Many, many emails from first timers

I have received over a dozen emails from folks that has either a friend, Son or Daughter and even one from a young lady that is really not sure of her status with her warrior other than they are friends and maybe a little more who knows, but it was that email that has inspired me to post tonight. As our warriors get deeper into their operations the more I will be posting here as most of you know. , this particular email really opened my eyes as I know that the unit moved out with a few new guys.

This post is for all the new families and friends of the Herd.

I have received emails asking what to say and what to send to our new warriors. So for as to what to say here are the rules I employ when speaking to my warrior.

Rule 1. Always ask how they are so you you can gauge the up coming conversation.

2. Show them what you have learned about their unit and how prestigious it is. You can do this by educating yourself here.

www.173abnbde.setaf.army.mil/history.htm

3. Make them proud to be with a unit so respected throughout the Military community.

4. Make sure they know how proud of them.

5. Make sure you tell them how much you love them.

6. Never tell them of the trips to exotic places you are about to go on. (Lesson I just learned not long ago)

8. What they need downrange.

9. Ask who their Battle buddies are. Drop them a letter when you can as well.

10. Don't show your emotions in a negative manner as our job is to help build moral while they are deployed. This way we coach the ultimate warrior to perform at their best, thus getting home safe.

If you need support contact me at larryarnone@gmail.com and I will do my best to help you. These guys are good and I think the unit are going to be hitting some more major Grand slams this time around. Right MSG!

This is Larry Arnone
AKA Bluestardad (and I want to keep it that way

Out

P.T.S.D. and how it can be treated.

I have written about this topic before but feel that you can never make Parents, Loved One and Friends more aware about this. Some soldiers are afraid to ask for help from the Government fearing it could affect their status amongst their Commanders, Battle Buddies and the Government itself. We can eliminate those fears today by simply observing our soldiers when they return from Afghanistan and identifying certain symptoms. You the loved ones will spot them after spending some time with them when they return home. A person who I have become to know through the Blogspheres ( Joanne ) aka http://longislandgirl.vox.com/ has made me aware previously of an organization that helps returning soldiers and families that help them at no charge are are kept completely confidential. If your soldier is in denial or feel they will not accept your observations and advice then contact the organization yourself so they can help you help your soldier understand they may need help. Go to this website to learn how you can help your loved one or friend www.thesoldiersproject.org, . It is always best to catch ANY disorder early on. Don't be afraid or embarrassed as they nor you have control on the onset of this disorder. The war did it to them and it is up to us to reach out and help them with loving hearts.

I beg you, please pass the word about this as it is the least we can do for these returning hero's. This disorder can be worse than being wounded in battle. Last but not least, when your Soldier does return home to you and you greet them at the airport, smile, show them how much you are happy they are home but let them approach you for that hug. They are already a bit freaked out being around thousands of people in an uncontrolled environment.

Enjoy your time with them while they are home, you both deserve it as it has been a difficult deployment for us all. As our soldiers would say "Sky Soldiers"!