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A friend – a Mom of a National Guard soldier

This is from a very good friend. We held each other up during the longest 22 months of our lives. My husband was deployed in the same unit as her son… and we spent alot of time talking, crying, laughing and plotting. I miss you!
~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, here I sit in front of the lap top staring at the blank page in front of me. I want to help a good friend who has been my crutch through the most difficult time of my life. She has given me an assignment and a deadline (which I have missed over and over again). But yet I just don’t know where to start so I can share the most heartbreaking yet proudest time of my life. So please forgive the spelling and grammar errors and please don’t judge me if I jump around a bit. I will try and take my experience and share it so you will know you are never alone in this war called parenthood or in the parenthood of war.

I will never forget the day he was born, the day he took his first breath I started holding mine. He was hyper-active, never needed more than 2 hours sleep, talked none stop from the time he opened his eyes until he closed them at night. Teachers begged me to medicate him because they just didn’t know what to do with him. I didn’t, we home schooled and he turned out to be a wonderful teenager (well as wonderful as they can be while doing everything in their power to drive their parents crazy). He did all those boy things, dated and broke up with girls, learned to drive and crash a car, missed curfew now and then but he was growing up and we were proud of the man we could see him becoming. He knew that we could not help much if he wanted to go to college so we had always told him he had to participate in finding a way to pay for what ever education he wanted to pursue after high school.

He worked hard got good grades, was in debate and choir, acted in community theater and worked part time earn money for those things boys just have to have. Had every fade hair do and out fit and dreams of what his future would be. Most of all he wanted to become a “player” in the law enforcement or legal field. His name was Nick but his alter ego was always Jack Bauer. Over the years his friends and there were many, came and went like they lived at our home as well. I watched them play football in the yard, watch scary movies until dawn, laugh until they puked and play everyday. They ate dinner at my table and cried on my shoulder and I love them all.
We had always had an open door policy; we have had foster kids all the time and tried to provide a safe loving environment for any child who was in need. Several of these young boys were able to turn their lives around and finish school and look to their futures. We had options for everyone jobs, more school, what ever they wanted to do we tried to help them find ways to make it happen. Which brings into the picture the Army National Guard recruiter (boo hiss boo) sitting at the kitchen table one night. He was talking to one of the foster kids and helping him decide what his best option would be after graduation. He also talked to us and anyone else who happen to be there (about 10 kids all friends from Junior high on).

Nick was there but we thought he would never join something so strict and active, after all it took half the day just to get him out of bed! However we were wrong not only did 7 of the 10 join one of them was Nick! “Oh no your are not” “Oh yes I am” Oh no you are not” Oh yes I am” “You are not you are grounded and I will give you a note telling them you made a mistake and your Mother says you can’t join”! Well as we all know that was not the way it works. He joined and after some time explaining to us how this was really what he wanted to do and it made him proud to do it. What could we say we had taught him to be independent make decisions on his own and be a man, that was exactly what he had done, and I hated myself for it. This was not what my vision of his life was and how dare he do this.

He left a few days after graduation and we had no idea what was about to happen. The recruiters in their way prepare them to get to the swearing in and departure but who helps us deal with all of this who tells us what to expect and who do we turn to for answers to all our questions?……………no one……………crickets……………we were alone………..or at least that was what I thought. So he went to basic, we saw him graduate, go to language school, training schools, and all we got for information was him telling us everything was fine he was ok and not to worry, yea right. Over the next couple of years he met his wife and they had a son, Nick missed his birth (training) and just when we thought the training was finally done and he could settle down and get on to living the (please excuse the phrase, but) Bomb dropped. He had joined shortly after 9/11 and most of his friends had done tours in Iraq and Afghanistan but he had been spared while he was “training”

(more to come later)

Thanks for coming back to visit! If you would like to write for Parents Zone - please let LAW or TechMama know!

What a week – and the Future Plans

As you have (hopefully) been reading, it’s been a week to remember. PZ was honoured to be a conduit for the news of Spc Hunter Levine, and he has been getting a lot of love, a lot of “stuff” and it has also spilled over from him to the others in the hospital, with a visit from Gary Sinise (link takes you to HH6’s report of the visit)  and also the beginning of a new service members related “list” – called HASMO which is a FREE service trying to connect service members with a need, to all those people out here who want to fill it.  Again, this is Free – no charge to anyone signing up either to give or to request.  We’ll have a link to HASMO on this page soon.

ParentsZone will now return to our regular programming – with a few differences! We have a new mom ready to post, and as you have seen on the side (left side) we are slowly doing some more construction here.  When the dust settles, we hope to have a site that is useful, handy and what YOU the families need.

