Hey folks. . .I need some solice for my brother, Michael.

[SammyBlue]

A couple of days ago, his best friend's parents were killed in a nasty head on crash with a class B milk truck.

The problem isn't with my brother, but with his friend. His friend (we'll call him Dave to keep his name out because he is only 14) and his younger sister are now orphans, living with his married older sister and brother in law at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base here in Tucson.

I just found out that the brother-in-law is being deployed to Iraq within the next few days. If he is killed, the family's sole means of support is gone. On top of that, there is a funeral coming up.

This has sent my brother, Dave and their group of friends into a tailspin, which is rough because my brother is on very heavy medication for severe bi-polar and acute schizophrenia. I am trying to convince them that the Air Force wouldn't send them out of a "Saving Private Ryan" attitude, where the family has already lost so much recently, that the military will send someone else. I don't really believe it, but it's the best I can offer.

My brother is 16, his friend is 14 and most of the group are 16 and 17. My brother is an unregistered member of DU, namely he hasn't signed up but uses this site for classwork and is always on it. Is there something I can tell them the Air Force could do to stop the deployment, or will Dave's Brother-In-Law be deployed?

I can't do anything except offer solice. . .but if someone knows what I can say about the Air Force thing, I'll be more than happy to tell Dave and my brother.

Here is the article of the accident: They left the names out at the time of printing. This accident happend less than a mile from my front door.

[wryter2000]

1. I'm so sorry

I have no advice, but I'll give you a kick.

[liberaliraqvet26]

2. It's true that the Air Force doesn't ....

really take the risks the Army does. Most stay on relatively safe bases far from roadside bombs. When I was in Iraq I didn't see any airmen away from the Baghdad Airport and Kuwait City. Look at the casulty list most are Marines & Army.

[still_one]

3. It used to be a valid deferment if you were sole support

for you family

I am NOT sure that still applies, but he should definitely check it out

[Geoff R. Casavant]

20. Former Navy JAG here

The "sole support" exception would only apply to a draftee, not someone who was already on active duty.

[cssmall]

4. WEll, I think we could try to find a way to help donate some money and/or

necessities to the family. I think that would be good, as for the AF thing, I dunno.

[PatrioticLeftie]

5. Geez

That's horrible. Sorry, but I don't know what to say.

[Solly Mack]

6. In the event of adoption or becoming a guardian (in SOME cases)

the army has to postpone..not stop...but postpone a deployment for 4 months...however, in those 4 months there's a chance to get the deployment put on hold until a better time. A slime chance.

in the case of adoption, it's the rule....in the case of a guardian, it's the exception

During Bush's war? who the fuck knows...

but we qualified for the 4 months - though his commander fought it.

The Air Force *might* be the same....they need to check it out.

[roguevalley]

7. go to the red cross and begin a deferment as sole support for this

family. I think they used to help people in the same fix. God bless all of them.

[Solly Mack]

10. That could work too....but go to the Chaplain after the Red Cross

and have ALL the papers ready. (Wills, guardianship, etc)

After the Chaplain, go through the chain of command

The Red Cross can only recommend and during this mess in Iraq, they haven't had the pull they once did.

[punpirate]

11. A hardship deferral might be the best thing...

... for now, as you say.

I would also suggest that the military family get the base chaplain involved. Sometimes, not always, the chaplain's office can help expedite the paperwork.

[Solly Mack]

12. Definitely hit the Chaplain's office

they know the ropes

[seabeyond]

8. they all have a heavy burden from here on out, for a while

it is going ot be painful. there isnt going to be any stopping hte pain. my heart to all that are involved. and safety to the man going to war, knowing the burden he is having to leave behind for this war

see about getting community support for this friend. work with the schools, and if they go to a church, and possibly the base facilities will have things that can help this family. just lots of love to them all.

[despairing optimist]

9. Here's a phone number from travelingsoldier.org

It's from the website's section Know Your Rights: 1-800-FYI-95GI.

If no one at that number can help, they will probably refer you to someone who can. Dave's brother-in-law hasn't shipped out yet, so there's time to fight the deployment.

Good luck, and I'm very sorry to hear about this. Please let me know if this helps.

[MissMarple]

13. Hey, Michael, I'm really sorry for your friend's tragedy.

:hug: I'm hoping things will work out in the long run for your friend's family, meanwhile, just try not to wig out. I know it's tough, but I'm guessing you know that talking to a knowledgeable adult can help and keep these tough issues in some kind of perspective. Good luck, bud.

[SammyBlue]

14. Thanks guys

I'll keep you guys updated. I figured alot of you would know more about this than I would. Military policy and procedures are not my strong suit. I'm a civil libertarian.

[Fridays Child]

15. Can you contact McCain, Kyl, and Kolbe?

They might be able to intercede. Maybe we all could call/write.

[Beaverhausen]

18. That's a very good idea

What a tragic story. :cry:

[GreenPartyVoter]

16. I am so sorry for your friends. *hugs and prayers* Call me crazy, but have

you thought about asking Randi Rhodes? She was in the USAF.

[brook]

17. All of the above...

and get in touch with every politician from the Mayor, State & US Representative & Senator, Govenor.

If you think it will help your brother and his friends, have them each write notes about how these people should help their friend, copy them and send them off to all these politicos. It might be good for them to be 'active' in the search for resolution.

I'm so sorry for you all. My heart goes out to you.

[laylah]

19. Sammy

Check your inbox

jenn

[SammyBlue]

21. Just an update or two!

The funeral is tomorrow. . .my mother and brother are going.

The brother in law WANTS to go to Iraq. He feels it is his duty to serve and actually volunteered to go. Hopefully, he's be fine and nothing serious will happen to him.

This family's already lost enough this week.

Thank you for all that you said to help, but it's kind of moot when the serviceman has already made up his mind and being deployed is what he wants.

You DUers are the best. Thanks for the positive words. You are all in my prayers.

Baruch ata adonai, elohanu melech haolom. . .