This is difficult for me.....

**Chas** · 11-06-06, 06:06 AM

I knew this day would come, but when it happens its like a kick in the face. My son Benjamin has received he orders to ship out to Iraq in a few short weeks.
As a proud American, I couldn’t be more proud of my son.
As a proud father, I couldn’t be more scared for his safety. Keep our troops in your prayers please….I cant think of anything to say that makes sense at this point so I wont try.
"God bless our troops"
Chas

**6 Shooter** · 11-06-06, 06:32 AM

Chas - May God bless your son and all of our troops!

**Yoda** · 11-06-06, 07:36 AM

Chas,

Ben does NOT GO Alone, he is part of a team ... and I mean TEAM in the BEST sense of the word.

He is as proud of you and Theresa as you are of him.

Ben joins a special group, "Veteran of Foreign Wars" and he will be scared and brave all in the same breath. Our prayers go with him and a special one stay here at home for you and your family.

Fly your Blue Star Flag PROUDLY...

Bud & Nanc Dougherty

**Chas** · 11-06-06, 11:56 AM

Dwayne and Bud,
Many thanks guys

.....
When Ben came home for his 21st birthday we cruised the vette in the Woodward Dream Cruise together, he got off his plane and we went right to it. I got out and ran up the road and got this shot of him doin the cruise..

Then we parked and sat and talked for a few hours......

What a great birthday he had here.

**67HEAVEN** · 11-06-06, 12:02 PM

Chas,

May he be safe in mind and in body, and return to you whole to grow fat and old with the rest of us.

**KOPBET** · 11-06-06, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by Rare81

Chas,

Ben does NOT GO Alone, he is part of a team ... and I mean TEAM in the BEST sense of the word.

He is as proud of you and Theresa as you are of him.

Ben joins a special group, "Veteran of Foreign Wars" and he will be scared and brave all in the same breath. Our prayers go with him and a special one stay here at home for you and your family.

Fly your Blue Star Flag PROUDLY...

Bud & Nanc Dougherty

Well said, and I agree!

**Z28Canuck** · 11-06-06, 12:13 PM

Charlie and Theresa

You know all along our thoughts and prayers have been with you both, the kids and especially Ben over this last year plus. We shared some sadder moments and rejoiced with you on those happy ones but always we've been there with you and will continue to be. Please keep us posted and remember you've always got us to talk to OK? Our hearts go out to your family.

We will continue to keep all of you and those serving their country in our thoughts and prayers and like you said there isn't too much more we can say right now except that we are so very proud of the fine young man you both raised so well and also proud of all the brave service men and women currently serving.
Take care
Sincerely
Doug

**Pseudomind** · 11-06-06, 12:26 PM

Charlie and Theresa

I can only endorse what has been stated here so far. Mine and my wife's prayers are there for you and your son.

Howard

**GerryLP** · 11-06-06, 12:38 PM

Chas,

We had our son sent to Iraq during two tours, and we experienced the anxiety, worries, and mental torment during both periods. We flinched and we sobed in anguish and sadness when the news reported casulaties, and we relished in happines when we could tell that William was alright. I feel in my heart that Ben will be alright also.

The best way we spent our time in betwen news from the battlefield was by keeping ourselves busy gathering things like baby wipes, candy and chocolate, toys, and whatever we thought he could use over there.

We're with you, Ben, and your family. May God guard and protect him during this challenging time.

GerryLP

**Chas** · 11-06-06, 01:53 PM

This helps more than I thought it would. I have been holding back from posting about it just because i have had a hard time dealing with it.
Thanks from the heart to everyone here that prays for our troops and my son....Thank you all.

Charlie Stoddart

**bill81vette** · 11-06-06, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by Rare81

Chas,

Ben does NOT GO Alone, he is part of a team ... and I mean TEAM in the BEST sense of the word.

He is as proud of you and Theresa as you are of him.

Ben joins a special group, "Veteran of Foreign Wars" and he will be scared and brave all in the same breath. Our prayers go with him and a special one stay here at home for you and your family.

Fly your Blue Star Flag PROUDLY...

Bud & Nanc Dougherty

ditto..God Bless for a safe return....

**Roadster Fan** · 11-06-06, 03:26 PM

Chas, I'm sure Benjamin will do us all proud defending freedom away from home. He'll be in our thoughts. Congrats on raising such a fine young man.

Brett

**MsSchroder** · 11-06-06, 07:26 PM

It must be very hard to be the parent of a serviceman.
May he return quickly and safely.

Tammy

**Mac** · 11-06-06, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by MsSchroder

It must be very hard to be the parent of a serviceman.
May he return quickly and safely.

Tammy

Amen.

I got word a few weeks ago that my nephew is shipping out to Afghanistan in February. The news caused me to pause and consider the NATO mission and the Canadian role. I know we're doing the right thing. He's only 21 and recently was blessed with his first child, a lovely daughter. Uncle Mac was emotional. Chas, I can't imagine what you both are going through.

-Mac