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

That's so frustrating nicksmom!  We actually got a call from our son on Sunday.  He sounded tired but he had been out in the field for over a week.  Tired or not, I'll take the sound any day.

Nicksmom...not sure what you mean by weird, hopefully the weird thing wasn't a strange phone call. Be "very" careful for scammers....my parents ( in their 80's) phone line got hacked through Skype when our oldest made a phone call through Skype from a different country. Someone picked up his voice through a conversation he had with them and called 2 weeks later pretending to be my son & tried to ask my parents for $ b/c he was in jail. They didn't tell me for a couple of days b/c they were so convinced it was my son (Ha...and they didn't want to upset me), b/c it was "his" voice & his name. Thank goodness they didn't send any $, but they were getting ready to b/c they rec'd the call twice on directions of where to send it, but it took them a couple of days to get over this. I did contact the ombudsman and they assured me the sub was way out to sea and sent a warning out to the families.   

got to speak to him on Tuesday evening,,,, all is good.  and, yes, I also save the VM's.

The "weird" was the number it listed (call before that) that it was coming from.... but I now know why it is.  Makes sense but had me worried there for a while.

Nicksmom...so proud you talked with your son.  You will learn that no matter what number it is, you will answer because you never know if might be your son, just in case.  You will also learn that you will answer no matter what time of the day it is or what you are doing.  I became obsessed with having my phone with me while my son was on deployment.

I also have a different view of OPSEC.  I realize it is not the military that I am angry with the times in which I live.  I guess what I am trying to say is that while waiting for our son to arrive my eyes were opened.  I knew why OPSEC was there but I did not value it much being a civilian.  I respected the rules to protect our son and all the other sons coming home with his unit.  Anyway, while we where waiting I over  heard a dad say, "I put the Welcome Home banner out on Facebook.  I just could not wait.  I cheated."  After I hear him say that I turned to my husband and said please hold me down.  I was so angry.  So very angry.  I had a speech all planned for that guy about how he not only put my son in danger but his as well.  Then I simmered down and realized they were in the USA by then and could not be delayed.  It just made me mad to think that we are specifically instructured not to give out information so that our men in services will not come to harm  By the times we live in, I mean technology has changed things so drastically that information can be received in a millisecond.  Then some "parents" choose to do as they please.  OK, I know I probably should not be on a soap box right now but that dad did make me so angry for a few minutes.  I got over it but I respect OPSEC a lot more.

I was great to see other Marines and Corpsmen there to welcome home the unit.  They helped unload their bags.  They helped put their buddy's bags together.  Everyone had three bags to find.  It was a wonderful experience.  Our son was not really ready for crowds and other people so we ordered movies on demand, went through drive thrus to feed him, took him to the closest NEX to by Navy supplies.  One morning he slept in and I just watched him sleep.  It was that best part of my day.

TexDocMom...no picture of that mom hug.  His dad and I were separated at that time by the crowd.  It is a moment I shall not forget. 

I am so thankful he is back on U.S. soil.  A feeling only deployment moms can know.  Whatever stage you are in with your military journey there hope.  My husband and I went to a concert that afternoon waiting for our son.  It was for the military kids on base.  I never meet a strange and I was talking to some of the military wives around us.  When we left I thanked one of the husbands for his service.  He had been listening and knew we were there for our son's return.  This man stopped and thank me for my service.  I said that I had not served.  He said, "Yes, you have by raising your son to serve and continuing to support him."  I almost cried.  No one has ever done that before.  So all you moms and dads out there, thank you for your service.  You are a great bunch.

Curleytop! in tears here, I know how that feels, just watching them sleep....glad he is home safe and sound, and my prayers for all those in war zones. Glad you didn't hurt that dad....but I do not blame you for being angry!  

yes, definitely.  can't wait til I have that feeling!!!

Thank you for sharing curlytop.  Made me smile through the tears!

Saw Mine on emarine.... YaY!   Those shout outs are GREAT!!!!  Thanks Ruby for posting!!!

Curlytop...I know what you mean by watching your son sleep. Just before our son left, I caught myself staring & watching his every silly move whether he was in motion or not and telling myself to always remember his sights & feelings.

We are at our half-way mark today.  :) 

Hello everyone,

I realized after I ranted about technology and OPSEC that I would not have all of you without it.  I am so thankful for each and everyone of one.  I have survived a deployment because of you.  I am so grateful.

nicksmom, When I would read posts in the past, I wondered if those feelings would come.  They are real.  All you have to  do is just focus on taking your next breath.  When I did that, I made it to my son's homecoming day.

Joined an exercise group today so that I can be fit when my son comes home on leave.  Right now I don't know if I will be able to walk in the morning.  But I walked a mile tonight.

