DIV 313 SHIP 14

[Monica Jackson]

Should we plan a "get together" for families of those in division 313/ship 14?

From what I heard, the guys in 313 are a tight group that stick together. Let's brainstorm about what, when and where because we all know why.

[Lisa Shearin]

Monica,
Thanks for starting this. Yes I would love to have a get together for our division.

[Monica Jackson]

Lisa, how is your dad doing? Wasn't he in the hospital? Gosh, I hope that I do not have that confused because I have been praying for a healing for Lisa's dad.

[Monica Jackson]

Good Evening to all the DIV 313 mom's, we got two page ltr from Kenny with a msg to all of you. I will tell you the msg first then will give you the gist of the letter.

"Tell the moms on Navy moms.com that they did a good thing raising their kids because I am certainly with fine gentlemen, soon to be sailors. I really enjoy my shipmates. They are the main reason I'm doing so good in bootcamp. Tell the moms I can't wait to see them on the 29th".

To summarize his letter, Ken said their division has a flag that no other divisions has and that made the RDC's really happy. He said they have their uniforms and will have photos taken soon. The RDC's have a nickname for many and they call Kenny "GERBER BABY" because they say he looks like the kid on the baby food jar. He said he jokes around with the RDC's and they joke back. He has been sick nine times, once with 103 fever but he is better now. He said bootcamp is a big germ. He wakes up at 4am on his own......and he irons like a pro.

That is about all ladies. Thank you sons for me......I hear so many good things, in fact nothing negative and my son said it is because he has a great division made of fine shipmates. Thanks again. We like Kenny are so looking forward to meeting you. Maybe we should sit at PIR together. We plan to be there very early to buy division shirts (they sell out fast) so I have no problem sharing seats, if you tell us how many. TTYL

[shelly]

I found you!!! That is a very good complement from Kenny, who I know is a great guy, he never has any thing bad are neg, to say about anyone , I am also going to be there early and I would love to sit together, I'm open for are get to gather , There will be me ,Jennifer, Tristin, Jenn's mom , Chris's Dad and his wife, Let 's study this site are the Great lakes area , And find out what are options are,

[Monica Jackson]

Right on! Good idea, let's see what is out there and close. I think Blair is flying on Thu. We are staying at Homewood Suites in Lincolnshire (Blair turned us onto that). We have our flights. Delta Airlines departing Sacramento at 6:10am on Thu 27 Aug. We are suppose to arrive at O'Hare at 3pm. We leave on Sun 31 Aug at 4:00pm so hopefully we will have time to take Kenny to a brunch nearby before we leave. I would imagine that they have Mon off but I nephew told me that I should allow Kenny a day with his shipmates. Many of them will never see each other again. When he was in the Navy, he and his shipmates took off for Navy Pier in a limo (cheaper than a taxi). He said that was a great day so hopefully Kenny and the guys will come up with something if they have liberty. Take care.

[Monica Jackson]

Lisa, his bad news, isnt that bad because poor guy was sick. Kenny told me during the Sunday call that the majority of them were feeling better but I read somewhere that pink eye is going around. I wonder if they all get sick on carriers.....goodness, you have no where to hide.
Kenny went on and on about the flag too. We will have to watch the posting the week of grad as we might find them posted as an honor division in one or more catergories. I am so thankful Kenny is with these guys. It is a true blessings.
Shelley is correct, Kenny does not say anything bad about anyone but he will not say anything all and in this case sending a msg to the moms, made me smile. I just love that kid and he means it "he is looking forward to meeting all of you".
Take care

[Lisa Shearin]

Monica,
That was such a wonderful, sweet thing for Kenny to say. You have raised such a great kid, and I am so thankful Jeff is in the same division. Thank you for sharing!

