Any moms out there who have children in the military and have been sent to iraq?

Question

I just found out that my only son, 20 yr old, is being sent to iraq in may. I knew this was a possibility when he joined the army but did not have any idea of the impact that it is having on me. any moms out there or dads who know how i feel??? if so please tell me how you coped with it and how do you handle the stress it brings to your life every moment of the day? any info would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

IMy oldest son was in the first Persian Gulf war 1991. Being a VietNam Vet, myself helped in being prepared, but it was still not easy. My wife was much more openly worried, but we are a Marine Family and we got through it. Lots of letters, packages, and support....thats the best you can do. From experience, stop watching the 6 o clock news.It will make you nuts,
If you want real news on the tropps, stay in touch with military sites amd family support groups. Here are a couple of news sites that will not scare you ...but show what is being accomplished.
God Bless

Answer 2

My husband is in the Army and he is leaving for his 3rd year-long tour in Iraq sometime later this year. His mother is a basket case when he leaves, even after doing it twice. The best thing to do is stay busy, write to him every chance you get, and don't watch the news. Also, send him care packages, but ask what he wants first. My MIL inundated my husband with packages he didn't need or want the first time he was gone - he got mad and she got her feelings hurt, so no need for that.

Also, keep in mind that if he is married or has a serious girlfriend, she will probably be your best source of news about him. They do not always get to call often, and, no offense, but he will probably want to call her. Keep in touch with her, because it will help you both. Don't push her for every little thing he says when he calls though - my MIL does that and frankly, some of what we talk about is none of her business! If he's single, though, he'll probably be all yours when he gets phone calls, which is generally about once a week, more or less.

You can also get in touch with his unit's family readiness group (FRG). They can keep you up-to-date with what is going on in the unit, and possibly provide some support from other families. The Army is family-oriented, and while that usually means the soldiers' spouses and children, if you look, you can find resources to help you as well. Good luck!

Answer 3

Yes, I am a dad of an Army Sgt. that spent four combat tours (two years) there. He has a wife and a daughter. I was proud that he went both times and did his job (combat infantrymen, squad leader). It's the hardest on those left behind. There are times that we didn't hear from him for 2-3 months at a time because of what he does (FOB's don't have comms). I made it a point to write him twice a week and send Care Packages to him and his platoon at least twice a month. This included two Chirstmas's, two New Years, two birthdays and so on. Talk to others that you might have bonded with in his unit. We became close to a lot of soldiers in his unit, and when they lost two (of which my son recevied the ARCOM Medal with Valor Device for heroism under fire) we flew out and went to the funnerals. Closeness and communication with others helps. Also, knowing that he voluunteered for this and it's what he wants to do helped! Good luck, and God's Speed!

former USMC Vietnam 68

Answer 4

My son will be enlisting after graduation. He's a junior now. We've had long talks about it, and he's doing what he believes is the right thing. He wants to get into my old unit, so there is a better than good chance that he will either be in Iraq or the 'Ghan. We pray about it constantly, and I'm very proud of him even though I'm scared pantless. He's my oldest of 5 kids, and my other son is already talking about enlisting too.

You are in our prayers.

God Bless

Answer 5

I'm not a parent but I had a brother in the first Gulf war... I think the first thing to remember is going to Iraq is not a death sentence! Trust in his common sense, and pray for his safety and your peace of mind! Tie a yellow ribbon around your tree, and remember that whether we believe this war is right or wrong, we are still behind our soldiers as Americans and so when your son goes off to fight, we all empathize with you, and pray for the day that he will return! Remember he joined the Army knowing of the possibility so he must have had some sort of peace with it! He's an adult who is doing a brave and honorable thing, and will be home safely in one piece! and like I said before.... IT'S NOT A DEATH SENTENCE, THE STATISTICS SHOW THAT HE IS MORE LIKELY TO COME HOME THAN TO NOT! HE WILL BE OK, TRUST IN HIS INTELIGENCE, TRUST IN HIS TRAINING AND HIS BAND OF BROTHERS GOING WITH HIM!

Answer 6

My son just graduated Basic and AIT for Infantry. I expect that he will do a tour of duty in Iraq.

The best way to deal with it is to be proud of your son and don't worry about things you can do nothing about. If you dwell on it you will only make yourself miserable.

Answer 7

Where is the stress coming from? Son is over there but I am happy for him because he is doing what he feels is right. We are very sound in our faith in the Lord and if that day comes that he take my son then I will praise God. More people are killed here in the states in cars every year then over there.

Answer 8

I don't have children in Iraq, but feel bad reading about your story. All I can say pray everyday that he comes home safely.
~God Bless You!~

Answer 9

im a wife of a deployed sailor. his mom is very worried and scared for him. i coped by staying busy