Deploying tonight

[Opa]

He will be in my thoughts and prayers. My stepson just got back not long ago. It is a strange sensation feeling anxious and proud at the same time. Give your son a big thank you from an old vet.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

Your family is in my thoughts tonight. It takes great sacrifice to be a hero for your country, but it is also sacrifice to be a part of that hero's family.

Thank you so much for what you have done for our country.

 

[Rhett&SarahsMom]

((HUGS))

My thoughts are with you and him.

 

[momofdrew]

Thank you all for your kind words and prayers

Pam

 

[Parson's Wife]

My heart goes out to you. My husband was a Marine for 8 years (Desert Storm) and my brother served in Iraq for 18mths....hard days...but this too shall pass.
Know that my prayers, and many others are with him, and you.
And yes, tell him THANK YOU.

 

[jaye]

Please tell him thank you from my family as well.

My oldest son, just turned 18, has already enlisted though he won't graduate from high school until June. (Army Reserves) He leaves for basic in early July and is signed up for MP training immediately afterward. Rumor has it his unit will get its "warning" orders in February, which means they'll be deployed next February. Heaven only knows where they will go. I may be just a little more than a year away from being in your shoes. I understand the mixture of fear and pride. Hugs to your family.

 

[cherig22]

Thank you for raising a strong young man.

We will pray for him, for strengthing our safety through his actions. DH is retired Navy, Dad is former Marine, FIL is retired Navy Captain, and SIL is former Navy now Army. And more in the current family tree.

They are fighting for our freedom and our safety, if not for men like your son we would be in burkas, or standing in lines to buy whatever they are selling, or freezing and starving because there is no food or wood to burn for heat.

What we all need to realize is that we, in America, stand pretty much alone in the fight for freedom. To do what we do in the world, so that we can preserve our FREEDOMS.

You are a precious woman who has raised a son who realizes that men, real men, are needed to preserve our right to live as we feel fit.

And you have every right to feel or rant or praise simply because men like your son have fought to give us that right.

God bless him, and our other soldiers, and keep them safe.

Cheri

 

[Jolyn]

I have two young boys and i can only imagine what you are feeling right now. It would be so difficult to go through.

I will be praying for your son and i'm sure many others on this board will be too. Please keep us posted.

 

[maplesky7]

Half way in his tour he will get to come home for some R&R. He will be tired and the time difference and jet lag will take thier toll on him...but he'll be home, if only for a couple of weeks...but home.

And saying good bye the second time is just as hard...for I know, my husband is on his 15th month in Iraq.

Every time he goes...his 2 little girls have emotional issues. It's been really hard to have him gone. He's even talked about going back since they need volunteers. There's just no words...

People have paid his bus fare home when he is in uniform and thanked him for his service. People have come up to myself and my 2 little girls and told us how much they appreciate our sacrifices...it seemed fitting, it was raining that day he left, at 4 am...the girls still in their pajamas holding their umbrellas...and me holding the 2 year old gripping her stinky bear waiting at the bus stop.

I can't describe my hearts ache and my mind was just floating. I wanted to run up on that bus after it was loaded and kiss him a thousand times over and hug him and hug him again and again.

But I smile and try to be strong for my girls and wave and say, "wave to daddy," with the words nearly breaking from my throat as they are spoken and staying under the shelter house until the bus is no longer in site....just because, I can't let go...

So I know your heart mom. And if you'd ever like or need to talk through his deployment...you can always contact me.

My husband has worked himself up to Sgt. and earned several gold coins and is up for a bronze star. It's honorable...respectful...sometimes even humbling.

We still miss him all the same.

Regards,
Gretchen

 

[Cetawin]

It is okay to cry...tears help heal. I never cried on any of DH's deployments until I got home...I smiled and reassured him constantly, stood there and watched the plane take off and stayed by the tarmac until the plane was out of sight. It is hard but you have raised a fine, strong courageous young man...feel pride.

I know it is hard but please try not to blame one man...it was the decision of many that put our soldiers in harm's way.