Iraq Homecoming Tips

Freepmail | Feb. 9, 2004 | FRiend in the USAF

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

  Iraq Homecoming Tips

I'm an NCO in the USAF (deployed to Iraq) and wanted to pass on a few hints for those family members who's soldiers, airmen, marines, seamen will be rotating out of the AOR as the major rotation has started. This time of transition will not be picture perfect or easy for most, as everyone over here changes a bit, as they have to. If you could pass these homecoming tips on, I'd appreciate it.

First of all, don't push your loved one for information. If they want to talk about it, they will, if not, they won't. Some things are hard to talk about and some things are not to be talked about. You can ask questions, but don't push. If they say they don't want to talk about it, leave it at that. They have probably seen some things they'll never forget that they probably rather wish they could. There are also things they are not allowed to talk about.

Next, expect him or her to have changed. Necessity forces it... they will not be exactly as they were when they left. They've had a rough time and the most recent part of their lives have been filled with more than they could probably describe.

Watch their intake of beer, wine, etc... Most have not drank anything in several months (if not over a year) and their tolerance is not what they think it is, it's ALOT lower. Many will try to keep up with everyone else or think they can still "handle it". It doesn't work that way.

Don't be surprised if they are quieter than normal. Don't worry about it unless it's excessive. Alot of people can't explain it but it's been a long time since they've been around anyone but other military members. They're not used to being touched and not used to being very close to someone. Don't be afraid to show them you love them, but make sure you don't over do it.

Finally, don't overwhelm them with everything at once... You should know if they are getting overloaded. These guys are coming back from a completely different world into what is normal for you. There are so many things taken for granted, that they've had to deal without. There are no shopping malls, there are no 25 isle department stores, there are no convenience shops, there are major choices... Many things will seem brand new to them as they've not seen it in so long. Give them time to adjust to the "Culture Shock".

Finally, don't forget to tell them that you love them and you're happy that they are home. Those words can mean so much to them. Many expect grand welcomings and many have no idea what to expect. Some expect everything to be just as they left it and things won't be. Things have changed in the time that you've been gone.

Homecoming is the event they've waited all this time for. It is seldom what they expect. Give them time and give them room when they need it. On the same note, there will be times when they want lots of attention, be sure to share it with them.  

 

 

[js1138]

Wow, you took almost four months to misread my post. I don't recall posting anything about spitting on the military.

Spitting was a metaphor. What disturbs me is the fact that democrats and the media in general said absolutely nothing about bombing Serbia from 35,000 feet -- even though the humanitarian pretext was far weaker than that for removing Saddam, and the results were far less useful, from the humanitarian standpoint.

The media in general has stood by silently for decades without condemnation of the genocide in Africa, which rivals that in Nazi Germany, Stalinist Russia, or Pol Pot's Cambodia.

My comment is directed to the hypocrites who base their support of military action exclusively on party politics.

If you had been on this forum during the bombing of Serbia, you would know that there was a great deal of controversy among conservatives, but that George Bush, the current president, was outspoken in his support of president Clinton.

I think the current crop of democrats are bigots, hypocrites and traitors.