Stars and Stripes: Letter from a military spouse (Must be a better way)

Must be better way

I’m writing for the thousands of military spouses whose husbands and wives are deployed. This isn’t about whether I back the war. It’s about what’s happening to troops due to terribly inadequate planning.

My husband left for Kuwait in early March 2003. He’s in Iraq today. For many months, the soldiers weren’t given any information about when they’d be able to return home. They had to face extreme danger in Iraq without knowing when or if they’d be returning home. Morale plummeted. Soldiers were recently given an approximate timetable of redeployment. To most, this means an exhausting year away in an incredibly hostile environment.

Extended time away from families isn’t considered unusual for those in the armed forces. Many endure hardship tours every day. It’s their duty and their job. But the circumstances surrounding this deployment are much different. Because of the massive numbers of soldiers needed around the world and with only a limited number available, many soldiers will be forced to serve two one-year tours in Iraq or other combat areas with only a brief stay at home — six months or less — in between. Of the six months “at home,” almost half that time will be in training.

This requirement goes way beyond the normal call of duty and is outrageous and unacceptable. It’s evident that those who developed this plan haven’t had to experience it. I believe that if Americans knew what was about to be forced on our servicemembers, they’d be outraged too.

My loving husband of almost 14 years has dedicated nearly 16 years of his life to the military with no complaints. He proudly serves his country and risks his life every day. When he left in March, he kissed goodbye me, his 4-year-old son and 20-month-old and 5-month-old daughters. When my now 2-year-old grabbed her daddy around his neck and wouldn’t let go, my heart was breaking. When my son mentions something that we’ll all do as a family “when daddy comes home,” tears start to fall. When my now 11-month-old looks up at me, I have to choke back tears. I can only imagine what will happen to each of their own little hearts when daddy comes home for a brief visit and leaves again. That is more than sacrifice. All the money in the world can’t make up for a husband and daddy who’s absent.

This plan will have a devastating effect on military families and the military itself. Troop retention and recruiting will become impossible once everyone understands what’s ahead. There must be a better way. Americans should demand a limit on what servicemembers and their families must sacrifice. I’m praying for a miracle, and I urge all Americans to join me.

Darla Weatherspoon
Fort Riley, Kansas

http://estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=18495

to be a danger to National Security, in ways that many do not
undersand. I hate what is going on with the US Military and the
abuses, but this is a historic first... and we must reach out to
her and tell her.. WE are outraged.