Last modified: Saturday, November 10, 2007 12:38 AM EST Debra Fryar of Plainville holds photos of her husband Robert, and son Daniel Wills, both of whom are serving overseas. (Staff photo by MIKE GEORGE) For this family, Veterans Day has special meaning BY RICK FOSTER SUN CHRONICLE STAFF PLAINVILLE - Veterans Day is normally a special holiday to Deborah Fryar, whose family members have served in various arms of the military going back generations. But this year, the holiday's significance will be at least double. That's because both the Plainville resident's husband Robert, 39, and son Daniel Wills, 19, who is Robert's stepson, are both serving in the Middle East. Robert, in the Navy, is currently in Kuwait. Daniel, who is in the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, is stationed in Iraq. Robert shipped out last month. Daniel was deployed in March. Daniel is also the son of Stephen Wills of Foxboro. Fryar, who is home with her two youngest children, Robert, 8, and Isabel, 6, says it's been challenging getting used to having both her men overseas. A nurse, Fryar had to leave her job to be able to care for the two youngest. She and the kids have had to adapt to noticeable gaps created by the men's absence, such as Robert being unavailable to take young Robert and Isabel on their customary Halloween trick or treat rounds. But Fryar says she and the youngsters are doing the best to cope and not worry. "You have to take it one day at a time," said Fryar, who manages to keep in touch with her husband and son by e-mail. "I have faith in both of them." Fryar's father served in the Marine Corps and family members on both her and Daniel's father's families have long been connected to the military, with some members tracing their history as far back as the American Revolution. She said she long ago got used to family members serving overseas. Her husband, Robert, served as a submariner in the Navy for five years during the 1990s before being transferred to the inactive reserve. However, he rejoined in 2001 and is now assigned to a coastal warfare unit. He is a petty officer first class. Daniel, a graduate of Foxboro High School, joined the Army two years ago at age 17, and is currently a private first class. He is engaged to Amanda Flagg, a senior at Foxboro High. Along with their family, both men and their family have enjoyed support from the community, Fryar said. Foxboro High School students, with Amanda's assistance, have gathered items to be sent to U.S. military personnel abroad. Daniel's church, Bethany Congregational, has also been active in supporting the troops. Although tending to the home fires with two young children hasn't been easy, Fryar said the Navy and a civilian family readiness group have provided moral support. So has Fryar's enthusiasm for New England Patriots football. "I wouldn't be getting through this without the Patriots," laughed Fryar, who became a fan attending games with her late father and looks forward to rooting for the team on Sundays as a diversion from other worries. "I'm a huge fan," she said. Fryar, who also has a grown daughter, Sarah, says she plans to take her two youngest children to the local Veterans Day parade this year. "They're young, but they're old enough to understand a lot now," she said. "They're very proud of Robert and Daniel."