COLUMBUS, Ohio– There are tens of thousands of U.S. troops serving in the Middle East, and as unrest continues throughout the region, their families are left to cope with feelings of worry.

Marine Corps. First Lieutenant Jason Reep was sent to the Middle East in December.

His parents, Jeff and Criss, said they're just as concerned as any parent would be.

Before leaving, Jason and his wife welcomed a baby boy.

The Reeps said they rely on their Christian faith to keep them focused on trusting that their son will be safe.

"It's just good to know that he's in good hands. The Lord knows exactly what's going on, and I'm just grateful that we can trust the Lord, and He is the one that's ultimately protecting him. And, so we just pray, and we just have to leave it there, and I don't let my mind really go much past that other than he's busy. I know he's doing the best he can on the ship there, and he's enjoying what he's doing," Criss Reep said.

The Reeps have five sons. Four of them have served or will serve in the military.

While Jeff and Criss did not serve in the military themselves, they said their sons knew from a young that this is what they wanted to do.