Topic: Care Packages for the Troops; Jacob's Light
Originally aired on December 17th, 2008
Dorine Kenney lost her only child Jacob to the Iraq war. Eleven days after Jacob's death, on his 29th birthday, Dorine sent a care package to one of her son's friends still serving in Iraq. This single act spawned The Jacob's Light Foundation, an organization to honor her son and care for those still fighting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Topic: Care Packages for the Troops
Jacob's Light
Dorine Kenney
Founder
Jacob's Light Foundation
Operation Homefront, Inc.
Dorine Kenney
Dorine Kenney gave birth to Jacob Fletcher on November 25th, 1974. As the years past and he grew older their bond only grew stronger. Dorine was supportive of her son when he was deployed to Iraq, and once he had settled in she sent him care packages once a week. When Jacob asked her to send a package to his buddy she did not hesitate. Tragically, Jacob was killed on November 13, 2003 by an IED. On Jacob's birthday, November 25th, 2003, Dorine sent another care package to Jacob's buddy in Iraq. She believed it was the best way she could honor her son. That day Jacob's Light Foundation was born, and 5 years later Dorine and her amazing set of volunteers have sent over 200,000 pounds of supplies to those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Cpl. Jacob Fletcher
Jacob Fletcher was born on Novemer 25, 1974 and was raised by his mother Dorine in New York. He had always had a love for the military, but after September 11th he decided he had to join the Army and serve his country. Jacob was with the 173rd Airborne Brigade when he jumped into Iraq on March 26, 2003. While in Iraq he wrote his mother often. In one letter he requested she send one of her care packages that he had grown to love to his friend that had no family. This request was just one example of how he was always looking out for those around him. Tragically, on November 13th, 2003, Jacob was killed by an IED on Highway 1 in Samarra. Jacob left his mother and his community with a profound sense of loss but he also left them with his light. It was his light of sharing that inspired his mother to form Jacob's Light Foundation and send care packages and gifts to those fighting in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, in the hopes that no one serving will ever feel alone.
Topic: Military Suicide Featuring: The War Within: Chapter 1
Originally Aired on December 3rd, 2008 and Will Continue on December 10th, 2008
The War Within
A Marine Reservist seeks help from the Veterans Administration to heal his invisible wounds. But like too many Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, his condition worsens, his medical needs go un-met, and he ultimately takes his own life. For the past four years, his family has been advocating to prevent other veterans from experiencing a similar fate.
Joyce Lucey
Jeffrey's Mother
Kevin Lucey
Jeffrey's Father
Dr. Judith Broder
Director
The Soldiers Project
Jeff Lucey
Jeffrey Lucey joined the US Marine Corps Reserves in December 1999 while attending Holyoke Community College. He was 18 years old. Three years later he was driving a convoy through the desert during the initial invasion of Iraq. While he returned home physically unscathed, Jeff was mortally wounded, suffering from PTSD/combat operational stress. "Jeffrey slept little, ate little, was restless, hyper-vigilant, confused, angry, and frustrated," say his parents, Kevin and Joyce Lucey. "[He was] isolated in his mind, wracked with guilt, sadness, depression, rage; he was panicked, desperate, hopeless, overwhelmed, and full of rage, wanting to talk and yet at the same time wanting to be silent." Jeffrey went to the VA twice for help, but didn't get the care he needed. On June 22, 2004, 23-year-old Jeffrey Lucey decided he could no longer live with himself and took his own life. While his struggle has ended, his family's is far from over.
Kevin and Joyce Lucey
Kevin, a therapist in Connecticut, and Joyce, a retired nurse, are the parents of three. Jeffrey was their only son. Ever since Jeff lost the battle with his PTSD, Kevin and Joyce have been advocating for the establishment of a realistic and efficient healthcare system, especially for veterans dealing with invisible wounds, like post-traumatic stress disorder. Part of that advocacy involves a lawsuit they've filed against the Veterans Administration for medical malpractice and wrongful death.
Related Organizations:
The Soldiers Project
SPAN - Suicide Prevention Action Network
Topic: Military Sexual Trauma Angie's Story
Originally aired on November 19th, 2008
Angela Peacock
Army Veteran
Smita Satiani
Sexual Assault Counselor
Certified (State of CA)
Related Organizations:
RAINN - Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network
TS Nelson Publications
US Vets
Sgt. Angela Peacock
Army Sergeant Angela Peacock joined the military in February 1998. She wanted to travel, serve her country and gain some life experience. In 2001, while deployed in South Korea, Angie was raped by a fellow soldier. She was encouraged by her command not to tell, so she held it in, and in 2003 she took it to Iraq with her. She led her unit courageously, but silently struggled until she couldn't stay quiet any longer. Out of Iraq and back at home, Angie decides to take control of her PTSD - a result of both her military sexual trauma and combat stress - and take her life back.
