Soon to be husband is deploying to Iraq...any advice?

Question

My significant other is deploying in January to Iraq for a year. I have already gone through some of the necessary steps to preparing both of us for the deployment. We go to family briefings, I have friends that are supportive, I am friends with many of his friends and military wives who have deployed husbands, and I am looking into our base's FRG.

I have heard that it is lonely and boring in Iraq. I know he will be able to call and we can write and email. I also know about sending care packages.What kind of things should I send in the care packages? How often should I send them? What makes them feel more at ease, less lonely, and bored? How can I really stand behind and support him while he is away?

If anybody has been over there or been on a position on either side I would love to hear from you.

Answer 1

Change your voicemail password so if you cheat on him he wont get your lovers message right before leaving to go out on a patrol. Sorry couldnt resist. Pictures from home, letters, things to keep his mind active. A lot of guys go over and just dwell on going on home, but if you give them something else for the mind to focus on then it will allow them to refocus their attention on something else for short periods of time. It also depends on what he does. Will he be sitting on base all day or outside the wire on missions? Iused to love getting home made cookies water guns, letters, those little metal things that you have to figure out how to take apart, include in each letter  one of those mind puzzle or brain teasers.Pictures are always nice (various types). The rest of the stuff let him get in place and ask you for. some camps have more then others. I was a Marine and went out there three different time and each time I went the bases had more and more. No point of sending something on stuff they are getting for free. You asked so here is an honest answer. Frown on it or appreciate it. It is what it is, and trust me I would know!

Answer 2

You can send his favorite snacks, magazines, games, hygiene products etc.  I'm sure the other wives can help fill you in as well or your man will tell you what he needs.

Send as often as you want.  I usually send at least one or two a month.  But I sent a letter everyday even if it was just to say Hi and tell him I loved him.  

Depending on his MOS etc. he might not be to bored and have work.  I did aviation and we were always busy.  However most people have some for of entertainment out there and the camps are building up to help keep morale up.

The best support is to send mail and stay strong for him.  When he calls try to stay upbeat and don't trouble him with anything unnecessary if you can.  

Make sure you stay busy as well it will help the time go by a little bit faster.  Good luck.

Answer 3

Pictures - Send Him pictures of his friends and Family. Send Him pictures of the Sky, Parks and If he has Any animals.

Candy - Send Him his favorite candies, Let him have some sweetness On his Journey

A Bear - You Can go to Buildabear, make the Cheapest bear (About $10) Then buy a Camo Outfit (Around $10 - $25) and make a voice recording saying We Miss you!

Cookies - Bake Him Some Cookies, Makesure they;re packed very nicely though.

A Card - Make a card with a Cute Letter. Say, We All Miss you (blahblahblah) Then get all Of his friends to Sign it.

A Boy toy xD - You can Send him One of those Foamy Nerf Footballs, and Maybe some Little Water guns or something. That way hima nd his buddys can have lots of fun!

I Hope I Helped!

Answer 4

Your Love,Devotion and Support is the only things that matters. When sending packages to him always include some articles about what his interest are such as sport teams and pics. Be faithful and strong and never try to be negative when writing. I would tell you that time passes quickly however that would be a lie so i will just say to keep yourself occupied in your daily life with work or volunteer programs that support our troops. You seem to be prepared and might want to assist other wifes also that are not. Good Luck and God Blees our Troops!!