Posted on 11/03/2005 3:38:46 PM PST by SandRat
CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Nov. 3, 2005) -- When Marines departed Camp Lejeune, N.C. to continue the war on terrorism here, many said farewell to families knowing their next visit would have to wait until after the deployment. However, some married spouses never had to say goodbye.
For married couple 1st Lt.’s Donald and Heather Traves, saying goodbye was more of a, “see you soon,” since they would be relatively close to each other deploying together.
Although they are stationed on separate bases, this has not deterred the couple from keeping in touch, according to Donald, who is the officer in charge of Disbursing with Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward).
“Being here together is a sense of relief,” Donald said. “It is much easier being here than sitting at home in the states with nothing to do but wonder.”
Last year Heather, a communications officer with 2nd Intelligence Battalion, 2nd FSSG, deployed to Iraq alone, and according to her it was more difficult being away from her husband than she anticipated.
“We missed all of last year’s holidays,” Heather said. “Hopefully this year that will not be the case.”
On a recent disbursing mission, Donald finally received the chance to see his wife while passing through Camp Blue Diamond, Iraq. Sharing stories of how they met, the couple couldn’t have been happier to see each other.
Some married couples, however, do not have the privilege of seeing each other as often as they would like, according to Cpl. Abigail E. Grant who resides here and is married to Sgt. Shaun L. Grant, a platoon sergeant for Motor Transportation, II Marine Headquarters Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force who currently works out of Fallujah.
“We have gotten to see each other twice while my husband was here on a convoy,” said Abigail, the operations watch noncommissioned officer for Combat Logistics Regiment-25, 2nd FSSG.
Abigail, who is based here, also explained that it is not always easy for both her and her husband to be away from home at the same time.
“Since we have been gone [our son] has turned one-year-old, and also learned to walk and talk,” Abigail said. “When we get home the only plan that we have is to get to know our son, Jaxon.”
There are many couples serving together throughout Iraq and although sometimes their nerves are at ease knowing their loved one is serving with them, it can also bring on a string of worries as well.
“The saying, ‘what you don’t know won’t hurt you,’ doesn’t work for me out here,” Donald said. “It is sometimes harder because I understand how dangerous things can get. I just worry for my wife.”
For more information about the Marines or news reported in this story, contact by e-mail cssemnfpao@cssemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil.
Pat Shroeder and Richard Danzig could not be prouder...
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