Topic: Employment After Service Beyond Basic Training Chapter 2
Kevin Randolph
Army Specialist (RET)
David Leonard
Liberty Project Coordinator, The Salvation Army
After being medically retired from the Army, Iraq veteran Kevin Randolph and his family are without options. They move to a transitional housing facility, and Kevin must enter one of the worst job markets in recent history to support his wife and their new baby.
Originally aired on November 5th, 2008
Kevin Randolph
Army Specialist (Ret.) Kevin Randolph joined the service straight out of high school. In 2003, he started in the Air Force and in 2005 switched to Army. He deployed to Iraq out of Fort Drum, New York in 2006. Six months into his deployment Kevin was hit with an IED, which broke his fibulae, tore his meniscus and did a lot of irreparable damage to his knee and leg. Since returning stateside, the 23-year-old vet received a disability discharge and was forced to move his family off of base, and move back into the civilian world with no job and only $1,000 per month from the Army. Like many vets, Kevin has struggled with reintegrating. Now, he and his wife Elise and their new baby Zeppelin live in a transitional housing facility in San Antonio, while Kevin awaits his VA benefits and looks for employment in an unraveling job market.
Elise Randolph
Elise met Kevin shortly after he returned from Iraq, and it wasn't long before they were married and had baby Zeppelin on the way. Without any other options, the young family moved into Operation Homefront Village in San Antonio, where they currently reside. There, Elise is able to get financial help with buying diapers and other baby needs, while Kevin tries to find a job. Now the stakes are higher. Elise recently found out she's pregnant again, which means she'll have two babies to care for with an unclear financial future. Once Kevin gets his VA benefits, they have to leave Operation Homefront, whether Kevin has a job or not.
Topic: Employment After Service Beyond Basic Training Chapter 1
Originally aired on October 29th, 2008
Beyond Basic Training
After being medically retired from the Army, Iraq veteran Kevin Randolph and his family are without options. They move to a transitional housing facility, and Kevin must enter one of the worst job markets in recent history to support his wife and their new baby.
Elise Randolph
Army Wife
Gracie Broll
Director
Operation Homefront Village
Kevin Randolph
Army Specialist (Ret.) Kevin Randolph joined the service straight out of high school. In 2003, he started in the Air Force and in 2005 switched to Army. He deployed to Iraq out of Fort Drum, New York in 2006. Six months into his deployment Kevin was hit with an IED, which broke his fibulae, tore his meniscus and did a lot of irreparable damage to his knee and leg. Since returning stateside, the 23-year-old vet received a disability discharge and was forced to move his family off of base, and move back into the civilian world with no job and only $1,000 per month from the Army. Like many vets, Kevin has struggled with reintegrating. Now, he and his wife Elise and their new baby Zeppelin live in a transitional housing facility in San Antonio, while Kevin awaits his VA benefits and looks for employment in an unraveling job market.
Elise Randolph
Elise met Kevin shortly after he returned from Iraq, and it wasn't long before they were married and had baby Zeppelin on the way. Without any other options, the young family moved into Operation Homefront Village in San Antonio, where they currently reside. There, Elise is able to get financial help with buying diapers and other baby needs, while Kevin tries to find a job. Now the stakes are higher. Elise recently found out she's pregnant again, which means she'll have two babies to care for with an unclear financial future. Once Kevin gets his VA benefits, they have to leave Operation Homefront, whether Kevin has a job or not.
Topic: Traumatic Brain Injury When He Came Home Chapter 2
Originally aired on October 22nd, 2008
Sgt. Richard Massimino
Marine Veteran
Dr. April Groff
Neuropsychologist
Palo Alto VA
Mai-Ling Garcia
Senior Policy Associate Swords to Plowshares
Natasha Massimino
Natasha is the wife of Marine Sgt. Richard Massimino and the mother of three kids - Anastasia, Isabella and Devlin. The 30-year-old California native stood strongly by her husband when he was deployed first to Kuwait, and then twice to Iraq. But ever since he came back suffering from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Natasha's life, and their marriage, have been flipped upside down. Now, not only is she a wife and a mother, but she's also a caretaker. While she always wanted to be lifelong Marine wife, now, with an average of four hours of sleep a night, all she wants is a nap. Despite the daily struggles, she's determined to help her husband work through his issues and to get the old Richard back.
