I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted,, things are going well with Steven, he's had some stress and issues but is working through them. I'm proud of him, he entered a talent contest, I hope he does well. It will be a great experience for him no matter what. I still concerned with some of those stationed with him, I don't trust them to have his back, they just aren't reliable in my opinion.
I can tell talking to him he is maturing, he sounds older, more mature, and we are getting along better when we talk. He still wears his heart on his sleeve, probably always will, at least he has a good heart!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
A Month Already!
Holy Cow,, a month go tomorrow Steven left for Afghanistan,, I just can't believe how long it has been already. I guess being able to be in contact with him really helps, I'm still worried, I still have slight panic attacks when I see something in the news, but I know he's safe and he's doing good. He is handling his job well, and I'm very proud of him.
Our family has been through a lot in this month, his Grandpa has had serious health issues and been treated horrible by the VA. The military has really let the veterans down, I worry about his after-care now. I quit my job to help take care of him, get my head on straight, and deal with my dad's health, my son's deployment, and everything else going on around here.
Hopefully with the wonderful care his grandpa is now getting at Sierra Medical, a civilian hospital in El Paso, he can relax and not worry too much. Visiting with Steven on Skype has really lifted his grandpa's spirits,, and now with Steven's cousin Ricky, the Navy Baby I refer to, home on leave, he has good reason to get better and come home.
Our family has been through a lot in this month, his Grandpa has had serious health issues and been treated horrible by the VA. The military has really let the veterans down, I worry about his after-care now. I quit my job to help take care of him, get my head on straight, and deal with my dad's health, my son's deployment, and everything else going on around here.
Hopefully with the wonderful care his grandpa is now getting at Sierra Medical, a civilian hospital in El Paso, he can relax and not worry too much. Visiting with Steven on Skype has really lifted his grandpa's spirits,, and now with Steven's cousin Ricky, the Navy Baby I refer to, home on leave, he has good reason to get better and come home.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
He's Doing Good, So Am I!
I've been able to Skype with Steven several times, it has really made a difference in how I feel, and how he feels too I believe. He calls me before he goes to bed, and usually when he gets up if he has time. Even a 30 second check in can make a world of difference in how a soldier handles a deployment, he or she needs to know that their loved ones are there any time of the day or night, and that we will pick up the phone or Skype, or whatever. That quick I Love You can make all the difference in how the day goes.
I had a lot of trouble at the beginning of Steven's deployment, I had to make some major changes in my life to be able to deal with it. The fights between us had to stop, no matter how petty there were or how important. The time we have to talk has to be spent constructively, he has to know I love him no matter what. I quit my job as a teacher effective Friday Sept. 13th, I can't concentrate on my students when I'm worried about my son's safety and my dad's health, and my own situation financially due to my student loans, taxes due, etc.
One thing that has been on my mind though that I can't reconcile with is the lack of faith in the unit he is with. I am not alone in this, other parents, spouses, siblings, and friends of other soldiers have contacted me. There is a group among this unit that are very childish in their behavior, and they are bullies. You would think going into a situation like this they would grow up. I worry about Steven, I don't trust his battle buddies to have his back if push comes to shove. When we were at Ft. Hood for the Family Day it was brought home how divisive this group is. It is segregated badly and that segregation starts with their leader. My grandfather was the "Soldier's Officer", this guy doesn't talk to anyone below his rank, and totally ignores the enlisted members unless there is a photo op. I saw this in Chicago, I saw it in Ft. Hood, I hope he grows up and realizes that without the troops under him, his little piece of brass has no meaning whatsoever.
I had a lot of trouble at the beginning of Steven's deployment, I had to make some major changes in my life to be able to deal with it. The fights between us had to stop, no matter how petty there were or how important. The time we have to talk has to be spent constructively, he has to know I love him no matter what. I quit my job as a teacher effective Friday Sept. 13th, I can't concentrate on my students when I'm worried about my son's safety and my dad's health, and my own situation financially due to my student loans, taxes due, etc.
One thing that has been on my mind though that I can't reconcile with is the lack of faith in the unit he is with. I am not alone in this, other parents, spouses, siblings, and friends of other soldiers have contacted me. There is a group among this unit that are very childish in their behavior, and they are bullies. You would think going into a situation like this they would grow up. I worry about Steven, I don't trust his battle buddies to have his back if push comes to shove. When we were at Ft. Hood for the Family Day it was brought home how divisive this group is. It is segregated badly and that segregation starts with their leader. My grandfather was the "Soldier's Officer", this guy doesn't talk to anyone below his rank, and totally ignores the enlisted members unless there is a photo op. I saw this in Chicago, I saw it in Ft. Hood, I hope he grows up and realizes that without the troops under him, his little piece of brass has no meaning whatsoever.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
September 11, 2013
Here it is, the anniversary of Sept. 11, my son is thousands of miles away, in a war zone, that should not still be a war zone.
Kuwait backed Iraq throughout the Iraq/Iran war, and then when it was over Iraq turned on Kuwait and invaded them, using an accusation of slant drilling as an excuse.
On August 2, 1990, at 2am their time, Iraq invaded Kuwait. We were pulled into their conflict because of the oil pipelines we are so dependent on. At the time I was married to my son's father who was stationed at Ft. Bliss, TX, he was ADA, part of 343 HHB, the Patriot, the Scud Busters. They were some of the first to go support Operation Desert Shield, which turned into Operation Desert Storm. Since then we have never left, and been involved in so many more conflicts:
1990 – Saudi Arabia: On August 9, 1990, President Bush reported that he launched Operation Desert Shield by ordering the forward deployment of substantial elements of the U.S. armed forces into the Persian Gulf region to help defend Saudi Arabia after the August 2 invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. On November 16, 1990, he reported the continued buildup of the forces to ensure an adequate offensive military option.[RL30172]American hostages being held in Iran.[RL30172] Staging point for the troops was primarily Bagram air field.
1991 – Iraq and Kuwait. Operation Desert Storm: On January 16, 1991, in response to the refusal by Iraq to leave Kuwait, U.S. and Coalition aircraft attacked Iraqi forces and military targets in Iraq and Kuwait in conjunction with a coalition of allies and under United Nations Security Council resolutions. In February 24, 1991, U.S.-led United Nation (UN) forces launched a ground offensive that finally drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait within 100 hours. Combat operations ended on February 28, 1991, when President Bush declared a ceasefire.[RL30172]
1991–1996 – Iraq. Operation Provide Comfort: Delivery of humanitarian relief and military protection for Kurds fleeing their homes in northern Iraq during the 1991 uprising, by a small Allied ground force based in Turkey which began in April 1991.
