I know so many of you already have my son on your prayer list, but tomorrow is the first really big day - we take him back to Fort Dix after his 10-day holiday leave to prepare to deploy to Iraq. It will be September before we see him again.
I know a 9-month deployment is nothing compared to what so many of our soldiers have done, but I still don't him to go. Alex, my youngest at 20, seems to be in very good spirits, handling things much better than I am and I suspect his Dad, but it's still going to be such...I don't even know what word to use.
The base he's going to in Iraq has a great safety record, which is a comfort. And we hope to set up a webcam so we can see him from time to time. It won't be the same, though.
But tomorrow's the first big step, then knowing they've gone later this month. I guess we'll do it one step at a time and I've got my therapist and family doctor standing by to help with the stress and the problems it may cause.
Anyway, if you can, please keep him in your prayers for me.
Thanks, Tracy
Hi Tracy :)
I'll keep your son in my thoughts. I was watching the news tonight about the Green Zone being handed back to the Iraqis now. Hopefully troops will be withdrawn sooner, rather than later.
Take care - Scottie :)
Hi Tracy,
I will keep Alex and you especially in my prayers. I think this is harder the Mom's than it the young men going over. I pray each night for all our men and women in harms way. That they are safe and come home soon. The sooner, the better.
Take care dear and give Alex a hug for me, and tell him THANKS for being there for all of us here.
I know your stress and fears, I've been there when my son was over there during Desert Storm. Desert Storm was in no way 1/10th the size of this one, but none the less I was scared about my son's safety.
Hugs and God Bless,
Pooh
Hi Tracy,
Your son, you and the whole family remain in my prayers. Please thank him from me too for his service to all of us. I pray that all of the men and women come home safely and very soon!
Hi Tracy
I prayed for your precious,brave, son. Also for all of you. God is watching over all of you.
susanep :)
Thankyou, Jesus
Hi Tracy,
We will keep your son in our prayers. Please thank him for us for his service!
My step son signed up and will be going into the Army January 20th. I am proud of him but am worried too.
God Bless,
Janness
Hi Tracy
you are all in my prayers too.
Kathyx
My eldest son (who just graduated college) enlisted in the Marines just prior to graduating from high school. I was nervous, but he agreed 'no infantry.". Steven was deployed to Iraq the day before the war started. It was the longest six months of my life. Coincidentally, he flew. Home on 9/11, which is also my daughter's birthday. I have never been so happy to see someone as I was when my son debarked the airplane! My prayers are with you and your family. Please thank your son for his service.
Thank you, everyone.
We took Alex back to base today and we survived, so I guess we're going to get through this. One day at a time, right? I'm SO glad things are quieter over there. When he comes back, they'll have to wait before they can send him to Afghanistan, which is also a relief.
Thank you again,
Tracy
Tracy,
You have my prayers that you sweet son will come home safe and sound. I hope this silly ole war will be over before he gets sent, but I know that would take a miracle.
My grandson enlisted in the Navy and just finished basic. He goes back Jan 4th to Aviation School and will soon be in Pensacola, Fl. Then he will be sent to an aircraft carrier flight deck, which is dangerous. He is upbeat and very happy. He says he learned more in 8 wks of bootcamp than he learned the entire 12 yrs. of high school.
He's grown 2 inches, and looks fit and trim. He's a man now! Tinker
Hi Tracy,
Just wanted you to know I said another prayer for Alex tonight while watching the news. There was a news report on the 56th Stryker Bridage as they were leaving for Fort Dix. I told my hubby, I wonder if Tracy's son Alex is one of those men? Any how I said a prayer for all of them.
Take care and if you need someone to listen, we're here for you.
Hugs, Pooh
Hi Tracy... How strong you are ! My prayers are with your son and your family... and all of the service people here and abroad keeping us safe... Stay strong... and be proud you have a brave son there....
Tracy, I will keep him in my prayers. I am sure, as Pooh said, that it is harder on the moms and dads. I have such great admiration and pride in these young men and women who volunteer to keep out country safe and free. We should be proud of all of them. Irish ;D
Hi there
I too send my prayers and thoughts out to you all - and for a very swift ending to the conflict and the safe return of all our troups.
Wen x
Thanks again, my friends.
My husband just went to work and this will be my time to settle myself back in for the wait til Alex returns home again. He was gone for 4 months before Christmas for training and will continue to train at Ft. Dix until he goes. 3,999 of Pennsylvania's best and strongest are going with him, including the boy from up the block he used to play with. (They trained in the same places, but only ran into each other once, at a Walmart in Mississippi during training, that's how big this is.)
Pooh, Alex is not part of the actual Stryker Brigade, but he's going with the 56th Battalion, stationed in Lancaster. That Stryker brigade is from the town I live in, though. They're the first National Guard Stryker team in the country to ever be chosen for use in this war.
Well, I'm off to roam the house and put away the rest of his things laying around since Christmas.
Thanks again so very much for your prayers and concern. I'll let you know how he does while he's gone,
Tracy
TO ALL OF OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN: GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. AND, THANK YOU FOR YOUR BRAVE SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.
Tracy,
I am an Air Force Recruiter and I want to say thanks to you as a parent. I go into many homes and a lot of parents will not sign and/or will not support there own son or daughter. As a Recruiter, it kills me inside to see these service members so proud when they come back and not even get a thanks from there own family members. The support in the U.S. is much better than what it used to be and the military members thank everyone for that. Make sure you send him a lot of care packages and if you want to send his address to me, I would be more than happy to send him a care package. It is because of young men like your son that made the decision to join and serve that give others the freedom to choose what church they want to attend on sunday. God Bless and once again Thank You for your support!
One last thing! The best thing to tell a military member is Thanks!
Tracy !!
How are you doing today ? Are you able to find support for families on-line ? I hope so...
When you are able, could you recommend a good site for 'care packages'... I know I won't be able to reach your son personally, but I'd like to send out a few, if you have "best of" information I would be grateful, there are so many sites when you 'google' ... Thank you !
Take Care {hugs}
Alex will receive special prayers for a safe tour of duty. I will also keep you and your family in my prayers for courage while your son is away. Hopefully the worry will not be too difficult. No matter where they go or what they do, it is still that little baby you see leaving. Take care - you will stay in my thoughts.
Hi Tracy,
Just wanted to let you know that you and Alex are in my thoughts and prayers. As you know I am the mother of two retired military men. One gave 27 yrs to the Air Force and the younger one gave 8 yrs. to the Army before having to leave on medical problems.
I know the prayers you will follow him with and I will feel your fears when you hear about something happening close to his unit. It's something you cannot explain to anyone but another millitary Mom.
Take care dear and know that lots of good thoughts and prayers are following Alex and all our men and women serving their country in such stressful times.
Hugs, Pooh
Hi Tracy
Here's a HUG from another mum.
God bless
Kathyx