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

I cried, you'll cry....just know I wish you each a happy, happy Mother's Day call from someplace over the hill....Home hugs

Tenn Navy Mom....hang on and hang in. So tough when you don't hear and sucky to hear "no news is good news", but you're a pro at this now, and know it. Posting this today to remind each and everyone of you that deployments end, they come home, they even leave the military (praise be!) and move on with their lives. Yesterday was my son's commencement, and he gave me the BEST Mother's day gift (other than coming home safe from deployments!). The SVA on his ribbon is to acknowledge him as an officer in the Student Vet Assoc. He's active and working for veterans and their rights and benefits. My heart to all of you today waiting on that call, and my prayer first thing this morning was for that exact thing. Much love.

I'm posting this one of my son because I want you to know he keeps himself in shape! Can't tell in the gown one. Blue and orange are UTSA's school colors. 

TDM....Great Pick of the "2" of You!!! I'm so Happy for him!!!!

Happy Mother's Day To All Our Mom's and May God Keep our Loved One's Safe.

How proud you must be TDM!  Thank you for sharing. What an awesome future he has before him. 

TNNavyMom- hang in there.  And know that our hearts ache for you.  We really need to meet in Chattanooga one day for lunch!

I got an early morning text message from my son.  I never take my phone in the bedroom with me, but for some reason Saturday night I did.  Lo and behold at 7:30 a.m. Sunday his special ringtone woke me up and I got a very sweet text message. Makes me miss him all the more, but I know he's part of something bigger and I can't be more proud of him.

Pam, that is the best way to wake up! always keep that phone near! TNNavyMom, hope today is the day you hear from your son...remember you're not alone, we're here, not quite as good as a call or message from your son, but we will stick it out with you.

TDM - Congrats to your son on his commencement. 

I heard from my son via e-mail/text on Sat. and then the surprise of all surprises he actually called on Sunday.  That was a shocker.  Anyway, they communicate when they can so hang in there.... it'll happen soon I am sure!!!

Great news! Twice in one weekend! Bet you slept well on Mother's Day night, Nicksmom!

TNM!! great news! I thought that the Command would make that happen if they possibly could!! So glad!

Thank you all for your congrats for my son, and patience with me as an overbearing proud mom. We had to get to the Alamodome 2 hours early, had a lot of time to sit, wait and think, and I thought of all of you who have crossed this board with me, and the fears and tears and thoughts we share....and how very down on my knees thankful I was the day he returned from Iraq (and how I would have been the same if the kid had actually let me know what he was doing on that first deployment with the MEU!)....and now he's really moving on. It never leaves them tho...it's part of who they are forever. Some one said he'd have to wait in line for those 2 hours, and he said "yeah, that's not too bad, I've done longer"...and when we pulled into the parking lot in his car with the disabled vet plates and the parking cop all but saluted him, shook his hand, thanked him for his service and directed him to a close in parking space, I almost burst into tears then. They are our children, but to others, they are full grown heroes, and I'm so grateful. My generation was not treated that way when they returned from Vietnam. When he deployed, he said "please don't cry in front of me" and I held it together and he was so proud, I could see the twinkle in his eye. Well, at his home the other night, I burst into tears....and he said "what?"...and I said "you didn't say I couldn't cry this time!"...All I could think was he's home, he's safe and how much I want that for all of you and all of those serving in war zones. Just bring them home. Let them move on to a good life. Get them help if they need it and let them go on with life. My prayer for you.

Sorry if I'm an emotional mess.  A dear friend passed away and the day after her funeral, the son in law of another dear friend was killed in a car accident, leaving a young widow with two special need young kids. Tough days for our old home town crew of friends. 

TDM, happy for you but also sorry for your losses.  TNM- I sent you a message.... wondering if our sons are in the same place (company).

Granted, they are Swedish Marines...but still...ya gotta see this!

Marines dancing

We seem to have Marine units coming home with our Corpsmen....do we have any replacements going out? usually when we start celebrating home comings, we have some new moms drop by....any body know the status of how many Marine units might still be assigned to Afghanistan? No names, just the number. 

I read someplace that the "last" unit of Marines to Afghanistan had already been deployed....I sure hope so!

Lets hope that's true TDM. 

My son passed his boards last night and got the FMF pin!  He shrugged it off like it's no big deal, but quirked a smile when I congratulated him.

Another day closer to boots on American soil.

Thought I'd share..

Tribute to Navy FMF Corpsman

http://www.janetscakes.com/

Thought you would all enjoy this. Click on the link to view this story

Congrats to your Doc, Pam! My son was like that about it as well, but it is a real point of pride in his Corpsman career. Those Marines still search the Doc out, even now. 

Yes...one day closer to all of them coming HOME. Hang in. 

Sorry, I thought the link below had the story in it. Here is a copy of this wife's story behind the pic.

Janet Brown is an award-winning cake artist. Her husband has been in the Army for 19 years. This is one of the most amazing cakes we have seen. Can you imagine... that what you're looking at is all edible ! Some people just are so amazingly talented ! We love how this flag drapes over the cake...Is that fondant ? Anyone want to take a guess? We are hoping the boots are made of chocolate cake...we would like a nice big slice of combat boots, thank you!

Her husband is now leaving for a deployment soon. She made this cake for him, and she has closed her business temporarily to spend time with him before he leaves.

