AMA- When Kattie Troxler, 22, of Ama and her one-year-old son Alex found out her husband Joey would be leaving for Iraq in October, the family immediately became part of a support group for marine wives and their children at the Belle Chase Naval Airbase. “Instead of just getting support from the organization I call wives and offer support,” Troxler said.
The Marine Corps organization called Key Volunteer Network for marine spouses helps the wives cope by keeping them informed as much as possible of what’s going on with their husbands and what to expect while their husbands are fighting in a war overseas.“The program provides official information to spouses of deployed service members, and also serves as a referral and resource network for families in need of assistance,” Troxler said.
Troxler said as a volunteer wife with the program, she is given a list of other Marine wives assigned to her husbands unit to keep in touch with it.
“Key Volunteer Network’s purpose is to help military families cope with the emotional upheaval and fears we might be experiencing because of the deployment,” she said.
“For instance, we recently had a hurricane briefing, to pass on information that we need in the event of a hurricane, and binders packed with community information which is important for us.”
Troxler said it helps to have support from other wives who are raising children without their husbands and also dealing with trying to be strong and upbeat while their husbands are fighting in a war.
“It gives us an opportunity to talk to one another because we are going through the exact same thing at the exact time,” she said.
“My brother left for Iraq and I was blessed to have my sister-in-law to talk to so it helps to have someone who understands.”
“I constantly email my group of ladies and call them to make sure they’re okay, we usually get together once a month at the naval base,” she said.
“A social will be next for the marine wives and our children, it will be an outing to zoo,” she said.
Alex, just turned one year’s old on June 8.
“He was able to talk to Alex on the phone for his birthday.”
Joey should be in Iraq until June 14, 2008, two weeks after Alex’s second birthday.
“I knew when Joey signed up for the Marines this could happen, but it bothers me because I didn’t want him to miss too much of our son’s life,” she continued.
“I worry about what could happen, I put the situation in God’s hands, at times I’m scared but my faith in God keeps me strong.”
If you’re a St. Charles Parish resident looking for support or would like more information about the network, email KattieTroxler@yahoo.com.
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