myblue_heaven Posted June 28, 2007 Posted June 28, 2007 My dd found out today she may be deployed to Iraq in July. She's in the National Guard, 18, and just graduated AIT @ Ft. Lee, Va. We are so worried for her. Her dad and I love her so much, but we're very proud of the career choice she has made. We can only pray for her and ask God to watch over her for us. Is there anyone who has family, children, cousins, anyone that is in the military? I would love to talk about this and get others thoughts, words of wisdom, etc. on this difficult time.
Tony T Posted June 28, 2007 Posted June 28, 2007 I wish your daughter Godspeed. When she joined, she had to know there was an excellent chance she would go to Iraq. I have a cousin there who is teaching Iraqi policemen investigation procedures. He says the sand is like baby powder and it's hot. But he likes it because he's not paying income tax. We will be praying that your daughter's tour finds her safe always. One thing you can count on, she will return from the experience a different person...for the better.
Author myblue_heaven Posted June 28, 2007 Author Posted June 28, 2007 Thank you so much for your reply. You don't know how much it means. She has been a wild child these last few yrs and very high strung. That's the only reason I feel good about her going. I hope she can gain some experience and some wisdom and LOTS & LOTS of maturity and be a more responsible adult. Her dad and I were proud of her choice to join the Army and were so proud to watch her graduate bootcamp last summer and her AIT this spring. She's very strong willed and we feel this can be a plus for her survival, so to speak. Anyone else who wants to talk about their experiences, their kids, etc. I will drink it like water to a thirsting man in the desert. thank you so much, in advance!
Curmudgeon Posted June 28, 2007 Posted June 28, 2007 Is there anyone who has family, children, cousins, anyone that is in the military? I would love to talk about this and get others thoughts, words of wisdom, etc. on this difficult time. I was a military brat, as were my children and even my wife. I'm a combat veteran and the father, son, grandson and nephew of other combat veterans. It's been a family tradition going back as far as I can trace. Hang onto your pride. Your daughter has embarked on a worthy course, is well trained and will be in the combat support or combat service support trains areas having just graduated from support command and logistics training. While there's always a risk in a war without a front, the odds of returning whole are in her favor. Be supportive and confident. I'm sure she is, and justifiably proud!!
polywog Posted June 28, 2007 Posted June 28, 2007 I don't have any immediate family or friends in the military, but I want to send you, your husband, and your daughter my best, most heartfelt wishes for a safe tour of duty. She'll return with gifts of maturity and wisdom, and eyes & mind opened up by experiences that most people never have, and our society needs that right now. I must confess that I am opposed to this war (Forgive me for saying that), but I never, ever, take the bravery and selflessness of our troops for granted, and think about them and their safety every day, as well as their families back at home. I know you must be so anxious right now, but I hope you are very proud as well... I would be.
quankanne Posted June 28, 2007 Posted June 28, 2007 military tradition runs in our family, as it does in my husband's ... currently, I've got a 24yoa nephew in the Army, he's at Fort Polk in Louisiana, and word is that he'll be shipped out to Afghanistan in September. while we're incredibly proud of the boy for choosing such an honorable career, we're also incredibly worried because we lost another nephew (his younger cousin) in March, who died while serving in Iraq. So there's a huge emotional struggle going on between the pride and happiness, and the horror and realities of this war. However, it's something both boys willingly chose, and we've given full support of their decision. one thing we did with Willy (the younger nephew) was to keep up emails and packages while he was in Iraq, and my one sister who retired, said she had the computer set up for IM and monitored it for messages throughout the day so that Willy knew he had an instant, constant communication with family (his parents work full-time, and not as easily accessible). same with Stephen, the nephew now at Fort Polk – we send emails and letters, and packages, too. We know both boys have appreciated that kind of support, as well as prayer support from friends and family. for the family at home, check to see if there's any kind of military support group where you can be with others who have loved ones serving. Regular military has a built-in support system because with the military base community as the hub, not sure if reservists have the same kind of environment, but I wouldn't be surprised if they do. Anyhow, it might help ease your worries somewhat to be with other military families who are experiencing the same things. I'm incredibly proud of your daughter – there are many other paths to choose from, yet she decided to serve with honor, and at such a young age, too. She and your family are in my prayers. quank
Author myblue_heaven Posted June 28, 2007 Author Posted June 28, 2007 Thank you. This does make me feel better. I have several family members in my own family, aunts and uncles, who've been in the military. My uncle was in Vietnam and he likes to talk with my dd about his experiences, not all good, of course, but it helps her to see what war really is and doesn't romanticize it. We're trying to take the next couple of weeks, and enjoy them and treasure them with her. I know she's scared by some of the little things she says. She doesn't want us to really see that she is, but I know she is. Please keep her in your prayers and thank you all for your comments and thoughts. I'll check back and keep reading incase I get more posts.
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