[Blair]

Hi,
Thanks Monica for starting this discussion for "our" division and ship. I really do feel like I have a special bond with you moms just knowing our sons are all in the same group and going through everything together like a "band of brothers". It has made them especially close and I feel it has done the same for us.
I don't think we will be able to make the main Meet & Greet on 8-28 due to our flight times, so a division one would be great for us. Hopefully I can see everyone at the actual graduation.
I just finished reading Eric's letters (2 this week). He said all was great with him. Sounds like he hasn't been sick at all except for having hurt his thumb somehow, but its fine now. He always says how much he misses us and being home, but that he is right where he needs to be and wouldn't change anything, even if he could. Like Kenny, he says they are a good group of guys. He also said he has made a few very good friends whom he feels will be lifelong friends. I'm very grateful for the unexpected gift!

I have noticed several comments here and there regarding them becoming sailors soon and I think they will be a very proud and emotional division when they pass Battle Stations and at PIR. I know I will be crying my eyes out...heck, I already am.
I would love to all sit together at PIR, but just be forwarned that I will be clapping and cheering very loudly! We plan to be there really early too. I did read on another discussion that it would be wise to sit to the side in the section because if you sit front and center, you can only see the first row of recruits head on, but if you sit off to the side, you can see each row. Hopefully they will know the general row or placement they will be standing (right or left side) so that will help out where to sit for a good view.
The Gerber Baby nickname is hilarious and I can totally see it. He sorta does fit the name! (I'm sorry Kenny) I wonder what names the other guys have? I'm sure they are a crack up.

[Monica Jackson]

Blair, did you say you received TWO letters? Good for you!!!! I’m glad to hear Eric is doing great. I can hardly wait to meet your baby who flew from Sac to Chicago with my baby! We received one letter today and Megan received one today. Last week was so sad and I felt terrible for Megan. While we were on vacation, Megan was checking our mail. Generally, we receive letters from Kenny on Thu. Megan called on Thu - no letters. I said maybe our mailman’s on vacation too. For sure we’ll have one tomorrow. Fri came, she checked the mail………………"nothing"! Megan left a msg "I checked the mail and we didn’t get a letter. I’m not doing too good over here, can you call". It broke my heart to hear her so sad. I was on the jet-ski and missed her call. Megan called my husband too, who was at the marina. He told her things are fine…….you know how men are! Well a couple of hours passed, Megan was sitting at home when her cell phone rang; she thought it was me calling her again. Megan hears “HI”…….she thought to herself “NO, this can’t be happening. This can’t be him” so again she said HELLO (a little louder). Megan finally believed it was true when the reply was “Megan, it’s me, Kenny”. She started crying explaining to him what just happened. Apparently Ken didn’t write that Sun (wisdom tooth removed). Megan called me right away to tell me that he called her. I got off the phone with her, than I cried. She was blessed, don’t you agree? I told Kenny my side of it all when he called me two days later (Sun). He thought it was all-cute. I don’t think cute, but if he says so, ok! Well that is about it for tonight. Stay safe mom’s and have a good night.

[Monica Jackson]

Kelly, yes, I received a grad packet last week. Who are the other moms from Div 314/14 that you are talking about? I know that Blair and Pam received there and I am pretty sure Shelley and Vicky did as well, but I suppose I'll let them speak for themselves.

Glad you found us! Hopefully we can put together some ideas for a meet/greet for our DIV as well. Take care.

[Monica Jackson]

Ok, I get it.....I was reading fast and didnt catch the division was not 313. I don;t know what to tell you but I hope you get it this week. I am pretty sure those in 313 are all received. Sorry for being so confused.

[Vicky]

Ladies I am ahead of you by one day on receiving letters, I get mine on wed. I too expected a call sunday blair, but didn't receive one it will probably be when we least expect it. The one time he did call was on a thurs. around 10 a.m. so I guess I kinda expect one anytime. I'm not really worrying about him so much as missing him, I think the prayers helped on the worry part. It makes me feel good knowing so many are praying for them all. God Bless you all. Vicky