Army Sister...Worried!?

Question

My 20 year old brother and his 19 year old wife, both are field medics in the US Army.

About 3 months ago, my brother called me and told me the they both had run away. Gone AWL. I asked him why and he told me because he was being sent to Iraq and didn't want to go and leave his wife behind.

I asked him where he was at, he wouldn't tell me...but I had a feeling he was in Colorado...where I currently live and where his wifes' family also lives. He gave the response saying he didn't want me to get involved or introuble.

About seven weeks ago, was the last time I heard from him. He said that they were going back to base in Texas. I told him to keep in touch and he agreed he would. Well, I haven't heard from either of them since...

I'm really worried. I was telling my mum that I wanted to either get intouch with the Red Cross or the authorities to file a missing persons, but she said not to.

What should I do? Should I wait it out?

Answer 1

Call his Command. Tell them you heard from him and he said he would turn himself in. Also, call the red cross. If he did turn himself in, they will be able to find him.

I know your worried and as his sister you should be since you don't know where he is. But keep faith and start making phone calls. He'll turn up.

I really have no kind words for your brother, sorry. He knew what he was getting into. I have spent a total of four years deployed and away from my family, so I just can't sympathize.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Ooh Rah Colorado! Joining the military for the benefits and then running when it's time to serve. No folks Freedom isn't free, and to all you who rated thumbs down on Colorado's answer, shame on you. Everybody who joins has the possibility of going to war. Protecting your country through service is a great honor and being a medic, one who is trained to save lives is even greater. Every military member who deploys faces leaving their family for a period of time, it's hard and heartbreaking, but it's a necessity and it's part of being mature and responsible to fulfill your obligations. Anyone who doesn't think so wants to live off the sacrifices of others, like a leech, taking the benefits without putting forth the effort. They are just a drain on the system.

Answer 3

Unfortunately the Iraq war is scaring allot of young soldiers. He must understand though if he has joined the army in this day and age he will fight some or another war. He should report and face the consequences as the us or British army don't take to kindly to somebody going AWOL as it effects morale within the troop. If you haven't heard he may have been caught by the military police and is awaiting trial for going AWOL. I would ring his base to see if they have heard anything and advise them you haven't heard from him for a while. this will protect you from any hassle. You would at least know if he is in mp prison or still on the run. Good luck I hope all ends well

Answer 4

I reckon your brother was just trying to reassure you and stop you from worrying! That shows he cares and loves you. I would leave him to it, trust him as an adult to make and learn from his own mistakes, its his life. If you wait and he gets in touch let him know you support him completely and love him but don't approve at all and that he needs to get help before the whole thing spirals even more out of control. What is the worse punishment he will get if he goes back? Will it be thrown out of the army or arrested or charged or what? Maybe it would be a good idea for you to anonymously find out all the facts and eventualities so that you can explain to him about what he might have built up into a much worse fate than it actually is.

Sorry I know nothing about these things but just felt moved to write what I felt to you.

Answer 5

Contact his unit, if you know it, and ask to speak with him. If you can get the commander on the phone, good. If not, contact the Military Police station on the base.

He may have turned himself in and is pending discharge or reassignment and is too embarrassed to call/write.

He may have fed you a line of BS, and is still on the run.

The Military Police will have given his name to the local law enforcement (if he hasn't turned himself in). When/if he is pulled over, the PD will do a "wants and warrants" check, see that he is a deserter, and apprehend him. He will be held in confinement until the military can send someone to pick him up. After that, he will be dishonorable discharged. Probably. He may be given a second chance.

Answer 6

So a medic refuses to serve after getting all that free training. I wonder how many will die becasue he wasn't there. Forget that coward and piece of filth. I hope he gets shot trying to run from the cops or something. We need to start hammering these people. They really need to make him pay back all the money spent from day one to when he gets the boot.

Answer 7

if he really wanted to get out of Iraq he should have gone to Canada.

If he went back to his base in TX and turned himself in then he is in jail and under severe restrictions. No phone and possibly no mail. He's in so much trouble that he may not be able to contact you for some time.

wait it out

Answer 8

You are his sister and entitled to know about his welfare. Contact the base where he went AWOL and tell his CO you are worried about him because you haven't heard from him. Dont mention you know anything about him going absent or you may be implicated. Good luck

Answer 9

Your brother has shamed his family, his wife, his country, and himself. He is doing the right thing by turning himself in and facing the consequences, whatever they may be.
Leave him alone and let him work this out by himself.
Just wait it out.

Jester-- To the best of my recollection, Eddie Slovik was the last deserter who was executed, way back in WWII.

Answer 10

Best advice I can give is call his commanding officer, tell them that your brother called and said he was going to turn himself in and you were wondering if he was there!