In that vein – we’d like to ask for your help in the construction.  If you have a site that has helped you cope, that answered a questions, filled a need or just helped you figure out how to negotiate this life as a military mom, dad, brother, sister… we’d like to know about it.  ONE CAVEAT – it has to be free.  No “registration” fees, no “administration” fees.   If it’s political/religious/sponsored – we’ll link to it, but remember, we don’t endorse anything.  We just provide the link.  So please, if you have such a site, and don’t want to comment on this site, just email LAW at parentszone at gmail.com.

As the signs say “pardon our dust while we make it better for you”.   We’ll keep adding new posts while we build – so you can ignore the dust!

LAW

Update on PFC Levine – 10/24

It’s been an intense, crazy-busy couple of days around here but in a good way! We are so proud of our readers for jumping into action when it counted! Your cards, letters of encouragement,etc are definitely doing the trick and lifting Hunter’s spirits.!

We are extra proud of our PZ Tech Mama – Tammy for jumping in and helping out the point of contact for this endeavor! She responded to  all the emails and phone calls to make sure that Hunter got letters of encourgment, cards,etc. and that the right information was being sent out! Tammy will continue to be working on this directly with Hunter, his Foundation, Hearts for Hunter as well as Blake Meaux, long time freind of Hunter and foundation executor. So,  check out her blog for more information about that.

The biggest HAT TIP goes to 1SG Brian Disque! Brian made sure that one of his soldiers got the help and support that he needed by letting the blogosphere know about Hunter. Brian certainly is a shining example of what a 1SG should be!

I AM A FIRST SERGEANT
My job is people — Every One is My Business.
I dedicate my time and energy to their needs;
their health, morale, discipline, and welfare.
I grow in strength by strengthening my people.
My job is done in faith; my people build faith.
My job is people –EVERY ONE IS MY BUSINESS.

- US Army First Sergeant (1SG) Creed

We also want to acknowledge the sites that first posted about Hunter : The Veterans Voice & Email Our Military for first publishing 1SG Levine’s story.

Kudos to Matt at BlackFive, Milblogs, Michelle Malkin, Some Soldiers Mom, Liberal Army Wife, Army Household6, Mark Levinfan.com, Calistalee , Jihad Gene, NiceDoggie.net, and Greyhawk and many many more! Also a big thank you to everyone who emailed others to let them know about it!  You guys picked up  Hunter’s story as ran with it!  We’re so proud to be part of this awesome blogging community!

Hunter’s friend Blake are working on the details for Hunter’s Foundation,  Hearts for Hunter. The website currently is under construction but  will be up & ready to go by Monday October 27th.

Also, Tammy recently started a list called HASMO (Help a Service Member Out). It is an email list comprised of Rapid Response Team Members to be able to help out soldiers like Hunter and many others. It will also be available to help out service member’s immediate families as well. You can sign up for it on Tammy’s site and its a free service!

So, thanks again and now back to our regular programming..

Update on PFC Hunter Levine

Well I just wanted to take a minute and thank everyone who emailed/commented over the last 24 hours about PFC Levine. If I haven’t responded to you yet.. don’t worry I will tonight/tomorrow. There has been an outpouring of support so we are trying to filter it all and get Hunter what he needs. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me at tammy.munson@gmail.com.

I am currently working with the executor of Hunter’s foundation to get a list of what Hunter may need and to setup a fundraiser for him.

Also we’re working on setting up a email list of rapid responders when we hear of things like this if you’d like to be included, please sign up at http://www.armyhousehold6.com (left side of page)

To read Hunter’s story click here

I received this email from Julie  with BlueStarMoms who visited with Hunter on Saturday .. so I wanted to pass it along..

Well, we already went today and just got back actually but we wouldn’t mind going again.  When I say we, I took my daughter-in-law and granddaughters too.  One of the staff did go in ahead and asked Hunter if he minded us coming in.  That was Hunters request to be notified ahead of time.

I figured that if he did not want visitors today that we would just leave what we had brought for him there for him to have and I understood his request. He let us come in because I told the nurse about my son serving in Iraq.  That seemed to make Hunter feel better.

We just stopped in for a minute and took a card, a box of See’s lollipops, some other candy and a small fimo clay frog wind chime. (FROG=Freely Rely On God) That made him sorta laugh, the wind chime. He said he didn’t know where to put it so we suggested over the a/c unit or hang it on the window that way he could know if the a/c was working or not.

I figured that he could use the practice in getting his other senses a little sharper while his eyesight was getting some work. The room was pretty warm though, and there was a soldier visiting him as well so I didn’t want to take up too much of his time.  I will call Stephanie later this week and see if he wouldn’t mind having us visit again, without the girls though. I would love to have you come with or meet me there.  I have a map now and it is pretty easy to get to.

He has a DVD player and an i-pod and told me he has all the music he needs, he is still pretty angry inside.  I know that later in life he will look back and think about us going there, it will be just a random thought but I hope it will be a good one.

