That First Deployment...

care Many of us are facing or actively involved in our first deployments. A friend once said to me, "A wife chooses to be part of the military, a mother just gets pulled in". They don't stop being our children just because they wear a uniform. Worry, for most of us, in varying degrees has been a constant companion. We don't turn off our worry when they go, but we channel it into more productive and livable areas. We volunteer, we work, we take care of those on the home front -- but sometimes the nights seem eons long. My son will deploy sometime soon, so I am leaning on my Blue Star Sisters who have been down this path and are there now. The advice and support is beyond price. "Turn off the news" (I have heard this from many including veteran Army wives), "Turn off well-meaning friends" You can inform your friends they don't need to tag you on news posts or inform you of what the news is reporting about where they think your soldier is. I've stopped posting these types of posts on my own Facebook page mindful of those around me. "Remember OPSEC" Operational Security is of importance beyond measure - don't post pictures that may lead to the wrong people figuring out location by signage, topography or show equipment. Good rule of thumb, just keep those pictures for yourself and immediate family for your own pleasure and peace of mind. Never post where or when your soldier is posting or deploying. I know it sounds paranoid and we all like to believe those stories about trolls and "evil doers" are over exaggerated, but they're not. As a site administrator for a military parent page when my son was in college, I had to throw many foreigners and spoof facebookers looking for information off our page until we were able to take it private to members only. They are out there and they are roaming. "Find your battle buddy" that one person who understands and will let you vent via text or phone no matter what time. I'm up late always...I've got more than 1 battle buddy. Finally and the best advice I got from a well traveled Army mom down this road "Breathe. They are well trained. The world is dangerous. They are schooled to follow commands and do their job. Be thankful they are willing to do what only 1% of our population will step to do. Be proud -- we raised good men and women who are our heroes"...Hooah!  Cindy Thomas, Army Mom