I live in 29 Palms, CA - home of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center.  I am married to a retired Marine, my son-in-law is a Marine, my nephews are in the military, and we have many military friends.  My heart goes out to all the families.  I am very close to my children, and cannot imagine being so far away from them for so long.  As technology improves, I know that many families are able to communicate by email on a daily basis, but there is NOTHING LIKE BEING THERE.  I also know that many civilians (even in a small town such as ours) still believe that military members enjoy so many comforts - after all you have "free rent and utilities" - and "make so much money".  I want you to know that I do my part to set them straight.  Not only do I explain that you do NOT make loads of money, and that your rent, etc is PART of your paycheck, but that your families miss so much that civilian families will never understand.  From one appreciative and understanding family:  THANK YOU.