Military Mom Reacts To Bin Laden’s Death

Osama bin Laden’s death has evoked mixed emotions for military families. Many now fear retaliation against Americans, especially their loved ones who could soon be deployed to the Middle East.

For Corinne Alvarez, this will be the first Mother’s Day she’ll get to spend with her youngest son in five years. A day she said she’ll cherish, particularly since she said her son doesn’t know if or when he will be deployed to the Middle East.

“He could be facing another deployment anytime. You just don’t know,” Alvarez said.

She was in disbelief when she learned Bin Laden had been killed. “I’m glad that he is gone, that they found him and that he will never be able to hurt anyone again,” she said.

Alvarez immediately called her son, Timothy. He’s stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas. “He did say that they are going to be increasing security on the base and just kind of — I guess they put them on alert of things to watch out for,” said Alvarez.

The 29-year-old recently returned from Qatar, but Alvarez said he could be deployed again. This time the mother of six said her concern for her son’s safety would be even greater.

“If he has to deploy again, right now, it will be very hard for me this time, knowing the circumstances he could be going into,” she said.

As many family members of those serving in the military, Alvarez has thought of the possibility Timothy could get killed. “It would just be so hard, but you know, it’s a possibility,” she said.

But Alvarez said she finds strength in her faith.

“You have to gather your strength from your community, from your church, from God, from your family and know that I’m very proud that my son chose this career,” she said.

Alvarez said it’s important to support all those serving our country because you never know what could happen.

“We know that they are there so we can be safer over here and they’re willing to put their life on the line for us,” she said.

Alvarez said she’s going to make her version of chico’s tacos when she visits Timothy this weekend at McConnell Air Force Base.

As for Fort Bliss, officials said there are no deployments scheduled right away, however, two brigades — about 6,000 soldiers — will be deployed later this year.

One brigade will be deployed to Afghanistan, the other to Iraq.