My brother (in the US Army) left for Iraq yesterday, the same day as my boyfriend (who I'm very serious with) left for basic training for the Marines. I know these are two very different situations and I was wondering what things I can do to be there for both of them. I'm writing my boyfriend everyday and being supportive and encouraging and I talked to my brother yesterday too. Is there anything else I can do? I just want to be the best I can be for them both.
2007-11-06 01:18:46 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
You can send care packages. There are websites all over with suggestions on things to send--google it and see what you can come up with that you hadn't thought of yet. You may want to wait to send treats to your baby blue marine until you get a go-ahead from him--sometimes they won't let them have stuff like that at the beginning of boot camp.
Use your personal faith as a way to connect to and support them spiritually. Sometimes it just helps me to go outside at night and look up at the moon and stars and think that my loved one on the other side of the world (or wherever) is under that same moon. If either of them has access (or will have) to a way to play music, you could send them a CD you burn with encouraging songs on it (songs that are patriotic or mean something to you) This might work for your brother, but I don't think they will let them have that at boot camp yet either.
If you live close to a military town, contact the post/base and see if you can volunteer to help with a Christmas toy drive for families or some other project. If you don't live close, get involved with Toys for Tots (Marine project) or join a support group or forum for dependents/families online.
You can also fly the service flag or display yellow ribbons on your house and/or car to show your support in public. (I personally would consider terror alert levels and my own personal safety when deciding when/how/whether to do this.--there are a bunch of kooky protesters out there as well as possibly terrorists.)
http://www.militaryonesource.com/skins/MOS/home.aspx
http://www.oconus.com/main/carepackages.asp
http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/AmericaSupportsYou/send_packages.html
2007-11-06 01:34:43 · answer #1 · answered by arklatexrat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With me being in the military,the best thing you can do is send mail and care packages. With you bf in basic if you send food most likely he wont get to eat it, so I would just stick with letters and cards for him. As for your bro in Iraq send him snacks, and magazines that you think he would like. Movies, CD's.... Send snacks that you can either eat all at once or they can be resealed. With open food it can bring in critters into the living areas. Emailing is good, also Instant Messenger is great if you two happen to be on the computer at the same time. Hope this helps!
2007-11-06 01:39:22 · answer #2 · answered by Riley's Mommy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing you can do for your boyfriend in basic is send letters. Go to his graduation and bring him something from home. Once he is done and has an assignment you can send him packages.
You can send your brother packages. Send nonperishable food like snack cookies and pop tarts. Get all his friends and family to sign a card to send to him. Send pictures via email if he has access to keep him updated on what is going on back home.
Just keeping in contact with both of them will help them get through this tough time.
2007-11-06 01:30:30 · answer #3 · answered by JLO 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pretty much all you can do is write letters (to both) and send care packages (to your brother) My husband said that mail call is like christmas morning and that even if you just send a letter that says hi and nothing else it's great for morale.
2007-11-06 01:28:04 · answer #4 · answered by . 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It will depend on the amount of communication that they will be allowed from there command. But positive emails and care packages are the best remembering that it can take weeks for them to receive them. Our job at home is to let them know that we are safe and grateful everyday for them in our life.
2007-11-06 02:10:15 · answer #5 · answered by Pugmama 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm sorry that your loved ones would not assist you. i've got self assurance that there is a distinction between helping and agreeing. they are able to make your mind up directly to no longer believe you yet could appreciate you to your determination. thank you for serving. perchance your loved ones is in simple terms struggeling with you turning out to be to be a member of via fact they'll miss you and be apprehensive approximately you. I communicate from very own adventure. My husband has in simple terms joined the army and that i'm scared, somewhat scared. in simple terms save your faith, and that i will too! :o) i will save you in my prayers and your loved ones. God Bless!
2016-10-03 11:30:33 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
write letters and let them know that you are there for them. send your brother whatever he needs (except alcohol and stuff he isn't supposed to have). but don't send your bf anything but letters until he's out of basic. tell them both we all say thanx! and keep your head up, we know you miss the both of them...
2007-11-06 01:27:36 · answer #7 · answered by rebel with a cause 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
the BEST thing you can do for both of them is to NOT put your life on hold just because they are gone. DO NOT spend every waking moment glued to the phone or computer waiting for either of them to contact you. do NOT stalk the poor mailman.
keep yourself busy don't lay around pining away.
2007-11-06 03:29:55 · answer #8 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
my nephew is in Iraq & has access to a pc web cam .it's a great way to communicate. sounds like your going to be a great support!
2007-11-06 01:23:37 · answer #9 · answered by jennie 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tell them thanks from me.
2007-11-06 01:22:20 · answer #10 · answered by JES 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