Sad Day :(

My mom called me tonight to tell me that my brothers girlfriend has been shipped out to basic training 3 weeks early - and then she will be heading over sea's to Iraq in a within few months

I feel so bad for my brother- they have been together for about 5 months, and are a perfect fit for eachother. My brother is 18 - and Jess is 19. He's heartbroken that they had to say goodbye so early - and so is my family - my mom was in tears when she called, and of course, so was I.

If you could all say some prayers that all goes well, I would appreciate it.

She'll be gone for quite awhile, without a visit home - they both promised to stay true to eachother - they really were in love - even at such a young age, I could tell she made my brother incredibly happy, which made me happy in turn

Originally Posted by babyharley

If you could all say some prayers that all goes well, I would appreciate it.

She'll be gone for quite awhile, without a visit home - they both promised to stay true to eachother - they really were in love - even at such a young age, I could tell she made my brother incredibly happy, which made me happy in turn

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Many prayers being sent for her safe return. It's such an unstable world right now but hope, love and faith will see many of us through this tough time.

Thanks Kass

We are praying really hard that everything goes well for her, and that we can soon write and call her, although it won't be soon enough
I just feel so sad, like its my own sister. Maybe its because I can only imagine how much my brother is hurting - I can't even imagine.

The newspapers always say there are many ways people stationed in Iraq can communicate with their loved ones back home.
What are her job duties once she gets to Iraq??

Originally Posted by GailC

The newspapers always say there are many ways people stationed in Iraq can communicate with their loved ones back home.
What are her job duties once she gets to Iraq??

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I guess she has to 'earn' her privledges before she can write and call home. - I'm not quite sure as to what she'll be doing - I was giong to ask my mom that later when I called her. She was with my brother and he needed her more than I did when she called.

What a brave choice she has made, to serve in the Military at this time! And how hard it is to be left behind! My ex joined the Navy, and headed right into a war zone after basic training. I was so afraid I would never see him again, and that was a much smaller operation that Iraq is now! My heart truly goes out to your brother. Prayers that she stays safe, and is able to remain in communication with him despite the distance.

Originally Posted by Beckiboo

What a brave choice she has made, to serve in the Military at this time!

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Prayers that she stays safe, and is able to remain in communication with him despite the distance.

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Let me add my own prayers - and praise - for her, and for your brother.

Lots of safe vibes to her, what a brave young woman. I'll keep her and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

She is definately in my thoughts and prayers...

My Best friends fiance is over in Iraq as well as my other friends brother. I understand how stressful it can be.

I have immense respect and admiration for those who choose to be in the service. They selflessly help keep our country and us safe.

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts, they are very much appreciated

My brother's over there right now. (and due home in less than a month!)

If she can, she needs to opt in for the highest level of training she can. The more education you sign up for, the farther away from the front lines and "grunt" duty you can be.

My brother's a corpsman, which means he travels with a marine unit and is the equivalent of a paramedic. On one hand this may have meant he shipped out earlier (traveling with the marines sort of guarantees that) but due to the rank he achieved and his job duties, he's been out of the main lines of fire. He's not in a combat position (thank god!) and that's kept him a little safer.

Also, the more education and training that the military (you didn't say what branch she is) will give her for free, the better her options when she gets out (if she doesn't become career). If she really examines the options she has, she can make her enlistment time very beneficial for her. I'm really amazed at all that my brother has been able to do and will be able to do. He's had to work really hard, but I think it's been worth it.

Just let her know how much you believe in her and her strength and intelligence. Let her know how much she'll be missed, and learn about how to send amazing care packages! (she and her buddies will thank you forever!)

~Julia

Lots of vibes ... and

What a brave young woman!, sending her and your family many prayers.

I've been in shoes real similar to your brother's. DH was already in the military when we met, but he went to Iraq twice and Afghanistan once. I'm not sure if this would make your brother feel any better, but each deployment DH had, the easier it was for us to communicate.

They will both be in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks to everyone for your kind words and support, I haven't talked to my brother yet - I was going to call him tonight and see how he's doing.

How awful for your brother, and his girlfriends family You are all in my thougths

Oh man, this must be so hard for her family and yours. That is the one phone call that noone wants to get I think.

My prayers are with her, and your brother to help them get through.

Originally Posted by Trouts mom

Oh man, this must be so hard for her family and yours. That is the one phone call that noone wants to get I think.

My prayers are with her, and your brother to help them get through.

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Thats so true - we all knew she had to go in August, but we really weren't expecting it to be sooner

We just feel like she's part of our family - just knowing that she won't be around for awhile is going to be really tough.

I really can't wait til we can send her care packages tho!

She is a very brave woman and to make that decision at such a young age. its hard I know. I work with soldiers everyday and when they return home you can just see a new gleam in their eye that they are happy to be back. She will be in my prayers as will your whole family!

Mackenzie, I will definately keep her in my thoughts & prayers... I am an army brat myself, and my dad was stationed in Kosovo during my senior year in HS, so I completely understand what you guys are going through... When they 1st go over there is a period of time where they cannot write/call etc. like a black out period. But once they are at their "permanent" destination they can call home & write. Also, they are allowed to email.... I know there are limits, like each section gets certain days/times when they are allowed to use the computers, like M & W from 9-11am would be 1 time and then they have to wait for their turn within their troop. I was lucky enough to have my dad home before my prom/graduation... but I know the sleepless nights & constant worry that your brother will be facing. Oh, and they can get care packages too (cookies, magazines, pictures). Those and letters are their lifeline over there... so even if you just write her a one page letter, it will mean the world to her to hear anything from the outside world. Getting mail over there is the highlight of their day!

Praying for her safe & speedy return! Heather