Army Wives: Episode Five Discussion Thread

Wow, a lot was packed into last night's episode of Army Wives. Where to start?

Now that things are out in the open between Joan and Roland, I'll be interested to see how their relationship mends. Joan told Roland she was sorry he had to hear about what happened in Afghanistan from Peter Belgrad. She goes on to say she would have loved to save the girl, but told Roland, "I saved my men." I loved that when Joan asked Roland what he would have done, he told her the truth. He would have tried to save the girl. I think that showed an intense level of trust in the relationship. It's nice to see Joan finally going toe-to-toe with her demons. She's a very lucky gal to be married to someone like Roland, I think he's fantastic.

Someone else I think is fantastic is Colonel Michael Holden, but he had it coming at him from all sides this week. First, he relieves Joan Burton of command and brings an Article 15 against her, next he refuses a military funeral for Belgrad. Each action brought emotional pleas from Roland, who was fighting for his wife, and Claudia Joy, who was fighting for Belgrad's family.

When Claudia Joy confronted Michael and asked him to reconsider how Peter Belgrad was being classified, Michael says to her:

There is a code, it's called the UCMJ. I didn't make it up, but I believe in it.

The money line:

There is a line that defines me as a soldier and you as a soldier's wife and you never crossed that line, until right now.

I think there is a line, one that can easily become blurred, especially during wartime. If you have experienced this, or have any thoughts about it, let us know. I think it's an interesting topic.

I loved the conversation between Chase and Trevor when Chase offers deployment advice to Trevor and admits that during his first deployment, he only called home 4-5 times because it was easier for HIM that way. Chase recommends that Trevor not follow that pattern and tells Trevor, 'don't hurt your girl." Bravo!

A conversation I didn't love? The one that took place between Roxy and Pamela about the discovery that the meddlesome Marilyn has been having an affair. In typical Roxy fashion, she handled Marilyn one-on-one with a great deal of class and compassion. However, when Roxy tells Pamela about the affair, although Pamela despises Marilyn, she tells Roxy that they can't do anything about it. "You have to protect another soldier's wife. It's our code," Pamela explains. I've never heard of this supposed code. That line rang about as true to me as did the line in the first episode when Pamela says "soldiers don't like their wives to work." Perhaps I'm out of touch...

Chase is gone. No doubt Pamela and Roxy will be each other's rock during deployment.

I thought the moment between Roxy and Trevor in bed was an honest one.

Will you be the same man when you get back?

I will be.

We'll see...

Major Sherwood is alive and he's coming home. To nitpick for a moment, the "official" car should have never pulled up in the driveway to deliver that news to Denise. Every Army wife knows what that car in the driveway means, especially one who knows her husband might be dead. I think that was badly portrayed even though it had a happy ending.

I wish I hadn't seen the previews for next week because I was hoping that the experience of possibly losing his father had served to rid Jeremy of his violent tendencies. Tragedy can often turn lives around. But, the previews seem to indicate that his bad behavior will continue (did I see that correctly?).

Belgrad's funeral was heartbreaking, especially when his son saluted the casket.

Commanders have to make tough calls and sometimes their decisions aren't popular. The phrase, "the harder right" comes to mind. The show ended with Colonel Holden having a change of heart on just about every issue. It looks like Joan will stay on and Belgrad's family will be provided for. Joan screwed up, and although she knows it, and she's suffering from PTSD, her judgment has to be called into question if she is going to be responsible for hundreds of soldiers. Not sure if the final decisions made by Michael were the right ones or not, but since this show is entertainment and not reality, as a viewer, I was happy for all involved.

Claudia Joy's speech at the end of the show was nothing short of awesome. I need to watch it and re-watch it. Claudia Joy does understand "the line," but she doesn't hesitate to fight for what she believes is right, whether or not it puts her at odds with military etiquette, real or imagined. Every Army post needs a Claudia Joy.  At one point, she says, "I am proud to call myself an Army wife."

Me too, Claudia Joy, me too.

