My son is coming home from Baghdad/Kuwait, to Ft Stewart, Ga., in a few weeks.

He was in several serious combat incidents that I know of. He has a Purple Heart.

He is with the 3D ID 2BCT "Spartans"

I know its been a long tough deployment and he will at some point get leave.

We are proud of him and want to have some sort of Homecoming Party.

I don't know what to say or ask him about what has happened and I'm afraid of some family members or myself saying or not saying something that makes him feel bad or disappointed.

Is this over reacting?

You're not over reacting at all. You should be proud of your son's accomplishments!

OldAFcop, Thanks, there is no doubt we are proud of him.

The 3D ID and his Brigade have done a wonderful job over the past year.

The Stress and Anxiety of seeing many of his closest combat buddies go home under less then the greatest condition and leaving him not once but twice during the past year, has been difficult.

Are there questions I should stay away from? Should I just talk home grown issues and let the conversation develop?

Also, does the Army CO's look down on Soldiers that have been stressed or exhibit signs of depression post extreme combat incidents?

quote:

Are there questions I should stay away from? Should I just talk home grown issues and let the conversation develop?

From my own personal experience, the best advice I can give to you, and this is not official by any means, is to take it easy, make sure that your son feels comfortable, rested and well-fed. It's a tough transition from combat to civilian life.

It's also a good idea to suggest that he seek some services from a Vet Center or other competent service to deal with the stressors of combat.

You seem like a great dad. Stay close to your son, he needs you now more than ever before.

Healthy Living Welcomes You! Here you can learn nutrition and fitness, healthy living perfect shape!
Healthy Living

Big Papi,

I'd wait for a while to throw a big party. If he does have PTSD, he's most likely going to be uncomfortable with a big crowd. Just ask him what he would like. If he doesn't want anything big, just let it go and do it when he feels okay with it. It's a big adjustment to come home after being in theater.

Don't force discussions on him, either. If he doesn't want to talk about stuff, let him be silent until he's ready. If he does want to talk, don't judge what he says.

Let him know you love him, support him and will be there for him when he needs you. That's the most important thing you can do.

Thank you for being so concerned for him. And to all military families, thank you for serving on the homefront.

Semper Fi!

quote:

And to all military families, thank you for serving on the homefront.

Families are an essential part of the well-being of both servicemembers and veterans. They need to have as much support as possible.

Princess, I don't know if he has PTSD but how can you go through what he has and not have it effect you?

He lost much of the gear he had to help him occupy his down time such as, Laptop, Ipod and so many CD's and DVD's we bought him, during the the most recent incident which totally melted his Bradley.

He has seen a Chaplain and I'm not sure who else.

We will be sure not to force any stress on him by having him relive what he has locked away, yet I can't help but feel as his Father that talking might not be a bad thing.

We have a VA Hospital in Northampton, Ma that is supposed to be pretty good.

He still has a few years on his contract and has said that he wants to stay in beyond that and had enjoyed the brotherhood with his dismount and mounted squads over this deployment[his first].

Right here is a link to the Northampton Hospital. It looks like a good one!