What to say to my brother who's fighting in Afghanistan?

[Greg Herringer]

My brother is fighting over in Afghanistan, and whenever he calls home or has a chance to talk on Facebook or something I never know what to say, or to talk about. He's almost 10 years older than me. I feel like I make things awkward when we talk, especially since I don't know what to say, then I mess up my words like I have some sort of speech impediment because I guess I get nervous. Also I don't feel like I'm very encouraging to him or anything.

[SÃ mhach]

Don't listen to old tricky dicky there. Just describe your life, your emotions, your hopes, anything to get his mind out of Afghanistan and into your home. Let him talk, too, about day-to-day life. If he can't, don't worry.

[soulman]

"How've you been?",
"You sound great!"
I hope you've been well!" are some good ways to start a conversation.

If he has a Facebook account that's a pretty good way to keep in touch. Write on his wall, or comment some pictures, put pictures up of you and have him look at yours. That will give you more things to talk about the next time as you reminisce over things you've each posted.

Tell him about something that is happening or has happened in your life recently. It doesn't really matter how trivial it sounds to you. Just anything that you find interesting and are comfortable talking about. (he probably just wants to hear friendly voices)

Tell him you miss him and that you hope everything is going okay for him. That you think about him often and that your really proud and fortunate to have him as a brother. Please be careful and come home soon. I LOVE YOU