Do you know anyone that's deployed to Iraq/Kuwait, if so what do you do to keep their spirits up???

Question

My HUBBY is over there for the 5th time in 5 yrs and I write him Multi times a DAY and send packages at the least twice a week, I'm just trying to get ideas of what else I could do that's over the top or special and different to keep his spirits up. He's my Soul Mate and I'd do ANYTHING for him so any ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

This comment is for BABY ANGEL.. The War was 5 yrs ago not 3 it happened in early 2002 right after 9/11/2001, 1st time My Husband's unit was deployed was OCT 3rd 2001(it's now Oct 2006, do the math 2001-2006=5yrs). You do realize they had to GO B4 THE WAR STARTED TO SET UP. My husband unit is transportation which means they are ALWAYS the 1st ones in and the LAST ones out because they move all the vehicles for 1st cav and 4th ID. I guess that's why they got a medal the last time (4th) they went for being the most deployed unit in the army with the most miles. :) My husband has been on a 6 month there 6 months home rotation. And where did I state that we've never been apart before. READ CAREFULLY IT SAYS "I'M TRYING TO GET IDEAS OF WHAT ELSEEEE I COULD DO THAT'S OVER THE TOP, SPECIAL OR DIFFERENT TO KEEP HIS SPIRITS UP." nothing about being it's new to be apart if u can read obviously if I write him often, next time review your comment so u don't look like a fool again

***THIS COULDN'T HAVE CAME AT A BETTER DAY TO PROVE MY POINT, HERE IS THE LINK TO THIS WEEKS ARMY POST PAPER***
http://www.theforthoodherald.com/page5.html

Answer 1

I know how you feel but I am looking at your question and I have a question myself. If he has gone to Iraq 5 times in 5 years but the war has only been going on for 3 years how is this possible? It just made a red flag go up for me. But again if this is his 5th time over there then you should know how to keep his spirits up this time around.

Don't get me wrong I do know how you feel my husband has been over seas 5 times in 6 years but not all, was to Iraq.

I know that I am going to get a lot of crap from this because I sound like a cold hearted b**ch but I really get annoyed with wives that act like this is the first time they have ever been away from their husbands and then make a comment like you did saying that it is his 5th time over there in 5 years, unless you went with him the other 4 times and this is the first time you have been away from him.

Footnote:
I just want you to know that everything from the last sentence of the first paragraph down was not from me it was from my husband, I would never have said something like that, I do want to apologize for that he was typing for me because I was busy.

He also didn't put everything I told him to write. This is what I asked him to write:

I know how you feel but I am looking at your question and I have a question myself. If he has gone to Iraq 5 times in 5 years but the war has only been going on for 3 years how is this possible? It just made a red flag go up for me.

But hey whatever I also understand about wanting to do something different this time around, this is some of the things that I did the last time my husband was gone: I sent pictures, homemade cookies, I also found a recipe for jarred banana bread, he said that it was good for about 2 weeks after he got it, cards for every little thing I would go to the store and see a card that said missing you and send it.

I also did themed packages, like Christmas, New Years, Valentines Day, Easter, Halloween, the major holidays but I also did other ones he really loved the Poker Night; it had nuts, cigars, poker chips, cards, pictures of beer (because you can't send real beer). Another one I did was Darts; I sent a dart board and darts. I can't remember all the other ones that I sent but I know that I sent out at least 2 packages a week, most of which were different themes.

But:

I remember when our troops started deploying for OIF and that was JANUARY 1, 2003. I also remember when we went into Iraq for OIF the date was MARCH 20, 2003 before that they were in Kuwait, that was the date that OIF started. On OCTOBER 7, 2001 OEF started and we were in Afghanistan, it was not Iraq. My husband was also one of the first into Iraq as well because he is with 1st MarDiv and his Unit is the transportation for 1st MEF, I remember it very well because he was only home for 45 days before he was sent to the Middle East.

Answer 2

I've been there before, so I know the feeling that you are going through right now. And 5 times in 5 years?! Man, you must missed him like crazy.

My girlfriend sents me one of those wipes (sort of like towels, with fragrance and pre wetted, disposable ones), that's really useful there for getting a sort of facial wash, but without a large amount of water. Good for the climate there. Might want to think about sending your hubby one of those.

