, I'll run to my Navy Moms and ask TexasDocMom.  Ha.  

Ktssong...unfortunately, I have not seen a site specifically for Army moms like this one. I've seen mail lists for Marine moms, but not Army. If her son is deploying, she is welcome to join us here in this group, just have her join N4M and then come here. You know we are all in the same boat when it comes to fear for our kids in dangerous situations. I'll check with one of my Army mom friends to see if she knows of anything.

That would be great.  I thought the same thing.  If there wasn't a site like ours that she can come here.  This site was the best thing that my son did for me when he signed up taking me to a family meeting with the recruiter and that recruiter told me about it.  It was meant to be.  

Pam, are you part of our "kids in Iraq/Afghanistan group". If not, please do join us, if you have a child in a war zone, it is the group to go to for support. Link here to the group

Wonderful, Susan...I'm so happy for you!   Please keep coming back...It is just as scary for the new moms as it was for us, and a few words from you can really reassure someone.

Susan!! welcome to my world! And it will be the world of all of our moms at some point, war zones will be a memory...

And yes, we need your input here until we get to that day, experience and faith counts a lot in this group!

Hooray, Kathy!  I am so excited for you.  We are at our under 60 days mark, hopefully.  Give him a big hug from all of us as well as our thanks.

WHOOOHOOOO!! great news!! Kathy!! hug that kid for us all!!! That is the best hug in the whole world....

WONDERFUL, Kathy!!!  You must think you are in heaven right now.  Give him a hug from all of us...and be sure to post pictures. 

Tamme...It is getting so close...can't wait to hear that you have boots on the ground, also!

Susan, your post gave me hope for that 'some day' in the future.

Kathy, I am so proud for you.  This is such great news.  I can't image what it will feel like when my son returns.  I have a long wait.  He just left.  Less than 30 days, but reading about sons coming home reassures me that it will happen.  I just keep doing my routine and letting the days pass.  I am so happy for both you and Susan.  Keep posting cheery news.  It helps.

My Seabee daughter returned from her second deployment to Afghanistan a couple of weeks ago.  It was the most amazing feeling to be at that flight line.  Of course it was also amazing to see her reunite with her 15 month old son!  Thank you to all of those who have served for all of us! Thoughts and prayers to all of you who await for your loved ones to soon come home.  Every day that passes is a day closer for them to come home!

Aubsmom! what a reunion, our kids give up so much to serve this country, I'm so proud of all of them. 

Aubsmom, how thrilling for you.  I can't begin to image your journey with daughter's deployment.  I am so, so glad, she is home.  The best news will be when all our military from every where can home.

Janiem, I have you in my thoughts today.  It is so hard to watch them leave for deployment.  Our Corpsman has been there since last December and can't wait for his return, hopefully, this December.  Due to OPSEC, we can't say much on here but if you want to friend request me, I can give you some updates.  God Bless. 

Thanks Tamme and Susan for support it is hard  I don't know how to friend

request on this site but would love to do that. For now I waiting to hear something  and will be checking out sites that have info. Take care God Bless All

Kathy....I'm so Happy For You that your Son is home!!!! I've been a little MIA on this site. I had to take care of my parents in Sept. in NJ so I was up there the whole month, then we had our youngest grandson's baptism last weekend up there. We are finally back to GA & "anxiously" awaiting our oldest son's next orders, he has "heard" that he "might" get land duty back here on the east coast for a few years in Charleston SC which would be "GREAT", but he hasn't heard "officially". Our youngest will be deployed the first of the year to Africa  :(

Janiem...I was a Kandahar mom...at least for a little while.  It was several years ago and things are quite different now...but back then everyone moved around quite a bit.  While I had signed up for a variety of groups, this is where I found "home".  The moms in this group have had the same PANIC you have...and they walk you through it.  We laugh and cry together, until, before you know it, your kid is coming back home.  BTW...I use the term "kid" loosely...only because they will always be our babies.  In real life, they are some of the most mature, responsible young people in the entire world.  As scary as this is for you...your job is to represent "home" and, you have to present a brave face whenever you have contact.  You are very welcome to come here to fall apart...we all have.  Read some of the old posts...these pages are full of good, first-hand advice.

Much Trouble,

I am on edge.  Just passed the 30 day mark of deployment.  It has been difficult.  I have sent a package but I do not know if has reached my son.  We had trouble securing the right address.  My son told me I would not like the FPO.  I don't.  The wrong address was on the EMarine account but it was verified as correct.  So I mailed the package.  It was stationary.  I have not heard from my son since he left, expect for one short e-mail.  It said he had arrived and was well. I was so thankful for that.

He did send me a new address, through the same e-mail.  I have not sent anything because I feel so defeated by all the circumstances.  I need to mail something important that my son asked for before he left but I have no way of knowing if he will get it.  I have no one to call to verify addresses.  I feel so lost. I did not think I am representing the 'home' front very well right now.

Much Trouble,

I should add, since I mailed to the wrong address.  I checked back on the E-Marine account.  The FPO corrected the address but did not notify anyone.

Curleytop, it all gets overwhelming...especially with the season changing and missing the fall activities with your son. Is he a baseball fan? be sure to send some newspaper clippings about the Pennant Race for the World Series. Send a small package to the new address, and make sure to include a note to ask him, if possible, to let you know he got it. 

MT makes a good point, we all have the memories of a kid, a child, a teenager, but when they go off to a war zone, they are trained professionals, and working with other trained professionals. Their commanders first thought is to bring them all home safely, and they all cover each other's backs. I know it's hard to keep that stiff upper lip thing, so come here when you feel yourself slipping.