1991 – Iraq: On May 17, 1991, President Bush stated that the Iraqi repression of the Kurdish people had necessitated a limited introduction of U.S. forces into northern Iraq for emergency relief purposes.[RL30172]
1991 – Zaire: On September 25–27, 1991, after widespread looting and rioting broke out in Kinshasa, Air Force C-141s transported 100 Belgian troops and equipment into Kinshasa. American planes also carried 300 French troops into the Central African Republic and hauled evacuated American citizens.[RL30172]
1992 – Sierra Leone. Operation Silver Anvil: Following the April 29 coup that overthrew President Joseph Saidu Momoh, a United States European Command (USEUCOM) Joint Special Operations Task Force evacuated 438 people (including 42 Third Country nationals) on May 3. Two Air Mobility Command (AMC) C-141s flew 136 people from Freetown, Sierra Leone, to the Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany and nine C-130 sorties carried another 302 people to Dakar, Senegal.[RL30172]
1992–1996 – Bosnia and Herzegovina: Operation Provide Promise was a humanitarian relief operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Yugoslav Wars, from July 2, 1992, to January 9, 1996, which made it the longest running humanitarian airlift in history.[6]
1992 – Kuwait: On August 3, 1992, the United States began a series of military exercises in Kuwait, following Iraqi refusal to recognize a new border drawn up by the United Nations and refusal to cooperate with UN inspection teams.[RL30172]
1992–2003 – Iraq. Iraqi no-fly zones: The U.S., United Kingdom, and its Gulf War allies declared and enforced "no-fly zones" over the majority of sovereign Iraqi airspace, prohibiting Iraqi flights in zones in southern Iraq and northern Iraq, and conducting aerial reconnaissance and bombings. Often, Iraqi forces continued throughout a decade by firing on U.S. and British aircraft patrolling no-fly zones.(See also Operation Northern Watch, Operation Southern Watch) [RL30172]
1992–1995 – Somalia. Operation Restore Hope. Somali Civil War: On December 10, 1992, President Bush reported that he had deployed U.S. armed forces to Somalia in response to a humanitarian crisis and a UN Security Council Resolution in support for UNITAF. The operation came to an end on May 4, 1993. U.S. forces continued to participate in the successor United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM II).(See also Battle of Mogadishu)[RL30172]
1993-1995 - Bosnia. Operation Deny Flight: On April 12, 1993, in response to a United Nations Security Council passage of Resolution 816, U.S. and NATO enforced the no-fly zone over the Bosnian airspace, prohibited all unauthorized flights and allowed to "take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with [the no-fly zone restrictions]."
1993 – Macedonia: On July 9, 1993, President Clinton reported the deployment of 350 U.S. soldiers to the Republic of Macedonia to participate in the UN Protection Force to help maintain stability in the area of former Yugoslavia.[RL30172]
1994: Bosnia. Banja Luka incident: NATO become involved in the first combat situation when NATO U.S. Air Force F-16 jets shot down four of the six Bosnian Serb J-21 Jastreb single-seat light attack jets for violating UN-mandated no-fly zone.
1994–1995 – Haiti. Operation Uphold Democracy: U.S. ships had begun embargo against Haiti. Up to 20,000 U.S. military troops were later deployed to Haiti to restore democratically-elected Haiti President Jean-Bertrand Aristide from a military regime which came into power in 1991 after a major coup.[RL30172]
1994 – Macedonia: On April 19, 1994, President Clinton reported that the U.S. contingent in Macedonia had been increased by a reinforced company of 200 personnel.[RL30172]
1995 – Bosnia. Operation Deliberate Force: In August 30, 1995, U.S. and NATO aircraft began a major bombing campaign of Bosnian Serb Army in response to a Bosnian Serb mortar attack on a Sarajevo market that killed 37 people in August 28, 1995. This operation lasted until September 20, 1995. The air campaign along with a combined allied ground force of Muslim and Croatian Army against Serb positions led to a Dayton agreement in December 1995 with the signing of warring factions of the war. As part of Operation Joint Endeavor, U.S. and NATO dispatched the Implementation Force (IFOR) peacekeepers to Bosnia to uphold the Dayton agreement.[RL30172]
1996 – Liberia. Operation Assured Response: On April 11, 1996, President Clinton reported that on April 9, 1996 due to the "deterioration of the security situation and the resulting threat to American citizens" in Liberia he had ordered U.S. military forces to evacuate from that country "private U.S. citizens and certain third-country nationals who had taken refuge in the U.S. Embassy compound...."[RL30172]
1996 – Central African Republic. Operation Quick Response: On May 23, 1996, President Clinton reported the deployment of U.S. military personnel to Bangui, Central African Republic, to conduct the evacuation from that country of "private U.S. citizens and certain U.S. government employees", and to provide "enhanced security for the American Embassy in Bangui."[RL30172] United States Marine Corps elements of Joint Task Force Assured Response, responding in nearby Liberia, provided security to the embassy and evacuated 448 people, including between 190 and 208 Americans. The last Marines left Bangui on June 22.
1996-Kuwait. Operation Desert Strike: American Air Strikes in the north to protect the Kurdish population against the Iraqi Army attacks. U.S. deploys 5,000 soldiers from the 1ST Cavalry Division at Ft Hood Texas in response to Iraqi attacks on the Kurdish people.[citation needed]
1996 - Bosnia. Operation Joint Guard: In December 21, 1996, U.S. and NATO established the SFOR peacekeepers to replace the IFOR in enforcing the peace under the Dayton agreement.
1997 – Albania. Operation Silver Wake: On March 13, 1997, U.S. military forces were used to evacuate certain U.S. government employees and private U.S. citizens from Tirana, Albania.[RL30172]
1997 – Congo and Gabon: On March 27, 1997, President Clinton reported on March 25, 1997, a standby evacuation force of U.S. military personnel had been deployed to Congo and Gabon to provide enhanced security and to be available for any necessary evacuation operation.[RL30172]
1997 – Sierra Leone: On May 29 and May 30, 1997, U.S. military personnel were deployed to Freetown, Sierra Leone, to prepare for and undertake the evacuation of certain U.S. government employees and private U.S. citizens.[RL30172]
1997 – Cambodia: On July 11, 1997, In an effort to ensure the security of American citizens in Cambodia during a period of domestic conflict there, a Task Force of about 550 U.S. military personnel were deployed at Utapao Air Base in Thailand for possible evacuations. [RL30172]
1998 – Iraq. Operation Desert Fox: U.S. and British forces conduct a major four-day bombing campaign from December 16–19, 1998 on Iraqi targets.[RL30172]
1998 – Guinea-Bissau. Operation Shepherd Venture: On June 10, 1998, in response to an army mutiny in Guinea-Bissau endangering the U.S. Embassy, President Clinton deployed a standby evacuation force of U.S. military personnel to Dakar, Senegal, to evacuate from the city of Bissau.[RL30172]
1998–1999 – Kenya and Tanzania: U.S. military personnel were deployed to Nairobi, Kenya, to coordinate the medical and disaster assistance related to the bombing of the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.[RL30172]
1998 – Afghanistan and Sudan. Operation Infinite Reach: On August 20, President Clinton ordered a cruise missile attack against two suspected terrorist training camps in Afghanistan and a suspected chemical factory in Sudan.[RL30172]
1998 – Liberia: On September 27, 1998, America deployed a stand-by response and evacuation force of 30 U.S. military personnel to increase the security force at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia. [1] [RL30172]
1999–2001 - East Timor: Limited number of U.S. military forces deployed with the United Nations-mandated International Force for East Timor restore peace to East Timor.[RL30172]
1999 – Serbia. Operation Allied Force: U.S. and NATO aircraft began a major bombing of Serbia and Serb positions in Kosovo in March 24, 1999, during the Kosovo War due to the refusal by Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic to end repression against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. This operation ended in June 10, 1999, when Milosevic agreed to pull out his troops out of Kosovo. In response to the situation in Kosovo, NATO dispatched the KFOR peacekeepers to secure the peace under UNSC Resolution 1244.[RL30172]
Kuwait backed Iraq throughout the Iraq/Iran war, and then when it was over Iraq turned on Kuwait and invaded them, using an accusation of slant drilling as an excuse.
