This interview is an account of the experiences of Mr. Ronald G. and Mrs. Beverly A. Payne as parents of soldiers serving in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The Paynes have two sons currently serving in the US Army: Darren, a veteran of two tours in Iraq; and Matthew (who conducted the interview), a veteran of one tour in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. The Paynes, who hail from Stafford County, Virginia, and who both have long family histories of military service, feel invested in the GWOT and have given time and effort to support their sons and other soldiers in various ways. While the current world situation gives them cause for worry, they are proud of their sons' service and feel their own sacrifices have helped them grow in many ways. In this interview, they discuss such issues as communicating with their sons while overseas, how they dealt with receiving word that one son had been injured, and their impressions of media coverage of the GWOT. They also offer advice to parents whose children are considering joining the military and to those who have children serving in combat zones. They talk about how the Army as a whole assists the families of deployed soldiers and close their interview by noting how much has changed since the Vietnam Era. As Mrs. Payne said, "I remember during Vietnam how sad it was. I remember seeing the riots and the protestors and being so ashamed. I was a young mother and I was busy with my family, but it still made me incredibly sad to see how our troops were being treated. My sons haven't been spit upon or made fun of. They haven't had to be ashamed to wear their uniform. I am just so proud of America."

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