My son Just returned from Iraq, after a tour of 13 months.?
970715
Go ask your son these questions.\n\nI someone put an M-60 to his head and pulled the trigger, would god stop the bullets?  If he was in a helicopter and it was shot out of the sky, would god catch the falling craft and place it safely on the ground?  If a mortar round was falling down on to your son's position, would god reverse gravity and make it fly back up into the sky?\n\nI'm sure your son doesn't believe god could do any of these things, so why do you?  What brings home men from war is TRAINING, and LUCK. Any soldier will tell you... when a soldier faces the moment of truth, he can act or he can pray, and if acting will save his life, and he chooses to pray instead, then say goodbye to the soldier.
720693
Try to have things to do planned out while he is there.  I am about his age, and the worst thing about any vacation I have been on is having nothing to do.  Don't get me wrong, but plan some of the days to be for whatever/resting.  One month is a long time.  If he likes video games, find a way to bring them along with the vacation.  I can't imagine going one month without mine.
449
I just returned from Iraq and i've already seen gross things.\nwhy, what you got?
19145
He was  12-14 months ago.  But now, it is time to move on!  We are loosing to many lives over there.  Their is very little direct benefit for us(USA)to control peace in Iraq.  The cost (the lives of our dedicate soldiers) is way to high to pay for this country. \n\nIraq has been a corrupt country for decades. It is not going to change by the forces of the US military.  The Iraq people must want it themselfs and must show they are willing to stand up to the many thugs of that country.
764113
My fater was in Iraq but he came home last year. I think he can interveiw. Fine me on mesenger and I will let you talk to him.
139743
I'm from Camp Lejeune, my husband is stationed there, he is currently in Iraq. How old are you? When are you coming?
276967
I love you guys ! you are generally respected. my son was a Lance Cpl in the Marines and did three tours in Iraq. he came back the last time with PTSD. he sought help but not the way he should have.and they didn't do anything to help him. he began drinking then a while later began to use drugs. he was reduced to a private and dishonorably discharged. the way our government and the military is handling the guys who have served our country is what is disturbing to me.I don't agree with the mission but you guys have a job to do and I respect what you are doing and why you are doing it. I don't respect the governments position.  my son was a wonderful happy young man before he went to Iraq. God Bless You and Keep you safe ! You Keep your head held high, what you are doing is an honorable thing. and you should be Proud, we are proud of you !
136133
It really depends on where he is...most of the bases over there have pretty much any thing you would need as far as supplies, food, etc..  I always enjoyed getting pictures of my son, drawings, letters, stuff i wanted to keep...not eat.  Some pictures of you would be loved too, if you know what i mean.
814367
Although it's not going to be easy, it's time to have your son step up to the plate of adulthood.  Make an appointment for him to meet with a recruiter from the Army/Navy/Airforce/Marines.  He will get good direction, an education, and with luck take responsibility for his life.  I know this isn't the best of times to join the service, but it doesn't sound like he's on a great path as it is.  Good luck, Mom.
735655
Yes.  I was deployed to Iraq for 12 months.  I got home back in Jan. of this year.  Being that I was the one who was there; I don't really notice any changes in myself.  But other people have told me that I'm a lot more laid back than I used to be.  Before I went over seas I used to get pissed over anything and everything, and now apparently; I don't sweat the small shit.\nYes, I would absolutely do it again.  Being over there was a wonderful experience.  Don't get me wrong; I had my fair share of "bad days", but looking back I wouldn't change any of the choices that I've made.  And that includes enlisting.
867690
I'm sorry, but he's not.  My hubby is on cycle break, thank goodness.  However, I'm checking on this for you as we speak and I'll do an edit when I have your answer.\n\nEDIT:  I'm so happy to help in any way that I can.  Military life comes full circle for many of us.  We were the "young'uns", now, we're the "old folks".  Never be afraid to ask questions.  Military life is a life like none other and we ALL need support.\n\nI really am glad you asked a question and specifically pointed me out.  However, my info is pretty limited as of right now.  Ft. Sill is closed due to our weather conditions.  Hubby won't be able to check much until he goes back in.  Anyways, this is what we have:  19 January should stand as graduation date.  That would be 9 weeks BCT and 2 weeks exodus.  We do fill up fast here and I'm glad you worked it all out ahead of time.  Hubby is going to try to check on exact dates of exodus.  Is your son coming home??  What a great present I'm sure that would be for you.  I'm glad his letters are upbeat.  That's a good sign.  Most of the Drill's here are cool.  We love all of them in our unit.  They really want these guys to succeed.  The phone number to the unit I think your son is in is (580) 442-1304.  I'm sure you already have his number, but this is what I deducted from the info you've given.  Your best bet is to call them....they do need to answer your questions.  I know they don't like to be bothered by family members, but you have a lagit question and they can answer it.  Since hubby is in a different unit, it's hard to get exact info other than knowing everything is on schedule for what's posted and that's the same he has.\n\nGood luck and I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful.  If I do find anything else out, I'll be sure to post it on here.  Be sure to yell "HI" to me while you're in town!!  I can't even begin to tell you what an awesome experience graduation will be.  Enjoy!!\n\nEDIT2:  I wrote your e-mail addy down.  How did you find me??  I haven't answered any other questions of yours and you seem to know me so well.  Anyways, glad I can help and if I find anything else, you'll know about it.
650402
Be careful what you wish for. You might get it.  My little brother was killed in Iraq, and trust me, I would give just about anything to have him back--even for just a few minutes.  Be happy you have her.  As much as it may suck sometimes, the alternative is much worse.
797907
At present everybody in Iraq Suffers from mental dissorders<unfortunately and thanks to the US war policy>so it could be the right place for him.This sounds terrible, I know.and it's not a joking issue either.You shoud put him on a plane to Hawai telling him that he is flying to Iraq.
1065584
My son was also hurt in Iraq (by a pig scum coward who had a car full of bombs) He has brain injuries and going through another operation on his arm this Friday and the Marines are making him get out but we had to get a lawyer cause they only wanted to give him 10% disability. So my best advice is to get a lawyer now cause you are going to need one.\n Also please don't get me wrong I still believe in our Military and back them 100% but you know how the red tape goes.
367358
At least it is Egypt.  I have one son in the Army who has already spent one year in Baghdad and is now stationed in Afghanistan.
46716
That is certainly a decision that you and your family need to do some serious thinking about.  My husband, and I were also in the military, so I know how hard it can be when you are deployed.\n\nDo you know what you will do when you get out?\nWill you have to serve another tour over in Iraq?  How long will it be?\nWould you like to make a career out of the military?\nThere is a lot more information that I would need to know, and how you feel about them, before I feel like I could give any amount of decent advice on it.\n\nThank you for your service to our country!
398061
Do you have an FRG Leader you can ask?  If not, I sent my son the following and he loved it.\nBaby wipes, poptarts, canned spaghetti(with poptop lid), Vienna sausages, crackers, sunflower seeds, puzzle books, sun screen (very high SPF), more baby wipes (can't have too many of those) and LOTS of love letters from you.  Your letters mean the world to him right now.  It is hard having him so far from home, but stay true and keep writing to him and letting him know you will be there for him.  My prayers are with you both and my hat is off to the both of you.  Being a soldier is hard, but so is being the woman behind the man.  You get the bad times too, but none of the recognition