On August 2, 1990, at 2am their time, Iraq invaded Kuwait. We were pulled into their conflict because of the oil pipelines we are so dependent on. At the time I was married to my son's father who was stationed at Ft. Bliss, TX, he was ADA, part of 343 HHB, the Patriot, the Scud Busters. They were some of the first to go support Operation Desert Shield, which turned into Operation Desert Storm. Since then we have never left, and been involved in so many more conflicts:
1990–1999
1990 – Liberia: On August 6, 1990, President Bush reported that a reinforced rifle company had been sent to provide additional security to the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, and that helicopter teams had evacuated U.S. citizens from Liberia.[RL30172]1990 – Saudi Arabia: On August 9, 1990, President Bush reported that he launched Operation Desert Shield by ordering the forward deployment of substantial elements of the U.S. armed forces into the Persian Gulf region to help defend Saudi Arabia after the August 2 invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. On November 16, 1990, he reported the continued buildup of the forces to ensure an adequate offensive military option.[RL30172]American hostages being held in Iran.[RL30172] Staging point for the troops was primarily Bagram air field.
1991 – Iraq and Kuwait. Operation Desert Storm: On January 16, 1991, in response to the refusal by Iraq to leave Kuwait, U.S. and Coalition aircraft attacked Iraqi forces and military targets in Iraq and Kuwait in conjunction with a coalition of allies and under United Nations Security Council resolutions. In February 24, 1991, U.S.-led United Nation (UN) forces launched a ground offensive that finally drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait within 100 hours. Combat operations ended on February 28, 1991, when President Bush declared a ceasefire.[RL30172]
1991–1996 – Iraq. Operation Provide Comfort: Delivery of humanitarian relief and military protection for Kurds fleeing their homes in northern Iraq during the 1991 uprising, by a small Allied ground force based in Turkey which began in April 1991.
1991 – Iraq: On May 17, 1991, President Bush stated that the Iraqi repression of the Kurdish people had necessitated a limited introduction of U.S. forces into northern Iraq for emergency relief purposes.[RL30172]
1991 – Zaire: On September 25–27, 1991, after widespread looting and rioting broke out in Kinshasa, Air Force C-141s transported 100 Belgian troops and equipment into Kinshasa. American planes also carried 300 French troops into the Central African Republic and hauled evacuated American citizens.[RL30172]
1992 – Sierra Leone. Operation Silver Anvil: Following the April 29 coup that overthrew President Joseph Saidu Momoh, a United States European Command (USEUCOM) Joint Special Operations Task Force evacuated 438 people (including 42 Third Country nationals) on May 3. Two Air Mobility Command (AMC) C-141s flew 136 people from Freetown, Sierra Leone, to the Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany and nine C-130 sorties carried another 302 people to Dakar, Senegal.[RL30172]
1992–1996 – Bosnia and Herzegovina: Operation Provide Promise was a humanitarian relief operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Yugoslav Wars, from July 2, 1992, to January 9, 1996, which made it the longest running humanitarian airlift in history.[6]
1992 – Kuwait: On August 3, 1992, the United States began a series of military exercises in Kuwait, following Iraqi refusal to recognize a new border drawn up by the United Nations and refusal to cooperate with UN inspection teams.[RL30172]
1992–2003 – Iraq. Iraqi no-fly zones: The U.S., United Kingdom, and its Gulf War allies declared and enforced "no-fly zones" over the majority of sovereign Iraqi airspace, prohibiting Iraqi flights in zones in southern Iraq and northern Iraq, and conducting aerial reconnaissance and bombings. Often, Iraqi forces continued throughout a decade by firing on U.S. and British aircraft patrolling no-fly zones.(See also Operation Northern Watch, Operation Southern Watch) [RL30172]
1992–1995 – Somalia. Operation Restore Hope. Somali Civil War: On December 10, 1992, President Bush reported that he had deployed U.S. armed forces to Somalia in response to a humanitarian crisis and a UN Security Council Resolution in support for UNITAF. The operation came to an end on May 4, 1993. U.S. forces continued to participate in the successor United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM II).(See also Battle of Mogadishu)[RL30172]
1993-1995 - Bosnia. Operation Deny Flight: On April 12, 1993, in response to a United Nations Security Council passage of Resolution 816, U.S. and NATO enforced the no-fly zone over the Bosnian airspace, prohibited all unauthorized flights and allowed to "take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with [the no-fly zone restrictions]."
1993 – Macedonia: On July 9, 1993, President Clinton reported the deployment of 350 U.S. soldiers to the Republic of Macedonia to participate in the UN Protection Force to help maintain stability in the area of former Yugoslavia.[RL30172]
1994: Bosnia. Banja Luka incident: NATO become involved in the first combat situation when NATO U.S. Air Force F-16 jets shot down four of the six Bosnian Serb J-21 Jastreb single-seat light attack jets for violating UN-mandated no-fly zone.
1994–1995 – Haiti. Operation Uphold Democracy: U.S. ships had begun embargo against Haiti. Up to 20,000 U.S. military troops were later deployed to Haiti to restore democratically-elected Haiti President Jean-Bertrand Aristide from a military regime which came into power in 1991 after a major coup.[RL30172]
1994 – Macedonia: On April 19, 1994, President Clinton reported that the U.S. contingent in Macedonia had been increased by a reinforced company of 200 personnel.[RL30172]
1995 – Bosnia. Operation Deliberate Force: In August 30, 1995, U.S. and NATO aircraft began a major bombing campaign of Bosnian Serb Army in response to a Bosnian Serb mortar attack on a Sarajevo market that killed 37 people in August 28, 1995. This operation lasted until September 20, 1995. The air campaign along with a combined allied ground force of Muslim and Croatian Army against Serb positions led to a Dayton agreement in December 1995 with the signing of warring factions of the war. As part of Operation Joint Endeavor, U.S. and NATO dispatched the Implementation Force (IFOR) peacekeepers to Bosnia to uphold the Dayton agreement.[RL30172]
1996 – Liberia. Operation Assured Response: On April 11, 1996, President Clinton reported that on April 9, 1996 due to the "deterioration of the security situation and the resulting threat to American citizens" in Liberia he had ordered U.S. military forces to evacuate from that country "private U.S. citizens and certain third-country nationals who had taken refuge in the U.S. Embassy compound...."[RL30172]
1996 – Central African Republic. Operation Quick Response: On May 23, 1996, President Clinton reported the deployment of U.S. military personnel to Bangui, Central African Republic, to conduct the evacuation from that country of "private U.S. citizens and certain U.S. government employees", and to provide "enhanced security for the American Embassy in Bangui."[RL30172] United States Marine Corps elements of Joint Task Force Assured Response, responding in nearby Liberia, provided security to the embassy and evacuated 448 people, including between 190 and 208 Americans. The last Marines left Bangui on June 22.
