We don't live on or near a base so I have very few military wives as friends right now, but I regularly read Spousebuzz, which is a great source of community for military spouses. They are hopping mad over there right now! And they have every right to be. Devastating news delivered by a leaker. It's just not right.
My heart hurts so much for all the spouses, children, and soldiers. 15 months away from your family is way. too. long. I cannot even begin to imagine the depth of anger, disappointment, sadness, and a million other emotions that they are experiencing.
I dare not say much on this subject for fear of being lambasted for my non-experiential view. Daniel has been deployed, but not for 12 months with an extension.
We do know of one Army wife in my extended circle of friends whose husband is deployed right now, and you can bet I will be inquiring on how we can support her even more.
And for all you out there, regardless of your political views, help these families! Don't pity them, gather around them. Go out on a limb, ignore the brave fronts they put up and just help. Mow lawns, unload groceries, offer to watch children, buy passes for a local museum and drop them off, rake leaves, hire a house cleaner- one time- just to give that woman a break, purchase a gift card for dinner at a restaurant, wash their vehicle.
Ask and then listen. There may be a light bulb that needs to be changed, or a car making a funny noise, a simple around the house fix that can feel overwhelming to the person who is alone, and trying desperately to keep it all together. Their sacrifice is great. Let your actions show your thankfulness.
Andi from Spousebuzz made a very wise statement in comments the other day: "the leaker had better hope Secretary Gates finds him before an Army wife does..."
God help him if his name ever gets out.
My heart hurts so much for all the spouses, children, and soldiers. 15 months away from your family is way. too. long. I cannot even begin to imagine the depth of anger, disappointment, sadness, and a million other emotions that they are experiencing.
I dare not say much on this subject for fear of being lambasted for my non-experiential view. Daniel has been deployed, but not for 12 months with an extension.
We do know of one Army wife in my extended circle of friends whose husband is deployed right now, and you can bet I will be inquiring on how we can support her even more.
And for all you out there, regardless of your political views, help these families! Don't pity them, gather around them. Go out on a limb, ignore the brave fronts they put up and just help. Mow lawns, unload groceries, offer to watch children, buy passes for a local museum and drop them off, rake leaves, hire a house cleaner- one time- just to give that woman a break, purchase a gift card for dinner at a restaurant, wash their vehicle.
Ask and then listen. There may be a light bulb that needs to be changed, or a car making a funny noise, a simple around the house fix that can feel overwhelming to the person who is alone, and trying desperately to keep it all together. Their sacrifice is great. Let your actions show your thankfulness.
Andi from Spousebuzz made a very wise statement in comments the other day: "the leaker had better hope Secretary Gates finds him before an Army wife does..."
God help him if his name ever gets out.
3 Comments:
And people wonder why the divorce rate in the military is so high? 15 months is absolutely ridiculous. That is a totally inhumane thing to ask of any person.
My husband is Navy and deployed right now, so I can totally empathize with this frustration.
Add that to the new Individual Augmentations that were started in 2005 and you've got yourself a pretty bad deal going on.
Even saying that though, I would not trade this lifestyle. With all of its frustrations, for me the good far outweighs the bad.
Thanks for posting this. Spousebuzz is a great resource for us military spouses. Especially with you being so far away from a base and other military wives.
Have a great weekend,
Michelle
Preach it!
15 months is crazy. It makes recruiting duty not so bad, doesn't it? LOL
Especially when they don't pay us very much. What's sad is that more than 75% of military families are considered low income. Sad, very sad.
I agree with Miliary Mom too, how can marraiges expect to stay strong when the spouses don't see each other for over a year?!
I've never heard of spousebuzz. I'll have to check it out.
I have to second the lawn mow thing... oh how I wish I had someone volunteering to mow my lawn! Heck, I'd PAY someone. :)
I had never heard of spousebuzz before. I used to post on the air force crossroads forum a few years ago.
Joe just told me last week that his immediate supervisor just got orders for a TDY/deployment over there for 12 months. I said what?! I thought your deployments were only 4-6 months. He said there are a few that are for 12 months. I said well I know the army has that, but I didn't realize the AF did. And now look - they've bumped the army up 3 more months. I can just imagine the frustration over that.
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