Sgt. Richard Massimino
Sgt. Richard Massimino joined the Marines in 1997 and served with the 1st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group out of Camp Pendleton. He loved the service and always wanted to dedicate his life to it. "Richard wanted to be a crusty old Marine," says his wife Natasha. "He wanted to be there until they said you have to get out, you're too old." The 30-year-old Marine served 11 years and did a tour in Kuwait and two tours in Iraq before he was medically retired in 2008. Richard returned home from Iraq damaged - his back was a mess, he had acute asthma from his days in the desert, and he suffered from severe PTSD and TBI. He had changed dramatically, and to his wife and children he was a different person.
Topic: Traumatic Brain Injury, When He Came Home Chapter 1
A marriage is put in crisis when a Marine returns home from Iraq with Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Natasha Massimino
Marine Wife
Dr. Judith Broder
Director
The Soldiers Project
Aired: October 15th, 2008
Natasha Massimino
Natasha is the wife of Marine Sgt. Richard Massimino and the mother of three kids - Anastasia, Isabella and Devlin. The 30-year-old California native stood strongly by her husband when he was deployed first to Kuwait, and then twice to Iraq. But ever since he came back suffering from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Natasha's life, and their marriage, have been flipped upside down. Now, not only is she a wife and a mother, but she's also a caretaker. While she always wanted to be lifelong Marine wife, now, with an average of four hours of sleep a night, all she wants is a nap. Despite the daily struggles, she's determined to help her husband work through his issues and to get the old Richard back.
Sgt. Richard Massimino
Sgt. Richard Massimino joined the Marines in 1997 and served with the 1st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group out of Camp Pendleton. He loved the service and always wanted to dedicate his life to it. "Richard wanted to be a crusty old Marine," says his wife Natasha. "He wanted to be there until they said you have to get out, you're too old." The 30-year-old Marine served 11 years and did a tour in Kuwait and two tours in Iraq before he was medically retired in 2008. Richard returned home from Iraq damaged - his back was a mess, he had acute asthma from his days in the desert, and he suffered from severe PTSD and TBI. He had changed dramatically, and to his wife and children he was a different person.
Topic: Volunteerism A Good Cause Chapter 2
Originally aired on October 8th, 2008
Grace Park
Student Volunteer
CAUSE - Comfort for America's Uniformed Services
Paul Park
Student Volunteer
CAUSE - Comfort for America's Uniformed Services
Jon Karanopoulos
Liaison
CAUSE - Comfort for America's Uniformed Services
Courtney Lavelleye
One of her greatest friends describes her best: "Courtney is the energetic, all-American girl." The 18-year-old high school senior from Potomac, Maryland, is more or less the ringleader of a three-person crew - Courtney, Ellie, Grace. While many of their classmates have been sleeping in on the weekends, Courtney and her two best friends have spent the past two years volunteering every Saturday at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Inspired by the work she has done at the hospital, Courtney's goal is to pursue a career as civilian nurse for a military treatment facility, like Walter Reed.
Grace Park
Grace, also 18 years old, is the valedictorian at Bullis High School. As Ellie says, "She's good at everything - she's all around amazing." She does have two rooms with two closets to fit all her clothes, but Grace is the first to admit she lives in a sheltered upper-class suburb, or as she calls it, "the Potomac Bubble." It's something she discovered while volunteering with Courtney and Ellie at Walter Reed. The experience for her was eye opening and, like the other girls, life changing. The lucky one of the group, she'll be attending nearby Georgetown University this fall, and will still be able to pop in for visits at Walter Reed.
Eleanor Gass
Originally from England, 18-year-old Ellie Gass is also a senior at Bullis High School in Potomac, Maryland. Out of the three girls, she's the self-described 'athlete' of the group, which became a bonding point for her and many of the patients at Walter Reed. Like Courtney, Ellie has been so deeply impacted by what she's seen and experienced at Walter Reed, that she's now hoping to pursue a future career in physical therapy.
Topic: Volunteerism: A Good Cause Chapter 1
A Good Cause
Three unlikely high school volunteers are changed forever through their experiences volunteering at Walter Reed.