Also, my granddaughters class is going to make a mobile for his room, that should help him with some eye coordination exercises without him knowing that he is actually doing them.

I did see that he had the DVD Gladiator (great movie!) so he has some vision.  He also had a watch on with a magnifier on it.  Also, the lollipops will help with the muscles in his neck which will in turn help with the face restructuring.

In fact, I am thinking that getting some crossword puzzle books and other items like that as well as some cards for other soldiers who are there would be worthwhile.  There were a couple who had no visitors and looked like they could use someone to visit with.

Thanks,
Household6

“Febreze To Go” for the Troops

Troop Tube

Something new – and approved by the DOD – a way to share videos for the military and their families.  It is sponsored by Military OneSource.   If you already use this – let us know how it works.

Troop Tube

Some FAQs

What is TroopTube? TroopTube is a new video-sharing site for troops and their families available through the Military OneSource Web site. Troop Tube is the only video-sharing site for military families sponsored by the Department of Defense. TroopTube extends the virtual military community by enabling service members and their families to connect with each other and share videos wherever they may be.

How can I access TroopTube? Visit www.MilitaryOneSource.com and click on the TroopTube link. Once you’re on the site, you will be required to register in order to view or post videos. During the registration process, you will be asked to identify your e-mail address, name, and service branch or affiliation.

Who can post videos to TroopTube? Intended for military families, anyone who registers can post videos. Simply create an account, receive account authorization, and you’re ready to go!

What kinds of videos can I post? Within guidelines, almost anything you want! TroopTube is for military families, allowing you to share videos about your family events, military events, and send and receive messages to deployed troops. Videos must fall within accepted boundaries of community standards and safety. TroopTube will not post videos that compromise military missions, nor will TroopTube post videos featuring graphic violence and obscenity. TroopTube adopts standards proposed in DoD Directive 5230.9: Clearance of DoD Information for Public Release. Videos are limited to 5 minutes or 20MB.

Which file types does TroopTube accept? TroopTube accepts most video file types, including .mov files. Videos are limited to 5 minutes or 20MB.

What are the system requirements to post and view videos? Operating Systems Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows Vista (including recent service packs) Mac OS X 10.3 or higher Browsers Internet Explorer 5.0+ Firefox 1.1+ Safari 1.0+ Google Chrome 1.0+ Media Players Adobe Flash Version 9.115 Internet Connection Broadband connection with 500+ Kbps

How do I upload videos? First, you need to sign up for a TroopTube account. Log into your active account and select the “post new video” link. Select the video file (from your computer) you’d like to post to the site. cliick “Upload My Video”.

Are videos edited before being posted? No. TroopTube does not edit videos. All videos are screened prior to being posted, and videos violating the site’s standards will not be posted.

Can deployed service members post videos? Yes! TroopTube emphasizes the ability for deployed troops and their families to stay in touch and share information. Deployed individuals in forward areas should check with their commanding officers for current protocol. TroopTube reserves the right to decline a posting if it contains sensitive material.

What if I have trouble using TroopTube? The best way to resolve any difficulties involving TroopTube and your account is to use the “Contact Us” feature on the TroopTube site. The TroopTube support staff is equipped to handle technical and complex issues. If you’ve contacted the TroopTube support staff and your issue is still unresolved, we’ll be glad to give them your contact information and request expedited contact. LAW

What military support looks like in DJ Emery country

Folks who read milblogs with any frequency will know who Sgt. D.J. Emery is.  The latest news on DJ is found here.

In addition to the support from milbloggers, DJ’s own home community is marvelous in their support for him and the vets who live in their area of Pennsylvania

I received this in my inbox today from a lady who has been a big supporter of the Emery family as they go through recovery with him

SPECIAL ‘THANK A VETERAN’ REQUEST:  A friend of mine has been named the chairperson of the Veteran’s Day program sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary at the State College American Legion, Post 245.  As part of the program, she is looking for people to write a letter to one of their Legion veterans so that each of their veteran attendees will get a letter of thanks that day.  The letter can be written to anyone – male or female and should be addressed:  Dear Veteran,.  Contents of the letter can include special thanks to the veteran for our freedom, their dedication, sacrifices, etc.  She asks that the letter be signed with your name and age – prefers that the letter is handwritten and not typed if possible.  Please share this information – the letters need to be received no later than October 25, 2008.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Now I think this is a great idea!!  It could take only 5 minutes or so and the cost of a stamp to let a vet know that you appreciate their service.  Not to put pressure on any of our wonderful readers but this lady has only received 10 letters so far.

Please think about it and if you are so inclined to write a letter of thanks, let me know in comments and I’ll send you the address.  You all will understand why I am a bit leary of just putting the address up

One of our own needs our help!