What a great cake and great story JerseySusan.  And yes, I want a big 'ole piece of those combat boots!

She has a Navy section on her galleries pages! 

Congrats, Pam, to your son.  Each day getting closer.  I can't believe the cake and the ones on her website. 

Thanks everyone!  He said him and a buddy studied for two weeks and he now knows more about the marines than the marines know about themselves!

I was under the impression my son was one of the last to deploy...???...

Tenn Navy Mom, prayers are definitely flowing for all your family.

TennNavymom, my heart to you and your family. I am a Navy brat and mom, and I know the regs...still, I would check with Navy Relief, or the Chaplain, just to see what maybe, just maybe could be done. They are working a lot more with the families than they used to do. Perhaps even a phone call where your mother can hear his voice and he can say his good byes? God bless you all. 

very sorry to hear.  will keep your family (as well as all of us) in my thoughts and prayers.

did this as a separate comment.... I have tried a zillion times to upload a pic... it won't let me because of size.  I have  never had an issue with that on other sites and I have tried many different pics.  did any of you get this message and what did you do?

thanks~

Awe TNNavyMom - I'm so sorry.  I will definately keep you and your family in my prayers.  You're right, it's a sacrafice that no one understands unless you've been in the middle of it. Stay strong.

nicksmom - Your message shows up but no pic.

Tears in full flow here, thinking of those young warriors standing by as one of their own is losing some so dear to him like his grandmother is....God bless them all. Many hugs TNM...

TNNavyMom - So glad he got to at least talk to her.  You are down a road that I have been down with both my parents and I do not envy you that one bit but you will be amazed at the inner strength you will find you have.  Thoughts and prayers to you! ((((HUGS))))

I attended the service for Doc Bundy in Round Rock, Texas. What a showing of Navy support in that church. Corpsmen he had trained with, served with, along with Marines, Marine and Navy brass....all telling stories about him. His mother tore my heart out, just knowing how close we all have come at some point to being in her shoes. I attended with my friend whose son was in the Navy for 9 years. When he was serving as a recruiter, he committed suicide. They all gave their all. God bless them, and their families. My dad was career Navy, he'd be proud to call these young veterans brothers.

TennNavyMom, thanks for your tribute.  I went to school with Chris Bordoni's father.  Chris had a close friend who recently died from Cancer at the age of 23.  Such young angels.

Thank you TN Navy Mom. 

Very sorry for everyones losses.  I was fortunate to hear from my son this past weekend.  They are ALL so very grateful for those who went before them.

We haven't shared a birthday with our son in 4 years.  The last was his 20th.  He turns 25 in November.  He was going through FMTB when he turned 21 and since he was only there for 8 weeks he wasn't sure of his address.  The Fed Ex driver knew where to take the package.  Your right - mom's can be very tenacious. I can't tell you how much that meant to him though when he got it.  He had been sick with some bug and it brightened his day for sure!  I think having that strong support system back home keeps everything focused for our kids.  I feel sad for the one's that don't get that.

Another day closer!

Good News!  (CNN) -- Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the American soldier held captive for nearly five years by militants during the Afghanistan war, has been released.

Paymaster I was just coming here to share and jump up and down, and cry. God bless that family, that mom, that dad...and so many prayers that this young man get his life back. One of our greatest fears, we all know that....and this one is released. God bless our DOD and State Dept however the hell they did it. 

Wonderful news for that Soldier and his family!

I know with all the controversy about Sgt Bergdahl 's capture and now return to the US, it is hard to post about it here on our page. I just know this, and I counted on it when my son was deployed: We do not leave any one behind, man or woman, in enemy hands. I know Sgt Bergdahl's mother counted on that, and probably saw her faith in that become mighty thin. As a military mom, I celebrate the return of her son to US hands. What will happen, what or if charges will be filed, she knows he is safe, he is not being tortured, he is eating 3 meals a day and she can see his face and look into his eyes. And before all of that she is going to get that hug that all of us pray for every day our kids are in a war zone. And that's why we are here, to support and comfort our military moms.. 

Amen, TDM.  My son has been home on his battalion leave from his deployment in Afghan.  He has returned, is getting an opportunity for 3 meals a day, and all the hugs I can manage to get it.  He came back different as I knew he would.  He and I have had only one bad morning.  It has been so hard to keep those big girl Navy mom panties on during this time.  Every phase of his military career is something new.  Moms pray for them just as hard when they are state side because they face many difficulties here as well.  Keep her chin up, Curleytop. 

 I don't want to get into the politics of the POW. I'll just say that those 5 people released would probably be released anyway as we draw down in Afghanistan. POWs are released at the end of wars. Bush released over 500 internees from Gitmo. It's part of war. 

Curleytop, be sure to look at the links about when your kid returns from the war zone, see if there is any info there that will help you cope. Message privately if you need to vent. You're not alone.

Curleytop, I am with you.  It is hard to still be "the Mom" and also deal with the personal changes/ramnifications of deployment.  My son reminds me to give him time.  Personal message me if you need to vent or need any answers.  We are all in this together - from boot camp forward, always. 

Hang in there curleytop.  I hope peace returns for your son.  Counseling even for yourself may help in understanding what he is going through.  I know when my younger son had a horrific car accident (without going into details except that we have been to Hell and back with him), we all went to counseling and it helped tremendously.  Time and support are huge... (((HUGS)))