Some parents fear they won’t hear from their kids in the Navy very often.

[Navy for Moms Admins]

Misconception? Truth? I know in boot camp sometimes conversation from them is limited, but what about after boot camp?

"Some parents fear they won’t hear from their kids in the Navy very often."

[Karen Gallagher]

This is not true at all!! I have one that is home most weekends as he is stationed close (2 hours away) When they are in school and so forth I spent time on the phone all the time with them. We have always been close and being in the navy family has made us even closer

[Sue L]

My son is in "A" School now and is able to call, write or e-mail as often as he wants to. I hear from him often which is really nice. A friend of mine has a wonderful son in the Navy who I've been fortunate to correspond with and he is able to send e-mail even while out at sea. The Navy provides internet access for that purpose which I think is really great.

[VeryProudNavyMom]

Not true....only in boot camp, but that is a lesson learned for then. I hear from my son everyday either a phone call, a text message......feels as if he is here......

[Kimandtheboys]

So far so good with Kyle at boot camp. Of course email would be handy, but hey, I'm going to save his precious hand-written letters home FOREVER. I don't think there is anything else to do on Sunday afternoons for them, so he's been good about writing us and his friends. He has a phone calling card and has been able to call home once so far.

[Tammy T]

Well my son just went in 6 days ago and I haven't heard anything but his 30 sec call when he got there. I don't have his address yet either.

[Chris L Morris]

Dear Tammy:
I have been a Navy mom for 3 1/2 years and prior to that I was also a Marine Mom for 4 years. Boot camp is a
very tough time, maybe harder for us than them. They will go through alot and time is limited. Stay strong, and
make sure you do not miss graduation. That day is so special and trust me you will cherish this forever. I will.
I did not miss either sons graduation and it was the day I KNEW they were men. It was finally easier to let them go
and live their lives. Your job is even harder, MOM.
Chris

[Robin]

Tammy~ Even if you do not have his address, write those letters. Number the envelopes so he knows the order in which to read them. Once you have his address you can send them all. My son received 17 cards and letters his first mail call.

I guess I should have looked at the date you posted. This is good info for any new Navy mom's though.

[Robin]

Kelley,
Check out this link. It will let you know what your daughter is up to and help you write some intelligent letters. She will be so surprised at how much you know. Hang in there.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/navyjoin/l/aanavybasic1.htm

[Marlese]

This link was very informative. I had some idea about what GL involved, this gave some good specifics. I'm making my son read it.
Thank you Robin for posting and sharing this with us.

[Teri Lehr]

My son was processed at MEPS last Wednesday and got his very brief phone call when he got to Great Lakes. I received his clothes yesterday and got a form letter from him today. The letter had some great information but only a small area for him to leave a message for us. But now I have his address and have already sent a letter. The form letter states that mail could take 5 to 10 days.

[Chris L Morris]

Dear Teri:
Yes, that 30 min call you will cherish. I did, twice. My oldest was a Marine and my baby (21) is in the Navy. Remain strong, it 's tough and make sure you go to graduation. It's their day and you will be proud.
Chris

[Melissa]

Well again being the sailor in this situation I got to call home quite often in bootcamp whether it be just because or a reward because of winning captains cup or just being great recruits for a certain amount of time. I can honestly say that the only other time i didnt get to call home alot was when I went on deployment. But i emailed all the time.. i swear i wore my fingers out. But other then that I go home on a regular basis even though I live 6 hours away i still go. because i figure if i was in cali i wouldnt be able to drive home being from PA and all...soo being In Virginia definitely has its upsides and also....If your sailor is thinking of a place where they would wanna get stationed I personally like Virginia alot. It gets hot and humid in the summer and the winters are normally somewhat warm I really like it alot...