FLTC - I feel compelled to write, though you may not remember me. I was posting here last summer/fall, but stopped because life just became too hectic and I didn't think I was making any real progress on the relationship front anyway. During the fall, though, you were supportive of my sitch, especially with respect to my concerns regarding its impact on my kids. I checked in here this weekend to see if I recogized anyone and saw this thread. I am happy to report that my sitch has improved. Sometime after the holidays last year, things began to turn around with my DH -- I don't really know what I did or didn't do that had any impact, but, the short story is that he is back and we are doing much better (though, of course, it is still a work in progress). He gave up his apartment in March (2 months short of the end of the 1 year lease. In May, I found out that I am pregnant with our 3rd child, and we are ecstatic about that. I am 24 weeks along now.
I wish I had some great advice for you, but I don't. I am glad that you are emailing your kids frequently, and I don't think that an occasional email to your W hurts anything. I know that you still have alot of time in Iraq, and just hope that that time brings some positive changes all around for your family.