WWMND? Deployment dinners...

[brandienee]

I got an email from a Majors wife in H's squad today about them offering our family a home made meal once a month until DH gets back from his extended deployment. I don't know how to respond to this.

I feel like I am put in an awkward position. While it's nice, H isn't going to be gone for even a year, just longer than the standard 2 months that everyone else does. They offer these to families to help "ease the burden" I guess. Do other squads offer this? I've never heard of them doing this.

Right now it's just me, I don't have the burden of raising children all alone. I also live 45 minutes away from base when everyone else either lives on base or in a neighboring town. And I plan on visiting DH for a week before he leaves for real. I would feel terrible if someone made one meal and drove for an hour and a half to deliver it, and he isn't technically gone.

What should I do? Email her back saying, thanks but no thanks? (In a nicer more appropriate way) Or do I just suck it up and accept the free food?

[basilosaurus]

I'd say thanks but no thanks if you don't need/want it. I've been on the other side of this, and we didn't discriminate based on length of deployment, so don't feel guilty for accepting it, but many people are perfectly self sufficient, and that's ok, too.

Besides, the deployment meals suck b/c you're alone, not b/c you don't have food or an ability to cook. A frozen casserole doesn't solve that.

[sookie]

I'm with you. I wouldn't really be into it and would probably let them know that I appreciate the offer, but I'd rather not be on the list. I've coordinated these meals, but it's never been for a deployment, it's always an emergency meal or if someone loses a family member.

[brandienee]

Thanks ladies. I kind of feel like an ass for declining, but there is really no reason for it.

Ojo, I like your idea, I will definitely try to do that.

[iluvmytxrgr]

We only do meal deliveries for people who need extra help. For instance, new moms, injuries, illnesses and such.
We do a monthly get together at a local burger joint for those spouses and their children who would like a dinner out. We also have a few groups of ladies who get together once a week at each other's houses for dinners. I would see if there are any ladies near you who would be interested in something like that.

[amaristella]

Jun 12, 2012 16:53:32 GMT -5 basilosaurus said:

I'd say thanks but no thanks if you don't need/want it. I've been on the other side of this, and we didn't discriminate based on length of deployment, so don't feel guilty for accepting it, but many people are perfectly self sufficient, and that's ok, too.

Besides, the deployment meals suck b/c you're alone, not b/c you don't have food or an ability to cook. A frozen casserole doesn't solve that.

I agree with the bolded because I'm in the same situation as OP. I'd say thanks but no thanks. Offer to help or whatever if you like.

[brandienee]

Jun 12, 2012 19:30:28 GMT -5 iluvmytxrgr said:

We only do meal deliveries for people who need extra help. For instance, new moms, injuries, illnesses and such.
We do a monthly get together at a local burger joint for those spouses and their children who would like a dinner out. We also have a few groups of ladies who get together once a week at each other's houses for dinners. I would see if there are any ladies near you who would be interested in something like that.

They do all of that here which is why I was shocked that they offer these meals to families dealing with extended deployments.

It's kind of funny, I couldn't get any info out of the squad last time he was gone... and now I feel smothered. LOL.

[jamesonontherocks]

I've never been in the situation, but I think you can respectfully decline and maybe say something along the lines of donating the dinner to a family more needy or with young children, etc.