13 USS Marvin G. Shields-"Ship 13"

[Wanda J.]

Recruiter just gave my husband this information for our son's address. He said he didn't think the division number was correct, but that's all he had. Mark left 9/24 and arrived 9/25 to GL. Please let me hear from you if your child was given this same address. He also gave us the Division # R2009 but said he didn't think that was correct ....... I'm trying to be patient but it is getting harder and harder!

[Janet]

Have you head anything yet Wanda? Cody is on the same ship and left the same times as Mark, his division is 006. I did see today that his division will be graduating on Nov 21. I'm hoping we get the official letter today, I just want peace of mind in knowing the letters I've sent so far will make it.

[Wanda J.]

I have not heard anything! I am getting very frustrated!!! It seems most moms out there get the CORRECT addresses .... we did not get anything today ....... maybe tomorrow!!! I am also looking for the book Honor, Courage and Commitment ........ our local library doesn't have it ......have you read it?

[Andria]

Wanda I read the book and keep reading it daily. It is great. I bought mine on half.com.
My son Stephen left and arrived at GL on the same day as yours. He is in ship 13 division 006 with Janets son. I didn't receive my letter today either. Maybe tomm.
Andria

[Wanda J.]

I don't know why I haven't just ordered the book online .... I can't believe our library didn't have a copy.
Yes, hopefully, we will both get our letters tomorrow. I hope our guys will rest well tonight! I guess it's bedtime for me after I say my prayers. Talk to you soon!

[Janet]

I got my letter today and as far as I know there is no division #R2009, although I could be wrong. Like I said Cody is on that same ship and is in DIV 006 and that was confirmed in todays letter.

[Wanda J.]

Was there anything else in the letter? I wish we had our letter! Patience is not my greatest virtue! :(

[Janet]

Hi Wanda, it was addressed in his own writing, which was nice to see. It was a typed letter with a Dear _____(fill in the blank) where he wrote mom. It then went on to tell you about all the different aspects of boot camp, emergency information, the page with the address had several different ones, which he circled his and wrote next to it to write to him here. At the end of the letter there were two blank lines for a personal message from him stating to tell everyone to write letters, and telling me he can only write back on Sundays, and that he loved me. That was it. The address listed is:

SR Last name, First name, MI
DIV 006 USS Marviin G. Shields
BLDG. 7112
Recruit Training Command
Great Lakes, IL 60088

I hope this helps, and I sincerely hope everyone gets thier letters tomorrow!

[Wanda J.]

Hey Janet and Andria - we got our letter today!!! It was SO GOOD to see his handwritting and just to have some communication!!! And it is the same address!!! It was postmarked Oct 1 so it didn't take it long to get here either! He did say that the first few days had really been dragging - I bet it has picked up speed by now! I guess our next step is to listen out for a phone call during the next week or so! I wonder if our boys know each other ??........

[Janet]

I'm so glad you got your letter! Isn't it a great feeling, it kind of closes some of the gap we've been feeling this past week. I hope time does pick up speed for them, and us! I wrote Cody another letter today and asked if he knew Mark and the other guys. If they don't know them by now, I'm sure they soon will. I'm sure there is no way not to get to know everyone in thier division. I hope they all become lifelong brothers/sisters. Anyway congrats!!!

[Andria]

Just got my letter too. Oh, It was so good to feel connected finally. He wrote quite a bit on his little 3 lines. He said he misses everyone alot but he and his division are doing good. He says to pray for them.

[Janet]

Oh Andria, that's awesome! Doesn't it make you feel great, just seeing thier handwriting and knowing they're still out there and still alive.;-) I pray everyday for all of them and I know in my heart they will do great.

[Linda (Shea's Mom)]

Hello,
My son Shea left 9/24 for boot camp with the Navy. He arrived at GL 9/25. Just received a formal letter that gave his address today. He wrote two short lines at the bottom. He is in the DIV 006 USS Marvin G. Shields. Just wondered what to expect and how to best keep in touch. Do they ever have computer/email time?