So a friend of mine was sent to Iraq

[Ohio Joe]

I've know her for about seven years now. We worked together for quite a while, about five years until she took another job. She has been in the Navy reserves for twelve years and has stayed in trying to get to where she can get retirement benefits (20 or 25 years, i'm not sure). We had not spoken for about two months because i've been very busy at work and I have not really had anything resembling a social life. I tried to call her last night and her mother told me she was called up almost right after the last time I talked to her. I could tell her mom was real upset so I did not really ask for any details, I guess i'll have to kind of wait and see. I'm worried about her.

[fight4my3sons]

1. Oh, I'm sorry for to hear that. Especially since you had no idea.

A friend of my husband's, also in the reserves, got called in November. Right before Thanksgiving and was sent to Iraq. He came back home in February, I don't know how he made it back so quickly. He had just turned 21 yr old and we were so worried about him. He was putting on such a strong front, but we could tell that he was scared. To him we are old worry warts (ten years older than he is). I hope your friend stays safe. Is there any way you can write to her and let her know you are thinking of her?

[Ohio Joe]

2. I'm not sure yet

I really don't want to upset her mom, so i'm afraid to bother her. I did find out that she did not take her cell phone so she probably does not have my number with her (and probably does not have it memorized). I am going to try leaving her a message with my number in case she is checking messages. I'm also doing some googling to see if there is a way to get in contact with overseas servicemen/women.

She has only been called up once before since i've known her, that was right after 9/11. We were working together at the time so I knew about it. When she left she did not know where she was going or for how long, fortunately it wound up being only a few weeks and all they did was cruise around on the ocean.

[fight4my3sons]

4. I hope you can get in touch with her.

I understand you not wanting to upset her mom by calling again. Best of luck getting in touch with her. :hug:

[Left_Winger]

3. I think I know how you feel

I am a high school teacher and ever since this damned war began I have had several students volunteer for the Army and Marines after they graduated. As I am the only teacher of my particular subject, I have the same students for up to three years of their time in high school. Therefore I get to know them as well as watch them grow up and come of age. Two sent me e-mails to inform me that they were on their way to Iraq (one informed me that he was only hours away from going into Fallujah), but I never heard anything else. They never responded to any further e-mails I sent them. I have no idea what became of them; and that is the difficult part.