Families of Deployed Troops Face Hidden Toll as Iran Conflict Drags On
"I try not to show her when I’m scared... but she knows."
Key Details
- The soldier, an Army reservist, volunteered for a nine-month deployment to the Middle East beginning in October 2024.
- That deployment was extended by one month, causing him to miss crucial family events back home.
- His partner, Jessica Serrato, and his mother, Yadira Dessaint, now manage all household duties and childcare near Los Angeles.
- The family has requested anonymity for the soldier, citing a genuine fear of retribution.
The Family Experience
Serrato reports that her 11-year-old daughter, Laylah, is struggling. The girl is consumed by worst-case scenarios and finds it difficult to concentrate at school.
Communication is a lifeline. Serrato and Dessaint speak with the soldier daily by phone. Serrato tries to carefully gauge his mental state during each call, looking for signs of stress he might not admit to.
The family's burden is compounded by the soldier's reservist status. They live far from a major base, giving them limited access to on-base support networks typically available to active-duty families.
To cope, Serrato and Dessaint have built their own support system. They share a routine of prayer together before bed, finding solace in a connection the military infrastructure hasn't provided.
Background on the Conflict
The current phase of the conflict began in late February 2025 with US and Israeli airstrikes in Iran, which were followed by back-and-forth attacks across the region.
As of this report, 14 US service members have been killed in the ongoing operations.
Ceasefire negotiations are active, but officials have confirmed there is no final agreement yet.