1996-Kuwait. Operation Desert Strike: American Air Strikes in the north to protect the Kurdish population against the Iraqi Army attacks. U.S. deploys 5,000 soldiers from the 1ST Cavalry Division at Ft Hood Texas in response to Iraqi attacks on the Kurdish people.[citation needed]
1996 - Bosnia. Operation Joint Guard: In December 21, 1996, U.S. and NATO established the SFOR peacekeepers to replace the IFOR in enforcing the peace under the Dayton agreement.
1997 – Albania. Operation Silver Wake: On March 13, 1997, U.S. military forces were used to evacuate certain U.S. government employees and private U.S. citizens from Tirana, Albania.[RL30172]
1997 – Congo and Gabon: On March 27, 1997, President Clinton reported on March 25, 1997, a standby evacuation force of U.S. military personnel had been deployed to Congo and Gabon to provide enhanced security and to be available for any necessary evacuation operation.[RL30172]
1997 – Sierra Leone: On May 29 and May 30, 1997, U.S. military personnel were deployed to Freetown, Sierra Leone, to prepare for and undertake the evacuation of certain U.S. government employees and private U.S. citizens.[RL30172]
1997 – Cambodia: On July 11, 1997, In an effort to ensure the security of American citizens in Cambodia during a period of domestic conflict there, a Task Force of about 550 U.S. military personnel were deployed at Utapao Air Base in Thailand for possible evacuations. [RL30172]
1998 – Iraq. Operation Desert Fox: U.S. and British forces conduct a major four-day bombing campaign from December 16–19, 1998 on Iraqi targets.[RL30172]
1998 – Guinea-Bissau. Operation Shepherd Venture: On June 10, 1998, in response to an army mutiny in Guinea-Bissau endangering the U.S. Embassy, President Clinton deployed a standby evacuation force of U.S. military personnel to Dakar, Senegal, to evacuate from the city of Bissau.[RL30172]
1998–1999 – Kenya and Tanzania: U.S. military personnel were deployed to Nairobi, Kenya, to coordinate the medical and disaster assistance related to the bombing of the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.[RL30172]
1998 – Afghanistan and Sudan. Operation Infinite Reach: On August 20, President Clinton ordered a cruise missile attack against two suspected terrorist training camps in Afghanistan and a suspected chemical factory in Sudan.[RL30172]
1998 – Liberia: On September 27, 1998, America deployed a stand-by response and evacuation force of 30 U.S. military personnel to increase the security force at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia. [1] [RL30172]
1999–2001 - East Timor: Limited number of U.S. military forces deployed with the United Nations-mandated International Force for East Timor restore peace to East Timor.[RL30172]
1999 – Serbia. Operation Allied Force: U.S. and NATO aircraft began a major bombing of Serbia and Serb positions in Kosovo in March 24, 1999, during the Kosovo War due to the refusal by Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic to end repression against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. This operation ended in June 10, 1999, when Milosevic agreed to pull out his troops out of Kosovo. In response to the situation in Kosovo, NATO dispatched the KFOR peacekeepers to secure the peace under UNSC Resolution 1244.[RL30172]
2000–2009
- 2000 – Sierra Leone. On May 12, 2000 a U.S. Navy patrol craft deployed to Sierra Leone to support evacuation operations from that country if needed.[RL30172]
- 2000 - Nigeria. Special Forces troops are sent to Nigeria to lead a training mission in the county.[7]
- 2000 – Yemen. On October 12, 2000, after the USS Cole attack in the port of Aden, Yemen, military personnel were deployed to Aden.[RL30172]
- 2000 – East Timor. On February 25, 2000, a small number of U.S. military personnel were deployed to support the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). [RL30172]
- 2001 – On April 1, 2001, a mid-air collision between a United States Navy EP-3E ARIES II signals surveillance aircraft and a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) J-8II interceptor fighter jet resulted in an international dispute between the United States and the People's Republic of China called the Hainan Island incident.
- 2001 – War in Afghanistan. The War on Terrorism begins with Operation Enduring Freedom. On October 7, 2001, U.S. Armed Forces invade Afghanistan in response to the 9/11 attacks and "begin combat action in Afghanistan against Al Qaeda terrorists and their Taliban supporters."[RL30172]
- 2002 – Yemen. On November 3, 2002, an American MQ-1 Predator fired a Hellfire missile at a car in Yemen killing Qaed Salim Sinan al-Harethi, an al-Qaeda leader thought to be responsible for the USS Cole bombing.[RL30172]
- 2002 – Philippines. OEF-Philippines. January 2002 U.S. "combat-equipped and combat support forces" have been deployed to the Philippines to train with, assist and advise the Philippines' Armed Forces in enhancing their "counterterrorist capabilities."[RL30172]
- 2002 – Côte d'Ivoire. On September 25, 2002, in response to a rebellion in Côte d'Ivoire, U.S. military personnel went into Côte d'Ivoire to assist in the evacuation of American citizens from Bouake.[8]
- 2003–2011 – War in Iraq. Operation Iraqi Freedom. March 20, 2003. The United States leads a coalition that includes Britain, Australia and Spain to invade Iraq with the stated goal being "to disarm Iraq in pursuit of peace, stability, and security both in the Gulf region and in the United States."[RL30172]
- 2003 – Liberia. Second Liberian Civil War. On June 9, 2003, President Bush reported that on June 8 he had sent about 35 U.S. Marines into Monrovia, Liberia, to help secure the U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott, Mauritania, and to aid in any necessary evacuation from either Liberia or Mauritania.[RL30172]
- 2003 – Georgia and Djibouti. "US combat equipped and support forces" had been deployed to Georgia and Djibouti to help in enhancing their "counterterrorist capabilities."[9]
- 2004 – Haiti. 2004 Haïti rebellion occurs. The US first sent 55 combat equipped military personnel to augment the U.S. Embassy security forces there and to protect American citizens and property in light. Later 200 additional US combat-equipped, military personnel were sent to prepare the way for a UN Multinational Interim Force, MINUSTAH.[RL30172]
- 2004 – War on Terrorism: U.S. anti-terror related activities were underway in Georgia, Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Eritrea.[10]
- 2004–present: Drone attacks in Pakistan
- 2005–06 – Pakistan. President Bush deploys troops from US Army Air Cav Brigades to provide Humanitarian relief to far remote villages in the Kashmir mountain ranges of Pakistan stricken by a massive earthquake.
- 2006 – Lebanon. U.S. Marine Detachment, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit[citation needed], begins evacuation of U.S. citizens willing to leave the country in the face of a likely ground invasion by Israel and continued fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli military.[11][12]
- 2007 – Somalia. Battle of Ras Kamboni. On January 8, 2007, while the conflict between the Islamic Courts Union and the Transitional Federal Government continues, an AC-130 gunship conducts an aerial strike on a suspected al-Qaeda operative, along with other Islamist fighters, on Badmadow Island near Ras Kamboni in southern Somalia.[13]
- 2008 – South Ossetia, Georgia. Helped Georgia humanitarian aid,[14] helped to transport Georgian forces from Iraq during the conflict. In the past, the US has provided training and weapons to Georgia.
