Letters and cards -- adding color to bootcamp

[Jeannie]

Hi,

I just picked my son, Chris, up from Great Lakes today. He has been separated from the Navy because of severe tendonitis and, God willing, will have an opportunity to return.

He had so many great things to say about bootcamp and we have loved listening to his stories. He was in Ship 11, Div. 224. To all the Ship 11, Div 224 mom's and dad's, he has nothing but good things to say about your sons.

I sent Chris both letters and cheerful, funny, colorful and inspirational cards. I typed all my letters and inserted pictures in them -- lots of pictures! he told me that many of the recruits seem to get more letters than cards and that everyone enjoyed cards. he said after a very long day it was nice to have something cheerful to look at.

after he left for bootcamp, I went out and bought about 25cards and started sending them. I also sent him lots of postcards, too. I sent him cards with pieces of art work on them and told him that bootcamp probably didn't include art appreciation -- light messages like that. he said things like this lightened the mood for him and some firends.

he said one of the guys near his "rack" -- bed in navy -speak -- would get down sometimes and he liked looking at the cards -- they cheered him up.

My son asked that I pass on this information to the Navy moms that a bright, cheerful/funny card can really turn a hard day into a good one.

onward,

jeannie b.

[Jeannie]

Hi Denise,

I hope your daughter enjoys your mail. It didn't sound like the cards made Chris stand out. He brought them home with him and is saving them.

He is doing good. He has a job and is looking at different schools. Ideally, he would like to return to the navy, but if it doesn't happen he should have other options.

good luck to your daughter.

onward,

jeannie b.

[Bina]

Now I know why my son asked for pictures.
Bina

[Anna Colleen LaSalle]

dears, just don't inundate, sometimes they get a bit of flack if they're overwhelmed with mail...don't think a couple a day would be bad....sometimes putting a *** by the return address can mean to share with a buddy without too much mail...

[Jillzz]

Anna..could you further explain the *** by the return address...My daughter's in 6th grade and really wants the class to write letters as well...we were talking about guys that don't get a lot or any mail the other day..me knowing my son will get plenty makes me feel bad for those that can't/won't...thanks Gina

[Anna Colleen LaSalle]

Jeanie, best wishes and thanks all around. Your son's service is honored short or long.

[Anna Colleen LaSalle]

one good thing to send to boot camp is moleskin bandages for when they have blisters or to prevent blisters...just a couple with each card...spread the word!!

[Jillzz]

Oh and the little girl I watch colored on the inside of a card for him and then took her "potty" reward stickers off her shirt and insisted on putting them on the card LOL