THURMONT,
Md. – Conor Tremaine and Daniel McAfee were friends
who enjoyed hunting together. They both attended Catoctin
High School and graduated in 2006. Then they went their separate
ways; Tremaine into the U.S. Marines where he became a lance
corporal and McAfee into the U.S. Army where he is a private
first class.
Now
they share a similar purpose because they have both been
shipped to Iraq to serve their country. Tremaine left in
August and McAfee followed two months later.
Their
absence at holiday gatherings is felt deeply this holiday
season, perhaps moreso, because they are in harm’s
way.
The
mothers the servicemen left behind had formed a friendship
based on their sons shared experiences. Robin McAfee and
Susan Tremaine knew each other because of their sons’
friendship as teenagers, but they have seen their own friendship
increase in recent months as they’ve looked to each
other for strength and support.
“Robin
has been moral support for me,” Susan said.
Both
women talk often and keep each other updated on their sons
and the news, but only to a certain extent. Both women said
they follow the news less and less now that their sons are
serving in Iraq.
“I
feel the news is distorted, it’s opinion,” Robin
said. “So much is being done…it’s just
the tip of the iceberg.” Robin and Susan both said
the media tend to only focus on certain issues in Iraq and
can ignore the good, especially the good that the troops
are doing in Iraq to help the people.
Amidst
the constant reports of troop injuries and casualties, it
can be easy to worry about their sons, which both Robin
and Susan said they do at times, but ultimately both have
faith that their sons will be okay.
“Yeah
I worry, but if God can have his hand on him here he can
certainly have his hand on him in Iraq,” Robin said.
Both
mothers also said their support system of the community,
friends, family and their churches helps them cope with
the ups and downs of being a military mom, as do the letters,
e-mails and occasional phone calls from their sons.
With
the holidays quickly approaching, a time families and friends
often gather together, Robin and Susan have made sure that
their sons have a little bit of Christmas in Iraq. Both
sent over packages of Christmas ornaments, lights and presents
to their sons, which both sons already received and were
grateful for. Robin also decorated her families Christmas
tree with American flags and yellow ribbons, the symbol
often used to show support of troops, to show her support.
Both
women said if there is anything they’ve gained since
saying goodbye to their sons, it’s more perspective.
“I
think having a son over there puts it into perspective,
what’s important,” Robin said. “The little
things don’t bother me now.”
“Don’t
sweat the small stuff,” Susan said. “Don’t
take anything for granted.”