2010–present
- 2010-11 War in Iraq. Operation New Dawn. On February 17, 2010, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced that as of September 1, 2010, the name "Operation Iraqi Freedom" would be replaced by "Operation New Dawn". This coincides with the reduction of American troops to 50,000.
- 2011 - Libya. Operation Odyssey Dawn. Coalition forces enforcing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 with bombings of Libyan forces.
- 2011 - War on Terrorism. Osama Bin Laden is killed by U.S. military forces in Pakistan as part of Operation Neptune Spear.
- 2011 - Drone strikes on al-Shabab militants begin in Somalia.[15] This marks the 6th nation in which such strikes have been carried out, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Yemen and Libya.[citation needed]
- 2011 - Uganda. US Combat troops sent in as advisers to Uganda.[16]
- 2012 - Jordan. 150 US troops deployed to Jordan to help it contain the Syrian Civil War within Syria's borders.
- 2012 - Turkey. 400 troops and two batteries of Patriot missiles sent to Turkey to prevent any missile strikes from Syria.
- 2012 - Chad. 50 U.S. troops have deployed to the African country of Chad to help evacuate U.S. citizens and embassy personnel from the neighboring Central African Republic's capital of Bangui in the face of rebel advances toward the city.
- 2013 - Mali. US forces assisted the French in Operation Serval with air refueling and transport aircraft.
- 2013 - Somalia. US Air Force planes supported the French in the Bulo Marer hostage rescue attempt. However, they did not use any weapons.
- 2013 - North Korea crisis
- 2013 - Syria crisis
Monday, September 9, 2013
Interview With My Class, Steven Sounded Good!
Steven called at 10:15am our time, he said it was 9:45pm his time. I had about 2 minutes of his time then he wanted to be on speaker to talk to my class. He did a question and answer session with for about 15 minutes, they just love him, all my classes have. He sounded a little down when he called, but by the end he sounded wonderful. I felt like a million bucks just hearing his voice! He hasn't reached his final destination yet, it's frustrating, but I guess I have to be patient, I want him somewhere super safe darn it.
I miss him.
I miss him.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
In Country Safely
Steven's Unit arrived safely, they are getting themselves together, figuring out their situations etc. Their command keeps fairly well informed. Some parents, spouses, and siblings are upset because our soldiers are in very few pictures, but others seem to be in every single shot or close to it. You can check out the albums on the Units website, it's public.
Steven was able to call me and we talked for 4 minutes and 38 seconds,, I'll take what I can get I guess. It was wonderful hearing his voice, he sounded older, he said he has his moments but that he is ok. I was able to give him an idea of what is happening here, with his grandad, me, family,, we sure miss and love him.
We can't publish addresses on FB obviously, but we can provide it to friends who want to write or send packages, I can give you hints on what to send :) just drop me a line.
Steven was able to call me and we talked for 4 minutes and 38 seconds,, I'll take what I can get I guess. It was wonderful hearing his voice, he sounded older, he said he has his moments but that he is ok. I was able to give him an idea of what is happening here, with his grandad, me, family,, we sure miss and love him.
We can't publish addresses on FB obviously, but we can provide it to friends who want to write or send packages, I can give you hints on what to send :) just drop me a line.
Monday, September 2, 2013
It's That Time
It's time to suck it up and pray for my son's safety. Put on my brave face, act like I've got it together and fool the world around me. I can't imagine what it is going to be like for awhile; even though we don't talk everyday now, it's the comfort of knowing he is one State over. Now it will be a few countries over and I have to hope I am available anytime he is able to try and get hold of me. I am making huge changes in my life as he goes into the next phase of his life. I will be mentioning a few things here, but I will be devoting a new blog to my life as I try and find my way on an unknown path. I'll be able to support him and his mission better because my stress will be less for awhile. I have to get my life under control, make sure my ducks are in a row and all that good stuff. I just hope he truly understand what I am doing and the choices I am making right now, it's hard to explain, it's major, and it should put me in a better place to handle this deployment of my only child.
I love him, more than anything in the world. No matter what.
I love him, more than anything in the world. No matter what.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
A Break is Needed
I was hoping to keep this blog as a record of my son's deployment, of our relationship, all kinds of things. I can't do that right now, we have a very bad relationship at the moment, neither one of us understands the other, we can't talk, we can't get along, he and his grandmother are hiding things from me, lying to me, and it's undermining our once fantastic relationship. My son deploys the first week of Sept. I don't know if we will speak before then or not, but I told him this morning that I will not force myself into his life, he is to let me know when he wants to have me back in his life and he be in my life. Under those circumstances I won't have a lot to write about.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
A Visit, a Date is Set, a Melt-down
I've not been able to write, a week ago today I got to visit Steven at Ft. Hood, it was wonderful seeing him, I could tell it was strained, but it wasn't bad. The trip through was a horror,, we had a blow out on the motor home on the way and on the Jeep on the way back. Now a date has been set for him to leave and what do we do tonight? We fight. Work is not going well thanks to our Village Idiot (Governor). teachers are starting to jump ship already. I can't take both.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Getting Ready to Go, Having Sad and Depressing Thoughts
I'm doing the wash, setting up my lesson plans for the 4 days I'm gone, and getting ready to go to the Family Day for Steven's Unit in Ft. Hood. I should be happy, ecstatic to be going, but I'm not. Instead I'm fearful of the arguments to come, the bad feelings to leave with, the family fights I know are coming. Lee will get mad and stomp around, he'll yell, get blustery, my mom will get snide and even more mean in the things she says. Steven will to have his say and no one else is allowed to talk or disagree or defend themselves or he turns and runs out on the argument, especially if he knows he's wrong. He'll call me names, tell me what a horrible mother I am, and how wonderful the father who turned his back on him, never paid child support for him, just didn't care,,, but he's the good guy now because Steven is older and he can play big fun loving, still unemployed brother to him instead being a father. It's sad, I wanted them to have relationship when he was younger, now they do, and it's destroyed ours because he believes the lies he's told. I can't change that I guess.
If I don't go I'm the bad mother he says I am, if I do go I'm opening myself to being hurt even more. I can't stand the idea of him leaving though, and not saying goodbye, just in case something happens. I don't want to even think of him not coming back, but when he does return he's not coming back anyway; he's moving to daddie's house in VA (really Grandpas's house). I'm going to try and contact him about picking up Steven's truck and the T Bird junk heap he left here.
I want him to be happy, Steven, I mean,,, I want him to start his own life, get out there, support himself, have serious relationships... but I want him to honor his word and pay his grandparents for all the work on his truck, and cigarettes, and gas etc. I want him to pay me back for all the times he's asked me to "float" him money until he gets paid, but I never get paid back. He considers paying his phone bill (in part) paying me back, he just doesn't get what has happened here, what I've sold, what I've given up, to make sure I could "float" him that money he needed. He finally owned up to having bought a cell phone plan through Verizon, while still having my second line that has a 2 year contract FOR HIM. I just don't get it.
