OT- Prayers needed

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-02-2003
OT- Prayers needed
57
Mon, 04-12-2004 - 3:37pm
This afternoon Rob received a call from his National Guard Unit. He's officially on alert. He's been told to get all of his gear and paperwork together. Will, POA, ATM Card etc. His physical was scheduled for August and now that has been pushed up to this weekend. This was supposed to be a normal weekend, but now he's been told to bring an overnight bag and to be prepared to stay. This "feels" entirely different from when he was activated as security after 9/11. I would appreciate a prayer for his safety if you have a chance.

Love,

Mel

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-02-2003
Tue, 04-13-2004 - 4:34pm
I didn't say it WASN'T part of being in the National Guard. He and I know exactly what the deal is with military. He was born on a base to a soldier. My father was a Marine and my step-father was in the Army. Not to mention our cousins in the Navy and Air Force, uncle in the Air Force, my ex-husband in the Army, and my current husband having been active and now choosing to be in the Guard instead. I take serious offense to your snide remark "sometimes it means actually working for it". My husband guarded federal buildings after 9/11. He's helped with natural disasters. He's worked on the Mexican border building fences and patrolling and he's hauled materials for many purposes and agencies. He earns the pay he receives, and he's on call every day of his life in the event he's needed. He's volunteered for every mission that's been made available to him, and he's worked his tail off to become the fastest promoted member of his unit. He earns his paycheck, and more than that he's earned the right not to be disrespected by you.

He's never complained for one moment about the obligations he gladly accepted by becoming a member of the National Guard. I am not complaining about them now. I asked people to pray for his safety. Not for him to stay home, not for him to be spared anything- just that he be kept safe.

As far as your sister- I am sure she wasn't drafted, so that's what SHE signed up to do. I find it insulting for you to bring gender into it since women have been fighting to hold the same positions men hold for ages. I hope she stays safe, as well. I've prayed for the men and women in the armed forces since I was old enough to say it, not just because my family has been serving since they arrived in this country pre-revolutionary war, but because I am thankful for where I live and for the sacrifices they make. I'm sorry if you thought there was a quota on prayers. Maybe in your belief system, but not in mine.

Let me repeat this- HE'S NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT GOING ANYWHERE. I asked for my friends to say a prayer to keep him safe, if he goes, if he stays, if he gets sent to Iraq or Wisconsin. He will do his duty, gladly, whatever that may be. And he will do it well, because he's not the kind of man who can give it any less than the best he has.



iVillage Member
Registered: 12-02-2003
Tue, 04-13-2004 - 4:36pm
((((DAWN))))

I'll keep your cousin's family in my thoughts as well.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-17-2003
Tue, 04-13-2004 - 6:18pm
Mel- I usually stay out of these things, but I was so upset I had to say something. After reading your latest you said it all so well I have nothing more to add other than Amen. Email me if you need to talk. I really do understand . sharla
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2004
Wed, 04-14-2004 - 1:05am
Astri,

This is Rob, the National Guard Soldier that this thread is speaking about. I was born in FT. Lee VA, lived in FT. Polk LA, FT. Campbell KY, and FT. Sheridan IL Prior to enlisting in to the Active Army on Oct 22, 1992. To your surprise, this is not the first time I have been deployed, and it probably won’t be the last. Regardless of how many times I go through it, it is still an emotional time.

The 17 year old child (male or female) who is leaving for basic training is no less deserving of our support and prayers than the Soldier in the middle of a fire fight, or the Marine on a recon mission, or the Sailor preparing food for the galley, or the Airman loading bombs and rockets aboard a fighter plane.

Every male in my family over the age of 18 is a Veteran with the exception of one who is not medically fit for service. I prayed for them all whether they were in combat or garrison. Believe it or not I have prayed for your sister as well, not by name, but my prayers were with her just the same.

My wife asked for support and prayers that I stay safe, not that I would not go. Take the time to re-read the first post in this thread, pull your head out of your a$$ and re-read it again. Flaming her was uncalled for.

Please reply to this with something that resembles intelligence or don't post at all.

To all of the normal people that replied, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and prayers.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2003
Wed, 04-14-2004 - 5:15am
Good Lord, woman, don't for ONE MINUTE think you have to explain one damn thing to that twisted soul. I just read the first post from ASStri/Pat/Icebal Princess Headcase.

What the hell is WRONG with people ?

I will be thinking of yours and EVERYONE'S family that is over there and hope we get our act together and pull our people out not one minute longer than necessary.

Amy

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 04-14-2004 - 1:29pm

One word for you...pathetic.

  Shawna-- Proud Cl for 100 Pounds or More to Go 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2004
Thu, 04-15-2004 - 12:51pm
Astri,

It is hard for the active service men and women actually in harm's way over there, and for their families. My best to you and your sister. In our area there were banners up for some military people expected home this week, and now they've just gotten word that they have to stay (are extended) in Iraq for three more months (and for all they know it could be indefinite). I can see where it would be upsetting if a National Guardsman safely at home, or his family, complained about the *remote possibility* of his service going active, when your own sister is at this moment in harm's way. Ignore anyone here who was nasty to you about that. I can fully understand, though none of my family is active military at the moment, we went through this (personally, I did) with Viet Nam and during Viet Nam some of the people all too willing to accept paychecks while inactive "national guard" at home, or just serving active on some base at home, got all into a crying fit at the notion of going into active service. I can understand your anger, especially when a young woman is in active service "getting shot at" in Iraq and adult men picking up a paycheck in the National Guard at home get all antsy about the possibility of having to do their duty and "serve" in her stead. With all my heart, I hope she's home safely and soon. Blessings to you and her.

Forte

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2004
Thu, 04-15-2004 - 12:57pm
I think you're being far too harsh. I think your post more accurately describes you here. Don't you understand where she's coming from? Perhaps if it were your sister, and not hers, in harms way in Iraq while a National Guardsman sat safely in the US not wanting to go do his duty, then you COULD understand. Shame, shame on you for criticizing her, and for your lack of sympathy for her pain. And blessings on Astri's sister, with hopes for her safe return and Astri's peace, and her family's, in the meantime. You should be ashamed for what you said to her.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2003
Thu, 04-15-2004 - 1:02pm
ha ha ha! You're so funny!

When I talk to myself I don't need to do it on a computer.

*thinks she should MSN herself or something, it seems to be the new pastime*

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2004
Thu, 04-15-2004 - 1:11pm
What the hell is wrong with you. Can you not read? Do us all a favor and stop using up good oxygen. Do me a favor, quote from anywhere in this post where a complaint was made by me or my wife. Can't do it can you? Why does it sound like you and Astri are the same person? Is your life so empty that you log on under multiple names and answer yourself? Thought I'd let you know that there are special medications for people like you. Its called arsenic. Once again, try to actually read the post. She asked for prayers for my saftey and support. Not prayer that I would not go. As for earning my paycheck, I have earned it three times over since I first enlisted in 1992 at the age of 17.

zorbslovessporks, your post beat mine to the board. I'm glad I'm not the only person that thinks that crazy MOFRACKY is talking to herself.

Please substitute MOFRACKY for any insulting word of your choice.




Edited 4/15/2004 1:19 pm ET ET by sm0keyj0e