Theresa (Wife's) Mobilization-Bad News/Good News situation

[CowboyJD]

Bad news = the wife getting mobilized for 400 days in her Reserve Unit.

Good news = Though it won't be in OKC or Ft. Sill like we hoped, at least it's not overseas. Fort Dix, New Jersey.

We had a false alarm earlier this year. This one, however, is being offered as a "volunteer for this, or you'll likely be going to Iraq within six months" type thing.

Guess it's time to Google New Jersey and start looking at flight expenses to New Jersey.

[WyomingOSUAlum]

How soon before she goes?

[CowboyJD]

How soon before she goes?

LOL. Her report date in New Jersey is 1/3/08. That means she'll ship out here New Year's Eve or New Year's Day.

Nothing like a little advance notice, huh?

That's the Army way I guess.

[Verb]

Oh, man, JD. Will you be able to handle the girls on your own? Do you have family locally to back you up? Even if you do, it's bound to be distressing to them to have a missing mommy for a pretty big chunk of time.

Then again, not going to Iraq is GREAT, great news.

[bleedorange]

Dang Jimmy, that's definitely some bittersweet news! Although, if there's ever been a family built with strength to handle some adversity, my money would be on you and yours.

Let your extended Orange family know what we can do to help.

[CowboyJD]

I shouldn't have too much problem handling the girls on my own. I'm a VERY active father when it comes to their care. For the first seven years of our marriage, Theresa worked second shift (4p-2a + overtime....8 days in a row, then 6 off) so I got a whole lot of practice with all of that stuff. I'll simply encounter the same problems a single parent would....which is bound to be alot.

My dad and his wife are in the area, but he's kind of "old school" when it comes to the role of a father. When I told him the news, he said, "We'll help when we can. I'm not sure how much that'll be, but we'll try our best".

My mother and sister will be in Ardmore. Theresa's family are all in Mass. and Florida. We do have friends in the Army and Police Department that will be able to help in a pinch.

Luckily, with her being in NJ they should be able to see her every few months or so. Right now, airline tickets are running about $400 round trip. I'm already planning on going out there for there spring break (March) and sometime this summer. When she accumulates some leave time, she could fly home for a week or so too.

After googling Ft. Dix, it doesn't seem so bad. It's about an hour from Philly....and hour from NYC....an hour from the Jersey Shore. Lot's of opportunity to make daytrips for her and us while we're out there.

[jakeman]

Prayers to you and yours my man, prayers.

[allie]

hate to hear you will be seperated, but glad she won't be in a war zone. since this is wartime, does this count to "upgrade" her benefits of being in the reserves? I am not that familiar with all of that stuff, but know my husbands army brother (over 20 years in) gained more benefits that he wouldn't have gotten otherwise from being deployed, albeit to Iraq.

sounds like you are prepared to make the best of it and visit and see some sites you might not otherwise. that sort of attitude will get you through the worst of it.

[barryrules]

Sorry to hear this JD, but glad to know that she will at least be State side. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask.

[AnniePokely]

Wow.

I'm SO glad it's not a war zone, but VERY sad for the family to be separated. You guys are like family to me. i KNOW what a awesome dad you are. You'll do just fine.

Same offer that i sent out before, still stands. I have the grandkids here in Clinton now. Santana loves the girls. Let's do playdays, and even sleepovers when you need a break. The girls would be VERY well taken care of here, and i can spoil them for a night or two. It's only a hour away. They can spend time with mom and i. It would be great for mom as well.

We'll talk about it when the time comes.


You tell T that we love her, and we are VERY proud of her for her service. Also tell her that i'll write her. I'm a great card sender!

Reach out to your OSS family JD. I did, and i was shocked at how they stood beside me when i needed it the most.

*hugs*

[CowboyJD]

Wow.

I'm SO glad it's not a war zone, but VERY sad for the family to be separated. You guys are like family to me. i KNOW what a awesome dad you are. You'll do just fine.

Same offer that i sent out before, still stands. I have the grandkids here in Clinton now. Santana loves the girls. Let's do playdays, and even sleepovers when you need a break. The girls would be VERY well taken care of here, and i can spoil them for a night or two. It's only a hour away. They can spend time with mom and i. It would be great for mom as well.

We'll talk about it when the time comes.


You tell T that we love her, and we are VERY proud of her for her service. Also tell her that i'll write her. I'm a great card sender!

Reach out to your OSS family JD. I did, and i was shocked at how they stood beside me when i needed it the most.

*hugs*

I appreciate the offer. Let's wait and see how Mimi is doing in a while, and we'll go from there. I have no doubt they'd be well taken care of, but you have tons on your plate right now.

[AnniePokely]

It's a deal. We'll figure it all out

[CowboyJD]

hate to hear you will be seperated, but glad she won't be in a war zone. since this is wartime, does this count to "upgrade" her benefits of being in the reserves? I am not that familiar with all of that stuff, but know my husbands army brother (over 20 years in) gained more benefits that he wouldn't have gotten otherwise from being deployed, albeit to Iraq.

sounds like you are prepared to make the best of it and visit and see some sites you might not otherwise. that sort of attitude will get you through the worst of it.

Yeah, medical benefits are available. Pay is certainly increased as an active duty. She also gets additional housing pay and family pay because she is stationed away for her home. Additionally, it gets her promoted to major more quickly.

Furthermore, there are summer camps and other types of services available to famillies of all active duty soldiers fighting the GWOT.

We can get to Philly from Dallas for a little over $1000 dollars. There's no reason we can't do that at least 4 times over the 400 days. That's once every three months or so, not even counting Mom coming home on leave if and when she can. The funny thing is that my dad has a time share thing, and he gave us one of his weeks free at any of their locations. We were having a big discussion about it last night. It's pretty clear we'll be staying at one of their Jersey Shore properties this summer. Haha.