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

Welcome back curleytop.  Glad to hear your son will be home soon!  And congratulations on the NAM!  We spent the first weekend of October in Jacksonville, FL, where our son will be headed next year!  Loved the beach there and so bike friendly. 

Hi Everyone.... I have been gone for some time as well....  Son has deployed, again.... please keep he and his Team in your thoughts and prayers!

Nicksmom, definitely keeping your son & his team in my prayers. We are all here for you.

Ladies, I know that this group will always be here. Sad , but true. And we will be here with and for you as these deployments come and go. You are not alone. Big hugs. 

Yes, sadly.... wish it were somewhere else... a new group.... ha ha!

TNM, I am sorry, I'm just seeing this. Need to change my notifications to my better email. 

Your post just tore my heart, I know that fear of a being a mom of an FMF Doc....they are basically Marines. I know my son and his corpsman buddies feel more Marine than Navy. I will write more in a bit, on my way to work, I just wanted to send you some love and my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your father. I am so relieved that your son could be there with you this October to go through this tough, tough time. Thinking of you, and sending all the good thoughts and prayers I can for today to lift a little off of your heart. 

TNM - Big hugs to you as you continue life without both parents.  Never an easy thing to do.  We hit 10 years this month since my Dad passed away and 15 months before he left us my Mom had passed away.  I still wish I could pick up the phone and call just one more time.  So glad your son was able to be there for you during such a difficult time. 

I have seen first hand what my son went through on the blue side versus the green side.  I will continue to keep all of your FMF Corpsman in my thoughts and prayers but I can't wait for him to get back to blue. There is another whole side to the Navy that I hope one day your sons and daughters will get to experience.  You are right, the blue side Moms will have a hard time understanding the green side.  I am thankful for all of the Marine's that my son had the honor of working with for I am sure he made some lifelong friends.  He is now on "short" time with his unit and will be leaving soon.  I can't wait to have him closer to us for the first time in nearly 6 years.  If I see him more than once every year and half, I will be one happy Mom!

Yep to the FMF... the ARE Marines.....

Ah, Thanks much!!!!  Greatly appreciated!

The picture is true. By the time  you get to this board, you are all pros at being the mom of a warrior. My prayers everyday to each of you and those who serve this country. 

What does that bring him up to? Look at at that handsome sailor!

This additional 3 years will put him at 8 years and 7 months.  When he signed on for Hawaii he had to extend his 5 year contract.  And thanks TDM - he looks just like my Dad. 

I always look for the "like" button! 

Pam, my son was right at 7, he had to decide to go for broke or leave. Thankful he fell in love and left, altho I know he misses his buddies and his job all the time. 

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Coming into the month of Dec., we've had a few announcements. Our youngest will be leaving his "paradise" base in Ft Walton, to do 3 years in England. So, we are going from a 6hr drive, to an 8hr plane flight. We are happy for him, he's wanted this for a while, but me, I'm not so happy, just a little sad if I'm being selfish. Of course, situations over in Europe are even now more challenging then they were a few years ago. But, I'll just put in the hands of God. And, on the other hand, he has proposed to his girlfriend of whom we all Love & Adore. He couldn't have chosen a better person to stand beside & take abroad with him, she's 'perfect'. 

JerseySusan,
Oh, I envy your son his assignment in England.  A hundred years ago (ok, not that long ago) it was my husband's assignment right after we got married.  I was not command sponsored so money was really tight but absolutely our most fun years pre children.   

I wish my son would get some great assignment but he seems destined to ping pong back and forth to the west and east coasts. 

My IDC corpsman has just gone over 12 years.   There was a brief period when he thought it was time to leave but reconsidered.  I think it is the best thing for him and his family. 

I'm a veteran of both worlds. My dad served almost 30 years in the Navy with each of us siblings being born on different bases. I was born in Newfoundland (on a NAS that is not even there any longer), the rest range from Texas, California, Utah. My son did his four and then re-upped when the 2/2 was headed to Afghanistan, but thankfully, Ma Navy moved him to another battalion since he didn't re-up in time. One of the few times I have appreciated his lazy habit of waiting to the last minute. He was at 29 Palms for a brief time, then in charge of the Methadone Clinic at Lajuene. Boy, that was an eye opener and so very sad. Then they moved him to Camp Bullis in San Antonio to be an instructor and he was an hour from home! Now he's safely out, I can say I wish he'd had some of the stations that would take him to Europe or Hawaii, I would have loved to have visited him there. He mainly made war zones.

I know with the current situation, our war zones are shifting, and your fear has to be overwhelming. So much we just don't know, and quite frankly, I don't want to know. I think it's good that the Navy is keeping lids on where people are so no one is chatting on social media about it. I am one to believe that military matters should be kept close to the chest. I have no patience with those who want "openness" when it comes to the safety of our troops. 