If I don't go I'm the bad mother he says I am, if I do go I'm opening myself to being hurt even more. I can't stand the idea of him leaving though, and not saying goodbye, just in case something happens. I don't want to even think of him not coming back, but when he does return he's not coming back anyway; he's moving to daddie's house in VA (really Grandpas's house). I'm going to try and contact him about picking up Steven's truck and the T Bird junk heap he left here.
I want him to be happy, Steven, I mean,,, I want him to start his own life, get out there, support himself, have serious relationships... but I want him to honor his word and pay his grandparents for all the work on his truck, and cigarettes, and gas etc. I want him to pay me back for all the times he's asked me to "float" him money until he gets paid, but I never get paid back. He considers paying his phone bill (in part) paying me back, he just doesn't get what has happened here, what I've sold, what I've given up, to make sure I could "float" him that money he needed. He finally owned up to having bought a cell phone plan through Verizon, while still having my second line that has a 2 year contract FOR HIM. I just don't get it.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
1 Month
A month, wow, time is crawling some days but flying others. I will be able to go Ft. Hood for the Family Day after all, I'm going to ride with my parents in their motor home. I will be taking 3 days off,, this close to the start of school is going to be rough. The last time I took off days like this was when I went to SC for Steven's graduation from basic training in 2009. I flew and was only out 2 days. I have a great sub though, she's going to college to become a teacher, so she benefits too.
I'm very ambivalent about this trip though, I have a feeling there will be trouble. I don't know if Steven really wants me there or not, guess we'll find out. I have to see him though, he's my son, and I love him. I want him to grow up, get his own life going, succeed, and have everything possible. I also don't want him taken advantage of, hurt, and placed in danger because of it.
Guess we'll see.
I'm very ambivalent about this trip though, I have a feeling there will be trouble. I don't know if Steven really wants me there or not, guess we'll find out. I have to see him though, he's my son, and I love him. I want him to grow up, get his own life going, succeed, and have everything possible. I also don't want him taken advantage of, hurt, and placed in danger because of it.
Guess we'll see.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
3 Weeks Gone,,, Late Post
I wasn't sure what to post on the 3 week mark,, I'm still not. I did want to put something up, I may not keep this blog alive the way it seems to be going. My son has very hard feelings towards me and I don't understand it. I know why, but I don't understand it.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Family Day Aug. 14, I Can't Afford to go.
I was upset I didn't see the farewell party in OH, but now they are having a Family Day Aug 14 and it's at Ft. Hood and I still can't go! With all the bills being past due because of not being over the summer and having unexpected expenses, I can't even do this! I feel like posting on Facebook and saying HEY!!!! My Paypal is WriterofWords@aol.com,,, if all my friends sent $2 I could go and pay the taxes too! That's not going to happen and I know it. I'm not sure Steven wants me there anywhere,, I let him know I wasn't too happy about him getting such a big paycheck and not helping with what he should since we've supported him with no job for so many months. His Reserve pay didn't go far at all, so now he has the big check and says he wants to save it for his move after he returns,,, well I guess I may be moving too, I want to, but I want it to be my choice!
One month and 2 days until deployment.
One month and 2 days until deployment.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
New Pic, Back to Work, Getting it Together
Back to work tomorrow, then the students come back on Thursday. I think it will be a good thing, it will keep my mind a bit busier. I just hope it doesn't backfire and I can't do my job. I talked to Steven some yesterday, he sounded good, he got some mail, his glasses and mask inserts came here so I have send them to him. He called this morning for a minute, they got to sleep in so he made good use of that opportunity. I slept in after waking up and having to take my migraine pills, woke up again a few hours later.
I'm glad we talked even briefly, it made me feel much better and I hope he does too. Everyone at the Moose Lodge was asking about him, I showed them the picture he posted in all his gear.
I'm glad we talked even briefly, it made me feel much better and I hope he does too. Everyone at the Moose Lodge was asking about him, I showed them the picture he posted in all his gear.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
I Did it Again!!! Damn!
I did it again, I walked out the back door and saw Steven's truck sitting there and thought he was home. I'm going to have to park it in a different spot so this stops.
2 Weeks Gone
Two weeks already, wow. I miss him, I could strangle him, but I miss him! I know it's better this way, that I just leave him alone to work through things but I want to reach out to him. That won't happen, he needs to be the one to do that, and he needs to straighten out this crap of telling his buddies I'm after his money,,, but I have decided not to transfer any more to him next time he asks, unless I get in writing with his 1st Sgts. signatures that it will be paid back the next payday. He won't do that, it means he acknowledges he is the one asking for money and saying he'll pay it back. I'm not going to make any over payments on my Mastercard, he won't have that to fall back on, he'll have to make his checks last. I'm worried about what all he sending of his belongings to NY to a girl he's never met, but he's 21, it's his choice and his responsibility.
I miss him, I love him, this hurts.
I miss him, I love him, this hurts.
The Argument Within
I've spent 2 days fighting with myself over this situation with Steven. On one hand I hate either one of us being upset and out of contact with the other, but on the other hand if you say you are going to pay someone back you do it. If you have bills to pay, pay them, then do it, but don't say you can't pay them back because you have to play with your money. Of course our definitions of playing with it are different.
On a different note, tomorrow is my last day off of the summer,, school starts for me on Monday and I don't want to go back. The idea of opening my classroom this year usually has me excited and ready to go,, not this year. I want out of here, not Sunrise, but Chaparral, out of NM. I need to get a life, now that I'm on my own I need a life. There is no life here for me outside of work, that is a fact and I don't like it.
Steven won't be coming back here, he'll be going to Virginia to live with the father who could never get a job, hold a job, or pay his child support and who he hasn't lived with since he was in diapers but is positive is a better parent. So be it, but that doesn't mean I have to stagnate.
He doesn't understand that I'm stressed out too at the idea of my son going to war and the chance of never seeing him again, of knowing the last time we spoke was probably an argument, and the time we spent before he left turned out to be a lie. He didn't have the good time he led me to believe and he threw that in my face a few times. I think he is happiest when he hurts me, I strike back, we argue, this just can't go on.
If his safety and my sanity mean we stay away from each other then that is what will happen. He told his grandma his Sgt. sent him back to his quarters instead of training yesterday after I refused to argue with him and hung up. He cries and gets hysterical at the drop of hat, that will make his life very hard and I don't want anything to do with that.
On a different note, tomorrow is my last day off of the summer,, school starts for me on Monday and I don't want to go back. The idea of opening my classroom this year usually has me excited and ready to go,, not this year. I want out of here, not Sunrise, but Chaparral, out of NM. I need to get a life, now that I'm on my own I need a life. There is no life here for me outside of work, that is a fact and I don't like it.
Steven won't be coming back here, he'll be going to Virginia to live with the father who could never get a job, hold a job, or pay his child support and who he hasn't lived with since he was in diapers but is positive is a better parent. So be it, but that doesn't mean I have to stagnate.
