"DOD is identifying interested individuals for a 1 year contract opportunity with the Department of Defense for 300 Light or Heavy Wheel Mechanics in Iraq. "

Your man responded to the ad because - he wanted to support the war effort? he likes adventure? he's a former military guy and can't stand to not be "over there"? he wants to see if he can cut it? the pay is good? Perhaps some combination of the above? And now, here you are, wondering how you got into this situation, how you are going to survive a year without him, and what's going to happen next.

Well, I don't know. At this point (4/10/2004), I don't know and I don't know anyone who can tell me. I don't see anything on the web that fits my situation. The best I've found are some military wife & family support web sites, but their situation and mine are somewhat different. But I'm learning fast!

UPDATE: As of May 2004, I have discovered the Yahoo! Group : Civilians In Iraq ( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/civiliansinraq ). They, like the fine folks at Operation Military Pride ( www.operationmilitarypride.org ) have been a total blessing.

Keeping your and yours in our thoughts and prayers.
Karla