Deployed troops fight for lost custody of kids

[appleannie1]

Children taken from single parents in uniform when they are mobilized

She had raised her daughter for six years following the divorce, shuttling to soccer practice and cheerleading, making sure schoolwork was done. Then Lt. Eva Crouch was mobilized with the Kentucky National Guard, and Sara went to stay with Dad.

A year and a half later, her assignment up, Crouch pulled into her driveway with one thing in mind — bringing home the little girl who shared her smile and blue eyes. She dialed her ex and said she’d be there the next day to pick Sara up, but his response sent her reeling.

“Not without a court order you won’t.”

snip


They are people like Marine Cpl. Levi Bradley, helping to fight the insurgency in Fallujah, Iraq, at the same time he battles for custody of his son in a Kansas family court.

Like Sgt. Mike Grantham of the Iowa National Guard, whose two kids lived with him until he was mobilized to train troops after 9/11.

Like Army Reserve Capt. Brad Carlson, fighting for custody of his American-born children after his marriage crumbled while he was deployed and his European wife refused to return to the States.
Paul Connors / AP
Army reservist Brad Carlson, holds a photo of his children, from left, Sven, 7, Dirk, 9 and Phoebe, 5. Carlson's former wife was awarded custody of the children during Carlson's military deployment in 2003.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18506417/

[etherealtruth]

1. Absolutely despicable

With more (in number) and extended deployments I, sadly, think we will see more and more of this.

[Horse with no Name]

2. Family values my ass

:mad:

[AnneD]

3. I left the USAR-IR...

after my daughter was born. I know how the military works-I was an AF brat. They don't give a rats ass for your family and you are at a distinct disadvantage in the courts due to the recall. Sucks but that's the way it is.

[klook]

4. Heartbreaking and enraging

More casualties of this illegal, immoral war.