How to encourage troops deployed

[ClutterbusterNY]

HOOAH!!!
I see some symbolism there too Mom. Valentine's Day he makes a decision to
re-enlist. Shows a lot of "love" for our country. I remember when 158 members
of the 101st Airborne re-enlisted on the steps of one of SH's palaces on the 4th of
July...what a nice birthday present to the country that was.

[sharptak2448]

Hi!

I saw your post and thought of something that we could all do to show our support for your son as well as other soldiers who have been in Iraq for so long. My dad was in the Korean War. I remember when I was small it seemed I remember him being gone alot. Maybe since your his Mom and he appreciates your advice and all you do to encourage him, that your kind of "close" to the situation and he might feel like he can't open up alot because he doesn't want to worry you too much. I thought that maybe we could email your son and some of the other soldiers to let them know how proud we are of them and that we are behind them. I imagine alot of the soldiers by now are ready to come home and they wonder why are they still there? Hope this little bit of advice will help. Next time you email your son please tell him that I'm glad he is taking a stand for our country and I know that its hard being away from his family and all. Our prayers are with him as well as all the soldiers serving in Iraq and around the world.
sharptak2448@yahoo.com

[armyinfmom63]

Thanks for that input. I do actually talk to Ryan "often". By his timetable of course, but at least once every two weeks. He talks to his wife more often of course. I email him often and leave him msgs a lot on his myspace site. His internet is down for now so he don't get on as much as he used to.
And actually him & I are really close, so he does tell me alot of things that he might not his wife or dad.
He did get real discouraged for awhile, but now is doing a safer job, and he can see the end coming up. He did tell me that they "should" be home by Aug. 10th..YEAH!!
ClutterbusterNY, (Pat) just sent me some "Cool Ties" that I think will help them in their last few very hot months. She is a good encourager!!
I will pass along your well wishes to him & all of his fellow soldiers.
Thanks so much for your support & caring!!
Pam

[Spitfire101]

Besides numerous pictures and letters, send him Doubleshots in the mail. That seems to be the absolute runner for our 10th Mtn guys currently stuck in the sandbox.

I always let my little one do arts and crafts for Daddy and send those weekly to him. Add a "personal touch" to any package to send, i.e. let the little one color on the box. May seem like a silly thing to some, but it's procen to be a morale boost. (Hubby always gets teased about the colorful boxes, but it makes all of them laugh and lighten up the mood.)