I thought episode five was a bit busy. We were constantly jumping from character to character and storyline to storyline. Even so, I was, as always, entertained. What did you think of episode five?

Previous Posts:

A Sneak Peek at Army Wives

Army Wives: Episode One Discussion Thread

Army Wives: Episode Two Discussion Thread

Army Wives: Episode Three Discussion Thread

Army Wives: Episode Four Discussion Thread

Comments

[Jan Wesner]

I thought it was the best episode so far. The whole Frank episode was a little cut and dried, though, and the Chase/Delta Force storyline is a little farfetched. Chanting Muslim prayers and then running off without so much as a kiss goodbye?
The ladies had a lot to say during our online chat last night. Check it out at http://blogs.tampabay.com/standingby/

[Marine Wife]

I was one of those reserving judgment. But I have to say I was leaning toward liking it and this episode clinched the deal for me. While there were still details that belong only in the realm of fiction, enough of the bigger picture rang true. For example, while part of me was thinking how contrived the picnic scene was just to give Claudia Joy the opportunity to give her speech, the speech itself had me in tears. Also, I LOVED the opening montage. So much was said without a single word being uttered by the actors.

[Desi]

I enjoyed this episode probably more than any of the others so far. I really liked that Joan and Roland are on the path to healing. I wanted to comment on the previews for next week that you said seem to have Jeremy falling back into his old ways. To me it looked like he told his father what he had done and his father went ballistic and telling him he had to stay away from his mother but his mother was trying to reason with Frank saying, "I'm trying to forgive him." I don't think Jeremy goes back to hitting his mother.

I also agree though that the car should have never pulled up in the driveway. How awful to put her through those 45 seconds of expecting the worst." You're right, every spouse knows what a car with two uniformed officers in it means.

[Andi]

Desi - I was confused by the previews because I did catch the part where Jeremy tells his father and Denise defends him, but they also showed Denise with a bloody lip so I'm not sure if that's a flashback or a new incident. We'll see what happens next week. It was a bit unclear to me.

[melanie]

I'm an Air Force wife and I love the show. What I want to know is if it is true that soldiers get no notice for deployements like they did in the show last night. That is heartbreaking.

[Jan Wesner]

As for "the code," I've never heard it called that, but there certainly are unwritten rules - at least in my circle - about what you tell and what you don't. I wouldn't lie to my husband if he asked, but I would never tell him if a wife (or husband) I knew was cheating, unless there was some compelling reason to do so (someone's life was in danger). He wouldn't tell me, either, and I don't ask. It's the old saying "What goes on deployment, stays on deployment." It works both ways.

[liberal army wife]

about the no funeral for a criminal. He had not been convicted or even charged with a criminal act. Even the UCMJ says you are innocent until proven guilty. Nit picking? Yeah, but if he's living by the UCMJ... besides, I don't think he has the rank to make that decision.

Claudia Joy gets all the good lines. Her speech should be printed out and given to every military wife.

LAW

[AFWife_Niki]

Andi- At first I thought the preview made it look like Jeremy was going to hit Denise again, but after rewinding and watching it again, I think the clip where Denise's nose was bleeding and Roxy was comforting her is from the episode where Roxy kneed Jeremy in the groin. I think they were either trying to trick us or remind us of what happened before. I don't think Jeremy will hit his mother anytime soon--especially with his father home, not to say he won't ever do it again.

I was happy that one of the characters, Chase, was portrayed as a Muslim. The town our base is in is a staunchly Christian and very conservative town. I have never met so many closed-minded people in one place in my life. I mean, geez, down here if you're Italian something is wrong with you, if you are Jewish something is wrong with you...the list goes on. You don't want to know what they say about Muslims. Anyway, I am a Christian woman but I don't think less of anybody else because of who or what they are. Two of my husband's friends, one of them is married to my friend and the other is the ex-bf of another friend of mine, are both Muslim. We were all sitting around one day talking about religion and how much of a bad rap Muslims get, not from the military, but from civilians, especially in our city. However, of all the religions our base chapel serves, they do not serve the Islamic community. I have heard some of the larger bases do though. (There isn't a mosque in at least a 100-mile radius of our city. At least.) There are alot of Muslim-Americans serving in the military and I think that in the post-9/11 world that is still heavily dealing with terrorists, it is good to show that there are Muslims in America that are loyal to and will protect this country. It is interesting, though, that Chase is portayed as a White American male. The Muslim guys I know, one is white and the other is black. It would be interesting to see how these guys would be treated if they looked Middle Eastern.

