[Hipshot]

As one of many with a child serving in out armed forces, I can certainly understand your fears and concerns regarding his decision to go into the military.

We can't live their lives for them - I know that sounds trite, but they have reached the age where we have to let them go and lead their own lives. Do that mean we don't worry about them? Hell NO! I've sweated out every day of my son's two deployments to Baghdad and all the trials and tribulations he's gone through.

I can't think of how many times I've wished it was me on that deployment instead of him. I'm an old coot and have lived a full life - his is just starting. I know he would argue with me about taking his place...he can be as hard-headed as me at times.

We have to put our trust in them and in someone greater than us to look after them. He'll be coming home with stories of good times and not so good. Listen to him, talk with him - not to him. Someday soon we'll have all our loved ones home and out of harm's way. Until then - tell him to kick ass and take names!