[fivekid]

Not sure if this is the right thread for this,

but here goes...... My BIL, who I have raised since he

was 9 years (I consider him my little brother) served in

Gulf One. He has gone through some hard times lately,

and wont's to re-up. I told him it was his choice, and

ALWAYS Thank him for protecting me and mine.

He is not a spring chicken anymore. LOL...

Question to all: Am I being selfish?

any input would be appreciated.

Again I am sorry if this is the wrong thread for this.

[Mama_Bear]

Question to all: Am I being selfish?

I don't think so. But I understand how you feel. No one, even the most patriotic, wants to see a loved one go off to war.

I have a nephew who did exactly what your BIL wants to do. He is not a young man and he has already served his country honorably, but he reenlisted and is now stationed in Balad, leaving a wife and a baby girl at home. It was something he felt he had to do. We are very proud of him and we all supported his decision to go, but I think it is safe to say that everyone in his family hoped that, at the last minute, he would change his mind.

I understand, it's a difficult thing you are dealing with. God bless you and your BIL.

[Pippin]

Not selfish, I'd worry that you weren't concerned for you BIL.

[DollyCali]

Hi fivekid.. not sure we have "met" before, but let me add my two cents re: BIL / little bro...

Men need to be appreciated & respected. If he is falling now on hard times (I am guessing you mean economically) and this will help him, it is NOT bad. The fact that he is considering this line of thought is indicative that he did feel appreciated & respected when he was on active duty.

If he doesn't go he will always regret it. If he does go there are several outcomes which we are all aware of. If he understands the possibility of outcomes/costs, which I am sure he does, he needs all the encouragement & support he can get from his loved ones.

Someone merely bailing him out of his current financial dilemma would not be very good for him in long run. Again he will feel like a failure, needy etc.

Good to meet you here & keep us posted on him, okay?

[WVNan]

Am I being selfish?

yes, but it's okay to be selfish in cases like this. You want him to do what he feels he must do, but you know how much you will miss him and how much you will fear for his safety. You wouldn't be human if you didn't want him close and safe. Yep, selfish. I would be too. God bless you and your BIL.