My son is going to Iraq

[Crankin]

After he gets there, I will ask about the mountain bike. That's how he actually started his cycling career.
Tuckerville, he is not married (only 22, almost 23). So, we are the next of kin. He has told me about how much stress deployments put on married couples. Glad your grandson is OK! Marines usually go for 7 months, but he may be there longer, because of his job; they like to transition in the new person to build trust with the Iraquis.
I definitely will look to this group for support, since when I went on the Marine Parents site, it was all "rah-rah" and espousing views that I don't believe in. There is a military family support group in my town, so I will be checking that out. It's pretty unusual for a kid in this area to be in the military....

Thanks.

[RoadRaven]

Oh Robyn

I read that topic and my heart sank - for you, for me, for anyone who has seen a child (or will see a child) head off to a war zone - whether as a peace-keeper, on the front line, or somewhere in between like your boy.

I have four sons... the eldest of whom has just reached "conscription age" (18) should EnZed ever conscript soldiers again. My eldest nephew (nearly 20) has just been accepted into the military as a chef - he heads off to boot camp at Waiuru in a month.

My thoughts are with you and yours. I can only imagine how difficult some of the thoughts racing about your head can be. On the other hand, I also am fatalistic in my apprach to life - things will happen no matter what we mortals try and do to avert them. And going to Iraq might be the most fantastic thing in his life - something he will always remember... intrigue, mystery, new people, food and sights.

Arohanui, Rave

[Zen]

I read that topic and my heart sank - for you, for me, for anyone who has seen a child (or will see a child) head off to a war zone...

Change 'child' to 'family member'. Being deployed mucks up the entire family dynamic. it's different for each member and I'm sure it's especially hell for a mom.
Heres hoping he comes home of sound body and mind.

[nancy sv]

I'm sorry.

[GLC1968]

I'm sorry, Robyn. Here's hoping he's back on home turf, safe and sound, sooner rather than later.

[three]

I'm so sorry to read that your son is heading to Iraq. No matter what your views are on the war, getting the news that your son (or daughter) is being shipped off is never pleasant.

Please keep us posted on his status and I'm sure we'll all be keeping him in our prayers.

I may be staunchly against the war and current administration, but I'm 150% in support of the troops over there. I just "adopted" a soldier through a non-profit and will be sending him a letter each week and care package each month. Everything on the organization's site stresses how valuable those letters are and what a difference they can make for the soldier. I (and I'm sure others on here) would be happy to include your son in my weekly soldier letter-writing. It's always fun to get real mail, and I'm sure - especially nice to get it when you're stationed overseas.

Many blessings and prayers to him, and to you.