IDCmom, my son looked seriously at that, he was offered whatever he wanted to do to stay in. He told his CO he was a corpsman and to him that meant greenside. He didn't mind being an instructor but if he stayed in he wanted to go back to the Marines. IDC is a very intense job, good on your son for being so qualified to do it! 

Without a doubt, growing up a military brat makes being a Navy mom or dad easier.  I was born in an Air Force hospital and will be buried on a Navy base. 

I thank God for Skype.  We only saw our grandparents every three to four years and my children grew up as Dept of Army Civilian brats, mostly overseas, so only saw grandparents when we went back to the States every couple of years. My parents had retired in the Panama Canal Zone so it was rare that we were on the same continent. 

Tenn Navy Mom, your son's years in the Navy have been much more difficult for you than my son's have been for me.  His first deployment was not physically dangerous and I was unaware of the danger on his second until after the fact.  Next one will be scary but I have no idea where it will be and that is probably for the best. 

Right now, the most difficult part of being a Navy mom is having our three grandchildren too far away to see them regularly.  The older two have spent more time with us but the baby is only 8 months old and we are missing all the things he is doing.  Again, thank God, for Skype! 

TennNM...Our sons last deployment was with a Marine Unit. He made some awesome friends!! Maybe our sons will be standing side by side someday.

In the late 60s, my dad had an isolated assignment to Korea.  We had a very elaborate stereo system in our house in Texas. Daddy kept us up to date by tape recordings.  On one tape, my dad asked my brother to set up the headphones and for us kids to leave the room, so mom could listen to what he said, privately.  Oops, Mom came to say she couldn't hear anything.  That was because brother had switched to outdoors speakers and the neighbors were being treated to mushy things Dad had to say to Mom.  I think Skype is better!

Welcome IDCMOM... yes, my son is out as well.... I do know the country but that is all.  I have not heard from him in some time.... but did see he again changed his name on facebook.... a couple of weeks ago.  No news is good news so I am sure he will message me as soon as he can.  Merry Merry and Happy Happy to all this season....

JerseySusan - Congratulations to your son on his engagement!  And for his tour in Europe.  My son did a two year tour in Italy and loved every minute. 

IDCmom - I have giggled about that one for a minute or two..  I can only imagine THAT conversation. LOL

For those of you that did not see the picture I posted last week and only left up for a short time, it was of my son swearing in for another three years of Navy life.  He has nearly 6 years in now.  He has gone from blue to green and now back to blue.  He deployed to a non-combat zone but it was still very hard for me not to have contact with him for weeks at a time.  I totally understand that little light when they're on FB!!  I still, after nearly six years, have a hard time with him being so far but am so grateful he will finally be just a short drive away from home. I have three children but he is my oldest and I would consider us still close.  Although he has been on the beautiful island of Hawaii for the last three years, the training missions have kept him off island for weeks and months at a time.  I guess each command has it's own challenges and I am hoping Florida will be a good one for him and his fiancé.  I only spent one year as an Army wife but remember how difficult it was being newlyweds in the military.  It is not a life for everyone but that doesn't mean it won't work for some.  Obviously there are a ton of married military men and women that have made it work.  And I applaud all of them!  Each member of our military needs all the love and support they can get from their support system (wives, husbands, moms, dads, etc.).  Those big girl panties can be stretched to their limit at times :) and sometimes ya just want to go commando but your sons and daughters know that you love them.  God Bless you all during this holiday season!

Sharing a song about "Doc"

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__popularmilitary...

Ladies  - the sea bags have exploded all over my house and I couldn't be happier!  On to the next chapter for our Doc.  JAX NAS here we come!

It's been a l-o-n-g- time since I've checked into this site. I know that's a good thing for me.  Our youngest son, AF, has been in England for a few months now with his new bride. They found a beautiful small cottage to rent in a small village to "experience" the whole European life. They even walk to the "Tavern"!! Even though he has been very busy with his job and "technically not deployed, he has had several training exercises at very different locations. I guess you could say, they are on an extended  honeymoon. He took her to a beautiful Bed & Breakfast for a long weekend & she has already met him for a weekend at one of the countries that use to be Yugoslavia. Their life there has already been very rewarding for the both of them. Of course now they have a newly rambunctious giant schnauzer, so I'm sure the traveling for her may dwindle down a little. Plus, she just found a PT job that she was anxious & happy to get. Not in her field, that's been a little bit of a rough road getting all of her credentials together for her overseas career, but she's still working on it. She had just graduated with her BS in Radiological Science & (ARRT), Radiography & Radiation Therapy just before they left.

