THURMONT, Md. – Conor Tremaine and Daniel McAfee were friends who enjoyed hunting together. They both attended Catoctin High School and graduated in 2006. Then they went their separate ways; Tremaine into the U.S. Marines where he became a lance corporal and McAfee into the U.S. Army where he is a private first class.

Now they share a similar purpose because they have both been shipped to Iraq to serve their country. Tremaine left in August and McAfee followed two months later.

Their absence at holiday gatherings is felt deeply this holiday season, perhaps moreso, because they are in harm’s way.

The mothers the servicemen left behind had formed a friendship based on their sons shared experiences. Robin McAfee and Susan Tremaine knew each other because of their sons’ friendship as teenagers, but they have seen their own friendship increase in recent months as they’ve looked to each other for strength and support.

“Robin has been moral support for me,” Susan said.

Both women talk often and keep each other updated on their sons and the news, but only to a certain extent. Both women said they follow the news less and less now that their sons are serving in Iraq.

“I feel the news is distorted, it’s opinion,” Robin said. “So much is being done…it’s just the tip of the iceberg.” Robin and Susan both said the media tend to only focus on certain issues in Iraq and can ignore the good, especially the good that the troops are doing in Iraq to help the people.

Amidst the constant reports of troop injuries and casualties, it can be easy to worry about their sons, which both Robin and Susan said they do at times, but ultimately both have faith that their sons will be okay.

“Yeah I worry, but if God can have his hand on him here he can certainly have his hand on him in Iraq,” Robin said.

Both mothers also said their support system of the community, friends, family and their churches helps them cope with the ups and downs of being a military mom, as do the letters, e-mails and occasional phone calls from their sons.

With the holidays quickly approaching, a time families and friends often gather together, Robin and Susan have made sure that their sons have a little bit of Christmas in Iraq. Both sent over packages of Christmas ornaments, lights and presents to their sons, which both sons already received and were grateful for. Robin also decorated her families Christmas tree with American flags and yellow ribbons, the symbol often used to show support of troops, to show her support.

Both women said if there is anything they’ve gained since saying goodbye to their sons, it’s more perspective.

“I think having a son over there puts it into perspective, what’s important,” Robin said. “The little things don’t bother me now.”

“Don’t sweat the small stuff,” Susan said. “Don’t take anything for granted.”

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