I'm New To This & Have A Few Questions?

[Kelly]

Hello,

My name is Kelly, and I'm a new boot camp mom. My son went to boot camp on St. Patty's Day. So he's working on his 4th week right now.

It's been pretty tough, but at I read more and more... obviously I'm in with the best of the Navy Mom's! We're all going through the same thing.

I'm actually doing pretty well at this point. I try and stay busy to keep my mind off it and I have a younger daughter that keeps me hopping. My son and I have an on going joke that we try and find our Happy Place during difficult times. And when writing that's what we've both talked about.. :)

I've done a little research on graduation and such, and still have more to do but hoping someone might be able to answer a few questions for me. Does anyone have recommendations for hotel accomodations for that area? And my other question is concerning something I read about being able to purchase a video copy of the graduation ceremony. It stated that the recruit may order one ahead of time and to check with them, which of course I've sent through a letter about this... but haven't heard back yet. And, if this is the case... how much are they? Will they also have their professional military photos made during this time? And, how much? I'm on a budget, and want to be prepared.

Thank you so much for your help with this, anyone. I appreciate your time. :)

Kelly

[Tamie (mom of Michael)]

Hi Kelly, Welcome aboard the ship of questions and answers, lol
Your first q. is motels, I stayed a the Navy Lodge very nice, clean, and close to the base. it was about $60 a night
go to navylodge.com find the one for Great Lakes. make your resavation early. Your sailor will have the order form for pictures, make sure you keep asking in your letters about the pictures, and when you finally get a phone call ask again. then I put money in my son account. they have to be paid for up front. mine cost me around $ 250 ?? but I have ordered a lot for family. the year book is ok. not to much of our boys in it. but a good keeper for them. it was around 40 ?? The DVD of graduation is around 20 it will come much later after grad. and so will the year book. the pictures will be ready at graduation. so if you are flying make sure you have room to get them home. lol so I think all together $200 and maybe cheaper, just depends on how many photos u want.
Go as soon as the gates open for the grad, it takes some time in getting check in. and you want a good seat when you get into where the grad. is you will see that they have signs with their div # that is the section u will want to sit in.
If you have more Q just ask away. I would love to help.
What is your sailor doing in the Navy? mine is a corpsman. and right now in San Diego. he has been enlisted for a year now. time does fly, when your kept busy. love, Tamie ( mom of Mike)

[Kelly]

Hi Tamie,

Thank you for such a warm welcome and the information. That helps me alot. Winging it, with the little bit of info from him is frustrating. So, this really helps me.

My son Scott is going into Aviation Electronics. I don't know yet where he will be stationed, in his paperwork it shows about 5 different areas that he might go to... so I'm anxious to find that out also.

What does a corpsman do? Sorry for silly questions, I am learning the lingo. :) Btw, I just love San Diego... I bet he is too.

Thanks again,
Kelly

[Sara (Matt's mom)]

Tamie,
Does Navy Lodge have 2-room suites? I've heard its the best deal around, clean, etc.
Thanks for your reply.

[Janis Kay]

No. Each room has 2 double beds, small table, 2 chairs, fridge, 2 burners, microwave, sink, dishes, ironing board, bathroom.

[Charlotte (Jason's Mom)]

No suites, but you can get adjoining rooms.

[Don]

Hi Kelly!
My name is Don, and my daughter also went to boot camp on St. Patty's Day. What Ship and Division is your son? Maybe they know each other.
Like Tamie suggessted, we are staying at the Navy Lodge when we go out for graduation. I hear it is great, and also the best deal you'll find in the area.

[Kelly]

Hi Don,

My on Scott is in DIV 187, the Enterprise. Maybe they do know each other? I'm so glad to hear about the Navy Lodge, it's the first time I've heard of that. Thank ya'll for telling me about it. I'll go check it out.

When is your daughter's PIR? Mine is on 5-8-09.

Thanks again,
Kelly

[Janis Kay]

You and Don need to request to be friends and then private message each other what your child's last name is because the recruits only know each other by last name.

Also, your son has to pay for all of the pics, yearbook, dvd, etc. You can't. But don't worry, he's been making a paycheck since he got there and probably has more in his account than he ever has (if he is like my son!) So as long as you told him what to buy, it's up to him to buy it and then you can pay him back if you want or whatever! My son bought a special picture of himself for me. It was really kind of like the first "big" purchase he ever made for me and that was very special to me!

Also, we, too, stayed at Navy Lodge. It is nice, close and has a kitchen in it which is nice. My son just wanted to lay in the hotel and watch TV one afternoon so it was nice to have a fridge, microwave, etc. Just google them, and call and reserve under your seaman recruit's name.

Have fun! It's gettin' closer!

[Kelly]

Hi Janis,

Thank you for the information, I appreciate it.

Yes, this the most money that he will have made it awhile. :) I just hope he knows to do this. I wrote him about it and hope that he listens to his Mama... LOL!

I checked out the navylodge, but decided to go with the Ramada. I have a younger daughter and they have an indoor pool that I thought she might enjoy on our down time. They also have a microwave and fridge in the rooms too, so that should be helpfu.

You have a nice day, and thank you again. :)

Kelly

[Don]

My daughter is Division 186, SHIP 10. That means your son is in her "brother" division. That means they train together, so I'm sure that they know each other. She is the Yeoman for her Division, so he may know her because of that. When you write to him, ask if he does.
We'll be seeing you at PIR on May 8th!
Don

[Kelly]

My son is in Ship 10 also.... so yes I bet they do know each other. I don't know what a Yeoman is? I'm just learning all of the lingo. :) I will definitely ask him when I write.

So, are you getting excited about graduation? I know I am... We're on the downhill run now. I feel like I have something to look forward too, instead of these lonely days without him.

We decided that were going to stay at the Ramada. I have a younger daughter also, and they have an indoor pool... so I thought it would be nice for her to be able to swim in our down time there.

I hope that we can meet and enjoy all of this together, that would be wonderful!

Take care and thanks for writing me. Have a nice day! :)

Kelly

[Jim Gramza]

Hi Kelly. I hope you are doing well with the absence of your son. Have you gotten all of your questions answered? There are lots of hotels around RTC. Navy Lodge is a good choice. It also depends what you are going to use for transportation. Are you close enough to drive, or are you going to rent a car? After PIR you will be able to spend the rest of the day unless he is a "grad and go". More than likely he will be going to Pensacola first. That is the seat of Naval Aviation.Here is the address to RTC and has a lot of information. You may have been there already, but here it is any way.
http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/index.asp
Good luck and God Bless!