Son Leaving For Iraq

[Greenie]

My son will be leaving for his second tour of Iraq Monday. My wife and I got his email last night. She cried and I was depressed but tried to stay strong for her. we both knew he was going back but his departure date was moved up. Both of us were just not ready for this sudden change.

He got his commission in 2002 when he graduated from college. His mom has decorated his room with all his awards he received during his ROTC training. He has been to Ranger school and has his Airborne wings. His first tour of Iraq was in 2004 and he was there for a year. While there he received his combat infantryman's badge and a bronze star which his mom and I did not know about until some time later. We found out from his brother about the bronze star and to this day he still does not discuss it.

I know war changes people and he is no exception. While in Iraq one of his best friends and fellow officer was killed during an engagement in Fallujah. He called home many times after the incident to lean on his mom and dad and I know it was a sobering catalyst that forever changed him emotionally. He has been home many times since and I can tell that he still carries that grief to this day.

We all pray for his safe return as he will be there for 15 months this time around. The good news is that he will be in a rear echelon area instead of some of the more volatile situations.

As an Eagle Scout he always had a positive attitude about any task he attempted and this mission is no different. This young captain is our hero and we always tell him how proud we are of his patriotism and duty to his country.

[Flashgordon]

Greenie, I know there aren't many words that will put your heart at ease but it's sounds as though you have one special son! And that he won't be in any volatile situations.
You will think of him everyday, just what us parents do and he knows that which is a comfort to him.

My thoughts and prayers are with him, you and your wife and I thank your son for his commitment to the security of our country.

The best to all of you!!!

[bamatundraguy]

My prayers are with your family. I pray that your son has a safe return home.

Just noticed your also from the Hoover area, I live out in Pinson.

[GGWOODY]

Very sobering. Stories like this help us all put our lives, wants, and needs into perspective. There's nothing that I can say to ease your tension; just know that I appreciate what your son, and folks like him, do for us everyday.

cheers

[Greenie]

Thank you one and all for your supportive comments. I am retired and have plenty to keep me occupied but when a loved one is in a strange and hostile land their safety is always on your mind. I am touched by the camaraderie and brotherhood found on this forum.
We all need emotional encouragement from time to time and may God bless you all for being there.

[ltreddirt]

I'm grateful your son is willing to serve. You must be very proud of him.

May God bless and keep him safe along with all the others serving.

[TexasTruckGirl]

My thoughts and prayers will be with both your son and your family in the days ahead.


Sincerely,
Susan

[Jack Bauer]

God bless you and your family for this tremendous sacrifice. Your son is the reason we can be here talking about trucks, camping, and all the fun things we can do under the blanket of freedom he protects. May God watch over him and bring back to you safely.

[splice57]

Wish your son good luck and God speed. I too am an active duty CPT about to be MAJ. Iraq is tough. Judging from your post, I am assuming he is an Infantry officer (Ranger/ABN). I'm an aviator and fly the OH-58D and we do everything we can for our Infantry brothers on the ground. We take care of each other.

Good luck and stay safe.

[1kzwoman]

Hi, My hearts with yours. My Marine son is also returning to Iraq in late summer . Proud of the men we have raised! My son was also in Faluga ( sorry about spelling) .

[TundraBear]

a few tears came to my eyes as i read your post because i do not possess the strength to carry the burden of protecting our country. thank you very much for rearing up such a courageous young man. may he have a safe journey and come home safe to enjoy the freedom that he is protecting,

[azfire06]

I want to thank your son for his service to this country. May God provide comfort to your family.

[plugnickel]

Thanks for sharing that situation about your son. I am very thankful for his service to our country. I am also thankful to you and your wife for the worry and heartache that you have to endure. Thank you. I will be praying and thinking of this US Army Ranger Captain. God bless and protect him.

[Snakeii]

Best wishes for your son and family.

I served from 89 to 97 including Desert Storm/Shield in the Air Force. In comparison Iraq has been a conflict that has been going on way too long. Its a very chaotic and confusing situation. Our efforts, in the military perspective, are honorable and noble. I just wish our political leaders were of the same level our freedom fighters are. I hope the war results in a free and stable country, so our fallen solders, airmen, marines and sailors will be remembered by not only our own people, but the people of Iraq.

Splice 57: OH-58D Kiowa, sweet! I'm waiting to hear back from a local recruiter to see if I'm eligible for the WOCS. I'd like to either go in for flight training or I'll continue on in IT/IS.

[teampez]

Greenie,
i cant totally understand your feelings, due to the fact my boys are still teenagers, but I know how i would feel, if i was in your place.
You can be asured, that some of out here, are very thankful, for what your son is doing, and we are thankful that he has parents such as yourselves. seems as if you both did an awesome job raising him
Please let him know, that this old Grunt, says "thank you" and if he is "ever" in the Denver area, please look me up, dinner is on me, thats the least i can do, for a true HERO...
Ill pray he gets back home safe and soon.