Friday, February 20, 2009

When a Loved One Joins the Military In 1980, my oldest sister, joined the Navy after graduating from high school. It was an emotional thing for my parents to watch their oldest daughter, not only leave the nest for boot camp, but to eventually leave the country for exotic destinations. The whole military experience was a complete unknown for my parents. It was especially difficult back then because we didn't have the internet to stay connected. Their only communication with my sister was via letters and a rare overseas phone call to keep in touch. Now my youngest sister is about to go through the same experience with her oldest son, Tony, who joined the Air Force. He finished community college, but seemed to be undecided what to do next. With our country's economic troubles, he decided his best option was to join the military and get more education and skills. He heads for boot camp at Lackland Air Force base here in San Antonio at the end of this month. The military way of life has its own culture and community that most people are not familiar with. I know my sister is worried. She doesn't know what to expect. The good news is that there are all kinds of resources and information available to her now that weren't around for my parents when our oldest sister enlisted. The FAQ on joining the military provides links and phone numbers if your child or loved one is considering enlisting. The Military Home Front, the Consumer Action Handbook military page, and Family Support for Active Military Personnel contain links to information explaining benefits and other important topics. These private resources have created wonderful communities for parents and loved ones to learn and share experiences among military families: Milspouse.org Your Soldier Your Army Mom's Field Guide Marine Parents Today's Military Supporting our Troops Navy For Moms Getting informed about the military; and becoming part of the parents-with-military-kids community may help ease some of my sister's fears. Not everyone has a positive military experience, but I am hopeful that enlisting will be a good experience for Tony. I hope it will help him focus and give him a plan for the future. Do you think enlisting in the military at this time is a good thing or something he will regret? - Ginger [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog] 3:57:43 PM

© Copyright 2009 Jocelyn Shaw. Last update: 3/2/2009; 11:02:43 AM. Photo curtesy of Marjorie O'Brien