Making The Deployment Process Easier: Q&A With a Real Army Wife
Watching your spouse walk away to go to a combat zone is the most heart wrenching and stressful moment that one can endure.
Although this is the case, there are many ways to stay calm and keep your nerves at ease during this tough time.
What advice do you have for other moms, wives and girlfriends whose loved ones are deploying?
For mom , wives, and girlfriends whose loved ones are deploying I suggest familiarizing yourself with the deployment process. -Join communities and forums with other spouses who can relate. There are many groups for moms, husband wives and significant others.
What do you do to stay in touch with your loved one while they're deployed?
We send emails frequently and we video chat via Skype and Yahoo Messenger. Since snail mail has become a thing of the past, we enjoy writing handwritten letters to each other. Check with your unit’s FRG for free live video chats being offered for military families.
What are some "practical tips" you would suggest for the deployment/"saying goodbye"?
I recommend not accompanying them to the bus. Of course this is a personal choice, but based on experience it can make the process even more emotional. Take plenty of pictures and place one in your soldier’s pocket for when he is least expecting it. Possibly bring along a friend for support.
What would you suggest for welcoming someone home?
Make the first night home a relaxing one, avoid company as your soldier will probably want to relax. Greet your soldier with free welcome home banners from various troop support sites. Stock the pantry and the fridge with their favorite foods and drinks. Make sure the bathroom is stocked with their favorite bath essentials…after traveling for so long, a nice hot shower or bath is a great thing for a soldier who has just come home.
** “Coming Home” premieres March 6 at 10 pm/9c on Lifetime. The powerful all-new reality series features U.S. soldiers’ surprise family reunions after serving long tours of duty on behalf of the country, pays tribute to American armed forces personnel and their families.
