Hi, Cheryle.

My son just finished serving 5 years enlisted time in the Army., 101st Airborne Assault. He had been on two year long deployments, once to Iraq and the last to Afghanistan. He is now with the National Guard at home and hopefully starting school in January.

I know how difficult it was trying to stay upbeat and positive the entire time he was deployed. It helped that there is a forum for the Screaming Eagles, (101st Airborne) which I spent a lot of time on. Talking with people in similar situation is very helpful. If you are not already involved in a similar forum, I think it would help to find one. Having one son deployed was difficult and I can only imagine that two in doubly stressful.

One way I coped and still do, is finding ways to support the troops and involving others to help with it.

Please give my thanks to your son's for their service. It is truly appreciated.

CM