Excited & Nervous about son's 1st R & R!!!

[A#1Mom]

Hello to all of you out there! Yes, I know I haven't logged on much lately, sorry about that. But I have exciting news! My son who's been deployed for almost 10 months is getting R & R next month! I'm both ecstatic and nervous all at the same time! Is this unusual? I(We) can't wait to see him, but I'm wondering about how he has to have changed, and whether there is anything we should or shouldn't do, ask, etc. His tour isn't over, so he'll be going back, for a few more months. I did find the Resource-FRG- which I read about in one of the other posts here, and was able to log in. They have a newsletter on this subject, so I thought I'd ask them for it. What do all of U think? As I've said B 4, I'm Divorced, and unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control, his Dad and I can't be there each other, or even when he comes home. Alot has happened here (not good), that I've kept from him, and don't think he needs to find out about if possible. Hope to hear from someone soon! Thanks!:)

[Exo1]

Hello to all of you out there! Yes, I know I haven't logged on much lately, sorry about that. But I have exciting news! My son who's been deployed for almost 10 months is getting R & R next month! I'm both ecstatic and nervous all at the same time! Is this unusual? I(We) can't wait to see him, but I'm wondering about how he has to have changed, and whether there is anything we should or shouldn't do, ask, etc. His tour isn't over, so he'll be going back, for a few more months. I did find the Resource-FRG- which I read about in one of the other posts here, and was able to log in. They have a newsletter on this subject, so I thought I'd ask them for it. What do all of U think? As I've said B 4, I'm Divorced, and unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control, his Dad and I can't be there each other, or even when he comes home. Alot has happened here (not good), that I've kept from him, and don't think he needs to find out about if possible. Hope to hear from someone soon! Thanks!:)

Just be honest with him.... you will know how much to tell him on his R&R Break by reading his response to the nice stuff working backwards so to speak.. He maybe stressed (which you will be able to judge straight off), and if so, just give him a big Mommy Hug and do some family activity with him... It sux that his father is able to support him too, but thats life, many good soldiers dont have a father to support them and they do just fine....

Best advice is to find balance in your quality time with your son, concentrate on whats dear to his heart and yours, and enjoy the time together... material problems (which are always fixable anyway) are the last thing on his mind, getting a big hug from mommy and seeing his friends again will be No1... its what young men look forward too when they have seen the dark fog of war.... and knowing all is ok at home gives them the focus and confidence to face whatever lies again upon their return.. cos what we take for granted growing up becomes treasured memories when deployed and like all treasures, they are highly valued and boost morale in the hardest of times...

[MSG Glenn]

I just spent an enjoyable time with my son who was on a 17 day post deployment leave. He got to see LOTS of snow & EXTREMELY cold weather. Never broke out the snow blower while he was home. That was what I considered his ongoing PT. :D

[A#1Mom]

Yes, this is A#1Mom and I'm having trouble holding it together becauseI just found out that my Son's R & R isn't happening right now after all!!!! Maybe in April?...... I was so excited, and now am so down. The other thing that my son wrote yesterday is upsetting me more though!!!! Apparently the Base his is from is converting? to a 3Yr. Duty Station, I guess instead of a 2Yr.one, and apparently he has heard that if your ETS isn't up by a specific date, you might as well RE-UP!!!! Could SOMEONE Please explain!!! His ETS for ACTIVE Duty is 4Mths B4 the Date he was told! He is supposed to go into the Reserves after that for approx. 4.5 yrs. Can they really just keep him Active, and not give Him a choice!!! --- The other thing I need to do is correct a misunderstanding form my last posting!!! My son has a Father, Mother, and Brother!!! It's just that I've been Divorced for years, and his Father and I really cannot get along, even for our Son's sake. As for his Brother, he moved out on his own last June, and lives over an hour away, and works alot! So, I'm empty-nested. Both my sons are close to their Dad-- So, my son does have a Dad who has been actively involved in his life. Right now, I seem to be the one my(our) son is writing to & staying in touch with at home!!! :( :(: (

[Exo1]

Yes, this is A#1Mom and I'm having trouble holding it together becauseI just found out that my Son's R & R isn't happening right now after all!!!! Maybe in April?...... I was so excited, and now am so down. The other thing that my son wrote yesterday is upsetting me more though!!!! Apparently the Base his is from is converting? to a 3Yr. Duty Station, I guess instead of a 2Yr.one, and apparently he has heard that if your ETS isn't up by a specific date, you might as well RE-UP!!!! Could SOMEONE Please explain!!! His ETS for ACTIVE Duty is 4Mths B4 the Date he was told! He is supposed to go into the Reserves after that for approx. 4.5 yrs. Can they really just keep him Active, and not give Him a choice!!! --- The other thing I need to do is correct a misunderstanding form my last posting!!! My son has a Father, Mother, and Brother!!! It's just that I've been Divorced for years, and his Father and I really cannot get along, even for our Son's sake. As for his Brother, he moved out on his own last June, and lives over an hour away, and works alot! So, I'm empty-nested. Both my sons are close to their Dad-- So, my son does have a Dad who has been actively involved in his life. Right now, I seem to be the one my(our) son is writing to & staying in touch with at home!!! :( :(: (

Unfortunately, Im not US Army but I can say that its very common in times of need to extend vital unit/troop tours to cover any need that arises.... Its over a month away but thats all, so take stock in the fact that its a delay and nothing else. As for ReUping, I assume you refer to reeinlistment, the US lads can comment more, but Im thinking that reenlisting is voluntary, whereas extension of contract by the Army is not... Tacky/Nightflyer and Glenn will know more...

Anyway, dont fret, your sons no greenhorn any longer, so take stock in the fact that he can obviously look after himself....