Originally aired on October 1st, 2008
Barbara Lau
Executive Director
CAUSE - Comfort for America's Uniformed Services
Courtney LaVelleye
Student Volunteer
CAUSE - Comfort for America's Uniformed Services
Ellie Gass
Student Volunteer
CAUSE - Comfort for America's Uniformed Services
Courtney Lavelleye
One of her greatest friends describes her best: "Courtney is the energetic, all-American girl." The 18-year-old high school senior from Potomac, Maryland, is more or less the ringleader of a three-person crew - Courtney, Ellie, Grace. While many of their classmates have been sleeping in on the weekends, Courtney and her two best friends have spent the past two years volunteering every Saturday at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Inspired by the work she has done at the hospital, Courtney's goal is to pursue a career as civilian nurse for a military treatment facility, like Walter Reed.
Grace Park
Grace, also 18 years old, is the valedictorian at Bullis High School. As Ellie says, "She's good at everything - she's all around amazing." She does have two rooms with two closets to fit all her clothes, but Grace is the first to admit she lives in a sheltered upper-class suburb, or as she calls it, "the Potomac Bubble." It's something she discovered while volunteering with Courtney and Ellie at Walter Reed. The experience for her was eye opening and, like the other girls, life changing. The lucky one of the group, she'll be attending nearby Georgetown University this fall, and will still be able to pop in for visits at Walter Reed.
Eleanor Gass
Originally from England, 18-year-old Ellie Gass is also a senior at Bullis High School in Potomac, Maryland. Out of the three girls, she's the self-described 'athlete' of the group, which became a bonding point for her and many of the patients at Walter Reed. Like Courtney, Ellie has been so deeply impacted by what she's seen and experienced at Walter Reed, that she's now hoping to pursue a future career in physical therapy.
Topic: The American Widow Project**** We Regret to Inform You Chapter 3
The Women of the American Widow Project
Originally aired on September 24th, 2008
We Regret to Inform You Chapter 3
The Women of the American Widow Project
Taryn Davis
Last year, 22-year-old Taryn Davis' world crumbled. On May 21, 2007, Taryn was told her husband, Army Cpl. Michael W. Davis, had died from wounds sustained from an IED explosion in Iraq. She was crushed. Unable to find the peer support she needed from other recently widowed military spouses, Taryn founded the American Widow Project four months later to help her cope with the loss of the love of her life. Using the power of the internet, Taryn has been able to reach out to over 100 young military widows (the majority of which are under 30), offering them peer support and help with whatever they might need.
Nicole Hart
Nicole Hart, found her soul mate when she was 16-years-old and married him three years later. Then, this past winter she lost him. On January 8, 2008, Army Sgt. David J. Hart was killed while trying to help one of his wounded men. Nicole, now a 23-year-old widow, didn't know life could go on without David, and sometimes she still doesn't understand how the earth continues to rotate. But, with the peer support from her new friends at the American Widow Project, she's realizing that if she gets into her wedding dress on her anniversary and flips through wedding photos, she's not weird, and she's not alone.
Windy Link
Windy's husband Sgt. Joey Link died while serving in Quatar as Air Support for the war in Iraq. Not only did he leave behind his wife Windy, but he also left behind two sons, and their baby daughter, Rylee. This summer, Windy left Rylee for the first time to travel to Austin, Texas to hang out with, and lean on, her new friends with the American Widow Project.
American Widow Project--A Light-Hearted Video Clip
In Their Boots: We Regret To Inform You - Surfing
Visit their site and show your support to these Military Widows and their families
Topic: The American Widow Project ***** We Regret to Inform You Chapter 2
Originally aired on September 17th, 2008
Nicole Hart
Ami Neiberger-Miller
Communications & Public Affairs Officer
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
Taryn Davis
Last year, 22-year-old Taryn Davis' world crumbled. On May 21, 2007, Taryn was told her husband, Army Cpl. Michael W. Davis, had died from wounds sustained from an IED explosion in Iraq. She was crushed. Unable to find the peer support she needed from other recently widowed military spouses, Taryn founded the American Widow Project four months later to help her cope with the loss of the love of her life. Using the power of the internet, Taryn has been able to reach out to over 100 young military widows (the majority of which are under 30), offering them peer support and help with whatever they might need.
Nicole Hart
Nicole Hart, found her soul mate when she was 16-years-old and married him three years later. Then, this past winter she lost him. On January 8, 2008, Army Sgt. David J. Hart was killed while trying to help one of his wounded men. Nicole, now a 23-year-old widow, didn't know life could go on without David, and sometimes she still doesn't understand how the earth continues to rotate. But, with the peer support from her new friends at the American Widow Project, she's realizing that if she gets into her wedding dress on her anniversary and flips through wedding photos, she's not weird, and she's not alone.
