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Support group plans initial meeting
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BY JANET MCQUEEN
The families directly affected by United States military participation in Operation Desert Storm numbers in the hundreds in Hancock County, as evidenced by the above list.
An organizational meeting of a support group for relatives of those deployed to Saudi Arabia is planned Saturday, January 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Mary’s Eatery, according to organizers Terry and Ann Latham.
-The' Latham’s son,..Joseph* CJay)i Latham, 20, is serving ‘with the 354th Tactical Fighter/ *iWing.
“We recognize the worry, the fear, and sense of frustration
involved in a situation like this. We want to do whatever we can to help those who are going through this for the first time,” said Ann Latham.
“My husband (Senior Chief Petty Officer stationed with the Naval Oceanographic Command at Stennis Space Center) has been deployed many times.
“You don’t ever like it; you learn to cope with it. I think you worry more about the safety of your child than your husband, because to a parent, your child still needs your protection,” she said.
The keys to coping, she allowed, are keeping busy and having a positive attitude. “Let your
loved one know you care and are thinking about him or her.”
Terry Latham has facilitated support groups as part of his duties in the Navy.
“Affording people a chance to meet others who are in the same situation, and allowing them to voice their feelings can be extremely beneficial.
“It’s when you feel alone and that no one cares or understands that problems begin,” he said.
Sometimes the smallest gesture can make a world of difference, as he related the pride with which he viewed a portable sign outside of Layne’s Fried Chicken in Waveland proclaim-
ing their support.
“I urge all friends, relatives and citizens who wish to show their support for the men and women of Desert Storm to come together,” he said.
Arrangements will be made for a larger meeting place if necessary, said Latham, who thanked Mary and Bruce Daggett for offering use of their building for the initial meeting.
Mary’s Eatery is located at 116 N. Beach Blvd. in Bay St. Louis. For additional information, call the Lathams at 467-3204.