This Iraq Thing has got to be Hard on the Families

[bigred]

How in the world are the military families doing it? This has been going on for so long. And some of the troop have been there the whole time. How much longer can we do this?

[lbgal]

Let All support the troops and Families Pay Raises would help for lower ranks

[greatamerican]

I love this country but man this war has gotta end. Doesn't Bush realize what this is doing to our troops and their families. As much as I hate to say it this was a mistake.

[deb]

I have been a military dependent for all of my 50+ plus years and so have also been through wars - Vietnam, Persian Gulf and now Iraq. We have always heavily relied on public support. Having a parent, spouse, sibling, child, etc - away on a remote is especially difficult when we are exposed to anti-government sentiment. The family members left behind cope as well as we can - we may or may not understand and agree with the reasons for the current conflict, but those I know are always supportive. Military families I know are pretty strong, very patriotic and adaptable.

Our daughter's husband did his tour in Iraq two years ago and she came home to live with us during that time. It helped her to be near family and near Wright Patt. She and I were so encouraged each time we saw bumper stickers and signs of support. I love seeing all of the American flags flying, too.

I agree with lbgal - that we all can help by supporting the families and troops even though we may disagree with the war. Military families need pay raises especially in those lower ranks. My daughter and her family have to rely on WIC and are eligible for foodstamps. I am glad that those programs are available but think it is awful that some servicemembers have such low pay that they qualify.