Cookies (homemade or commerical), chips, and anything that is small and handy. The most useful stuffs are usually the convenience items. Don't worry about it, its the though of getting something from home that counts. Be sure to include a card inside. Its really a morale booster to know what's happening back home.

Best wishes to the both of you.

Answer 3

That relies upon on the two considered one of you. basically because of the fact 2 human beings extra wholesome, does not constantly recommend each and every little thing. Being married to the protection stress could be particularly confusing at circumstances, and the certainty is, i've got seen ALOT extra protection stress marriages fail than i've got seen succeed. And NO!!!, that's no longer in basic terms for those that have been vulnerable or had problems of their relationships. i've got accepted couples who have been jointly for years and years, and have been completely satisfied.. formerly the protection stress. there is alot of a number of issues you would be arranged for. (which includes deployments, my husband and that i are dealing with one appropriate now) and that i'm able to't inform you flat out in case you will or no longer make it, i'm no longer a psychic. perhaps what you would be asking quite is what existence is like being married to the army, and then be sure in case you may stay that existence-type, or in case your guy can, reason it quite is not precisely uncomplicated for the soldier the two. in case you identify you decide on solutions to those questions, i could be extra effective than satisfied that should assist you.

Answer 4

Damn, 5 times in 5 years? I feel for both of you. Does he have access to email? You could email him a daily message--with a pic to keep his spirit up.
You could keep his family up to date on his well being. He will appreciate it when he gets home.
I know it's a trying time, and you probably need to keep your own spirits high too. So do something special for you while you're at it. You sound like an angel. Good Luck.

Answer 5

My baby sis just left for her 3rd time to Camp Liberty Iraq in 4 years. Actually she left yesterday so I know what you are feeling. She loves getting those packages in the mail. I e-mailed her daily last time, but she was on a convoy team so it was hard waiting for her to respond. I sent little notes daily and even had my unit bring in items for the largest care package (it cost over $150 to mail out). For Christmas I went to Wal-Mart and bought one of those tiny $4 chrsitmass trees, some tiny ornaments and a string of lights that runs on batteries. I had my Girl Scout troop make cards and my daughters class wrote letters and drew pictures. You can get with the GS council in your area and they'll gladly adopt your husbands unit. Send plenty of pictures and candy is great, they crave it, but sometimes the ants get to it first. My sister said they ate it even with the ants because they hadn't had candy in so long. Oh and I sent her a ton of board games, crossword puzzles, magazines and the newspaper. I wish you well, keep your spirits up and as long as your hubby knows you're doing well and keeping strong he'll keep his spirits up.

Answer 6

First off I feel for you, my hubby has been in the Army for 2 years been deployed for 2 years, so I am so proud of you and your hubby for going through 5 and you keep it up girl, remember: this to shall pass.

Anyway, when my hubby came home for R&R I had dinner ready when we got home by making a crock-pot of veggie soup and I made his fav. cake. Send lots of pictures for him to keep with him, my hubby carries 3 pics of me LOL. Find his fav foods and send to him, he will appreicate it.

For you to keep your spirits up talk with other military wives. I found out real quick that people that haven't gone through this aren't the people to talk to. Keep yourself busy so the year flies by, not sure if you are in school or already went or have a job but be busy. Have your lazy days where you sit at home and do what you want. Have girls nights out with other wives. Go home and see family.

Thank your hubby for me and keep your spirits up!

Answer 7

I know how you feel. My husband was in Viet-nam, and now my son has been in Afghanistan twice, and ready to go to Iraq. If you have a camara, do a daily journal about anything that you do with family, friends,around the house, events that are going on where you both live, etc... and e-mail it to him. He wil appreciate it.

Answer 8

i have a very good friend of mine that used to work for me.he just left friday to go to ft.dix,new jersey.heads to iraq in december of this year.
he is a artillery person,but will be pulling convoy security in iraq.i just pray that he and all our boys will be safe and unharmed.
i am ex militery myself and was in in the first gulf war.i know what its like and i hope people there now do the right thing and come home alive to be back with their loved ones.
god blees u and ur husband.

Answer 9

CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE...cookies...his favorite food. Pictures, everything and anything...except the kitchen sink...