I received this information today and it nearly broke my heart! (actually it brought me to tears)  I thought I HAVE to do something for this young man! As many of us living this life know , we are one BIG military family. Well… one of our own needs our help!

For those not in the military…if you have ever wondered “what can I do for our wounded warriors”, well THIS IS IT!!!! You can read his story below …

If you would like to send cards, letters and/or care packages… please let me know. You can email me at tammy . munson @ gmail . com (don’t include spaces) We are not publishing this soldiers’ email address on the internet for his safety and security.

Thanks – Tammy aka Household6 (and PZ Techmama too)
x-posted at ArmyHousehold6.com

_____________________________________________

From 1SG Brian M. Disque

I know a young man who is in desperate need of help. His name is PFC Hunter Levine. He is 20 years old and hails from Houston, TX.

He was in my company and was wounded on 9 May, 2008 while conducting combat operations in East Baghdad. He received a very serious injury to his face, resulting in the loss of his entire bone structure, mouth, nose, and vision.

He was evacuated to Walter Reed Hospital where the doctors performed numerous surgeries to repair his

face. I was fortunate enough to attend a Purple Heart Ceremony at Walter Reed while I was home on leave in June. I was also able to meet with Hunter’s father Beau.

Hunter was then transferred to a VA hospital in California, where the best care for his vision would be available. He is a true fighter with a heart of gold.

Bad News

Unfortunately, I received some bad news from the hospital doctors. Lately, he has been resisting treatment and being somewhat combative with the hospital staff. He has had a few outbursts and the staff is real worried about him. It seems like a serious case of depression is setting in.

Although his wounds on the outside may look bad, they may never compare with the wounds he has on the inside.

I spoke with him on the phone this evening, and he seemed real down. The reality is that he still has a long road to recover and may never see again. This young man has everything to live for and is a true inspiration. He is exactly the kind of person we would all want in a brother, son, or friend. I feel obligated to try and rally some support for him. I know we have a lot of caring people out there who would love to do something special for an outstanding American who gave his all for his country.

Call to Action

If you know of any church groups, school room classes, or other benevolent organizations that would be interested in assisting this brave young man, please forward this message on to them.

He is a pretty typical young man, so he likes sports and other typical young men stuff. A small care package with some goodies and such would mean the world.

Again, please forward this message to as many people as you know. It would be so great if we can all give way together and show Hunter that his country will never forget his sacrifices or service. He is down and needs our help.

Thank you for your support, it means everything.

V/R,
1SG Brian M. Disque
C CO 2-30 IN

“Our Country, Not Ourselves!”

Did you SEE that – on the right

See?  There’s the Finalist  medal!  YEAH!!!  Now – let’s move forward.  We need your help.  YOUR HELP – yes YOU! The one reading this, the one who keeps thinking  ” you know, that story reminded me of…” or ” I wonder if this or that or whatever has ever happened to anyone else? ”
Well, if you are a blogger, if you want to share your happy times, the sad ones, the things you have learned, the joy, the frustrations, the lessons you learned and the ones you wished you had learned… We Want You.   If you want to join our happy band of (so far) sisters (yes, we need a Dad/Uncle/Grandpa)  email me at parentszone at g mail dot com.  We want to talk to you.

LAW

p.s.  Isn’t that little doohickey from Milbloggers.com just cool????

AUSA – Day Two

This was my first FULL day at AUSA – I attended a large session with dozens of FRG leaders in the audience.  This was directed at the Reserve and Guard Components – lots of memories of the last deployment for me, when my husband was with the Minnesota Guard.  Those Guard Parents out there – Changes are coming, at the usual Army glacial pace – but they are coming.  

I have lots of links etc to share with you.  A new format/page structure will be coming soon on PZ, and they’ll be easy to find. 

But – I am really psyched about vFRG.  One point I checked on with the ArmyOneSource folks -  If your soldier’s unit has a Virtual Family Readiness Group Site - you can click in, and request that you be added – this email goes to your soldier and supposedly all he/she needs to do is click Yes (or whatever the box says) and you will be added to the list. Now the VFRG is only as good as the support from the unit, that’s its one drawback – but it IS a start. So talk to your soldier – tell him to get off his tail and add you!

I collected many many cards from “Family Resource” booths and talked about the need for Parents to be included in that umbrella of “Family”.  And I was heartened by how many groups are realizing this!  Military Family Network even has a portion of their site for Military Parents.. Another group, for the caregiver for a wounded servicemember, is very open to helping Military Parents – they are called Operation Life Transformed .   The Brass – ie Senior military – also talked about Extended Families.  So there is hope out there for Parents – who won’t be relegated as just “some soldiers mom“.

As mentioned above,  we are going to make some changes here, let us know what you want to see, and what you need to see, and what you don’t want to see.

LAW

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