My older brother and cousin possibly will get deployed to Iraq and i don't know how to get through it. I really don't want them to go for I'll be scared to death the whole time there gone. If they get deployed they'll be gone for at least two years. I don't know what to do.
2007-02-02 13:44:39 · 6 answers · asked by jesuschick 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Thanks for all your advice I'll remember what all ya'll told me and try to follow through with it. Sorry I messed up in my question, they won't be in iraq for 2 years they'll train here for about a year and then go to Iraq for about year, so it'll be two years away from home. Thanks again for the advice.
2007-02-02 14:16:39 · update #1
I just found out today that my brother will be deployed in about a year. i don't know yet about my cousin.
2007-02-03 11:33:51 · update #2
I'm not sure if they are Army Active Duty or Reserves or another branch (I'm assuming Army since their deployments are the longer durations) but here's a few reassurances...
#1 - They most likely won't be gone for quite that long, most deployments are 12 months "boots on the ground" which means they train in the US for a few months, spend 12 months in Iraq, and then demobilize for a few months back in the US.
#2 - They will most likely come away just fine. The overwhelming majority of people who have deployed have come back just fine. I have many, many friends who have.
#3 - They have been trained to do their job and will do it well.
I know it doesn't help that much, but it does help a little.
If they do deploy, write to them frequently. It will help you feel better by "talking" to them. It will also make them a little less homesick.
Volunteer with your local Red Cross or other organizations that send care packages. It's always helped me to feel like I was doing something to make my friends more comfortable.
I don't know how old you are, but if it applies, keep talking to your parents or someone about your concerns.
Good Luck.
2007-02-02 13:55:07 · answer #1 · answered by T.I. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one deploys to Iraq for 2 years. It is hard for all the family at home & the soldier abroad, but it is what they signed up for.
Pray & write them often.
2007-02-02 21:53:37 · answer #2 · answered by Wolfpacker 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My heart goes out to you. I served two tours in Iraq and I made it back safe and sound with all of my limbs still attached. I also returned with a stronger sense of self and great pride in my country and fellow troops. Only in this country can a person of any gender, race or socio-economic class accomplish their dreams.
Try to keep things in perspective. The chances of your brother and cousin getting wounded or killed in Iraq are rather slim, contrary to what the media would like us to believe. Approximately 3,000 troops have been killed in Iraq in four years. Compare that to the quarter of a million Americans who died in four years in WWII or 58,000 who died in Vietnam. Currently, we have 160,000 troops in Iraq and thousands more have served there and returned safely. Worrying will not help you or them. Curb your anxiety and put your energy into writing them letters, sending them packages, and generally letting them know that you care about them...even if they never set foot in the sanbox. That's the best support anyone can give a service member.
God bless you for your concern.
2007-02-02 21:52:33 · answer #3 · answered by Julie N 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Keep praying for them and all of our troops. Let them know that you are proud of them and many many Americans are behind them 100% and are thankful for their service.
Some of us really do appreciate what American men and women have done in the past and present. For every foul word they may hear there are thousands more to overshadow those horrible words.
Try to get involved with families of someone in Iraq. It really helps to have someone who can not only sympathize with you, but empathize as well.
God bless them and your family. Thank them for us also.
2007-02-02 22:00:29 · answer #4 · answered by patrioticpeladac 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By your screen name, you seem to have a good relationship with God. Keep your family in your prayers, and know God will be close with them. Keep up communications with them, along with gifts and love. Get together with members from your school, church, family, and community and check out anysoldier.com (org?) and send gifts of need to any soldier. Letters are wanted and needed more than anything. It won't be easy, but just allow God to hold your hand.
2007-02-02 21:53:31 · answer #5 · answered by Suzanne D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Accept their decision. It's not your issue unless you make it yours. Be grateful for the time you get to spend with them and make it meaningful as it could be the last. this is also true for everyday life as you never know when it's your time.
2007-02-02 21:49:21 · answer #6 · answered by spag 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