Im About To Go To Iraq, And I Need To Talk To Someone.

[Guest katie019]

Hey everyone, my username obviously katie, but sadly that's just the name I want. Anyways, im a combat engineer in the army. And im about to leave by the end of november.

I've been really depressed lately about myself, and I know that I don't want to be in the army longer than I signed up for.(3 yrs) but it was all I had left. I can get a degree while im in. And save dployment money for the transition expences. But if there's anyone out there I can talk to, that would be nice. I have a lot of questions that I would like some kind of answer for. Oh and by the way. Sorry if my spelling is off, im using my phone to get online.

Thanks,

Katie019

[MaryEllen]

Hello Katie,

Welcome to Laura's Playground. We have a lot of veterans and even a few active duty people here. Go ahead and ask your questions and hopefully between all of us, we can provide answers.

MaryEllen

[Guest katie019]

For thos who can answre this, what's it like being ts in the military? I know if I came out to anyone id get discharged.

What's the best way to deal with this now. I mean before I joined the army I was working on transitioning, but I realized that it costs money(a lot) so I had to put it on hold.

[Guest Donna Jean]

Welcome a whole bunch, Katie! I'm glad that you came here and hope some of us can be of help.....

My names Donna Jean and I'm just starting my journey after all these years. I was an Air Force Loadmaster on C-141 and C-130 aircraft in ...Guess where?...Viet Nam! Yep, darn it! A long time ago, but nothing is too late if you're still alive. I'm proud to have served, but, that does'nt change who or what I am inside.

So, Katie, you'll be in for 3 years....make the best of it...you'll get a lot of memories and hopefully some skill that you can take to the real world later. If you're like me you'll be too busy to dwell too much on your problem. There were times when I looked out the aircraft window down at the rice paddys and said "what the hell is a girl like me doing up here?" Ahhhh, sweet memories....

I'll give you a chat if you want and try to help if possible. None of us have all the answers, but, we can gang up on it and maybe tackle it together!

Please get back, dear....

Peace

Donna Jean

[Guest katie019]

Thanks for your reply. Im really looking for hope, and I hope im to busy to think about it.

Its just, these people are hard to work around a bunch of cocky guys like this, and them always be like look at her this and that. Completely ignorant and judgemental. It makes me sick.

And not to mention completely disrespectful. I mean, I try to tell them hey stop doing this to me, or please don't treat me that way. But all they say is grow some testicles, or something like that.

(Sorry, I don't have anyone around here to talk to like vent. Apologies)

[MaryEllen]

Hi Katie,

If it's at all possible, ignore the homophobic jibes. If they see that they are getting to you, they'll do it all the more. If they can't get to you, they'll eventually stop.

MaryEllen

[Guest katie019]

Thanks.

Im so happy to finally talk to people who are or have been where im at. Thanks everyone.

Now, does anyone know some career choices that I could get into so when I get out I can chang easier. I know its not going to that easy either way, but some careers are safer than others. And I can go to school for anything becaus the army pays for it.

Thanks

[Sally]

Hi Katie,

I missed the military experience and as I would have gone in in1969 at the peak of the Viet-Nam War, with no special skills that could have kept me out of the infantry I think that it was a very good thing. I have, however, worked a number of jobs around large groups of males only and the total lack of respect shown to women has always be hard for me to take. I have waited a lifetime to transition so for me the three years doesn't seem to be very long - I know that it seems like forever to you, but it really isn't. Just ignore the people around you and concentrat on the job at hand, getting your degree, getting your money and achieving your goal. "Anything worth having is worth working for."

Whenever you are feeling down, try to get to the Internet and chat with a friend - we are all here for you,

Sally

[Guest Karen-1954]

I have been there and know just how you feel. Back in my Army days (1971 & 1972) things got pretty intense but in a combat zone, your buddy is your buddy, regardless. When the morter rounds come in, a persons gender is the last thing people think about. Just try to stay safe and keep your team members safe. Maybe you can get an internet connection and let us know how you are doing from time to time.

[Guest Chad Micheals]

Hey everyone, my username obviously katie, but sadly that's just the name I want. Anyways, im a combat engineer in the army. And im about to leave by the end of november.

I've been really depressed lately about myself, and I know that I don't want to be in the army longer than I signed up for.(3 yrs) but it was all I had left. I can get a degree while im in. And save dployment money for the transition expences. But if there's anyone out there I can talk to, that would be nice. I have a lot of questions that I would like some kind of answer for. Oh and by the way. Sorry if my spelling is off, im using my phone to get online.

Thanks,

Katie019

hello Katie,

i'm in the same boat as you. i'm chad, and welcoem to the nut house. i'm in a combat engineer unit too but over in gremany and we hit kuwait in about 2 weeks. if you a 21b i understand what ur going thorw i have to MTF in my unit that came out to me.

i hope to meet up with u if ur near by my unit. keep ur head you get out and be ok.. its hard being in eng world at time but there are a few out there you can take too.

later-

chad