Keep that list going of topics to talk about when they call, remember to take care of yourself...be as healthy as you can. Get out and get exercise, eat healthy as possible....and cry when you feel like it...it's cleansing and it will help. And remember, you are not alone. We're here.

Curleytop...Does your son have a Facebook profile? I finally did a Facebook profile when one of the mothers suggested it. It gave me great relief if he was able to post something once in a while. Although, I won't have that luxury for his next deployment, as he had to completely remove himself from it.

Curleytop, I agree that you shouldn't worry about the address.  The one they get first seems to be a "general" one for the whole group.  Once there and they are assigned to different areas, they get a new address that is a bit faster and more direct.  Every area and group seems to be different (my son could not get on the Internet) but for my son, when he got that second address, it took a week to ten days for packages to arrive. 

Ladies,

Thanks for all the comments about the address and packages.  Thanks for letting me vent.  I will try again with another package.

If anyone would like their Son or Daughter deployed, to receive a care package for the holidays, our BSMA in GA will be sending them out. You can friend me with their address. I will need the address by Nov. 15.

Also, if there are any "Teacher" or "School" related parents from this site, we are in desperate need of handmade holiday cards from students to place in our packages, "Thanking them for their Service". This is the one item they most appreciate. I will be more than happy to send you my address. Thank You So Much.

TDM...I hope I didn't over step my boundaries making my plea on this site, please let me know if I did.

Absolutely not. I think you should be in touch with a Navy mom I know who works with a group who makes and sends cards to out deployed folks so they have cards available to send home to their loved ones. She might have a thought about getting those cards made. 

Thanks TDM...That would be Great!!

My private e-mail is tsuggs@hsblawfirm.com.

It IS all a big circle, malamama! Gosh, you think you're a tough military mom and then read that post and cry....thank  you for sharing it!

MalaMama...The devastation out there was horrible to view on the news. I'm so glad you shared your story, as I often think about our young heroes here on our own soil, helping the many in need from our own disasters. 

Kathy, so glad to hear you have your son home on leave.  We still don't have a date but now closer to at least a 30-day mark.  Thank God.  Can't get here quick enough. 

Hello everyone,

Haven't been able to catch up with everyone for a while.  Lots of family things going on here at home.  Medical issues with family members. 

Kathy, I so enjoyed your comment about the grocery bill.  When our son was coming home for his pre-deployment leave, my husband asked 'How much love did we buy?' after I had gone grocery shopping.

Tamme, so glad your days are at least at the 30 day mark.  I keep telling myself I will be there someday.  Mine will not be until the spring or summer.  But I still have hope.

Curleytop...keep on coming by...we're here!! One of the hardest things I've had to do as an empty nester is grocery shop without buying out the store. Who knew canned soup had an expiration date?

Does anyone remember what AIT stands for?  And, just for the heck of it, has anyone ever typed in an acronym on the "Navy speak" feature on Navy4moms and had something actually defined?  No matter what I've tried to look up there over the years, it always says "Sorry."  Anyway, I think the AIT is what your address is while you're in "A" school, just not sure.

eurekamom.....AIT is the "Army Language" for "Advanced Individual Training" same exact term for "A" School in the Navy after PIR.  ("A" = "Apprentice") A lot of military personal still use the AIT term from years back.

Eurekamom...After I made my last post, later I had time to check into your question further. On the N4M's website there is a group called "Boot Camp Moms" Under their "Pages" to the right, there is a category called "What does ???? mean? (A Guide to Navy Abbreviations & Terminology). There they list quite a boat load of info on abbreviations. There is also a Category on the top of that site "US Military abbreviation & Acronym List. They actually list "their" abbreviation of AIT = Aircraft Interface Tester or Automated Interactive Target. I hope this helps you.

Happy Veterans Day to our young Vets! and their mommas...

JerseySusan, thanks for the info and the site in the boot camp page.  That one actually had a few others that I tested on it. 

I want to share this headline, even though it's NOT about Afghanistan, this book is given away to military families for free. It is an appalling book, and I can't believe it's allowed to exist.  Please check it out and do not let anyone you know use it:  www.examiner.com/article/another-couple-found-guilty-of-murder-for-...  I'm not allowed to talk about my job online, but it makes me a little crazy to see things like this.

Moms, I know you are all probably getting your boxes ready to send out for the holidays. My son said the best thing he rec'd was a travel toothbrush &  he could just put in his pocket and extra socks. Also, here's an idea that our BSMA group prepared. It is the 3-2-1 single serve cake mixes. You will need:

Zip Lock Snack Baggies, 1 box of flavored cake mix (Choc,strawberry,vanilla,spice,lemon, etc.....) & 1 box of Angel food cake mix, Microwave container, we had donations of coffee mugs, but you can use anything that is microwavable, plastic teaspoons & black mens crew socks or military socks. We had the black mens crew sock donated to us.

"Your" preparation of cake mixes:

( Place 2 tablespoons of "dry" flavored cake mix and 1 tablespoon. of dry angel food cake mix per baggie). Place an address label on the baggie of directions (Directions: Pour mixture into mug. Add 4 plastic spoonfuls of water = (2 tbsp). Stir Thoroughly. Microwave for 1 minute. Cool for 5 minutes. ENJOY!!). Then place the baggies & teaspoons in a microwave container.( We did 3 baggies & 3 plastic teaspoons per mug). (We placed ours in the ceramic coffee mugs with a pair of black crew socks wrapped around each mug).

Hey!! hope all of you are doing okay!! awfully quiet here!!

Hi TDM!  I agree that it is VERY quiet in here...In fact, I was beginning to wonder if everyone got sent home, and I missed the news.  lol  I know things aren't as bad as they once were, but I'm surprised we don't have moms in here asking questions or telling us what they can about their "hero".