Support Group Helps Kids Left Behind By Military Parents

By ABC-7 Reporter Rachel Abell

GADSDEN — Children left behind are the forgotten victims of the “war on terror.”Now, a new program is bringing thembackinto the light.

“He used to have a machine gun, but now he has a 40k. I wonder if he’s okay over there.” Those were the big words coming out of the little mouth of a kid yearning for his parents overseas.

Spend some timewatching the children and you’ll get the sense they have been abandoned. In many cases, both of their parents arefighting forAmerica’s freedomoverseas. “Both of my parents are protecting us,” said another child.

Experts say it can be an extremely difficult time for children.”We had some students that were having some difficultieswith their classroom work [because] they were concerned about their parents in the military.”

“I’m afraid they’re gonna get hurt or something, or get blew up by artillary,” saidBryce Massey.”Itmakes me nervous and at the same time I feel sad.”

Depression can sometimes lead to anxiety. “I’m afraid she is gonna get shot for good,” added Massey.

These remarks are only a small sample of what Gadsden Independent School District Counselor Sonny Duran listens to whenhe gathers children together for a support group. “These kids talk with each other about their feelings and how they handle these feelings.”

Since the meetings began, Duran said,the kids have been doing better in school. “I feel really proud.” Attendance and the overall climate at the school have improved as well.

Duran saidit’s becausethe kids know they are not alone. “They all know what missing a parent means, what it feels like.”

The fear of having parents thousands of miles away in a dangerous placemay never completely fade, but these kids are learning the power of sharing. “I would tell other kids to tell their parents to be careful … to come back.”

Officials at GISD told ABC-7 they are thinking of expanding the program next year to middle and high school students.