Happy thoughts to all.

Hang in, hang on, remember you are not alone...and I found this amazing headline today: No casualties in Afghanistan for the first time in 11 years !!!!!!! Keep those cards, packages, letters, prayers and good thoughts headed to your sweeties in A. 

yes, I was just glad to see the shout out.  and, that he called me last week.... fully not expecting to hear from him for a while.  anyway, he had received my two packages.... told me not to send so much stuff.... ha ha.... I told him GIVE IT AWAY... that is what it is for,  Anyway, I waited a week and sent two more today.  I wish I knew if any of your sons were with my son but I guess there is no way to really know.  oh well~  are we at least able to say what Co.?  or, not.  just let me know.

Keeping busy are the key words.  I found a flash drive my sister had sent me from the time my son came home from Italy on Leave.  Sat there and cried like a baby watching him when he came off the plane (we hadn't "seen" him in over 15 months).  It's been over a week again since we heard from him last and the last time was just a quick email. Hang in there ladies.

Italy, wow, I wish.....  anyway, saw a pic on FB.... not sure it was supposed to be there.... a slew of folks (his friends) commented on it but I did not.  He has even changed his name.... as he was supposed to.  Anyway, kinda makes me mad I can not even comment on my own sons alias FB frigging page but, whatever. 

My son was blue side for two 1/2 years before being attached to his current unit.  I know that a lot of our boys and girls go right to the green side, but I am so grateful he was able to see both sides of being a Corpsman.  Looking forward to our trip to see him soon.  He loves what he does whether he's blue or green and that makes me happy.

Nicksmom...we have the same issue with the very "Social FB". But I can still "privately" message him with little notes & pictures that he enjoys a lot when he gets a chance to view them.

yes, I have sent messages but no answer.  don't think he has access to anything right now.  that's ok.  won't be long, I hope.

called last night.  kinda figured that would be when.  says all is good.

Good to hear, nicksmom....makes for a more relaxing day for you and hopefully a full night's sleep last night! 

Glad you got a call nicskmom.  I'm getting that anxious feeling in my gut since it's been awhile since we heard from our son.  Trying to keep busy and not dwell on it.  He warned me he was going to be out of contact a little longer this time.  Ugh...

It sound so trite and I always hate saying it, but truly...Pam, no news is good news. If there was anything wrong, you would already know. He's busy, focused and doing what he needs to do to stay safe and keep his fellow warriors safe. No news is good news to a military family. Hang in there, they will have them on the phones as soon as they get to a spot to do so...you are not alone, prayers for you and your son and his unit. Everyday.

Okay, another boring story from me...when my son was deployed, I used to post youtubes of the House Concerts we hold in our backyard so he could see them. Mainly he enjoyed looking at the yard, and watching the birds fly around George's head in this one....but when I posted this one, when he came home he told me he was watching it a "media" center full of computers and all of a sudden he heard "play it again, we got a guy just like that mechanic in our town, too!"...so those Marines and corpsmen sat in Iraq around a computer and listened to my friend George Ensle pick this song about a shade tree mechanic. A little bit of home...and green grass and trees and birds...

TDM...That's is so adorable. It's the simple ideas that matter the most & get their attention to make their days!!! Love it!!!

Just heard from our son yesterday. Just a few private messages with few words, but the "I Love You's & Miss You's go a long way for a while. Sure soothes the "Motherly" soul of knowing he was safe for that moment in time.

Thanks ladies. Crazy things go on in the head that's for sure.

Thanks TDM.. for your words and for the video.

PS....TDM....Do 'You' also have the gift of music & singing in your background??? I think it would be an "Honor" for all of us to see our "Mentor" from this site, give us a smile and make our day with your talent!!!   

oh, no! I have no singing talent! but I live in a music town, full of folk, americana troubadours...and we have a lot of musicians touring from all over the country! Google "house concerts..." with your city's name in there and I'll bet you'll find some house concerts in your area. A listening venue...no bars, loud conflicts...just the music...good company and a little potluck on the side! Most are held indoors, but in the spring we go out in my backyard. Find Webb House Concerts on facebook...

Heard from out son last night.  So grateful for the Hey Mom's.

Great to come home from work to see this, Pam! good for you, mom...sleep tight!

lots of updates and pics on emarine... saw several of my son.  yay!  can't open/download them tho but will get with R on that one.

Pam....So happy to hear you heard from your son!

Just heard about this website on another group and I ordered some cookies for my son!  bakemeawish.com

Wishing you all a Happy Easter and phone call from far away today! My (ex) Sailor is in the living room....watching the NBA....hope yours is home soon to do the same! 

