I just got off the phone with a parent of one of our Marines serving in Afghanistan.  They had just gotten word that we lost another young man there yesterday.  We had invited this parent and his wife to our Christmas program and dinner Sunday, but he felt he had to much going on right now to accept.  He was obviously shaken listening to his voice.  They really needed some support right now, but don't know how to get it.  (I didn't know about the loss of the Marine until after the call, but they did)  Their son is in an Active Duty Marine unit, so the families are spread out all over the country.  It isn't like it was when my son Rob was in Iraq with 2/24, a Reserve unit.  All the families of 2/24 were from the Chicago, Milwaukee, So Wisconsin, and eastern IA areas, so we were able to have family days to support each other.  We also had a strong church fellowship that gave us support.  This particular family has none of that.  I know many other families are also hurting right now with family members deployed, not just the Marines, but all branches of the services.  (The Marines are closest to me :))  They all need our prayers and support right now.

I know I've mentioned supporting our praying for our troops before, but I'd especially like to ask your prayers for their families right now.  I know those waiting bear burdens similar in nature to our supporters and they could use our encouragement. 

Thanks,

Jerry

A Big THANK YOU !! and  PRAYERS Headed out! [smiley=hug.gif] You and Yours are in our thoughts and prayers always

Every loss that is sustained is heartbreaking whether we know the family or not.  Prayers being sent to keep our men and women safe who are serving and for strength for their families at home.

Absolutely Jerry, you got it!

There is MarineParents.com  They have support and information for new recruits, enlisted personel, deployed, goldstar parents suport groups for those who lost a loved one, etc.  it is a great site that offers lots you may want to recomend it to your Marine contacts.

It's a great site, gives support much like this one does, but it isn't the same as someone with skin on alongside to encourage you.  Especially not someone with skin on who knows what it is you are undergoing. 

If you know a parent or spouse of someone in the military who is deployed, even if it is to a peaceful place, just take the time to let them know you appreciate them as well as their loved one, and that they are in your prayers.  I can tell you from experience how much that means, and Rob didn't even come under fire the 7 months he was in Iraq.  The guys in 3/5 are taking fire every day.  That takes a tremendous toll on those at home waiting, especially during the holiday periods when families are together, but there is an empty spot at the table.

Jerry

Jerry,

Please pass on to the family of this young hero, that I will be setting a place at my Christmas table in his honor, and in honor of all the heroes who won't be making it home for Christmas dinners and family functions. 

It's something I've done for many years now - 10 years in fact, and if you could (I understand if you can't) but if you could forward me a PM with this young man's name, I will light a candle as we toast the fallen heroes.

May we always remember and give our thanks to the many who have sacrificed to be sure we can all sit down and enjoy a holiday in relative peace.

Merry Christmas, and if there's anything I can do to help, I am more than happy to call on the Spouse and Women's group here to send aid to the family.

Cat

Jerry,
As a mother, I cannot even begin to fathom the loss of either of my children, for any reason. When I read of another serviceperson's death, it breaks my heart. Although I have never been in this position, my heart goes out to those who HAVE lost.
My heartfelt thank you to this young man, and my deepest sympathy to his father and family for their loss.
Cathi

Without a any hesitation Jerry... Prayers for All

LadyLuv