If there are hostilities in Iraq, Meg will write a "deployment diary" for BBC News Online.

As a HIVE Information Officer at RAF Lyneham, my role is to offer support to all the families and personnel and to give an impartial information and referral service.

It is at times like these that the support element of the job becomes vital to the well being of everyone.

I know that both my husband and son are doing the jobs they signed up for and when they are out of area, they will be focused on the task in hand, whatever it might be; as will all our service men and women.

Keeping busy

After thirty-four years of marriage, we have already had more than our fair share of separations. Keeping busy and getting on with your life is all you can do.

I know it is not as easy for everyone. For some, it is the first time they have been separated. Others may live away from the unit and may feel isolated. Newly weds and youngsters may be unsure of where to access support.

An overview

The HIVE has already hosted a formal presentation for the wives and partners of the deployed personnel.

The Station Commander fronted the family briefing, giving an overview of the current situation and the role that RAF Lyneham plays in Operation Telic, (the codename for the British deployment for possible Iraq action).

Families have also been given information on the support they can expect to receive whilst their partners were away.

Resources

The RAFCOM website is a really useful source of information. So much is readily available on line.

I find myself spending more and more time on the Internet, both at work and at home. The RAFCOM site has made it possible for wives/partners to talk together in a safe environment and more visitors are appearing in the chatroom and posting messages and questions on the bulletin board every evening.

We will cope

We all miss our husbands/partners/wives. We know they are missing us. We all want to see everyone home as quickly as possible,

In the meantime we will cope and get the children to school on time, do the shopping, keep house, go to work and find the time to write a few lines on a 'bluey' airmail letter which is now printed on white paper.

I have a son in the RAF and still in the UK. I know how lucky I am that he is not over there. My 19 year old nephew is, so I know how worried all the families must feel. The rights and wrongs of this war do not matter anymore, but I do hope that the British forces know that we all hope they come back safely. It is in our name that they are fighting, so no matter what we must support them.
L. Hall, Great Britain

I'm an ex-serviceman. My thoughts are with you and your family, and I appreciate the support and the hard work you are giving to the other serviceman and families during this difficult time.
Sunjay Bhogal, London

Meg, our thoughts are with you and your family and support you fully. We are very proud of you and the Iraqi people will be thanking you very soon.
Peter Hodges, Hong Kong