Son Deployed

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 10:09:46 -0400

Went to Ft. Riley last week to visit with my "mini-me" before set off on his first deployment, his BDE is taking over the Kuwait mission from a BDE from 4th ID. Interesting the flood of emotions as I said good-bye to him 11-years after he and the rest of my family did the same thing for me prior to OIF. I am hopeful that with the current situation in Iraq that he doesn't have to "Cross the berm", but I know our Army is well trained and that him being on that 70-ton "Steel Beast", he will be ok. Am just curious if anyone else on here has a son or daughter currently serving that has deployed and if your emotions/reactions were similar to mine.

***UPDATE***
Young SPC Swartz has redeployed safely along with the entirety of his unit, has undergone the required re-integration period and will be going on leave next week. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers sent his way as well as ours during this deployment, good to know that my brothers and sisters in arms are truly caring, but I already knew that!!!!

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Jun 24 at 2014 10:15 AM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 10:15:24 -0400

My daughter is in the middle of starting a SP career in the Air Force. This si also a great concern and will keep your son in our prayers too.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jun 24 at 2014 4:14 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 16:14:51 -0400

While my children are both too young to serve right now, this is a situation I been playing out in my head from time to time. The fact remains that our children can and may be called to served in the exact same places we have. Look at Korea, my Grandfather served there and I was stationed pretty close to where he was. The same can be said for other places we been. It's a sad fact but yes, I see many of us with children having to do what you just went through. It isn't easy; that is for sure but I salute you and your families call to serve.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Jun 25 at 2014 1:38 PM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 13:38:26 -0400

Will keep in prayers! My 2nd youngest son was OEF in 2009.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jun 25 at 2014 1:53 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 13:53:48 -0400

SFC Swartz my family and I will keep you and your son in our prayers while he is deployed. Overseas duty is never easy as you probably know, and especially in a hot zone like the Middle East. God bless you both.

Charles

Response by SGT Leigh Barton made Jun 26 at 2014 2:14 PM

SGT Leigh Barton — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 14:14:26 -0400

I'd like to make a suggestion. Once a month or so send him a care package and include a bottle with a vitamin mineral complex in it. They're always scarce overseas. My entire tour I in Korea never saw any available in the exchanges. Short rations, over stressed supply lines, inadequate diet, and extreme environments can all contribute to heat and other types of injuries I've had to treat so many times. Nutritional supplements can help improve his survivability, and help you focus on being proactive rather than just worried. You can probably think of other things to send from your own practical experiences. Like getting him on Rally Point if he isn't already, assuming he has a laptop available.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 27 at 2014 12:25 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 12:25:10 -0400

Its hard to watch your kids grow up and out of your home so watching one go off to war.. I can't even imagine it yet. I'm sure SFC William Swartz Jr you must be so proud of him on so many levels. Thank you both for your service and best wishes and prayers for a safe deployment!

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Jun 27 at 2014 12:32 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 12:32:00 -0400

SFC Swartz.......your son will be in my prayers, he will be alright because you laid out the blueprint for him to succeed.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 1:03 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 13:03:41 -0400

My eldest daughter considered joining, but she is has her hands full right now being a mom. My oldest soon is too young, but I have often wondered what it would be like if they followed dear ol'dad into the service. One the one hand I'd be proud, but on the other I won't deny I would feel a bit anxious. But have faith that everything will be alright.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2014 11:36 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 11:36:48 -0400

My thoughts and prayers to you and your family SFC Swartz with your son's deployment. Speaking as a former Army wife, take advantage of the family readiness groups. They are a great comfort as you meet husbands, wives, moms, dads, sisters of deployed soldiers, and understand the feelings you may sometimes think are weird. I hope that is of a comfort to you.
Blessings,
Lisa

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Jul 18 at 2014 11:57 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 23:57:34 -0400

Will be keeping your son in our prayers

Response by SGT Corey Franks made Mar 12 at 2015 3:06 PM

SGT Corey Franks — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 15:06:04 -0400

Irony at its best, saying goodbye that is. GOD speed to him and his safe return. Scouts out!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Mar 12 at 2015 3:20 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 15:20:10 -0400

SFC William Swartz Jr What is the latest status with your son? Everything good? God Bless! I'd be a wreck.

Response by SSG Rajeev Kirpalani made Apr 29 at 2020 11:14 PM

SSG Rajeev Kirpalani — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:14:55 -0400

I’ll keep him in my prayers. Tankers lead the way