Military families once again bear the burden of war

Kayla: These are ready-to-use care packages. Actually, I was planning to go to the post office on Tuesday. Kayla Stewart is a military veteran. Her daughter Julissa has served in the U.S., Israel's wars, Iran, and is currently deployed with the Navy to Bahrain. Kayla: …She loves Harry Potter, so I found a Harry Potter toothbrush…her favorite gummies…so I got the Easter version of that…unfortunately, these will be arriving to her after Easter. Kayla: Just seeing the world, that's what she wanted to do, see the world. Kayla: And she chose the Navy. So I'm really proud of her. Kayla: But // never in a million years would I have thought about having a child in a wartime situation. We're in Jacksonville, North Carolina, outside Camp Lejeune, the largest military training base on the East Coast. For some military families here, the wars in the Middle East are now affecting a second generation. Kayla Upsott: They're going to be happy when they open it. Kayla: Here are my bootcamp photos. Kayla: September 11th happened while I was in boot camp. //They said America was under attack. We didn't know what that meant, you guys are a bunch of 18, 19 year old kids. Kayla: I pray for her safety every day. Kayla: The Marine Corps taught me how to be numb. Kayla: But at the same time, I'm also a mother. // It costs you a lot. Scene 2: Brunch Since the war began, Kayla has been supported by a group of veterans, widows, and parents of active duty military personnel. (Group greetings with “oohs” and “aahs”) Carla Arana has served two tours in Iraq Carla: History seems to repeat itself. Carla: In 2003 // I fought a war, for this generation Carla: Why are we still in the same position? This has been going on since 2003. Carla: Why do people die? Carla: What is it worth? How much does it cost? Carla: Not many people know what it's like to be shot with a mortar. run for life . Kayla: …Daughter, the last place I knew she existed, there was a bomb or missile attack. So I'm like, “Okay, I've been here before, I've been in the military, I know how these things work, right now it's radio silence.” Michelle: It was scary. It's still scary. (Nods anxiously.) Kayla: Someone said, “Did you hear anything from your daughter?” So I said, “So, um, no one's knocked on my door yet, so it's okay.” Master Stringout: 3:14:05 Kayla: And I think your son is just getting started…. Scene 3: At home with Michelle Michelle: It's war // You always have to be ready for anything. // But// Iran war, it's my baby. // If I get to the point where I have to go // it will crush me. // I don't even want to think about it. Michelle: He wanted to make his father proud that Michelle Windle's son Desmond recently joined the Navy. Her husband Dennis was a Marine and served on multiple deployments to the Middle East. Michelle: I'm a military widow. // That's the flag they gave me when my husband died. He passed away at the age of 45 from cancer related to chemical exposure // Within the Region Michelle: This is a boot camp photo of De's and this is a boot camp photo of my husband…we were both 18 years old. Michelle hasn't seen her son since the Christmas break. Michelle: //I said, you know what? //I'm going to leave the tree up. Because // this is scary // you don't know what's going to happen // and because just standing it up makes them feel closer. Michelle: I said, “Mommy//I'm safe now.//But if I have to go, I have to go.” -End- 1:16:51 Michelle: He's going to serve the county. And do what you can for him. Michelle: I think it's the Iran war… If he had to go…I would be devastated. //I don't even want to think about it. 04:14:24 Michelle: I don't know what's going to happen. I don't understand. It's scary.