He doesn't understand that I'm stressed out too at the idea of my son going to war and the chance of never seeing him again, of knowing the last time we spoke was probably an argument, and the time we spent before he left turned out to be a lie. He didn't have the good time he led me to believe and he threw that in my face a few times. I think he is happiest when he hurts me, I strike back, we argue, this just can't go on.
If his safety and my sanity mean we stay away from each other then that is what will happen. He told his grandma his Sgt. sent him back to his quarters instead of training yesterday after I refused to argue with him and hung up. He cries and gets hysterical at the drop of hat, that will make his life very hard and I don't want anything to do with that.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Argue, Argue, Argue, Too Much Stress!!
All we do is argue right now, mainly over money. He asks, I transfer, he gets paid, I ask for it back and I get yelled at that all I want is his paycheck. He thinks I plan my bills around his piddly little check and all I've wanted is every check he ever gets. No, I want what he said he'd pay back when he borrowed it. I want him to pay his half of the cell phone bill, I want him to repay his grandparents the thousands of dollars they have spent fixing his piece of shit truck every time he's in an accident or it breaks down and needs towed home. I want him to pay us back for all the gas and cigarettes we buy him and have bought him because he didn't bother to get a job. Do I want it all at once? No, but if you say "I'll pay you back when I get paid" to me that means when you get a check you will be paying me back as much as you can without whining about it, without screaming at me about it, and without giving your buddies a big show about your mother calling and begging for money,,, when you of course you don't mention that you owe that and so much more! Does he not understand that if I short the phone bill so he can have $50 until he gets paid, that the $50 needs to come back to me so I can pay that bill? It's not that I want his check, I want him to honor what he says. I told him we will split his phone off my account when he gets paid the 30th so he can worry about his own phone bill,,, he got mad, well instead of buying his girlfriend, that he's never met in person who lives in NY and he swears he wants to marry and make a life with, presents and spending a fortune on postage,, how about pay your debts> then you will have even more money to send her! Does that piss me off? Yes it does! He falls in love over the Internet several times a year. She seems very nice, how about wait until you meet her a few times before you make plans. If he she dumps him while he's in Afghanistan it will end very badly for him and I know it because he is so emotional. Right now, I'm very upset, I'm angry, and I'm hurt. I love my son but right now I can't even speak to him!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Darn,,, Skype,,, didn't happen
I know I have to be flexible, but darn it I was looking forward to a Skype visit with Steven and it didn't happen! He was going to the PX with a group and they ran out of time before he could do it, he'll try tomorrow.
I got hurt last night falling down my back stairs, I'm depressed, and I needed that chat! I know, it sounds selfish to me too, but he's all I have. Yes I still have my mother, my step dad that I consider my father, my brother and his family.. but out of my whole, entire, family I have Steven, and my nephew Ricky that I am closest too. Being without both is going to really be a test for me. I go back to work the 29th, my summer break is over, and I don't want to go. I need a change, I'm thinking of leaving the classroom and doing consulting, but I don't know how to go about making the change, I'll have to look into it. It will not only make me happier, but I'll be more available if I need to be. I need a life change, I know this, it's been coming a long time. Normally I'd sit and talk with Steven about it, he has a great head on his shoulder when it comes to me and my issues about work. I love having the time off I do, but I'd like to be more in control of my own time.
I've made sure to be employed with insurance coverage for both of us, now he's covered by the Army and it's just me to worry about, I can look at things a bit differently. But then when he comes back and he isn't active he'll need insurance again. He's talking about going active with his reenlistment, that would be great for him but with our Idiot in Chief in office he may not have an Army worth reenlisting into or a job not being there for him.
I am missing him like crazy right now!!
I got hurt last night falling down my back stairs, I'm depressed, and I needed that chat! I know, it sounds selfish to me too, but he's all I have. Yes I still have my mother, my step dad that I consider my father, my brother and his family.. but out of my whole, entire, family I have Steven, and my nephew Ricky that I am closest too. Being without both is going to really be a test for me. I go back to work the 29th, my summer break is over, and I don't want to go. I need a change, I'm thinking of leaving the classroom and doing consulting, but I don't know how to go about making the change, I'll have to look into it. It will not only make me happier, but I'll be more available if I need to be. I need a life change, I know this, it's been coming a long time. Normally I'd sit and talk with Steven about it, he has a great head on his shoulder when it comes to me and my issues about work. I love having the time off I do, but I'd like to be more in control of my own time.
I've made sure to be employed with insurance coverage for both of us, now he's covered by the Army and it's just me to worry about, I can look at things a bit differently. But then when he comes back and he isn't active he'll need insurance again. He's talking about going active with his reenlistment, that would be great for him but with our Idiot in Chief in office he may not have an Army worth reenlisting into or a job not being there for him.
I am missing him like crazy right now!!
Friday, July 19, 2013
A Week Already
It has been a week since my son left, what a week of ups, downs, happy, sad, furious, mad, you name it. He's having a rough time I think, with so much going on in his life. Missing him isn't getting any easier, but it is getting more comfortable. It's there, all the time, but at least now I'm not a raving lunatic. I miss him, plain and simple. I only have a week left of my summer vacation,, I'm very wishy washy about going back, especially since our school was graded low again.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
A Fairly Normal Day!
Today was a pretty good day, I went Geocaching, got 3 First to Finds out of 3 attempts! Met a nice young Cacher and his wife, my mom did 2 caches with me,, her first ones! I did have Steven on my mind and talked about him with the Cacher I met, he is so young and medically retired because he messed up his feet and legs parachuting into Iraq and Afghanistan.
I couldn't write about until now but Steven and I had a major blow up Sunday, the day they had the departure ceremony in OH. I'm not going into details yet, but he really went off on me and told me I'm not being a good mother I'm smothering him. He threw in my face again the fact that he thinks his dad is so wonderful,,, I told him flat out he can think that if he wants, but it's selective memory because he hated going to his father's girlfriend's house when he was younger and when he was in his teens. His father didn't even pay 1 year's worth of child support from the time Steven was 2 until he turned 18. He went out of his way to show his GF's kids that he wasn't going to treat any better than them just because he was his son, so he went the opposite way and was pretty mean. I had to pick him up so many times in tears. He'll figure it out eventually, but I guess for now I'm the bad guy yet again. On the upside it did help get me out of my slump and back out doing something.
I love my son, more than life, I'd give up my own for him any day; he knows it, but it suits his purpose better at the moment to not remember that.
I have a week and half left of my vacation, no money and no gas,, but I will enjoy these days!
I couldn't write about until now but Steven and I had a major blow up Sunday, the day they had the departure ceremony in OH. I'm not going into details yet, but he really went off on me and told me I'm not being a good mother I'm smothering him. He threw in my face again the fact that he thinks his dad is so wonderful,,, I told him flat out he can think that if he wants, but it's selective memory because he hated going to his father's girlfriend's house when he was younger and when he was in his teens. His father didn't even pay 1 year's worth of child support from the time Steven was 2 until he turned 18. He went out of his way to show his GF's kids that he wasn't going to treat any better than them just because he was his son, so he went the opposite way and was pretty mean. I had to pick him up so many times in tears. He'll figure it out eventually, but I guess for now I'm the bad guy yet again. On the upside it did help get me out of my slump and back out doing something.
