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| My Son, the Military, and Combat Duty
Posted: 7/31/2005 10:46:18 PM | I served 11 years in the Air Force (1977-1988) all of which was peace time. My exhusband retired from the Air Force after 20 years. We have a son. He also chose to enlist in the Air Force. He has spent 6 months in Afghanistan and 6 months in Kuwait and 6 months in Baghdad, Iraq. He has now "volunteered" for another tour in Iraq. I truly don't understand this. He is a SSgt with 6 years service, is married and has two beautiful daughters. I am very proud of him and his committment to this country. I guess what I can't understand is why place himself in harms way when he has already served his time?
I would like to hear from other veterans on this topic and maybe you can help me understand why he is doing this.
Please, serious replies only. I am hurting enough and I don't need to hear about whether the war is right or wrong.
Is this some sort of survivor guilt? | |
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| My Son, the Military, and Combat Duty
Posted: 7/31/2005 11:04:03 PM | Be proud, he sounds like a good man.
He is not asking what his country can do for him, but what he can do for his country. And perhaps he feels that the reason he is over there is that he believes he is helping to build a better world for his children to grow up in. | |
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| My Son, the Military, and Combat Duty
Posted: 8/1/2005 7:56:51 AM | Sorry that I cannot leave with you an answer as to why, though what I do leave you with is "Thank You" .
I truly express thank you to all whom serve or have served and their families back home, as we forget the families are caring for things and are at war with not knowing if their loved ones are safe. | |
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longte
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Joined: 10/18/2004
Msg: 5 | |
| My Son, the Military, and Combat Duty
Posted: 8/1/2005 8:06:42 AM | I did something similar many years ago in a little Asian War
Did two tours when I could have left after 1/2 tour
There is a sense of 'Being and belonging' that only happens in military situations
Comraderie is another very important part of this
For me, and I can only speak for myself, I had no illusions that I was making any difference
My country was not at risk
My friends, excluding army buddies, were not at risk
I owed nothing to anyone as far as Duty was concerned having already done my tour
I dont know if I would do the same thing again
I hope he comes home safe to you soon
..... | |
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| My Son, the Military, and Combat Duty
Posted: 8/1/2005 6:37:28 PM | My son, Sgt in the Army, is on his way to Kosovo, which thankfully is less thrilling than what your son is doing.
I know the casualty pay is going to help him and his family along through this time, but it's not the money. It is that old sense of duty. That knowledge that they make a difference.
We need dedicated service people. Those who will become our future leaders.
Be proud and be confident that your son will make all the right decisions over there to keep himself safe. I know my son will. I am Very proud - so proud that it brings tears to my eyes.
Let your son know that you worry about him - It is always a parent's place to worry.
Also let him know that you are proud and not angry with his decisions. It is His life and His future.
Best of Wishes! | |
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| My Son, the Military, and Combat Duty
Posted: 8/1/2005 7:25:24 PM | Thanks all...I am reading these replies.
I am very proud of my son and I do support his decision. I know he is a grown man (25).
I also cry whenever I try to talk about it, I cry when I watch the evening news, and I cry when I hear of another death in Iraq.
Thanks again... | |
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| My Son, the Military, and Combat Duty
Posted: 8/8/2005 10:05:06 AM | (To a mother...of one of MY brothers in arms)
As I prepare myself for a journey to a country so very far away,
I think of my wife, children and family, and all the things I would like to do and say.
One of the hardest things that a husband and father could ever do,
Is to leave behind the ones that are so very close to you.
How can I ease the loss that they must feel within their very heart?
How can I help them to understand the reasons we are apart?
I know they will miss me when I am away from their side,
So I pray that their sadness will be replaced with great love and pride.
I am an American soldier, a protector of freedom and of all that is right,
It is my duty and my honor when this country calls me to fight.
I must honor my promise to my family to protect them from all that is bad,
That is my duty, not only as a soldier, but also as a husband and a dad.
I will fight with my brothers and sisters with fierce American pride,
We will restore this country's faith, and honor those who have died.
Do not think I am not afraid of the terror I am about to face,
Or the thought of not returning home from such a horrific place.
Soon this war will be over and returning home you will see,
Your husband, your dad and your son for all eternity.
So when people ask you where I am or what it is that I do,
Look them in the eye and proudly say,
"He is an American soldier fighting for freedom; he is fighting for you."
-Anthony D Ewing
.....HavinFunRU,
I try to explain to my mother why I feel the need to be in the ARMY...and why I would gladly serve.....she has never understood.
Nowadays I just give her a hug...and try to start talking about something else..lol
It takes a special person to join, to serve...
and it takes a special mother to support her children while they are serving
to all the mothers out there...
may your son/daughters...return to you, safely!!!!
Be safe
Ryan | |
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