Military moms/dads...how did you cope with the news that your son/daughter is being sent to Iraq?

Question

Just got the word that my reservist son will be stationed for 3 months on base before being sent to Iraq for approx 7 months (tentative date, ironically is, 9/11).

I'm going thru such a range of emotions...how did you cope? What, if anything, helped you deal with it? He's my youngest son & we've always been close. I cried for a month straight when he was away at bootcamp!

Please help!

Answer 1

Well, here's hoping things change between now and then for his reserve unit. I know they can because my cousin has been called up twice and not ended up in Iraq either time.

One thing you may want to do is check for on-line support for families. I've included links for 2 on-line groups in the sources. Usually they're for spouses but I know a lot of my local groups will talk to girlfriends and parents, too. Local military support groups are another thing you can search for on Yahoo Groups or MySpace or anyplace else you network.

Best of luck and all prayers of safety for your son!

PS Have your son give you a rundown on Operational Security. My husband is in the paranoid submarine service where we keep even dates secret until maybe 24 hours prior. I know other services can be a little more lenient but it's always a better idea to know which dates and things you can talk about than putting everyone in your son's unit in peril by saying something you shouldn't.

Answer 2

I'm retired military 34 years service, and found myself unusually distressed after Bush went into Iraq. I have 3 children in the service 2 daughters and a son all currently deployed to various area's of Iraq.

I travel in my job so i'm not home, thinking about them constantly but they are never far from my thoughts.

I just basically pray the lord will keep them safe and that they will return home all in one piece, and i'll help them deal with the mental issues PTSD, and such when they return home.

I've already lost some good friends in the Iraq war and a cousin, I made one tour in Iraq before retirement. I would say just get down on your knees' several times a day and pray for your son, and ask for the strength to endure this separation.

War is hell, and thier just isn't alot we parents can do when our children go in harms way.

Answer 3

You must always remember that your child made the decision to join the military and you must respect his decision and show him your support.

Keep busy yourself ..write to him often..sending packages always helped me get through, made me feel as if i was doing somthing to help. If possible find others in the same situation to network with. DON'T watch to much of the news coverage...it is all propaganda and exaggeration anyway.

Finally remember that more people come home just fine than not its just the ones who don't get the news coverage. Have faith.

Answer 4

Buy lots of insurance cause they may not be coming back. Be practical! You have a president and Congress that would rather see your child dead then theres.