I love Army Wives and my friends are starting to get hooked now too!

[AFWife_Niki]

But it did look like Chase was just pretending to be Muslim, the way he was scrubbing the mat so it would look worn.

[k]

I have a question about how they are portraying Delta Force...I was under the assumption that in real life it is one of those units that no one talks about, kinda like it's hush hush. I realize for a tv show they have to talk about it so it makes sense to the viewer but...in real life would a DF soldier and wife be telling others they are part of that sort of unit? And would that wife be telling people "Delta Force has been deployed" I would think those guys would be OPSEC nazi's given the nature of their missions. I'm not nit-picking the show, just curious how it works in real life?

[angela]

My husband sometimes shaves twice a day to keep up with the military standards. So how come Chase can have a beard? Maybe while deployed he will have an undercover part to play.

[Andi]

K - These special units are unconventional and covert. They do things like rescue hostages, etc. Last time I checked, the Pentagon had never acknowledged Delta Force's existence. They do not talk about these types of units, so you're right, it's probably unlikely that events on screen would have played out that way in real life, but it probably did help civilians understand a bit better even though it wasn't overly realistic.

Angela - this is why Chase has long hair and facial hair.

[Jan Wesner]

And Chase was just "practicing" being Muslim, presumably for some sort of undercover mission. I have no idea if they really do stuff like that, but to me this is the worst storyline of the whole show. Obviously a lot of people feel the same way are confused about it. I question why they even felt the need to include it.
http://blogs.tampabay.com/standingby/

[k]

Andi, thanks. That's what I thought, wasn't sure if the Army was acknowledging it considering all the media focus and how things just seem to "leak" out nowadays. I could see where maybe the scenes between Chase and Pamela they would discuss DF in private to an extent but it surprised me that they showed her discussing it with a non-DF wife.

On the facial hair topic, I would think too that in real life when DF guys are in garrison they would have to maintain the military standard and blend in.

[JodieCoyote]

I enjoyed last night's episode but there were some pretty serious inaccuracies that always manage to get me riled up. I am talking about Belgrad's death and the supposed lack of benefits because of his funeral. Even if SGT Belgrad's death were ruled "not in the line of duty" following the investigation that would have had to ensue after his shooting, his widow and children would not have been denied benefits. I think they could have maintained the drama of Claudia arguing for him to receive a full military funeral without inaccurately portraying how benefits actually work. I loved her speech. I also thought the argument about her "crossing the line" was very accurate.

As to Chase -- he was pretending to be Muslim. He said, "They pray five times a day," not, "I pray five times a day." Nor would Pamela have looked so shocked to see him praying if he were actually a Muslim. Many special operations Soldiers (like those in Delta Force) have "relaxed grooming standards" designed to help them blend in with the local populations. I assumed that Chase was growing in his beard to make him appear to be a Muslim man. His taking off on a moment's notice was a bit dramatic but in theory, it can happen that way. I remember very well the days when my husband's unit was on "alert status" that meant they could conceivably deploy in less than 18 hours.

It is unlikely that she'd discuss him being in DF, but given his beard and civilian clothing, I think Trevor (and a lot of other people) would have figured it out anyway.

