how do I clean this mess?

[MgoestoTX]

Hi, first I want to say I am so glad I found this forum, I was totally helpless a few days ago and thanks to this I feel quite informed now. Thank you!
My story is very complicated, I'll try to just get the necessary facts down:
I'm married to a U.S. citizen, I'm German, we got married in Germany. We went to the U.S. after several years, I had no problems getting a green card. However, I left the U.S. after a short time because of severe financial difficulties, my husband followed a few months after and immediately got a (American) government job in Germany. After about eight months he left to join the Army again in the States. As he was sent to Korea right after, I stayed in Germany with our two kids. Altogether, I have been outside the U.S. for two years now. A month ago, we found out my husband is going to be stationed in the States starting this fall.
I have read there might be a way to make my green card "valid" again if my absence had to do with government/military jobs. Does it sound like I have a chance to try this with success? How long does such a procedure usually take? Can I travel with the VWP to visit if I start such paperwork in Germany? Could there be any problems going to the States with the VWP if I can't keep the green card? Would I have to do anything with the green card (like officially give it up) before I can travel to the States at all?
Our kids haven't had their Dad around them for almost a year now, I must find a smooth way to get us back together, and be it only for three months for right now. I hope anyone out there can help me undo this mess...

[C4us]

Ask your husband to ask his command if there is someone in the German base JAG office who can advise you. He should also look into getting this question answered through his command.

I assume you have dependents ID to get on base and are on his official paperwork. I am assuming he is on a PCS and you could have gone with him and is not on an unaccompanied tour with his main command still in Germany.

If his command is still where you are living, do you have a ombudsman in the family support group?

If you want to discuss this off the forum, send me a PM.