I love my son, more than life, I'd give up my own for him any day; he knows it, but it suits his purpose better at the moment to not remember that.
I have a week and half left of my vacation, no money and no gas,, but I will enjoy these days!
Monday, July 15, 2013
My son Steven's deployment to Afghanistan 2013: The airport, goodbye, why????? I love you! On to F...
My son Steven's deployment to Afghanistan 2013: The airport, goodbye, why????? I love you! On to F...: His Unit: 490th Signal Co. They well post pics and info throughout the deployment. https://www.facebook.com/490thSignalCompanyTin?fref=ts ...
The airport, goodbye, why????? I love you! On to Ft. Hood.... I miss you! Link to his unit
His Unit: 490th Signal Co. They well post pics and info throughout the deployment.
https://www.facebook.com/490thSignalCompanyTin?fref=ts
I know, I should have written sooner,, but I couldn't, I've been a basket case, a total fruit loop, a lunatic, you name it, I've felt it in the past few days.
July 11 I took Steven to the El Paso International Airport at 5:30am... we were running late, which was probably good thing because the longer I was there the harder it was. I was impressed and happy that 3 soldiers from his former until in El Paso, the 369th Chemical Co., showed up to wish them well..
I held it together pretty well in front of him, but when he got on the escalator to go up to the security checkpoint I lost and had to go hide in the bathroom for a few minutes. My mom and dad did pretty well, but I could my dad was really shook up and I was worried because he had been in the hospital for a few days for heart issues and had just gotten out the night before.
The days in Ohio went quickly, getting things done, and they had a really nice ceremony for the guys and gals as the got ready to leave for Ft. Hood. They are a lot of pics on the link above and some great shots of Steven. Now they are at Ft. Hood pretty much isolated until they leave, he has to mail home his civilian clothes, he won't be needing them.
I'll keep up the writing better, I just had to get myself together, this is going to be hard and I don't want either one of us stressed out, him especially.
https://www.facebook.com/490thSignalCompanyTin?fref=ts
I know, I should have written sooner,, but I couldn't, I've been a basket case, a total fruit loop, a lunatic, you name it, I've felt it in the past few days.
July 11 I took Steven to the El Paso International Airport at 5:30am... we were running late, which was probably good thing because the longer I was there the harder it was. I was impressed and happy that 3 soldiers from his former until in El Paso, the 369th Chemical Co., showed up to wish them well..
I held it together pretty well in front of him, but when he got on the escalator to go up to the security checkpoint I lost and had to go hide in the bathroom for a few minutes. My mom and dad did pretty well, but I could my dad was really shook up and I was worried because he had been in the hospital for a few days for heart issues and had just gotten out the night before.
The days in Ohio went quickly, getting things done, and they had a really nice ceremony for the guys and gals as the got ready to leave for Ft. Hood. They are a lot of pics on the link above and some great shots of Steven. Now they are at Ft. Hood pretty much isolated until they leave, he has to mail home his civilian clothes, he won't be needing them.
I'll keep up the writing better, I just had to get myself together, this is going to be hard and I don't want either one of us stressed out, him especially.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
The Last Weekend at Home
Last night Steven and I went to the ghost tour in San Elizario, we had a pretty good time. Tonight was not what I would have wanted for his last Saturday night at home for over a year to come; or even more if he reenlists and goes active,, then it would be his last Saturday night calling this place home. I don't like to think about that. We had an argument over something stupid and no matter how I tried to be heard he just yelled over me. I finally just drove away and left him to be picked up by friends to go sing karaoke. I felt in the way all night, he needed a ride and money and that's what I was. I understand, but it still hurt.
We did have a nice dinner at the Moose Lodge, but there was stress even there. He has so much on his mind and doesn't want to talk about it, I hope he gets over that,, he'll need to be able to talk things out. He's 21, it's time to spread those wings, but not aiming towards the sun to burn up. I love him, no matter what.
We did have a nice dinner at the Moose Lodge, but there was stress even there. He has so much on his mind and doesn't want to talk about it, I hope he gets over that,, he'll need to be able to talk things out. He's 21, it's time to spread those wings, but not aiming towards the sun to burn up. I love him, no matter what.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Time Together
We have spent so much time together lately, I wish it was like this all the time, but I will take as much as I can get right now. We went to a El Paso Paranormal Society event tonight at Evher Sage, a New Age place on Dyer. It's new,,, They showed some video taken at the latest investigation they've done, it would have been better if I had been able to tell people to shut up or go outside and visit and take their noisy kids with them. Those of us really interested in the video couldn't hear it.
We stopped the Iron Horse,, which I frequented when it was the Hondo Pass Lounge, then Wizards, it was a real biker bar back in the day, now it's a pretend biker bar with just a few real ones left. We ran into a friend walking in and I stood outside visiting with her for a few minutes; before I could walk in Steven came back out and said it was dead for all the cars around. So we came home to feed and he went back without me, I told him I doubt he wanted to hang with his mother on Friday night, he said it was ok if I went too, I declined. I just want him to be safe, I worry about him.
Steven leaves in 11 days, I'm greedy I want that time, but I know he has others he should spend time with too, but he's my baby dammit,, and I want his time! He spent a good part of today with a dear friends daughter, I hope they really enjoyed themselves, they went shooting,,,
Ah well,, night!
We stopped the Iron Horse,, which I frequented when it was the Hondo Pass Lounge, then Wizards, it was a real biker bar back in the day, now it's a pretend biker bar with just a few real ones left. We ran into a friend walking in and I stood outside visiting with her for a few minutes; before I could walk in Steven came back out and said it was dead for all the cars around. So we came home to feed and he went back without me, I told him I doubt he wanted to hang with his mother on Friday night, he said it was ok if I went too, I declined. I just want him to be safe, I worry about him.
Steven leaves in 11 days, I'm greedy I want that time, but I know he has others he should spend time with too, but he's my baby dammit,, and I want his time! He spent a good part of today with a dear friends daughter, I hope they really enjoyed themselves, they went shooting,,,
Ah well,, night!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Getting Ready To Go
- Meeting with family and soldiers together (June 14, 15, 16 Weston Inn, Chicago, IL)
- Meeting with family only (tentatively 60 days after deployment, location not set)
- Meeting with family only
- Meeting with family and soldier
- Meeting with family and soldier
- Meeting for soldiers only
Ever since Steven told me he volunteered for this deployment I've been pretty matter of fact over it, it is after all, what my family does; we serve. But going to this meeting suddenly put it in my face; my son is going to war! With all the talk of draw-downs, I just want to ask our President why he sending so many more over there if we are drawing down???? Ft. Bliss has lost more soldiers in a month than in a year suddenly, I don't like that.
I've started this blog to have a place to record my thoughts and feelings; so will be happy and others sure won't be. So far the schedule is this:
- July 11 - leave for Blacklick OH
- July 14 - leave OH for Ft. Hood TX
- Sept. 4 - leave for Afghanistan
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