I have to send one of my own.

[Queen B]

My baby brother just got orders to report to Fort Riley in one month for preparations to be shipped to Iraq. I keep telling myself this is what he has chosen, but it doesn't make it any easier.

Any body else got loved ones that are active duty?

We are all sad that he is going before the holiday's but he looks at it that they will be able to bring home guys that have been there to long and that they will be home with their families for the holiday's.

He will be leaving a wife and two step sons, the boys are late teens so they will be able to help mom.

We all got to go on vacation over the 4th of July holiday, I am so glad of that.

He signed up for the National Guard on the first anniversary of 9/11. He was in basic training during the beginning of the war. We had all hope this would be over and he would not have been called up.

[Cardinal]

I have a nephew who just returned, and another that I hope will not go into the military.

[Budgie]

My thoughts are with you and your family.

[Dragon]

Not family, but I do have two very close friends (practically brothers) that have been, and will be going back. Although he is going near Afghanistan not Iraq, he goes Monday, and I will be heading to visit him tomorrow after work. The other leaves for Iraq in early January, though this isn’t set in stone due to the military’s ever changing needs.

[boiker]

my bro-in-law just got back from a year in south korea.

[biscuit]

A cousin of mine, who I'm pretty close to, was yanked out of Clemson University last week by the Air Force Reserves and shipped somewhere in the Middle East. No idea where or what he'll be doing there.

[Tranplanner]

Hope your brother comes back to you safe and sound Queenb

[Jen]

Im sure your little Bro will do a fine job over there, hope he gets a sense of accomplishment from his service. Best wishes to your family.

[Planderella]

My cousin is in Kuwait right now.

[Trail Nazi]

I hope that all stay safe while they are deployed. Glad you got to recently see him. Make sure you go see him off if you can and take a Polaroid camera with you so you can send him off with some nice mementos.

[michaelskis]

I have several friends over there.

[Wulf9]

I have a good friend with a son in Iraq.

I hope your brother comes home safe and doesn't have to kill anyone.

I wish at least one candidate had a "bring the soldiers home" platform.

[tsc]

My father was military (Army) and fortunate to serve Vietnam years in Germany. My relatives are too old/too young to be going now. Thoughts and prayers with you and all those who serve.

[Richmond Jake]

As with all our troops, I hope he returns soon, safe and sound.