We're staring our first (and unexpected) deployment in the eye and I'm not sure what to do. I'm the type of person that always wants to "do something" to make a situation better. I know I can't fix this or make it go away, but does anyone have any advice about what I can do in the next few weeks to prepare?

I'm just like you. I'm a planner and always want to know whats going to happen. You'll learn like I did that the military is the one calling all the shots. My advice to you is to spend as much quality time you can with your man over the next few weeks and send him lots of e-mails and care packages while he's gone! If you are married, be sure he has drawn up a general power of attorney and any other necessary paperwork before he leaves. You'll want and beg for time to stand still the closer it gets to his deploying. Just make that time special. Then come here and talk to all of us. Everyone is here for ya. Good luck and welcome to SOS!

No advice, but lots of hugs. :hugs:hugs:hugs

I agree with what missnursey said!!! Comfort him but, don't smother him. Support him as much as possible while he is gone. This is my first deployment as well and finding this site has helped me deal with it in many ways. Welcome to SOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

comfort him, don't smother him(good advice)
don't wait till the last few days to run around and say goodbye to family
try to relax and be yourselves
plan something fun to do together (get some alone time in)
don't spend too much time talking about the deployment
just do sweet things for him, maybe cook him a nice dinner or something

Hi! Sorry to hear you have a deployment looming in the not-so-distant future. That's always tough.

You didn't say if you were married or not, but if you are I would recommend making sure your ID card is up to date and that you have a power of attorney before he leaves. If you don't have a passport, you might want to think about getting one started as they take a while to come in. You'll want it just in case he gets hurt, so you could fly to Germany if need be. Military One Source has a lot of great advice on their website. You might want to check that out. They're at https://www.militaryonesource.com/skins/MOS/display.aspx?ModuleID=ae74eaa3-d1b6-4dbd-b23e-354880172094&Mode=User&action=issue&CatID=08b2b83e-95b0-4e5d-99ae-b6998ac9d894&ObjectID=db6ef6d5-e028-4528-803b-6eea34d06880 . You should also make sure you have contact with the family readiness folks so you are put on their contact sheet for emails and newsletters and such. They will have family briefings to attend as the time draws near; those are always very helpful, too. They will send out mailing addresses overseas and other info you'll want to know.

Most of all, know that we're here for you and we're behind you 100%. :hug