Windy Link
Windy's husband Sgt. Joey Link died while serving in Quatar as Air Support for the war in Iraq. Not only did he leave behind his wife Windy, but he also left behind two sons, and their baby daughter, Rylee. This summer, Windy left Rylee for the first time to travel to Austin, Texas to hang out with, and lean on, her new friends with the American Widow Project.
While being so involved in the political process and the coming election Everyone needs to take the Timeout to Reflect on what Presently is much more important, Real Sacrifice!!
Look past the political Spin and into the Souls of the Candidates, National, Presidential and Congressional, ask Who Really Understands what this Country has Created these last few years and what that will bring to the future! Do we Really want to enhance the hatreds more and add to the enemies of this Countries Policies and Us for what we have done to them!
Topic: The American Widow Project We Regret to Inform You Chapter 1
Originally aired on September 10th, 2008
Led by Taryn Davis, a group of young military widows band together in a new peer support network called the American Widow Project.
Taryn Davis
War Widow
James Sheeler
Author
Final Salute Site: A Story of Unfinished Lives
Jim's Book: Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives
Taryn Davis
Last year, 22-year-old Taryn Davis' world crumbled. On May 21, 2007, Taryn was told her husband, Army Cpl. Michael W. Davis, had died from wounds sustained from an IED explosion in Iraq. She was crushed. Unable to find the peer support she needed from other recently widowed military spouses, Taryn founded the American Widow Project four months later to help her cope with the loss of the love of her life. Using the power of the internet, Taryn has been able to reach out to over 100 young military widows (the majority of which are under 30), offering them peer support and help with whatever they might need.
Nicole Hart
Nicole Hart, found her soul mate when she was 16-years-old and married him three years later. Then, this past winter she lost him. On January 8, 2008, Army Sgt. David J. Hart was killed while trying to help one of his wounded men. Nicole, now a 23-year-old widow, didn't know life could go on without David, and sometimes she still doesn't understand how the earth continues to rotate. But, with the peer support from her new friends at the American Widow Project, she's realizing that if she gets into her wedding dress on her anniversary and flips through wedding photos, she's not weird, and she's not alone.
Windy Link
Windy's husband Sgt. Joey Link died while serving in Quatar as Air Support for the war in Iraq. Not only did he leave behind his wife Windy, but he also left behind two sons, and their baby daughter, Rylee. This summer, Windy left Rylee for the first time to travel to Austin, Texas to hang out with, and lean on, her new friends with the American Widow Project.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stop Loss - Draft
This Is.........The Army Wants You...Again! (Yes, Really.).....A Must Read!!!
Three years out of the army, diagnosed with PTSD, I recently got a nice letter from the pentagon saying they'd like me back in Iraq, pronto. They didn't even mind that I was a little sick. And I'm not the only one.
Brandon has a short post over at VetVoice about this.
And It Is A Must Read!!
War Scar
Ever since Jerry Cortinas was seriously injured in the line of duty, his wife Celina has helped him slowly readjust to civilian life.
Originally aired on September 3rd, 2008
Topic: Transition to Civilian Life After Medical Discharge - War Scar - Chapter 2
Jerry Cortinas
Army Veteran
Celina Cortinas
Army Wife
Brenda Kecskes
Assistant National Service Director
Disabled American Veterans
Jerry Cortinas
Jerry Cortinas served as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army Special Forces from 1997 to 2004. The focused and challenging work of a Green Beret was what he knew and what he loved. While operating a rocket propelled grenade in Afghanistan in December 2002, the device malfunctioned and exploded, taking his left forearm and hand. Jerry could no longer do his job. He felt like an outsider in his own hometown. And every day, as a husband and father of two girls, he was reminded of his limitations. Until, that is, he got on a snowboard.
Celina Cortinas
Celina Cortinas, Army wife and mother of two, was baking Christmas cookies in her Brownsville, Texas home when she got the call. The colonel on the other line gave her the news. Her husband of 12 years, Jerry, had been injured in Afghanistan. As a wife of an Army Special Forces soldier, she always knew it could happen, but wasn't prepared for how much her life would change when her husband returned home with his right hand and forearm amputated. She would now face the challenge of helping her husband adapt to civilian life and supporting him as he returned to his role as husband and father.