I don't know of any "code' that protects wives who cheat. I personally find it the lowest form of betrayal -- to have an affair while your husband risks his life, especially in combat is just disgusting. I wouldn't volunteer to tell her husband, but I wouldn't lie for her either. I don't associate with women who cheat on their husbands. In my experience as an Army wife, they tend to end up ostracized by the other wives. I did like the way Roxy handled the situation and I agree with Pam that it's not their place (hers or Roxy's) to tell the husband. IF I were close friends with the couple, that might be different. I was once told that a friend of mine's husband was having an affair -- I later found out it was a case of mistaken identity -- he had NOT been having an affair -- I was so glad I never told my friend. Since I didn't have 100 percent proof, I wasn't going to say a word. But if I knew for certain that a friend's husband was cheating, I would confront him and tell him that if he didn't tell his wife, I would. I am not going to see my friends put at risk for sexually transmitted infections without their knowldge.

I am glad that Joan is going to get help and that Michael tore up her letter of resignation. It was the right thing to do. I, too, think Roland is great.

As to the "car in the driveway," wow! That was a tense scene. I know it's a horrible moment, but honestly, it was appropriate for them to come in an official vehicle. I think that's why Claudia Joy hopped out and ran to her -- so Denise wouldn't panic. I can't tell you how many times during my husband's two deployments to Iraq that I would tense up every time I turned on to my street, afraid I'd see "that car" waiting for me, but I know that so many of you know exactly what I mean. The way your heart races at the unexpected ringing of the doorbell, or the odd hours phone call -- it's the waiting that gets you. As my friend once said to her husband, "Just remember, you know every minute of the day that you're alive -- I have to wonder, so do NOT pass up the chance to call me or email me!" So, I loved the advice Chase gave Trevor -- it was perfect.
I love the show -- even if it gets me riled up! :-)

[navydocswife]

Wow, this weeks episode was great. I think I cried thru most of it. The part about the car pulling into the drive, I lost it right away, because in my mind that meant he was dead. I have seen others post that during there deployments they worried about a strange car in your drive or in front of your house when you are coming home. That happened to us twice and my heart nearly stopped. Another time we had a knock on the door around 9pm, all three of us (me and my sons) froze. We didn't know what to do, too afraid to answer the door, turns out it was a door to door salesman, I could have strangled him! Also think Chase gave good advice, call your girl every minute that you can. I only talked to my husband 6 or 7 times on the phone during his 8 month deployment and that was every chance he had. We wrote alot!! I used motomail which is awesome! I love this show!

[navydocswife]

Wow, this weeks episode was great. I think I cried thru most of it. The part about the car pulling into the drive, I lost it right away, because in my mind that meant he was dead. I have seen others post that during there deployments they worried about a strange car in your drive or in front of your house when you are coming home. That happened to us twice and my heart nearly stopped. Another time we had a knock on the door around 9pm, all three of us (me and my sons) froze. We didn't know what to do, too afraid to answer the door, turns out it was a door to door salesman, I could have strangled him! Also think Chase gave good advice, call your girl every minute that you can. I only talked to my husband 6 or 7 times on the phone during his 8 month deployment and that was every chance he had. We wrote alot!! I used motomail which is awesome! I love this show!

[Stacey]

I found this weeks episode extremely touching. I was in tears for most of it and it really affected me in a strong way.

Does anyone have the speech that Claudia Joy gives at the picnic? I loved it and would love to pass on to some friends and family. Thanks

[k]

navydocswife: I know what you mean about the door-to-door salesman. Grrrrrrrr! Our first deployment I had a similar situation that really threw me out of whack. I had just got off work and on the radio they report that our BDE lost 3 soldiers. They were our 1st casualties and of course no additional info was given pending notification of NOK. So I'm bobbing and weaving as best I can in rush hour traffic trying to get home, it's dark, pouring down rain, and I'm bawling like a crazy baby. I get home finally and I'm searching the tv news for ANY piece of info and there's a knock on the door. Whatever sanity I had on left from the drive home went right out the window. Turns out it was a guy peddling something for a pizza joint down the road. I think I scared him as much as he scared me though after I ripped his head off. I promptly put up a NO SOLICITING sign after that.

[Connie]

I really like this show but I'm a little concerned at how the civilian world is receiving it. Most of us are military spouses and there are several "How does that work?" and "Does this really happen?" questions. I can only imagine that people who have no experience at all are assuming that all of this happens just like it's portrayed and that it happens all the time. I hope that the writers don't sensationalize our situations more than is necessary.

