I just dropped off my husband at the airport today for a one-year stint in Iraq as a contractor for KBR. I am grateful for this article, and will check on the website, as I feel as alone and empty and fearful as I've ever felt. My husband is a good man, and served in the military for 19 years. He would have preferred to go back into the Army, but found the red tape involved in coming out of retirement to be oppressive and frankly--humiliating, considering his service record. He is not going to make the kind of money people think these guys make, but the money is good. The problem is--it's also dangerous and the separation for our family is brutal. I can't imagine how I'm going to get through this--a year without the person in this world who loves me the most. I will check out the website now, and hope there is some kind of support system for people like us. I know I need to find support somewhere to get through this. THank you again for your article. Beth Mills
I worked in Iraq for KBR for 20 months from Sept 04 til May 06. It is hard to be away from normal life but as long as he stays in contact with you and depending on his job he will be able to do that everyday. I had access to a computer and phone anytime I wanted since I had a desk job. You normally work 12+ hours a day, 7 days a week so all there is left to do is relax and sleep. The food is pretty good, the MWR's are nice and he does get quite a bit of vacation time. After his first 4 months he gets his first R&R then at about the 6 month mark he can take an LWOP for up to 7 days. You just have to remember he has to stay outside of USA territory for 330 days to qualify for the tax free benefits. So if you don't have your passport now I would suggest getting one so you can meet him in Europe, Asia, or even Canada.
Hey just wanted to tell you that all will be o.k. my husband is going on 4 years over there as a private contractor, he doesn't make a ton of money he drives a truck all over the country delivering water,gas,bulding materials etc...I am in Alaska so it is a long trip for him so he works thru his vacations so sometimes it has been a year or more since I have sen him. It can be overwhelming and strange, but also can be a great challange personally. You will adjust it's a diffrent phase of your relationship. Think positive, be supportive and don't let him know you are afraid. It helps. I hope that helps. Novas