Topic: Loss of Limb/Post-Traumatic Stress War Scar Chapter 1
Jerry Cortinas
Army Veteran
Lonnie C. Moore
Program Analyst
U.S. Army Warrior Transition Office
Jerry Cortinas
Jerry Cortinas served as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army Special Forces from 1997 to 2004. The focused and challenging work of a Green Beret was what he knew and what he loved. While operating a rocket propelled grenade in Afghanistan in December 2002, the device malfunctioned and exploded, taking his left forearm and hand. Jerry could no longer do his job. He felt like an outsider in his own hometown. And every day, as a husband and father of two girls, he was reminded of his limitations. Until, that is, he got on a snowboard.
Celina Cortinas
Celina Cortinas, Army wife and mother of two, was baking Christmas cookies in her Brownsville, Texas home when she got the call. The colonel on the other line gave her the news. Her husband of 12 years, Jerry, had been injured in Afghanistan. As a wife of an Army Special Forces soldier, she always knew it could happen, but wasn't prepared for how much her life would change when her husband returned home with his right hand and forearm amputated. She would now face the challenge of helping her husband adapt to civilian life and supporting him as he returned to his role as husband and father.
Coping with Deployment
Originally aired on August 20th, 2008
Departure Chapter 2
Lt. Gary Raymond LIVE FROM IRAQ!
Amanda Raymond Navy Wife
Dr. Judith Broder Director The Soldiers Project
Amanda Raymond
Amanda Raymond lives in the small town of Prospect, Maine and works as a "domestic engineer" - the 24/7 job of raising her 5-year-old daughter, Olivia, and 10-month-old son, Cole. Amanda grew up Navy. Her grandfather was in the Navy. Her father was in the Navy. So it was no surprise when Amanda joined the College NROTC Program in 1997. She met her husband Gary while they were both midshipmen at the University of Maine in Orono. She was commissioned into the Navy in 2000 and served for five years. While she eventually separated to become a full-time mom, Gary stayed in the service. And in April, Gary deployed to Iraq. He'll be gone for 406 days. Most of those days she'll have to explain to Olivia where daddy is. And while she's a tough lady, she knows it'll be hard.
Gary Raymond
Lt. Gary Raymond met his wife Amanda in college. They were both midshipmen at the University of in Maine in Orono, and got married the same weekend he graduated. Since then he's been an Assistant Professor of Naval Science at the Maine Maritime Academy, a Navy Nuclear Power Officer on a submarine, and on April 27, 2008, he deployed to Iraq to work as a Watch Officer, monitoring communication networks throughout the country. Gary will be gone for 406 days. While he's overseas, he'll miss Christmas with the family, his daughter Olivia's first day of kindergarten, and his son Cole's first steps. By the time he comes home his son will be almost 2 years old.
Originally aired on August 13th, 2008
Topic: Pre-Deployment Stress and Children's Issues
Departure: Chapter 1
Amanda Raymond
Navy Wife
Virginia Ruehrwein
Director of
Youth and Community Outreach
Armed Services YMCA, San Diego
Amanda Raymond
Amanda Raymond lives in the small town of Prospect, Maine and works as a “domestic engineer” — the 24/7 job of raising her 5-year-old daughter, Olivia, and 10-month-old son, Cole. Amanda grew up Navy. Her grandfather was in the Navy. Her father was in the Navy. So it was no surprise when Amanda joined the College NROTC Program in 1997. She met her husband Gary while they were both midshipmen at the University of Maine in Orono. She was commissioned into the Navy in 2000 and served for five years. While she eventually separated to become a full-time mom, Gary stayed in the service. And in April, Gary deployed to Iraq. He’ll be gone for 406 days. Most of those days she’ll have to explain to Olivia where daddy is. And while she’s a tough lady, she knows it’ll be hard.
Gary Raymond
Lt. Gary Raymond met his wife Amanda in college. They were both midshipmen at the University of in Maine in Orono, and got married the same weekend he graduated. Since then he’s been an Assistant Professor of Naval Science at the Maine Maritime Academy, a Navy Nuclear Power Officer on a submarine, and on April 27, 2008, he deployed to Iraq to work as a Watch Officer, monitoring communication networks throughout the country. Gary will be gone for 406 days. While he’s overseas, he’ll miss Christmas with the family, his daughter Olivia’s first day of kindergarten, and his son Cole’s first steps. By the time he comes home his son will be almost 2 years old.
"Homecoming: Chapter 2"
Kim Roy has spent the last fifteen months taking care of her two young boys while her husband, Justin, was away in Afghanistan. Now he's coming home.
Justin Roy Captain, US Army
Virginia Ruehrwein
Armed Services YMCA, San Diego
In Their Boots
Over to your right I have some links to Brave New Foundation and In Their Boots