[Kel]

All in all i liked this episode.. I do not agree with Pamela saynig its the code.. although i am not one that would run and tell if i had found out abotu an affair that is their busines, but i never heard of a "code" ont he subject. I loved how Claudia Joy stood up for what she believed in whther her toes where just pushing or 10 feet on the other side of that line. I am glad Holden changed his mind and allowed the military funeral. That scene with the son saluting the coffin mad me burst out into tears!... I can not wait to see how Joan and Rolland evolve now that she has admitted she needs the help.

[brenda]

For those with the comments about Chase, you are correct when you mention that usually in the military they don't discuss Spec Ops such as Delta Force, however, they discuss it in the story to explain some of Chases' behaviors, for example, he is not a muslim, he is practicing so that he blends in with the muslim environment which is where his missions usually are given the current Wartime situation, which also explains why he grows a beard, for the person with the comment about her husband shaving everyday. If you recall, his wife said that his Arabic was getting pretty good. Spec OPS are trained to speak the language to blend in as well. As for the prayer Mat, he was trying to wear the prayer mat down to look worn - Muslims pray at least 6 times a day. If he doesn;t do that, then he stands out and calls attention to himself.

The story lines thus far have been pretty good,although in some episodes there are small mistakes that stand out - for example, Frank is a Major (a gold cluster) and in episode 2 or 3 he was wearing a LTC silver cluster. The only thing that drives me absolutely crazy about the show is that Claudia Joys's husband who is a full bird Colonel can not figure out how TO WEAR A BERET!!! He always looks like he is delivering a pizza! I wish that they would get some military advisors which would authenticate the show.

Also for the person who mentioned that Chase left without a kiss, yes, in SPEC OPS that does happen, they are always packed and ready to leave at a moments notice.

[Jewel]

I just finished watching the 5th episode of Army Wives for the third time and each time I found myself crying from beginning to end. I see a little of me in each and every one of the Army wives, but this week I was expecially drawn to Claudia Joy becuase I live her life. I absolutely loved the speech she gave at the end of the show and would love to get my hands on a copy of it. To hear something I feel down to my core expressed in that way and to that music moved me to tears.

[stacey]

I love this show so much... every monday morning im on the phone with the girls to discuss the show from the night before... There are things that I think are overly emphisized just for the drama and i think the civilian world may be a little confused... but trust me the army wives or any military spouse knows the truth... I dont know how many times ive been called to answer some questions that my family or friends dont understand... As for the whole Chase and Pamela thing with him being DF why is she even grouped in with the other wives.. Im sorry i mean I love Pamela's character and all but that would never happen come on now they seperate Special Forces wives... why would they keep SF wives seperate but keep DF wives in general population i dont think so... I love the fact that Claudia Joy stood up for what she believed in it shouldnt have been any other way... Im glad the Col. Holden came around... As for the "army wives code" i have heard some things that we should never do and things to watch what you say and to whom but i didnt know there was a code...and the comment that someone made about oh what happens on deployment stay on deployment... obviously you have never had something happen to you on a deployment... i have lived through it and i have seen my closest friends go through it. the destruction of a marriage was because of a deployment... but in any case thats a different story... They really should get military advisors for this show or atleast get army wives input about stuff that goes on... good night ladies

[Becky]

I'm an Army Mom. I was very involved with the FRG when he was downrange both times and came to know many of the Army wives. Some were a pain in the butt, however most were like these women - tough and completely loyal and devoted to their soldier. I love them all. As for the show,I watched with my son ( E-7 on leave in route to his next duty station) and of course he told me all the flaws and I still love the show.

I agree that it was a bad move to have the big black car drive up in the driveway. According to what I was told during the deployment, this would not happen. It would have been more likely that the Col. and wife would have pulled up in their personal vehicle.

Finally - I'm glad to see this show. Army wives and husbands are true heroes and they deserve to be recognized.
Love you all!

