Said goodbye to my brother tonight- Marine going to Iraq

[lady raven]

My brother leaves at 5 AM tomorrow and we just said our goodbyes via phone. My mom is in CA with him and his family, but my family couldn't go out there and have stayed home in OK. I am truly terrified. He will be at an air base kind of in the middle of nowhere, and, relative to others over there, is apparently going to be fairly safe. But I know that things happen even to those not in the thick of it, and that bothers me a lot.

I know that whenever I hear on the news "Three Marines were killed today...", "One Marine was killed..." I'm going to take a deep breath and tie myself in knots, praying that it's not him until I know it's not. He's truly not worried, but I feel like he's just had his last meal and is waiting for the Governor to call.

I'm proud of my brother, but my anger over his patriotism being squandered by * and his cronies has never been deeper.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

1. We wish him well.

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. He will be in my thoughts every day that he is over there HereKitty...

I'm so sorry he had to go. :hug:

[flvegan]

3. Thanks to your brother for serving.

Sorry he's going to Iraq, though. Crossing my fingers that he has a swift return in the same fashion in which he was deployed.

[lizziegrace]

4. That's so hard

He's serving honorably. May he be safe until you see him again.

:hug:

[liberaltrucker]

5. Prayers for his safe return

And prayers you and your family keep your sanity. Your post gave me a flashback to when my brother was in Viet Nam. Mom was a basket case his entire tour (I was 13). Godspeed HKK :patriot:

[lady raven]

6. Thank you, everyone!

It really does help to know that the power of DUers' prayers and positive vibes is behind him.

[nytemare]

7. Best wishes to you and your brother.

Keep in touch with him. It will mean a lot to him stuck in Iraq.

I was over there in '91, and I can't imagine how my family felt when I was gone.

:hug: :hi:

[LeftyMom]

8. My thoughts are with him and your family

Be sure to let us know if he can take cards or care packages once he's set up. :)

[lady raven]

12. That is VERY sweet, and yes he can!

They had a meeting about a month ago where they went over the "rules" for how and what to send, and I got his address today.

[LeftyMom]

14. LMK what he'll be needing

I've been sending care packages full of food to some veg soldiers, but I think they go home soon so I need a new recipient.

[liberaltrucker]

16. PM me

LTWife and I will send anything he needs.

[Oeditpus Rex]

9. Godspeed

:patriot:

[NMDemDist2]

10. may he be safe and come home well and quickly

sorry HKK, it's gonna be a tough year for you and the family

:hug:

[Left Is Write]

11. Best wishes to him...

I'm sorry, because I know this is very hard for you. :hug:

[lady raven]

13. Thank you so much, everybody...

I posted this over in GD also, and, as I said there, it means so much (and helps my anxiety) to know that the prayers and kind thoughts of so many DUers are behind him.

[Skittles]

15. keep us updated Kitty

you know we care

[SeattleGirl]

17. That has to be so hard for your family, Kitty

My thoughts will be with your brother, and I pray he comes home safe and whole. And, I too would like to send him something when he gets over there. Please let me know his address, and do keep us updated.

:hug:

[Whoa_Nelly]

18. Wishing him and your family well

May you all be together again soon :hug:

[Benfea]

19. You and your brother carry all my hopes then.

Best wishes.

Oh, and of course your brother isn't worried. He's a marine and marines are all crazy, but I'm sure you know that already. ;)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

20. My best hopes and prayers are with you and your whole family.....

but especially with your beloved brother....

My brother went to VietNam for a year back in the sixties, and even though he came safely home, it was the longest year for me and my mom...

All the best for your brother ...and please keep us posted on how he's doing!

:grouphug:

[Ptah]

21. Wow.

The next time you talk to him, let him know that this liberal
vet (USAF 1970-1974) wants him and his
mates to make it home safe and sound.
And for you, please let me know by PM how to get a CARE package to his unit.


:patriot:

[LynzM]

22. Many good wishes to you and to him...

I will keep him and your family in my thoughts for a safe and speedy return :hug:

[Benfea]

23. I assume that asterisk stands in for the name of Darth Jar-Jar?

[Floogeldy]

24. I can't stand this.

Please keep us informed. We are with your brother, and you.

[Hissyspit]

25. Odds are in his favor, Kitty.

But best wishes to him and you.

[Ptah]

26. ...

kick for brothers and sisters.

[u4ic]

27. Sending your brother protective light

and you lots of :hug: :hug: :hug: :hi:

[bigwillq]

28. I'll keep him in my thoughts.

I wish him the best. :hug:

[Nicole]

29. Prayers for your brother

and all who love him.

[Ptah]

30. kick it

prayers for you and yours, HereKittyKitty

[liberaltrucker]

31. Kick

:kick:

[auntAgonist]

32. I hope he stays safe and is able

to contact you frequently. He will be in my thoughts, as will you and your family.

:hug:

[KitchenWitch]

33. May he be surrounded with protection while he is there

Light, love, and all my respect and admiration to you and your family!

:patriot:

[liberaltrucker]

34. Bump, dammit.

:kick:

[sarge43]

35. Hugs and good thoughts, Kitty

If I may suggest, you and family write to him often, keep it cheerful and upbeat, include photos, articles from local newspapers. Care packages are always appreciated - toilet articles, underwear, magazines, munchies, even joke gifts. I sent the spousal unit one of those rubber chickens. He said it became the barracks mascot. Your Bro needs to know that all is well at home and you're thinking of him.

:hug:

[fizzgig]

36. my good energy

to your brother, you and your family

you will be in my prayers

:hug:

[Evergreen Emerald]

37. You and your brother will be in my thoughts and prayers

Kitty. I have a cousin and brother-in-law over there as well. I know how you feel.

[GreenPartyVoter]

38. *hugs* and prayers* I hope he will be safe

[BamaLefty]

39. My Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

Here's to safe return. :patriot:

[southlandshari]

40. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.

:hug: