A SAMPLING OF YOUR RESPONSES:
My husband is in the 111th Group that just got mobilized. My children and I have been prepared for this day since January. My 9-year old daughter is aware of what her daddy's duty is and is supportive. Just looking at the armory with all those donated products (wet wipes, lip balms, sunblocks, etc.), I was overwhelmed and grateful for everybody for their support. It is comforting to know that my husband and I can be in constant contact through e-mail. It is also comforting to know that the 111th has a very strong family support group who is ready to help those loved ones left behind.
A. Woody, Dunbar
I have a Marine son in Kuwait. Although I am scared to death, I am so PROUD!!! The worst part is just not knowing every minute how he is.
Melody Confere Toney, Danese, Fayette County
My step-son is in the Air Force and has been stationed in Germany. A few weeks ago he and others from his base were deployed to Kuwait City. We are very concerned about him and wish the war had never started. But since it has, our troops need our full support and prayers. We are so proud of him and all the other men and women serving our country and all those who have the courarge to fight for freedom. We love you, Joel!
Connie Harr, Keyser, WV
My husband is in the 3rd Brigade/ 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, Georgia. Tonight our FRG or Family Readiness Group had an emergency meeting to let us know our husbands crossed over into Iraq and were heading to Baghdad. It was a very surreal feeling as well as terrifying. I cope with this by keeping in touch with my family back in West Virginia and my husband's unit on post. I try not to let this get me down, but every once in awhile I break down in tears of frustration, fear and anticiaption. May God watch over the valiant men and women of our Armed Forces as well as every West Virginian serving here and abroad.
Jessica, Phenix City, Alabama
My husband has one cousin in Afghanistan, and two others that are about to be shipped out. We also have a friend from our church that is either shipped out, or getting ready to go. We pray for the safe return for ALL our troops whether they be from West Virginia or California.
Kelly Pauley, Clendenin
My brother, Lieutenant Commander Brian Connon, is aboard the USS Kittyhawk off of Iraq at present. I am very proud of him. He followed in our father's footsteps as dad was in Korea in the Navy. It has been 5 years since our dad died and I know this is a tough time for Brian as Dad died 5 years ago today. We just pray alot for all the men and women of all the services. God Bless America!
Sheila Ganoe, Tornado
Yes, as a former Marine, I have lot of friends serving our country. My best friend for 10 years is over there, so it's like having a family member over there. I think that people have a right to protest war, but they can't stop it now. Lots of these protest have become violent. The protesters need to support the troops that are over there. They are the ones fighting for thier rights to be able to protest. People need to turn there anger into something good. Support our troops.
Tanya Farmer, Lawrenceville, GA (Charleston, WV Native)
We are very proud of our family member, Marlin Edward Heater, Jr. (Eddie). He is with the Army's 101st Airborne, at present in Camp NY. He was in the first Gulf War. He lives in KY, with Wife, Linda; daughter, Anna; and son, Josh; waiting for his safe return. Our hearts and prayers goes out to all the men and women who serve our nation with dignity and honor.
Lisa Wehrle (Aunt), St. Albans
I was born at Ft. Stewart, Ga. to a West Virginia military family. I was raised on 6 different Air Forces Bases before coming to WV in the late 80's. I am PRO-TROOP!!! I have a sister that is USAF Active Duty at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. The morning she was preparing to ship out to the Mid-East she became completely paralyzed, was taken to the Emergency Room and diagnosed with Guan' Beret Disease. She still has major paralysis and can no longer be sent over-sea's but would go again if she could. In the early 1990's, she left her small children behind served in Kuwait for over a year. She is the mommy of 4 boys,(1 is brand-new!) plus a step-son and daughter whom lives with she and her husband. I have tried to look at the side that the anti-war demostrators are taking, but I can't help it that in my heart I feel that is a discouragement to our soldiers! My cousin's daughter has stirred up controversy by helping to arranged an anti-war demonstration from her high school here in the valley, and I can't deny that I am discusted. I cannot even speak to her at this time. I am PROUD to have been raised on Military Bases, I am PROUD to be the sister of SSGT Karen J. Neeley-Womack. I am PROUD to be the daughter of SSGT Jack E. Neeley, USAF Ret. I am proud to be an American!