[Retired Army Wife]

This episode was fantastic! Thanks for clarifying Chase's "Muslim" demeanor - I was confused at first, but it makes sense now that he has to get into the "role" so that he can fit in undercover, all the way down to the "rug looking worn." It brought back memories of a girlfriend whose husband was Spec Forces-he had the facial hair and wore civilian clothes all the time. I never understood it but my husband VERY BRIEFLY explained it even though my girlfriend could not. However, it was very hard for her and their son b/c he was deployed at a moment's notice. We spent hours sometimes reading the newspaper or watching the news for a simple glimpse of what was going on or where he might be in the world. This was the only way she could find out what was happening. As for leaving the picnic w/o saying goodbye, I recall several times when my friend's husband would leave in the morning and not return at night; I'm sure he knew what was happening before he left the house, but he couldn't tell her; just as Chase couldn't tell his wife that it was him on top of the building when Roland and Claudia Joy were held hostage. This lifestyle was extremely hard on my girlfriend and her husband and it eventually cost them their marriage.

[sarao]

Actually on the facial hair, my husband was a member of the 509th in Ft Polk and even while in garison they has relaxed standers, even carried a card permiting them , AS LONG AS they were in the specific OG Greens that the 509th wore, if they wore regular bdu's they had to be up to standards.
They did this cause they were a training unit that trained most the units that went over and were supposed to protray the enemy and be distinguisable. So I would think that someone in Delta force would do the same because if they have to blend in at a moments notice, they wont have time to grow out hair and a beard. He was working on portraying a Muslim man and in Muslim society a man has facial hair or he isnt a man.
sara

[sarao]

Oh and it is nice to see that I am not the only one who gets into the way they wear thier uniforms, I saw half of those beretts and about had a fit. Man I dont know a soldier that would have gotten away with that, I know I would have gotten dropped faster then you could say attention LOL

[JodieCoyote]

Stacey mentioned that the wives of Special Forces Soldiers are "kept separate" from other wives -- this isn't true. It's more of a "bird's of a feather" thing -- women whose husbands are in the same unit tend to make friends as their husbands work together. One of my closest friends was married to an SF Soldier. He was frequently deployed and the explanation? "He is training." There's no big secret there that the wives have to keep other than being aware of OSPEC. Delta Force Soldiers are assigned to Fort Bragg and have their own compound that's top secret with very limited access -- so, in reality, Chase would not be assigned to "Fort Marshall" at all. I just assumed that Chase just recently got into Delta Force and Pamela already had a number of friends/acquantainces from being around his old unit. But it is true that she'd probably never discuss it -- it would put his life at risk. Delta Force deals with some pretty seriously evil folks.

As to notifications -- a privately owned conveyance would NOT be used to deliver news such as a death, injury, or missing Soldier's duty status. Official business is carried out in official vehicles. I would imagine that MAJ Sherwood would get some leave and then sent right back to Iraq -- UNLESS his injuries prevented it, and if he's well enough to be at home, he's well enough to redeploy. It will be interesting to see if they send him back to Iraq on the show.

[MedWife]

Okay I am curious....are there discussions on civi boards about this show, like we have discussions here?

If so, then I am wondering what the general public thinks of it.....do they even watch it?

Or is the show 'really' for us? :D

[Bonny]

MedWife,

This one is about the show on Lifetime. We all talk about it and put in our comments. There are other topics that you can comment on, other subjects. Read on and enjoy.

[MedWife]

Bonny, I thank you....and I do realize that this is a subject about the show. I watch it too, and love it.

My question was directed to the idea that some things we see on the show tend to be considered 'incorrect' to realife army wives.

I was just curious about whether or not the civi world actually watched the program...... Especially since it seems great pains have gone towards helping the civi world understand what is going on.

And then sometimes I wonder if it has really turned out to be a show just 'for us'.....real life army wives. :)

[Bonny]

In truth, none of my civilian friends watch the show. It's for superficial reasons too. They just don't like any of the actors in the show. As for my military friends, it's a toss up. Some watch just to see what it's all about. Others refuse because they assume it's hokey. I started just to see what they had to say about us. The show is getting better but I do still have gripes about the show. I have hope for the show.

