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Make no mistake about it - you'll worry but in my opinion, less-so than when they wereliving at home and out late in the evenings. I know it sounds wierd but it's true! He'll be with his brothers and sisters there and haveoutstanding leadership. He'll mature more that you thought possible following BCT and AIT. My son is just back from Fallujah, Iraq. He spent his 20th, 21st, and 22nd birthdays in the Middle East but now he's established in college and believe me, way ahead of his so-called peers. He's also got a good part-time job with the government where he can use his security clearance and is still in the Reserves. My Army (1972-1980) was vastly different than today's Army and with email, VOIP and all that is today's culture, you'll be able to stay in touch much more easily that we did during 'Nam.
I can't put into words how proud I am of my son. When he came stepping through the terminal gate this last time in his Red Beret, jump boots, combat strips,rows of ribbons on his chest and a 2nd MEF Patch on his right shoulder (he was tactically assigned to the Marines in Fallujah)everyone in the airport started to cheer and clap - Quite a different return that some of us got back in the 60's and 70's.
Be proud of his decision to do what comes tough and support him. He's a man and I salute him.
Combat Engineer!! Yeah, we'll build you a bridge. But we would much rather blow one up for you!
I served as a Combat Engineer for eight years. Be proud of him and tell him this old engineer appreciates his service. No advice from me on being worried. I'm a Dad too, it's what we do.
Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Man, that brings back memories.
I did two tours in Iraq and had a blast. ( couple times literally ) I think its an experience everyone should have, you really find out how big a boy you are. We are doing great things for those people, and Im proud your son is willing to lend a hand. If he is anything like me he will love it. One bit of advice is to explain to him that there are alot of less than stellar people in the military and that he should do whatever he can to seperate himself from that crowd. I.E. Airborne, ranger, etc... If its too hard to hang out youll find better quality people. Just something it took me ten years to learn. Be proud of your son, he will do great things.
i know what you are going thru ...my son graduated basics a couple of weeks ago and is now in the middle of schooling to become a military policeman...when he was origanlly to go in it would be to operate heavy equip. [wish he had stuck with that] i know everyone tells you to be proud [and iam] but this is my son that couldnt even be at boy scout camp for the entire night.not that many years ago..i just talked to him this morning this week he was learning military and civilian law..how to take down people and how to shoot machine guns out of the back of humvees he graduates april 17 and his wife due date for their first child is april 18...i sure would like to find the key not to worry so much too...i quess i just pray alot more and hope it ends soon
Be proud, be supportive.
When my son left for Iraq I sat and worried myself into an anxiety disorder, after two years not only my son returned but he brought back brothers. I now enjoyspending timewith some of the finest men in America. I wouldn't change it for anything.
Thank you son and the others he is with for me for his service.
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