Please remember my co-worker's son

Teresa · October 24, 2007, 05:49:20 AM

My co-worker's son, Johnny, leaves this morning sometime for Iraq for a year. He is an Army Medic. I've known this 24 year old since he was 15 and it's hard to believe he will be away for a year. He is also leaving his new bride. He wanted to make sure they were married before he left, just so she would be taken care of in case anything happened. I'm off today, but I know it is a tough day at the office. I'm picking up flag pins for everyone (and one with a yellow ribbon for his mom) while I'm running errands. They will be worn from now on. It saddened me last night when I was looking for some pins, just how hard it has gotten to find them now. Hopefully today's search will be easier.

Beth · October 24, 2007, 06:08:13 AM

Your co-worker and her son will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers. I've been through it, so I know exactly how his mom and his wife feels this morning.

cheryl186 · October 25, 2007, 09:44:06 AM

Many prayers for Johnny

and his family. It is tough....May God watch over him and he have a safe return.

doxielady5569128 · October 25, 2007, 10:57:06 AM

I'll defiantely be praying for him and his family.

janetleej · October 25, 2007, 12:10:34 PM

I will keep him and his in my prayers.

Teresa · October 29, 2007, 07:15:55 PM

Thank you everyone. He made it to Kuwait and has made a couple of phone calls to his wife (he love the calling cards!) and has sent an email to his mom. It will be much better after next week when he is on the base in Iraq. Once there he will be able to use his own laptop and can email a lot more. I'm putting a calling card in the mail to him this week and putting a note with it that it is to be used for Mom, only!!! At least his wife calls her or emails her after she talks to him so his mother knows he is okay and that she has heard from him.

MimisMomma · October 30, 2007, 02:20:52 PM

I will keep him in my thoughts. My brother was over there in the first Gulf war. And now my cousin is there. So I know how hard it is on the familys. I wish I was closer and could help more. I send care packages out to my cousin and also a couple extras for his friends. They really like that some one back home cares enough to do that. It is amazing what they ask for too.

Mel

Teresa · October 30, 2007, 04:41:41 PM

Mel, What have you found they enjoy the most? I'm wanting to put together a box for Johnny that he will receive shortly after getting to Iraq. I know it takes about 4 weeks for the package to arrive, so I'm hoping to get it out over the weekend. After this one, several of us in the office will work together to send a box every 6 weeks or so.
I did find out I can get phone cards through the military exchange that have more minutes on them so I will probably do that. Also, I can order the cards online and they are delivered directly to him. I haven't checked yet to find out how long it will take for him to receive them. It shouldn't be too long. Teresa

MimisMomma · October 30, 2007, 04:55:14 PM

Theresa, I would love to give you ideas. Anything to help. While my brother was there he was literally in the dessert surrounded by nothing but sand. And we all can imagine how that made him feel. Sand in places you don't want to know!! So he liked getting toiletries: cotten swabs, shaving cream, shampoo and conditioner, disposable razors etc. Oh and most important, toilet paper. When he was able to shower he really did it up, helped with his spirit too. So all that stuff is great. We used to have to disguise some of it so try to find out what is allowed. We were able to sneak around some things. Also, you said he has a laptop, so send movies or dvd's of tv shows from home. Things to read as well. The soldiers like to share and swap so even if he doesn't like something then he can trade it. Also nuts and snack foods that will keep well, we send a lot of Pringles they have a good container. Candy bars of course are always good. If you find out where he is once he gets to Iraq that will help too. If he is in a city then he may not need some things because he might be able to access them better there. Cards are a good thing as well. Things to occupy their time while they aren't on duty. I hope this helps.

Mel

Teresa · October 30, 2007, 08:09:55 PM

That is great to know. He is on the large base in South Baghdad (or will be) so he will have access to a lot of things, but still they won't be those things from home. I love the idea of the DVD's of the TV shows. I'll have to find out what he likes and start working on that! Teresa

MimisMomma · November 01, 2007, 12:15:39 PM

Teresa, I almost forgot to add the hand held electronic games. They have so many different kinds out now that I am sure there is one that he will like. I sent the Yahtzee on to my cousin and he loves it!!

Mel