Our oldest son, Navy, has had land duty in SC & just rec'd his BA at the Citadel last month. His wife is also working on her MB in Education as well, so their household has been very busy with that & their 20 month son.He is planning on leaving the Navy since he has now started a family. Sub life is very demanding when sea duty roles around, and having this latest land duty, has put his family life in perspective. He has a 1 1/2 years left. It's been a very rough decision on his part, because he really does love the sub life, but he also doesn't want to miss out on watching his family grow up though life. I know with all of his background as a nuclear engineer tech & now his BA degree, he should have a smooth transition into the civilian work world.

I hope this all finds everyone in good health. Love & Safety to All.

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/20160525/NEWS/160529475  

Jonathan's Captain.....

Ladies, I am still here! I was so hoping that we could move this group on...but it seems we will not be combat free probably in our lifetimes so here we stay.

Glad to hear the good news of your sailors ....and weddings and grandchildren! 

Memorial Day is such an emotional day for us all, I can't imagine the pain the families of these young 1/6  Marines and Corpsmen are going through today.

I meant to add that I attended the service for Doc Lundy. He was a Central Texas kid. I attended with another Navy mom, whose son took his own life after 9 years in the USN. It was a very very hard day. But the community and the Navy were there in force for Doc Lundy. 

Hi all.  Hope everyone and their Sailor's are doing well.  I just wanted to stop in and say that everything is good in Florida.  I can't tell you how wonderful it is to actually see my son every month.  We often joke about it now when one of us is headed home... "see you next month!"  He is getting married at the end of August so we are looking forward to that.  My how life has changed going from green back to blue.  So much less stressful for him.  God bless those that are still green and that have made the choice to stay that way.  We may have a humanitarian mission in our future onboard the Comfort which we'll find out about later in the year.

((((HUGS)))) to all that still fighting the fight.

Well,  THAT was exciting...I thought I'd lost touch with all of you! and with things ramping up yet again in the Middle East, I guess our group isn't done yet!  Hope you are all well! 

HEADS UP

“Deleting inactive members - The ad agency that handles N4M is in the process of updating the site.  If you have not been active since 12/1/15 you will be deleted to make room for new members.  You will be able to re-join.  If you don't want to be deleted you will need to post something to activate your account.  They have already started deleting members.”

Just came by to post the last comment myself! 

Per the new agency:

Navyformoms.com is being updated and upgraded, and part of this effort is making room for new members.  To do so, members who have not been active since 12/1/15 will be removed but will be able to re-join.  If you haven't posted since that date, please do so right away.  This is all part of an effort to make Navyformoms.com the best it can be for everyone, seasoned moms and new members alike.  Thanks and watch for good things to happen!

With the Marines deploying to Syria, I know we have to have some Navy moms in some worry mode....we're still here, we still want you all to know that you are not alone, we're here.

Marines Arrive Syria 

IDC, the name of this group has been there from before I joined...when Iraq was the main combat area, and then Afganistan was added to the name. Going to see if I can simply change it to Moms with Kids in War Zones. 

I bet those kids were so happy to hear their dad's voice!! Hope you got photos!

Changed the name!

Hi Everyone, TDM, thanks for the name change. Our oldest son in the Navy, will is getting out in July. Becoming a father has tugged on his heart strings enough to know  he wants to be there to watch his now, 2 1/2 year old son, grow up. As much as he loves being in the Navy, being on a sub is extremely demanding whether you're deployed or not.

Our youngest is still in AF. He is stationed in Europe for a few years & just got done with a deployment. We will be celebrating his 'Elopement' prior to him leaving last year, with a "Beautiful" wedding in a few weeks here in the states!! Can't wait to see he & his wife soon!!!

I will be staying with this site b/c of our youngest as he continues on in the AF with his job that relates to these Mom's.

Sorry I had to use 2 comment blocks. My curser froze up in the first.

I just want to finish out be sending all of my prayers to the families & loved ones deployed right now, as I know it may be a rough adjustment for us all these next few years. 

IDC, our youngest did an Africa D a few years ago. Your definitely at the right spot for moral support.  :) 

Use as many comment blocks as needed! 

Spread the word that we are here....in spite of our wishes, we cannot shut the doors on this group....too important.

This is so heartbreaking, I cannot imagine the pain these families are in. 

More info on donations here, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Yokosuka, Japan. When I was a child, when my dad died, Navy Relief helped us out so much, they are really there to serve our sailors and families in need. 

With 4,000 troops headed to Syria/Iraq/Afghanistan, we need to fire up this board again. I hate that. But...if you know moms or family members of those folks deploying to combat zones, please share this group with them. We do not care with whom they serve...Navy, Army, Marine, Air Force...we're here for the support of the families and loved ones. We've been there, some are still there...and we are here to make sure no one feels alone in this frightening journey.

Heart breaking news to read of 16 dead in the crash of a Marine plane in Mississippi. My heart and prayers for all those who lost their lives and their families who were waiting at home for them, as well as those with whom they served. 

Yes! Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving and phone calls from those who are far away!  

I am always missing my Sailor while he is in the sandpit but especially at this time of the year. Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.