What is the hardest thing about serving the military?

CPT Bob Moore, you can definitely say a prayer and divine guidance in this case. Also realize that you're not alone in this 'battle' of separation, along with thousands of other families. Seek guidance and alliance with others, especially with those whose loved ones didn't come back alive :-(

CSM (Join to see) I can't even imagine how that would affect me. My "baby" is 19.5 (I still see her as my 234 month old).

Oh yeah, you hit that one right on the nose. The hardest thing I've ever done is put my son on the plane to go to Afghanistan. I served for 24 years, never was sent to a combat zone, but I went here for 3 weeks, went there for 3 months, always leaving and never thinking much about it. The years passed and then one day I was putting my son on the plane to go to Afghanistan, a war zone, a 1 year tour, with his wife and child left behind, knowing there was a chance it was the last time I would see him. Talk about the vain repetition of the heathen, I never prayed so much for one thing in my life, dear Lord, please send my son and his buddies all back home safe and sound. I must have said it in my mind a 100 times a day. (They all came home safe.) Sending my son off to war is the hardest thing I've ever done.

Thank God he came back with his buddies. Must have been one of the hardest things a parent can face. I have 2 daughters and a son and I have never had to go through an experience you faced as of yet. Thanks for sharing your experience. God Bless you and your family and thank you so much for the service of your son and yourself.

At the time i did not understand how much i missed my family but all-n-all i figured it out
my wife has helped alot showing me the way .