There Is No Family In the Army

This week has been full of ups and downs for my family. Many, many ups and downs. I usually try to keep some of my personal business personal, but for this post, I think I just have to let it all hang out there.

We have been involved in a case, trying to get custody of my stepchildren. They are in a physically and emotionally abusive home and are being medically neglected. I will not go into the details of the abuse, but it is happening. Without any doubt.

Some of you may be thinking why didn't we report this to the proper authorities (CPS)? The answer to that is simple. We have. On numerous occasions. The nicest thing that I can say about the CPS in the state where the children reside is...well I can't think of anything nice to say. Let me tell you though, their investigative skills are mediocre at best. The caseworker interviewed a woman that was almost 9 months pregnant, but was unaware that the woman was pregnant. They were to investigate a person living in the household, but their report contains no information regarding that person living there. Apparently, investigation means different things to different people.

Due to the lack of response from CPS, we were forced to go through legal channels. We retained an attorney and have been diligently working towards removing the children from a bad situation. It has been a long and stressful process.

Now, on to the Army part of things. As has been mentioned a few times, the husband is scheduled to deploy. Very soon. Using the proper channels, we have requested that he be allowed to remain behind to conclude the case involving his children. Let me stress that my husband wants to deploy with his unit. This is not attempt to get out of a deployment. He is ready and willing to join his unit as soon as his children are safe. This week we were told that would be allowed. We were given a date for his departure that would allow him to take care of this. A day later, that was revoked. A day later, his flight moved up yet again. We are now looking at a deployment well in advance of getting his children out of this situation. It has been suggested that he leave his children where they are until after his return. In a year. It was also suggested that I fight for his children on his behalf. Trust me, I am more than willing, but it is not allowed. I have asked to be able to do just that.

The Army is suggesting that a soldier deploy to a warzone and leave his children to be abused. To be neglected. The Army expects us to believe that there are no flights to Iraq after a certain day. The Army somehow believes that this will not affect the soldier's ability to perform his job. The Army would also like the general public to believe that they support the soldier and his family. I would love to know where this support is now.

I understand completely that my husband signed the contract. I understand completely that my husband obligated himself to serve his country. I also understand that when doing so he did not realize that at some point in the near future he would be required to choose the safety and well being of his children or his career or jail time.

I won't even go into the fact that at this point in time, the husband is considered nondeployable for medical reasons. They have suggested that he find out if the required surgery can be performed in Iraq. In a warzone.

I am asking for your prayers, your thoughts, your advice, your experience, anything that you are willing to offer.

Feel free to link to this post :)