Soldiers on Active Duty in the Military
Military, Veterans, Loved Ones, Careers, Soldiers, Servant Leadership, Deployment, Armed Forces
In This Guide:
It's hard to understand the many emotions a soldier feels while on deployment. Being away from home, missing birthday parties and holidays, baby's first steps or choir concerts...added to the mix of early mornings and often sleepless nights, the uncertainty of events and outcomes in warfare, and a constant concern of not making it back home safely. While nobody truly knows what's on the mind or the heart of a soldier while on deployment, this guide aims to help you convery your love and support for soldiers away from home.
He or She Might Be Thinking About...
- I miss my spouse and kids.
- I wonder what my family is doing right about now.
- I'm proud to be a soldier, but this is a very touch lifestyle.
- I hope my family is safe and healthy back home.
- Does my family know how much they truly mean to me?
- I hope my family understands that this is a job and I hate being away from them.
- What do my parents think of me being in the military?
- I am counting down the days until I get to return home.
- I hope and pray that my troop and I stay safe and return home.
- I sometimes question and regret my decision to join the military.
- I'm so proud to be a soldier.
- My heart is being pulled in so many different directions.
- I hope that all of the other soldiers are staying safe.
- A lot of people don't understand the sacrifice of a soldier.
- Nobody understands me like the other soldiers I'm serving with.
- What if things are different when I get back home?
- What if I can't find a job?
- Will my spouse still love me?
- I know that I'm going to have a hard time connecting and communicating with my loved ones.
- It's going to be so difficult adjusting back to civilian life.
- I don't know if I will ever be the same person I was when I left for deployment.
- I'm dreading all of the civilian questions when I return home.
Words That Might Be Encouraging
- We miss you more than words can say.
- We are counting down the days until you get to come home.
- I can't wait to see you and give you a huge hug.
- I'm so very proud of you and your commitment to service.
- Your leadership and kindness are so inspiring.
- Everyone here at home sends their well wishes, thoughts, and prayers.
- I think of you and miss you at least ten times every day.
- Thank you for everything you're doing to protect our country and our liberties.
- Would it be okay if we threw you a small welcome home party?
- What's the forst thong you want to do when you get home?
- Everyone always asks about you and is so thankful for you and your bravery
- What can I do or help with while you're away?
- I got an update on your friend "John Doe from your XYZ unit". He and his troops are doing great.
- You are so important to me.
- I love you.
- I pray for you and your troops every day.
Words That Might Be Discouraging
- What's it like over there?
- Do you miss home?
- Have you killed anyone?
- Have you seen any dead bodies?
- What's the worst thing you've witnessed so far?
- War is hell.
- I feel so bad for you and everything you're having to go through.
- Do not offer your unsolicited opinion of the war or campaign the soldier is deployed to.
- When do you get to come home?
- I don't know how you do it.
- I could never be away from my family for that long.
- Why did you decide to join the military? I bet you're regretting it now.
- I can't do this by myself anymore. You need to quit and come home.
- Aren't you scared? You could literally die any second.
- You should've known what you were getting into when you enlisted.
IDEAS FOR ENCOURAGING CARE PACKAGES :
- Handwritten letters
- Funny cards or jokes
- Bible Verses
- Books and magazines
- Pictures, pictures, and more pictures of friends and family
- Artwork from the kids
- Favorite candy and snacks
- The daily essentials (shampoo, soap, deodedrant, toothbrush & toothpaste, etc.)
- Socks & underwear
- DVDs
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