Hello today, it is beautiful in California today. Been a busy week and my advice I have learned while your soldier is training, going to school or overseas fighting for our country.  Is sitting around idle makes you worry and wonder more.  Yes there are parents that work, go to school, etc. I have found giving back to whatever interests you works, where I am at is a Navy and Marine city so to find a place to give back to the Army is a little hard. But not imposible, check the USO they are always looking for help, and we have the Wounded Warrior Program also. I have chosen to go back to babysitting for a military family a number of days a week, the...»

So when your son is always telling you I am going to serve in the Army when I get old enough, your answer is yes. Though when they turn that age of 17 and bring you the infomation you get that knot in your stomach of panic and being proud. My son asked me to go along on this journey with him and I am happy that I did. He studied hard and got the job he was wanting, he left for Basic in January and graduated March 23, 2012. He is now at school doing great, he has been promoted and working on his next promotion. I sent my son to the Army and they returned a Soldier who is my son, that is all military.  As a mom in January saying goodbye was so hard we...»

 I wrote this poem in honor of my son, Specialist Evan Slaughter, who is serving in Afghanistan. This was his first deployment and I have learned so much.  I wrote the poem to try and express what mother's go thru when their children are on the front lines in combat. I posted it first on Facebook and got messages from people I didn't even know. Many of them veterans. I then chose to make a video. In three weeks it has reached over 1.100 views.  I love all our sons and daughters who serve this great country. Please view and share the link below. Thank you,  Janie Slaughter http://youtu.be/xnP7hEm4jdQ

My 18 year old only son is leaving to basic training. I am a mess everyday. I don't know how to handle it. My son and I have always been so close. He was my first born and only child for 9 years. It is so difficult to think of him not being here. Worst of all, I feel as though no one understands. They do not understand why I cry at the drop of a hat. I hope that here I can find the support I lack in my life.

Just a brief story to tell about my family & in the Military... I have a Father who served in the U.S. Marines in Vietnam.. I have an older brother who has served 2 Tours in Desert Storm as a U.S.Marine. Two other brothers of mine have also served as U.S.Marines & are currently working as civilians now.. And now I have a son who's currently serving in the U.S.Army actively in Iraq....

HEY, I AM A 20 YRS OLD,AND IM A SINGLE MOTHER.MY CHILD IS 1 YEARS OF AGE.HER DAD DIED OCT 2009.I WAS THINKING ABOUT JOINING THE ARMY BUT I WOULD HAVE TO SIGN MY RIGHTS OVER TO MY MOTHER.DO U THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA THAT I SIGN HER OVER AND ONLY C HER SOMETIMES SO I CAN JOIN OR SHOULD I JUST GO BACK TO COLLEGE?I MEAN WITH THE ECONOMY NOW,ITS HARD TRYING TO FIND A JOB BUT I REALLY JUST DONT LIKE DA FACT MY CHILD WOULD B UNABLE TO COME WITH ME UNTIL LIKE A YEAR OR 2 LATER.WHAT SHOULD I DO?

 As a mother the hardest thing in life is watching your son or daughter or husband or wife - wave as they leave .  Our hearts go with them as they take new adventures and endure caotic worlds of unrest and pain. My heart bleeds knowing my son may not make it home but is at peace knowing he loves his family and is willing to give up everthing to help others in need. TO you my son I wish peace at your final moments and hope and serenity as you call out for me , know I was there touching your face and holding your hand with love and honor and respect -  BE ALL YOU CAN BE -- you gave all and we honor you. I look forward to the day when you are home...»

     It is not my story, it is however, my Son's story. I know he is proud to be a Soldier in the United States Army and we are proud of him too. I also know he does not like to be so far away from his family. Another thing I know is that he knows his dad (yes, step-dad) and I love him so very much!      Unfortunately, his success in the Army has never spilled over into his personnal life. He has been married several times, yes more than two and he lost his daughter to SIDS before she was two months old. Furthermore, he falls-in-love with women who already have children.     ...»

Andrea Azbell was inspired to write the following poem when her son, Michael Azbell, left the Atlanta Airport to his first duty station in Fairbanks, Alaska. Michael had just graduated from Delta 1-19 Company in Fort Benning,Georgia. Andrea’s heartfelt poem reflects what is in all of our hearts and thoughts when our soldiers leave for the first time. Thank you Andrea for sharing your gift and your poem.