Aimee Adkins, Hurricane
I think everyone should support the troops, even though it is a sad time for many, our soldiers stand ready to fight, and our support even if its just a few words of encouragement is very important!
Mysty, Charleston
The thoughts of my neighbor being over there is scary. But he was ready and anxious to go so that provided some comfort. I still pray for him and the rest of our troops everytime I think of them which is quite often.
Tracy, Nitro
I would like to say to the Peaceful Patriots that when I turn on my television set and see the things happening within the American boarders, it is alarming. When we see sights from San Francisco, New York, Chicago, the people who are peacefully protesting our war it reminds me of the peaceful protests in the Middle East. If for one moment, you could put the thought of self gratification aside, and look at what our country is enduring at this moment, at what our troops, our families are enduring, and stand up for freedom, show our troops that we support them, even if we may not agree with George Bush, the gesture of support alone would give our troops the (for lack of better word) pride to fight on, to stand for our country, and most of all, to allow our family members and friends to hopefully return home safely. Remember our troops and their families in your thoughts, and your requests to your higher power, whomever that may be, and have faith that our count! ry will remain the greatest country on the earth
Sherman Larabee, Dunbar, WV
I do not have family; however, I do have friends. It would be nice to know how to reach them? Is there anyway to find this out?
Mona Hudson, St. Albans
My nephew is with 130th Airlift Wing. I am very proud of him and of the troops defending our country. It makes me proud to be an American. I just put him in God's hands for him to protect & take care of him.
Carol L. Green, Webster Springs, WV 26288
Luckily I can email my brother aboard ship. That is a big difference from wars of the past. We send care packages and letters. I am working with my Cub Scouts in getting in touch with the site www.supportwvtroops.com. They can adopt a WV soldier and be their pen pals. And I am in constant prayer. Our church lit candles Sunday night remembering those that are in service right now. There were about 15 candles lit at Humphreys UMC in Tornado. Faith is the answer to coping with anything especially this war. Thank God for President Bush, I have great respect for him.
Sheila Ganoe, Tornado
I have a lot of friends there. All you can do it hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. I hope everyone over there makes it back safe.
Jessica, Charleston
We moved to Texas from Scott Depot, WV three years ago. My son, Lex Barker, joined the Army in WV and was last stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, WA at their hospital. He went to Kuwait March 6th and is on assignment with Camp Wolf. Good Morning America with Diane Sawyer had an interview with his camp. The interview aired on 3-26-03. I was greatly relieved to hear of the camp on good terms. My son told me, No news is good news, but to a mother it is scary. I want to watch the news regarding the war as much as possible to get any and all information available. I have family and friends there in WV and know what they are going through. West Virginians are tough and will make it through this along with all of America.
Teresa Valdez, Richwood Texas
My husband's best friend of 20+ years, Monte Tate is in the Army - Constrution Group out of Kentucky and my Husband Gregory Hunter is in the Navy - submarine out of Georgia (we are all from Sissonville). I have been a military spouse for 19 years & it is never easy with them gone in peace or war time. There is worry & stress are they safe, well, happy to the kids making a mess on the walls with markers. But I can honestly say that above the worry, the stress & the fear is the love and pride I have for my husband & our friends that are serving this country and our Presedent! The support of God, friends & family helps when I find myself sitting watching the tv 18 hours a day, praying that no more of our men & women become POWs or die. It is hardest on the kids of active duty members, our daughter just turned eighteen a week ago & she has grown up in the military and has questions & fears. Yet she has shown pride in her dad as well as other military members at school ! or work & will strongly debate anyone anti-military. What eases the worry some is getting together with friends, activities with my daughter Heahter (drama & chorus - attending proformances & making costumes & helping her with collage information)and I read hundreds of books.
Darlina Hunter, Saint Marys, Georgia
My son,SGT Stephen Propst, is serving his duty station is Ft.Campbell, Ky,with the 101st Airborne.
Connie Propst, Summersville
My husband is in SW Asia and we haven't heard from him but I cope by staying in contact with the guys that are still home from his unit and some of the wives of the members who are deployed. Plus alot of prayers and faith that this will be over soon and he will be back home.
Tina, Charleston
My husband's nephew is from the Pt. Pleasant area and he is in Iraq. Our country's finest and bravest are over there defending the right of freedom, and I know faith in God will pull us all through this ordeal.
Mary, Wilmington, NC
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