Thanks TDM...Had A Beautiful Skype with our son...He's in good spirits...and counting down the days!!!

Happy Easter To All Our Deployed Military & their Families.  <3

Welcome back ZacsPAmom and Happy Easter to all of our deployed boys and girls along with the family members left behind.  We got a quick email from our Corpsman.  But I will take it.  We are going to visit him when he returns from this deployment so that has got him looking forward to something..anything to make homecoming seem that much closer!  Another day down. 

I didn't hear from my son for Easter... was hoping to but evidently he has been very busy.  Got a message on FB last week but just a one line "I've been busy" but it is better than nothing.  It would be really nice to know if any of our sons are together over there but.... oh well...    I will say that I saw my son on a shout out so if any of you saw yours then then maybe they are......     Hope all had a good holiday weekend.

When my son was still with 2/2 Marines he said to me once. "I like being deployed, there's always something to do". Made my heart stop!  They stay very busy....and focused. So, while I know how tough it is to not hear from your son, nicksmom, he is doing the job and doing it well. He's working hard, and he is thinking of you all at home. 

Then one day he said "I'm leaving the military, it's not a good place to start a family!" and all I heard was "start a family"...bless that sweet lady that took his heart! they didn't stay together, but I love her still!  I want to do just a little bragging....and remember, you will have these same experiences as your child moves on after his/her military career. My son will graduate in May from UTSA (Univ of Texas San Antonio) where he started part time his last year at Camp Bullis (he was an instructor there). He has accepted a job with a huge home builder. He did one job fair, and got several interviews, this home builder company called him to ask that he not do any more interviews, they were sending a letter of intent and an offer. The man who he met with was also a vet, and graduated with the same business degree as my son. He said they are looking for young people just like our kids. He will train for 6 months at a healthy hourly rate and then be a buyer for them at almost triple his Navy salary to start.  Not only that, he doesn't have to sell his home in San Antonio, he will work there, but can transfer any place in the country that he wants later. 

What has made him valuable to this company is that ability to work hard, stay focused and do the job, be a problem solver...and that's what this awful deployment crap teaches them....

One more day down...remember you are not alone....and you will hear soon!!

actually got another message on FB today. so, I am good til the next one.  thanks for all of the comments everyone!!!

Good news that you did get a message nicksmom!  The military teaches our kids so much.  My son is definately in a better place now than when he first joined the military.  He has direction and a purpose.  He may not extend his contract, but he has a good foundation to start his life as an adult.  We are so proud of him as I'm sure you all are proud of your sons and daughters.  Keeping them all in my prayers whether they are currently serving or not. 

My Son got his FMF pin.  YaY! 

Congrats to the Doc!! Big hug, nicksmom! Now you'll hear..."those field Docs are the toughest SOBs around"....and think..."are they talkin' about my baby??"....

Congratulations to your son nicksmom! 

Our son "finally" rec'd his "1st" and what looks like it will have to be his only package from us due to the time it took for him to get an address and how long it takes for him to receive a package. He was so happy I fulfilled all of his requests. Of course I would, I went to the ends of the earth to make sure "everything" was in there even with my broken ankle!! Even at the last minute I didn't seal it up until I knew "For Sure" he didn't need anything else. He loved all the little notes I placed on certain items as to why I was sending them.

Nicksmom...Congratulations on your son earning his FMF pin. I'm not familiar with some of the abbreviations, but TDM explained it very well!!!

Hey TDM.....This Military Mom Food Truck from the Food Network Great Food Truck Race is heading "Your" way to Austin Texas this week from Tucson Arizona!!! They need all the support anyone can round up in that area!! They are filming Season 5 which will air in August!!! They have a FB page that also needs a lot of support.

I'll check it out and promote it! thanks! I'll be out of pocket on Saturday, the kid is graduating from UTSA!

It's the Navy kid...now a Univ of Texas San Antonio grad!  Those 7 years in the military plus this education has helped him find a great job he starts in June!! 

I will, Susan! I heard him say that the job is a "good post grad job offer, but the good money is because of my years in the military". I heard Peter Holt (owner of the San Antonio Spurs) speak to a bunch of MBA grads once....he said he hated to tell them but he would always hire ex military over them because they are "problem solvers and don't lose focus" . 

Proud Mom moment TDM!  Congratulations to your son for all of his accomplishments!  I am obviously a deployment mom in training.  I sent those cookies to my son and did not tell him.  He said they were delicious, but the unknown box almost gave him a heart attack.  I got a talking to about that and I'm glad he didn't blow them up or anything because they were rather expensive. Major note to self on sending boxes from outside sources..  Not too much longer before his boots will be back on American soil.  Another day down.

i use a return address..... ha ha!