First Deployement

[Lauri Smith]

Hi I'm Lauri. My son, Daniel just deployed for the first time. He's a SeaBee out of Gulf Port. I don't know what to expect. My other son is Air Force and has been to Iraq however he was in a safe zone and has a very different job so I heard from him regularly which was nice. Does anyone know how we can receive informatiom? Updates? Daniel said he may be able to contact me on FaceBook in a month but was not sure...
Lauri

[Susan Simerly]

Hi, I am Susie. My son Cody is also in Gulfport, a SeeBee. He was suppose to deploy on Friday but has been delayed because of a dislocated shoulder. I also would love to know what to expect as this is my only child in the military. I wonder how do we get their address to mail them stuff.

[Lauri Smith]

Hi Susie! I'm sorry to hear about Cody's shoulder. Daniel's deployement was delayed due to a hernia...But he did finallu leave on Friday. We had a little ceremony here and put up a yellow ribbon in the front yard. I will be keeping it up until he comes home safe.
I bet you are scared and anxioius. I know I was when Brandon first went in. But it get's better the more informed you can stay.

Daniel told me that his Commanding Officer told him Face Book was going to be the best way to keep in touch. That is the method we have been using prior to him leaving. He said it would be a month before he could get online though. When I hear from Daniel, I need to find out what his Battalion is and which Spec. Ops. group he is attached to again because I didn't write it down.
So try and get that from Cody if you dont already have it.

Keep me posted
Lauri

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

Susie and Laurie - I'm curious are your Seabees reservists or enlisted? I'm sure it must be unnerving for you as you say your goodbyes and wait for communications from them. Are you members of the Seabee group that we have here on Navy for Moms?

This weekend we will be having an engagement party/goodbye party for our future SIL he is heading to Iraq in October, he is Army and they are providing him with six days leave to say his goodbyes. I'll be right behind you with questions...we are already communicating via facebook from his current command...hoping internet works in Iraq as well.

[judy r]

Mary, My son has been in Afghanistan for the last 10 mos he has access to the internet but it is limited we usually hear from him once a week sometimes a bit longer...mine is Navy temp assigned to Army

[Carol]

Judy, is your son a Corpsman assigned to an Army platoon, just out of curiosity? That's what my son is putting a request in for soon...

[Susan Simerly]

Mary-my son Cody is enlisted and yes I do believe that I am a member of the Seabees on Navy for Moms. I had no idea that I would be able to communicate with Cody via facebook, so that was exciting news. My son tells me he may be off medical in 4 weeks which would mean he would leave in 5 weeks.

[fly 2]

Good luck to you both!!! I know first hand that the stress not knowing will keep you up at night. My son just returned from a 7 month deployment and damm it was nice to have him home. Just send packages alot and try to keep in touch the best way you can. That's all these Saliors need from us is just knowing we havent forgot them!!!! It will keep them going.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU BOTH!!!!!

[Lauri Smith]

Thank you!~ What kind of things do you send in the packages? Any ideas?? My son is gone for 7 months too. Will be glad when he's home for a visit for sure!

Lauri

[Maggie]

This is my second deployment , my son asked for Beef Jerkey, cookies store bought , they are non perisable, nut's , almonds, peanuts, Tuna in poches, I just found a 8 pack at Costco with mayo packs, spoons attached.. Great price, pretzels, I also sent peanut butter and crackers, choclate of course, garnola, licorice, energy bars are wonderful , because these guys are working long long hours and as
y son Blake said will " devour" whatever u send!!
I also enclosed napkins, paperplates, purell or hand wipes and most IMPORTANT hand written letters with 3-4 family photo's, I found these magnet's that are clear in the front so he can put some in his locker door! My family, my sisters, brother and Blake's cousins wrote him letters also ,
I enclosed one in each package....
I try to send a package every 3 weeks, also personal items too: soap, toothpaste, deo, foot powder...Blake tells me what he is running out of!
Usually the packages take about a good 12 - 14 days, but because they have been on the move so much it has taken a good 14 - 20 days.... FYI
I hope this helps!! Hang in there is will be OK... Hugs

[Carol]

Hi Lauri. First off Bravo Zulu to your Seabee! As a member and officer of my local Blue Star Mothers group, I have the good fortune to meet other moms with kids in other branches of service and other rates within the Navy as well. Our VP's son is a Seabee who has just returned from his deployment this week! (YAY!!) He was in Afghanistan working on "Noah's Ark", a huge wooden structure to house Marines. Anyway, I know that she heard from him fairly regularly via email, if that's any consolation to you. They work VERY long hours on deployment and do not have much down time, so be prepared for that. She shipped many flat rate boxes to him, and I believe she said it would take about 2 weeks for them to get to him. Hope this helps. Hang in there, Mama!

[Lauri Smith]

You're awesome. thanks. As soon as he gives me an address, I will send something.... what kind of things did the other mother send? Do you know? I have no idea what to send.

[Carol]

Where is he deployed to? If he's in the Middle East, the things they really want are baby wipes, eye drops, American snacks/jerky (NO PORK), individual drink mixes, small/handheld games, lip balm, moleskins (for feet), foot powder, throat lozenges, mouthwash, batteries, journals, books, pens. Best resource for you will be your sailor though. Some places are much better equipped than others. My nephew is Army Spec Ops and just deployed (again) to Iraq. He says they need nothing where he is, and have a good PX and can order anything else they want online. Other places, especially in Afghanistan, do not even have showers or latrines.