WIDisneyFan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 29, 2004
I have been on this DIS boards for a few years now and thought this would be a great place to ask for a little advice on the best way to support a "new" military family. I am looking for any hints or tips that you could offer so following is the story.
My brother-in-law is due to report for basic training on January 7th. He is now officially a member of the Minnesota National Guard and, as I understand it, will be completing basic at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. He and my sister have been married for just about 2 years and they have a young daughter and another on the way. This is a decision that they both put a lot of thought into and are both VERY comfortable with even though they understand it will not be easy, and with the current global political situation there is a good chance he may end up deployed at some point in time.
I give both of them a great deal of credit for how they have handled this decision (and I am very proud of both of them for it!). The military has been something that my brother-in-law has always felt called to and now is his time.
The one part that makes things a bit more difficult as far as providing support is distance. They live in the Minneapolis area, and the closest family is in Milwaukee - which does include me and my wife and kids. (it is about a 6-6.5 hour drive door to door).
I know they will be fine, but she will always be my little sister (I am about 10 years older than her) so I want and need to help out - it's a big brother thing! With all that in mind any hints, tips, things to say / not say, or other random thought would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance for your help!
ETA: I am not sure if it matters, but my sister and brother-in-law are both in their mid 20's and both college grads
My brother-in-law is due to report for basic training on January 7th. He is now officially a member of the Minnesota National Guard and, as I understand it, will be completing basic at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. He and my sister have been married for just about 2 years and they have a young daughter and another on the way. This is a decision that they both put a lot of thought into and are both VERY comfortable with even though they understand it will not be easy, and with the current global political situation there is a good chance he may end up deployed at some point in time.
I give both of them a great deal of credit for how they have handled this decision (and I am very proud of both of them for it!). The military has been something that my brother-in-law has always felt called to and now is his time.
The one part that makes things a bit more difficult as far as providing support is distance. They live in the Minneapolis area, and the closest family is in Milwaukee - which does include me and my wife and kids. (it is about a 6-6.5 hour drive door to door).
I know they will be fine, but she will always be my little sister (I am about 10 years older than her) so I want and need to help out - it's a big brother thing! With all that in mind any hints, tips, things to say / not say, or other random thought would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance for your help!
ETA: I am not sure if it matters, but my sister and brother-in-law are both in their mid 20's and both college grads