Tips on Supporting Your Overseas Soldier, in Iraq, at War, or Anywhere

Like many other people, I have a family member currently serving in Iraq. His name is Pvt. Jack Campbell. I show support however I can, but I empathize when friends of soldiers describe the feeling of helplessness that comes with having a loved one in Iraq. When Jack’s mother, my aunt, tied a large yellow bow tied around tree in her front yard; I lovingly decorated my own garden with its twin. I spent a dollar on a sticker for my car that reads “Support Our Troops,” but I know that money doesn’t help Jack—it just puts cash in the hands of some Wal-Mart bigwig. Many other people have experienced this same situation and asked the same question: What can I really do to support my loved one during this difficult time? 

With modern technological advancements, there are more communication options than the classical “hand-written letter”: Phone calls, blogs, and emails; not to mention a quicker, more efficient mail-service that allows delivery of great products such as DVDs, home-made foods, or CDs.

Phone Calls:   What the heck can we talk about?

My phone rang earlier today, and caller ID showed an unfamiliar phone number with far more than the traditional eight digits. It must be a call from out of country, which could only mean one thing: Jack was calling. It’s a strange feeling—and special - to receive a call from someone in a war-zone. Despite bombings, firefights, and whatever terrible conditions he’s dealing with, your soldier still wants to call home and hear your voice. This raises a problem though: What the heck can you talk about?

“Hello, how have you been?”

He’s in the middle of Iraq during a war. Chances are, he’s not going to say “Oh, I’m just peachy” so be prepared to hear some crazy stories. I face this problem often when I talk to Jack. Before he went to Iraq, we discussed favorite new video games, movies, and interesting upcoming parties and events. Now he’s in Iraq; how much does our subject material need to change?