[GR8Chick]

I have one girlfriend who watches the show. She sees it more of a soap opera - - all the military stuff just goes completely over her head. She is more caught up in whether the relationships will make it and cattiness that goes on between the wives. She has never questioned me one time about whether any of it was accurate. She did ask me once if I realized when my husband called from Iraq that he was in room with a bunch of other soliders - - lol!!!

[FroggyLover]

Well the car wasn't black it was White/Cream colored. And anyone ever thing that it might have been a duty driver for Holden ?? At least here on the base I live higher up have Duty drivers to drive them around while on Duty.

[Sheryl]

I like the show, but it bothers me when people say 'oh it's not real and it doesn't portray military life'... and those same people will watch soap operas for hours on end... go figure. I love the show, and I knew I would just from seeing the previews and trailers. I know people who are EXACTLY like those in the show, and the women who say differently.. need to get out more.

[Army_Wife_34]

Okay, I mean this in no offense to anyone here that does like the show...but...am I the only one who feels everything we go through and our world as "Army Wives" should be funding producers and not going back to where it's needed the most? I am one of those people who just can't stand to see people making money off of this war, and that includes shows like "The Unit" and when they throw in the war OUR families are suffering for, to make money. Am I the only one who feels this way? Should hollywood be making money off of our tears, sacrifices and lonely nights only WE know??

[catherine]

i just started watching the show and found it by accident. I now have it set to tape so that I don't miss an episode. I really loved the show. Many things are true to form and others are for the TV viewer. It is realistic in some ways and made for hollywood in others. Great job, I hope they continue.....

[strykerwife1983]

i have been watching this show from the beginning and i love it. im still brand new to the army wife thing so im still learning. i assumed that what the writers were trying to do was portray the worst possible scenarios. armywives made me realize that some have it worse than i do. about chase and pamela... the way i see it is that yes there is OPSEC... but let be perfectly honest, how many of us have told a closest sister-like friend about whats going on... its not like she actually said what he was doing... and there would have been questions when roxy realized he was gone... idk like i said im new to all of this so i may be wrong.

[Kendra Gauvin]

Ok well I love the show, I dont miss it and sometimes I even watch the encores. There are some things on the show that I dont see true, and the uniforms are off, but over all I think that the show is great. I think that even though yes the show is backed by our tears and lonely nights, I think that its a way of showing others that maybe dont believe in the war or dont understand what we as Hooah wives go through. It gives them a little insight on our lives and what makes us as strong as we are. I am a an Army wife and Darn proud of it. Its hard and painful at times, but its the life that I have lived for 25 years(as an army brat turned wife). I will conitinue to watch the show and I look forward to all of the new adventures to come!!!!

[writerwife]

I have a very unique perspective on this show because I am a working screenwriter, living in Los Angeles, an aspiring TV writer, as well as a former army wife. My husband was called up out of the IRR and ultimately sent to Kuwait. But it just as easily could have been Iraq. His contract was up in April of this year and has since been honoraby discharged.

During his deployment, I came up with an idea for a TV show about army wives, cullled from my own experience, and pitched it to networks. Ultimately, I couldn't sell it because of ARMY WIVES, a competing project which was passed on by all the networks but eventually sold to Lifetime.

Now that I've watched every episode so far, reading all of your comments has been very interesting and insigtful for me. I was adament about creating a show that depicted the life of army wives as accurately and faithfully as possible. I never saw it as taking advantage of anyone's pain or making money off the war. I thought (and still think) it was important to give civilians an opportunity to understand the difficulties and sacrifies army spouses face.

From a creative standpoint, I do have problems with the show (mostly the melodrama), but I'm so happy that it's on the air and people are watching. It's Lifetime's most watched original program ever, so I assume there are many, many civilians tuning in. I think anything that helps personalize this war for people who aren't directly affected by it is a wonderful thing. But more importantly, I'm thrilled that the army wife community is watching and seeing their own lives represented on television.

