Their family members are far away, some in foreign lands, some facing great danger. But at least they have each other.

Members of the Military Family Support Group have been gathering every Tuesday evening since Feb. 18 at Emmanuel Christian Church in New Vernon Township to share stories and discuss their feelings about their loved ones who are far from home.

Cindy Beggs of Sandy Lake, a member of the church, was one of the group's founders. With two sons, 18-year-old Adam and 20-year-old Michael, in the Army, she had a lot of emotions to deal with.

"I wanted to find other people who feel like I do. I needed someone to talk to," she said.

She prayed for someone to help her, and fellow church member Sue King, whose son is also in the military, came forward to be her "voice." Now Mrs. Beggs serves as organizer and Mrs. King is the speaker.

"Our hope is that you walk out of here with a little lighter spirit," Mrs. King told Tuesday's group of about a dozen people.

Guests at this week's meeting included Lt. Rich Mulholland and Sgt. 1st Class Jim Arbogast of Battery D 229th Artillery, Pine Township, and Arbogast's wife, Helen. The artillery was sent to Belgium last July and returned to the United States on Feb. 14.

Mulholland, a ninth-grade teacher at Lakeview High School, said a phone call home can boost a soldier's spirits, but it's important to speak about positive news. Soldiers stationed overseas have enough things on their minds, he said.

"Keep things on the upswing so they don't worry about things in western Pennsylvania," he said.

He also said soldiers love to get mail.

"Any relatives you have -- ask them to write letters," he said. "Little cards, notes, or send something from home."

When it comes to sending care packages, what should go in the package depends on where the soldier is stationed. Soldiers on the front lines appreciate anything they can get, while those not on the front lines have access to more, Mulholland said.

No matter where a soldier is stationed, pictures from home bring smiles.

"It makes you feel sad, but it's a big pick-me-up, getting to see pictures of things that are normal-looking," he said.

Other useful items for soldiers in the desert include hard candy, lip balm and moist towelettes.

Support groups formed on the homefront can do a lot to raise soldiers' morale, from sending them hometown newspapers to helping in a family emergency.

Mrs. Arbogast, who was a member of a similar group when her husband was away, suggested a fund-raiser for the new group. The money could be used for anything from flying a soldier home for a family emergency to sending a group mailing of care packages or throwing a "Welcome Home" party on their return.

If the group does nothing else, it provides an outlet for those who are worried and scared for their loved ones as they head off to war.

"The world's in a lot of turmoil right now, but we're going to get through this if we stay together," Mrs. King said. "It's just nice knowing each one of you are here."

The Military Family Support Group meets at 7 p.m. each Tuesday at Emmanuel Christian Church, 445 Greenville-Sandy Lake Road, New Vernon Township. For more information call (724) 376-3412.