Sgt Grit:
Earlier this month my son's Engineering Battalion left for Afghanistan and brother, I gotta tell you, it was real hard letting him go. The day we found out what their actual deployment date was, there was a different kind of reality that hit me that cannot be explained.
We booked our hotel room and waited. Once the day of their departure rolled around, we headed to Camp Lejeune to spend our last hours with him. Dinner, a movie, the barracks and hotel to try to get some sleep. Momi got the very early morning call for us to come back on base to meet at their departure area.
The wait was nice. I was impressed with the staging of their gear and we were shown some of the vehicles they'd be using. I talked with one of the Lieutenants for a good while to help pass the time. Then the rain came and shortly after the buses, and the mood changed for all with the final goodbyes.
Thank God for the Officers that helped direct the parents, wives and other family members to their Marine's or Sailor's bus. While waiting for the buses to depart, I got to meet Brigadier General James Lukeman, the CG for 2d Marine Division. The concern and compassion he had for the parents and wives welfare was immeasurable. He was introducing himself to all that he could and with all the activity that was going on, he was pulling Marines off the buses for final goodbyes.
I asked him if I could step onto the bus for a picture. At first he was like "OK", but then he stopped me and said that he did not want to start a stampede, so he took the picture for me. To say the least I am very appreciative for what he did. I was very impressed with General Lukeman's actions that early morning. He was very active with helping to take care of his Marines and Sailors in addition to their families. He made a promise to Momi that she is very much holding him too. I hope she is not let down…
When your child deploys, the game changes, there is no amount of preparation that can be done. It makes no difference if a parent has had prior military service or not. You start out at ground zero and try your best to survive just like everybody else. This is our first deployment of this nature, and I pray our last. For the parents that have undergone multiple deployments, you have my respect and admiration.
It is d-mn hard being the parent of a Marine. It has been the most exhausting & rewarding experience supporting my son these past three years.
Semper Fi and God Bless
JJ Chervinko
Cpl USMC