This is something I had not thought about prior to reading of it on another site (Military Moms.net)

It is important that we family members of an enlisted loved one have a passport. This is something that we should be prepared with, just in case we may need to travel out of the States for the sake of our loved ones.

It usually takes 6 weeks or more to receive it, and we cannot just hop a plane to visit an injured soldier without one.

There are 2 tragic stories, 1 from a wife, 1 from a mom, who didn't get their passports in time. They have been kind enough to share their stories in order to advise us in preparedness. I know this is something we don't like to think about, but need to be ready for.

Some parents got their passports long before deployments, while their soldiers were still in training, knowing how long the paperwork takes, and how soon a deployment may happen.

Just like insurance, we hope we never need to use it, but if we do, thank God it's there!

I never would have thought of that. Thank you. My youngest son is in the Army Reserves and stationed at Fort Meade. My other son is talking Navy. I'm in total turmoil...it's so hard even though he is on homeland. Not knowing if, when or where he will be going overseas. I've been reading other messages and it's comforting to know I'm not going crazy carrying the phones to the bathroom with me. I would also make an "awful soldier" but I would trade places with him in a split second. I'm so proud of my "baby". I pray everyday that our soldiers, sailors and Marines will come home safely and for their parents and loved ones. God bless our country!

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I never would have thought of that. Thank you. My youngest son is in the Army Reserves and stationed at Fort Meade. My other son is talking Navy. I'm in total turmoil...it's so hard even though he is on homeland. Not knowing if, when or where he will be going overseas. I've been reading other messages and it's comforting to know I'm not going crazy carrying the phones to the bathroom with me. I would also make an "awful soldier" but I would trade places with him in a split second. I'm so proud of my "baby". I pray everyday that our soldiers, sailors and Marines will come home safely and for their parents and loved ones. God bless our country!

You have much to be proud of with two sons choosing to defend us. They are both in my prayers.

They would never wish for you to trade places with them, that's why they chose to do this. For those of us who would make awful soldiers, we have hero's who make awesome soldiers. We need to be the ones on the sidelines applauding them, waiting to welcome them home.

About the cell...I don't have a number, other than e-mail to contact my son, so my cell is with me at all times, always on. I never want to miss the call.

Even in church, it is on. My pastors and the congregation have agreed that due to these circumstances, that interruption is quite valid.
I'm the only parent in my church who has a son overseas. They try to be understanding, but will never grasp the full impact of fear and pride intertwined, until it's in their immediate family.

People here know and feel what you are dealing with on a daily basis. You are not alone.
((((HUGS)))) to you and your son's.

This is a very good read.

It IS quite important to have your own passports. The military will now fly three family members to the site of an injured loved one. They will jump thru hoops to get you a passport, but if you already have your own, you are just one step closer to getting to your loved ones side.

Who would I contact in the military about getting a passport? I want to be fully prepared for what ever the future holds for my sons. Will they also help my husband (my sons stepfather) obtain a passport? My son is still at Maryland in AIT. He will graduate soon, I hope, and supposed to come home since he is Army Reserves. He's so homesick...he is calling several times a day on his breaks. I went months without talking to him and it was so good to hear his voice. My other son is still talking Navy or National Gurads. He hasnt really decided yet. Whatever it will be, we'll be there for him. I'm the second entry on this page...just under a name now. Thanks for all your support and info.

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Originally posted by armyreservemom:
Who would I contact in the military about getting a passport?

You need a tourist passport. The military doesn't do them. Check out the government website for online applications.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_840.html

For each of you to obtain your own passport, you need to find a "passport store" that will take your picture and give you the paperwork to fill out and send in. Some Post Offices do this. Some portrait studios will do this. Also some UPS or Fed Ex depots will do this.

You may want to call your local Courthouse in order to be directed to the nearest "passport store".

I'll sticky this for a while. Good information to have!

Grant

also if you are getting passports for children under 14 and your spouse is already deployed you MUST have a signed letter of permission for the child to travel with you out of the country before a passport will be issued for them

Thank goodness I found this parents' board. Some of the people in the other military.com boards are too 'extreme' and have made comments about how mere 'family members' should not participate in those discussions.

Thank you for the excellent input. I just finished printing the passport apps.; thanks to your link.

Another thing to make sure of is that your loved one has a General Military Power of Attorney. My son has not executed one (as yet) and we are now in limbo with an income tax prep dilemna. Yesterday I printed a POA up for him and will see that he executes it no later than his 4/20 graduation.

There are just so many things to consider that you might ordinary not contemplate were your child not in the military.

I feel so much better now that I know this discussion board exists! Thank you!

I think this deserves a bump.

Thanks for bringing it up - I never would have thought that, either. .. Do you consider it ideal to get one for the kids, too?

Hi IM glad I found this. My daughter came back from Iraq. And now my son is there. His wife lives with us. Im trying to interest her in different things while my son is gone. But shes all about stating in her room sitting on the phone. My son calls once every 2 weeks sometimes. Im trying to deal with this myself and trying to encourage her at the same time. Any suggestions?

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Originally posted by 10177969:
Any suggestions?

Hi there, welcome to the boards. These forums are a great plce to meet people and find support and information. There are also some other sections to look at:

Military Parents

Mobilization & Deployment

Military Brats

You are always welcome here!

Grant

Good idea on the passports. I have another very important tip. Another very important tip!
Your own attorney that knows military law. Just like when your children are small and you plan for college, life and medical insurance.
you should plan to have a attorney. My husband after 23 years of Faithful Naval Service had a
female accuse him of things he did not do! WE had no money for a attorney and he was convicted
because we do not have at that time all the knowledge of the ucmj. Study the UCMJ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! GET A ATTORNEY AND KEEP UP ON ALL THE NEW POLICIES PUT IN PLACE BY THE NAVY JAG! OR ANY OTHER SERVICE YOUR IN. IT COULD JUST SAVE YOUR SOILDERS LIFE!
We are appealling and will when this battle!
However, The loss of pay has finacially devastated this family and we had to file bankruptcy. So be prepared at all times you never know when something will happen to you!
Remember in the Navy you are GUILTY! The UCMJ makes it your responsibility to prove yourself INNOCENT! DON'T Believe me read the UCMJ!

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Remember in the Navy you are GUILTY!

thats definately something the recruiters do NOT tell you. my husband is in the Navy and has been lied to emencely im sure.. thats something else to be prepared for... im definately going to read that and talk to my friend in law school to study up on her military law, because im sure she wont have a class for it.

quote:

The UCMJ

The UCMJ

Thanks for the 'heads-up' on the passports!
I never even considered it....
I went and picked up my applications yesterday!
I heard with your apps all filled out and your birth certificates along side it only takes 10 minutes incuding getting a picture taken! That's easy! But it does cost a few bucks, $97 here in Wyo.
But I will be better prepared in case of an emergency, God forbid....

Noreene

In Dec 06 it will be mandatory to have a passport for re-entry into the US from Canada, by Dec 07 it will be mandatory for re-entry from any other country which all you had to show was a Driver's Licence and birth certificate. Standard time for passports is 6 to 8 weeks depending on your location. With it being hurricane season and what happened last year in New Orleans (where there is a major passport location, so lots of certificates and applications were lost) make sure you have several copies of the paperwork along with copies of everyone's birth certificates in a secure location.

For POA some companies including banks will not allow just a general POA, it will have to be specific for certain things.

Dear Friend,
NO SPAMMING!! TOU Violation. Message deleted. email to member.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bobbysangelwife,

Convenant House - I have had my passport for years now. Don't forget to keep your immunizations up to date.