[sct]

I've been an Army wife for 19 months and my husband has been deployed for 14 of them. I was USAR for 8 years so I was familiar with the system, but it's a whole different ball game being an AD wife. It's been hard being apart for this long and missing all the "firsts" and then some "seconds", but I can't be prouder of his commitment to his country and his fellow soldiers. I love the show beacuse even though there are a couple of flaws, it portrays a good picture of the other side of the story, being the spouse, with the good days and the not-so-good ones. As far as the civilians viewers go, they will never understand what it's like to wear the shoes of a military spouse, the sacrifices, the fears and most of all the unconditional love and pride we feel in our hearts for our spouses.

After doing a lot of research I found a link to the transcript of Claudia Joy's speech. This is most definitely worth sharing...

http://hearingthings.wordpress.com/2007/07/04/claudia-joys-speech/

[Jessica, Army Wife]

I love the show....for one, it helps me see that i am not alone out here. there are other women doing the same thing as me, living their lives with their kids while their husbands are deployed. i think it also gives civilians a taste of what being a military wife is all about. and i agree 100% with claudia joys speech at the end of the episode. i'm so glad somebody finally came out with such an awesome show!

[Rhonda]

I really love this show. It is awesome but will someone please show these people how to wear a beret correctly!!! It drives me crazy with each episode.

[Rasheda]

Im a Navy wife for almost 15years and my sister in law is an Army wife. I love this show!!! Keep it up Great job!!!!

[Meagan]

I'm a very new Army Wife me and my husband were married one month before he deployed, we have been together alot longer then that. Well anyways I love the show, in some way it helps me to feel closer to him strange or not. Well I'm proud of my husband and all of our troops, KEEP UP THE FIRE.

[Military Wife]

I'm a Navy wife and I'm hooked on this show. I got my mother and sister hooked too. My mother is a Navy Widow. My father passed away while out at sea. So that last episode with the car driving up, really hit home. I was crying and hoping it was a happy ending. I'm so glad it was! My husband isn't in Iraq, he is deployed in the Gulf. He is only gone for 6 months at a time. Yet it seems like forever. I admire you for holding stong and supporting your spouses that are deployed. I'm glad the hero's and thier spouses are getting the attention they deserve from the show. I'm so addicted!

[Saydie]

Did Col. Holden tear up the letter of resignation or did he tear up the Article 15 paper work? Was anyone else as confused about that as I was. I assumed it was her Article 15 paper work. The show is great.. I never miss an episode but there are a few inaccuracies and as far as Chase being stationed there because Delta Force would be at Ft Bragg... I have come to the conclusion that "Ft Marshall" is either supposed to be Ft Bragg or Ft Jackson and since there are no mention of training units (Basic) I am assuming Bragg. I could be wrong though. I love the show a lot though it almost always leaves me in tears. I am a veteran and a military wife so I see both sides to the story.

[JodieCoyote]

Saydie,
Good question. I thought it was her letter of resignation that he tore up, but it could have been the AR 15, too. One thing that makes me crazy -- half of the things that COL Holden does ought to be done by BG Baker (Lenore's husband) -- like the speech at the welcome home ceremony -- where was the post commander????? Maybe he is deployed and Holden is rear detachment commander???

[micah mcdaniel]

I understand the sgt's thinking in not calling home more than 3 or 4 times. I went through that too. But my man refused to answer email when i begged him to let me know if he was alive. I hated not knowing; reading that updated list; and constantly watching the driveway. By the time he had reached that point he just didn't care about me at all. When he got home it was 4 months before he seemed interested in me. And we were very close before he went.

[SChandler]

I just started watching this show, I really like how all military wives can relate to bits of it. And it's still entertaining.

My husband will probably be deploying to the war and even something as simple as this show will be comforting to me. It's nice that people can have a glimpse into the pain and hardships we families endure, it's something not many people realize. You can support the soldiers even if you don't support the war. This is a great show.