my husband suddenly has to go to Iraq. Where can i find a local support group?

Answer 1

The easiest thing to do is the base Chaplain. Also there are spousal support groups in place on base that are available to you. Try the Family support center as well. My husband has just left as well. He's in the Navy. It's very hard, a lot of times communications are spotty, the time difference can make you miss dearly needed calls, and you're scared half to death about his safety. I've been there for more times than I can count, and it's hard. After the bombing of the USS Cole, my hubby went out, and after 9-11 he was in the first battle group in the gulf. I couldn't talk or email him for weeks after that. In essence, you become the entire family. You play mother and father, if you have children, make sure the entire house is kept together. Keep yourself as busy as possible. Get involved in the Spouses association. Not sure what branch your husband is, but there should be an ombudsman to speak to. Usually one of the wives who can act as counselor and go-between for anything. Remember to send packages often. When my husband leaves, I try to send one a week, he says he lives for them, and it's a little piece of home. I'm so sorry, I pray he comes home safely.

Answer 2

Your closest support might come from your Family Readiness Group. The FRG is run by the wives and sometimes girlfriends of the guys in your DH's unit. They're going through this at the same time you are which can lead to some very good shoulders to cry on and people who can lend a hand when you need it. They'll probably be planning activities to keep busy and help support the service members while they're gone. Some of our local FRG's have yahoo groups or other on-line versions to let spouses who are away from the area join in, too.

You can search Yahoo Groups, MySpace Groups or any other site you network on for military support forums and groups. I've found groups specific to DH's branch of service, specific to his state of record, specific to the base we're at now or more general all military support. It just depends on what works for you.

A couple of big sites that have support forums are http://www.cinchouse.com/ and http://www.military.com/Community/Home/1,14700,GENERAL,00.html. Both offer a lot of options.

If you can't find good support for you from these military routes than make sure you have it from somewhere. Family, community and church groups can help fill in the gaps but I'd give the military groups a chance, too.

Answer 3

Well, as some of the other ladies have said, if you are near a base, it's a good idea to check out the FRG or other things available. The chaplain is available, and there is often a wife that is a "leader" in helping to organize things and keep other wives informed.

However, if you are far from base (as I am), meetup.com, or an online support forum (such as armywivesforums.com) might be a reallly good idea. I have found them extremely helpful & full of knowledgable women.

Good luck, deployments are very difficult, but remember, you can make it though!

Answer 4

I don't know how well these support groups really help. My husband has been gone about 7 months and I haven't really needed them. I found that being by myself was better, reading books about deployment and such. But if you really don't think you'll be able to handle it, the FRG associated with your husband's unit should have meetings, information and people you can talk to.

Answer 5

they have all kinds of support groups right on base. if your not sure where any of them are then talk to some of the other military wives that had their husbands just left. they can be support enough in times of need.but im sure if there are some that have been there for a while--they will know where to send you.

good luck and stay strong !!!

Answer 6

The first thing that comes to mind is the FRG. Anyone on rear d should have a group set up for the wives.

Answer 7

FRG its many women like you and they go out on weekly trips or to really cool places and you meet some great women also go to your husbands headquarters on post and ask them there is usualy a person there that is desginated to help you out and give you infromation

Answer 8

There should be a military wifes organization.
Don't look for support in the political section of yahoo answers because half the people on here are draft dodgers and traitors.

Answer 9

Please tell your husband we thank him for his willingness to serve. I am sorry you will be without your husband. Having gone through this I feel your pain. I am here to support you at any time my friend !!!

Answer 10

check out meetup.com. They have groups for EVERYTHING for everyone. I'm sure they have one there. If you are friends with other wives start enjoying their company more.