are there any other military moms out there?
By pjones83
@pjones83 (59)
United States
August 19, 2008 9:25am CST
Hi everyone, I am new to this, but having a wonderful time reading everything. I am an active duty military member and a single mother of two. I was just wondering if there were any other women in here that were in the military and mothers or if your children are in the military. I usually have a lot of trouble with this because many people look down on me for staying in the military after having children, with the war now, but I am very proud about staying in the military and hope that my children are also proud of what I do. It does take me away from my children for 4-6 months at a time and puts me in immediate danger when I am gone, but what I do is important to the way my children grow up and the world they live in.
2 responses
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
19 Aug 08
I'm retired now, but I served more than 21 years in the Marine Corps and had my two sons while I was on active duty. It wasn't always easy and I wish I could go back and do some things differently, but it's done.
My younger son just completed his enlistment and served three tours in Iraq as an Infantry Squad Leader. As a Mom, I've got mixed feelings about all that, but I'm glad he did it.
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
19 Aug 08
By the way, welcome to myLot! If you want some good tips to get you going here, check out my profile.
@pjones83 (59)
• United States
19 Aug 08
WOW. I would have never guessed, by the look of your picture, that you had done 21 years in the service. Time has been very good to you. I can't even imagine 3 tours in Iraq. I have been very lucky so far and only been overseas twice and the second time was not easier than the first one was (as far as being away from my kids). I have also been lucky to have only spent a couple of weeks in Iraq, so far, (knocking on wood). Some people have asked me if I would allow my children to join the military when they get older and to me that is not a valid question. I am in the military to help ensure that my children will have a right to choose what they want to be no matter what that might be. But how do you handle the worry for your child in the military? mine still have many many years before they decide and thinking about it makes my heart beat faster.
1 person likes this
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
19 Aug 08
Believe me, I look every one of my 51 years. That picture was taken just over a year ago, and it happened to be a good day, LOL.
The photo below is my favorite, only because it was a professional command photo. It was taken in 1993, a few years before I retired. I was a Gy in the photo, retired as a MSgt.
@auntiedis (165)
• United States
19 Aug 08
I had my son when I was active duty Marine Corps. It *IS* hard, but so worth it. I did my four and got out, which I regret immensely, I wish I had re-enlisted. Things are even harder on the outside then in now a days. I give you kudos for sticking it out and your kids will be proud also.
@pjones83 (59)
• United States
19 Aug 08
Not too long ago I went through a phase where I wasn't sure if it was worth the struggle of staying in(right after my mom passed away). I still have doubts from time to time, but I know that getting out would be the worst mistake in my life. I joined two weeks after high school and of course before that all I wanted do was join the military. my mom would never let me watch anyting that had military in it after we did the paper in elementary school on what we wanted to be when we grew up and I of course wanted to be a Col in the Army like John Wayne (I think that was who it was) in one of the westerns my mom always watched.
