Here's the deal, my son got dropped off from swimming, I was talking to the mother of his friend, explaining that my DH is being deployed, leaving soon. So I want my son to stick around, not be gone everyday swimming. (they call everyday wanting him to go)

She proceeds with the oh you poor thing and going on with her opinion of how Bush fabricated this whole thing, blah blah blah.

I support my DH 100% and we both believe in what he is doing. I know ppl have their own opinion but boy I wish they would know when to keep it to themselves.

What is the best way for me to respond, because I'm sure (being this is his 1st deployment) this will come up again.

Ignore it altogether, or say, "I appreciate that you have your opinion, but my family has made this choice, and we are very proud of my husband. Thank you for sharing your views." Then just walk away. Killing idiots with kindness only confuses them.

I tell folks the same thing every time.
'Thank you for your concern for me and my family. I appreciate it.' .....it totally stuns them, it's nicely said with no nastiness, and it distracts them from their rants.