DU; THESE PPL NEED YOUR SUPPORT. Anyone w/ family in Iraq/Afg.

[lildreamer316]

Proposal for a support groupo for families of those in Iraq and Afg.
I have proposed this before, but it seems to get lost in the shuffle(hence the all caps).I think I will try again. Yes, I know there is already a military group,but this one would be more specific. It would provide those with family members in harm's way ATM a good support base, and also a place to centralize a list of such, should DU ever want to take care of our own,as we do from time to time (Binka's son example!). This does not have to be permanant; and on the hopefully soon end to this awful conflict, could be absorbed into the more generic group. Yes? No? Please keep kicked so I can get input from a majority of people. Thanks........

[lildreamer316]

1. Kicking.

[flamingpie2500]

2. I have a brother in Iraq and have been wondering why this hasn't been

done yet. I definitely support the idea.

[helderheid]

3. RECOMMENDED and kick!

[lildreamer316]

4. Thanks. n/t

[progressivebydesign]

5. Kicked and nominated. I think it's a perfect idea.!! n/t

[whitedove]

6. My Son-In-Law

is in Iraq. He doesn't want to be there, infact his whole unit doesn't believe in this or in Bush. I would be interested in a support group. Thank you!

Peace.

[w8liftinglady]

7. My Baby wiill be going back when he heals up

He tells me that after his knee surgery,he will be going back(again)
Fortunately(sarcasm),with the great health care these guys get,he hasn't even seen an orthopedic surgeon yet.Count me in..

[lildreamer316]

8. You were in before

when I tried to start this up a few months ago....good to see you! Wasn't sure where you were; I lost my posts from that time.

[knitter4democracy]

Same thing happened to my step-brother.

He messed his knee for the millionth time when he was in the Navy, and they never operated. He's still in pain.

I'm so sorry for your son and for you. Please know that you are all being prayed for, and please let us know if you need anything.

[w8liftinglady]

28. bless you

i am just relieved he's not there right now.just keep speaking up :)

[knitter4democracy]

31. I will, and I do.

I think I convinced the carpet guy not to let his son join the Marines. I told him to make his son watch "Over There" and see that it's dusty, it's scary, and that anyone can die at any time. He's going to work on it.

[proud patriot]

9. I would like to be supportive of this

Keep me posted please :hi:

[spuddonna]

10. Yeah, that's an excellent idea! kicked! n/t

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

11. Excellent idea

Has anyone heard an update on Binka's son ?

[Cults4Bush]

15. She leaves tomorrow for Germany to be with him.

I have to say she seems like an incredible Mom. I've been moved to tears by her responses, stronger than many people I know.

[nadinbrzezinski]

12. you got my vote

[Cults4Bush]

13. 100% support from this military brat.

Family is all AF and not likely to go to either combat zone. However I truly believe this is a very good idea for DU overall and our military families specifically.

[Caoimhe]

14. I have an address

of someone I know from a chat room who is now serving in Iraq. He is a great guy who doesn't support Bush and doesn't support this war, but he is there to help his buddies. He is married with a small child.

Problem is... I have no idea what to send him or say to him in a letter. I don't know him enough to know what he reads, I have no idea what to say. I know it probably isnt' a good idea to be preaching politics or anything to him while he is there. I just don't know. I was hoping someone with family over there can tell me what in general a soldier wants from home, other than letters from their own children and maybe snacks.

Any suggestions?

[lildreamer316]

16. Just keep him informed.

You don't necessarily have to make it politically slanted, just tell him what is going on at home (Delay, Plame, Katrina, etc.) Throw him a few light tidbits about entertaiment (Can you believe Tom and Katie are having a baby? Sicentology; etc) and some funny stuff (funny emails, etc). The funny stuff would probably be the best to start out with if you are not sure about anything else. Anyone in his situation would be glad for a laugh. If you can get a feel for whether or not to send him political humor, then start sending that later.
Yes?

[Caoimhe]

17. thanks!

Maybe a People mag?
I know he knows nothing about where I live.. would it be boring to tell him about it in depth?

Your suggestions are great. He is able to get online about once a week for a few minutes and say hi. My heart breaks when I think of him and so many others who know that the war is bullshit- being there and slogging through the heat, sand and constantly worrying about being killed.

[knitter4democracy]

24. Phone cards are always needed.

Snacks, foods with some flavor, sauces to put on the MREs. Those are always good. I remember when I was overseas in college that peanut butter was a precious commodity.

Check out http://www.anysoldier.com for more ideas on what to send. Soldiers post there what they need so people can send them everything from socks to laundry detergent.

[Shredr]

18. My father is in Iraq

He's a civilian contractor, not in the military, but he's still there. I would love to join this group.

[annabanana]

27. this is a very good idea....

for a very sad contingency...
(I wish there was no need....)

[malmapus]

19. I'd like to help get it started

Still have buddies in the service that I served with.

[lildreamer316]

20. MISSION Statement: Help me do this better!

The pupose of this group is to provide a place for families with loved ones in the current conflict in the Mideast; specifically Iraq and Afghanistan; to find support and community. It will also serve as a place to consolidate a list of those who are serving so as to facilitate DU's support of them in any way possible.


A bit to obtuse probably. Help me simplify it please........

[lildreamer316]

23. REDONE mission statement:

This group has two main purposes. 1)To provide support and camaraderie for DU service members and their families who are stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
2)To assemble a quickly accessible list of DU members who are serving,or have family members serving,in Iraq and Afghanistan.


Additions/subtractions/corrections? I will leave this up for a few more hours before submitting so as to get the night people a crack at it.

[proud patriot]

29. That looks good

:thumbsup:

[ninkasi]

21. It's a wonderful idea

Anyone with loved ones over there needs to have a strong support system. I'm all for it!

:kick:

[helderheid]

22. boot to the top!

[mshasta]

25. kick

:kick:

[lildreamer316]

26. KICK for evening.

[eridani]

30. Sounds good to me n/t

[Ilsa]

32. Wonderful idea. I started a support group for military families

at my job during the first PGW when my brother was in the army. I met people from all over the company and made new friends, people who swear the group helped them tremendously. I have no doubt that a support group here could ease alot of pain and help provide for good information sharing. I don't have family in the military now, but count me in for emotional support.

[lildreamer316]

33. Thanks Ilsa.

You are always welcome...I actually have no one in the family or many friends in the Gulf either,but there seemed to be a need for this.

[lildreamer316]

34. **Everyone who responded**

I have sent this in per the rules; I will keep you posted on the progress.If you have suggestions for a name; please post. Thank you all again!