Deployments take toll on children of soldiers

Deployments take toll on children of soldiers

By Preston Sparks - The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle via AP
Posted : Monday Jan 4, 2010 7:47:48 EST

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Marcus Carr is the first to admit it can be a bit depressing.

Both of his parents are deployed overseas in the military — his mom in Iraq, his dad in Korea. Marcus’ parents are divorced, and while his mom is away he has been living with his stepfather in Augusta, helping out with extra chores such as washing dishes, caring for the dog and helping his half-brother with his studies.

“It’s kind of depressing,” he said recently, reflecting on how as a high school senior he has achieved certain milestones that his parents have been unable to enjoy with him. “It really takes a toll on me.”

So does, Marcus added, having to move six times because of military reassignments.

“Friends, it was always hard to make because you were only there for a little time,” he said, adding that he has also had problems with records transfers, sometimes losing credit for classes.

Marcus is among the thousands of children who must cope with the sacrifices that come from having a parent in the military. And amid prolonged wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a new study suggests deployments are having an effect on military children.
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Deployments take toll on children of soldiers