Just wanted to say how thankful I am to have all of you at N4M.

[Donna]

I have been on this site for over a year now. The support and love here is something I can't get in my personal life. Other then my own family most people just don't understand what it is like to have children (young men and women) in the Navy or any branch of the military. At work I feel like I am boring my fellow employees with anything that has to do with the Navy. They all have children going off to college and at times they make me feel like the Military is a cheap way for not paying for your childs education. They don't understand that it was their choose to join and serve their country. I over heard a comment, not directed to me but to another person. That his girls had to join the Navy because he wouldn't pay for their education, His girls are doctors in the US Navy. They went to the Academy. And this man is a doctor himself so he could and I am sure he would have paid for his daughters education. I just don't get it why people don't understand. And how they can judge. Thats why I wanted to thank every mom, dad, girlfriend and grandmother on this site. It is such a blessing to have someone to talk to that is going though the same feelings and problems that you are. Navy for Moms is the BEST ever. Thanks again for being here.

[Tamie (mom of Michael)]

Amen to that Donna, we love our sailors, and are very proud, sometimes people forget why we are free to say and do the things we do in America. Go Navy! Yoo Hoo

[Paula]

I 2nd that NAVY is the way. It teaches our kids responsiblity. and life lessons that they do not get sitting in a dorm.

What's the saying, IGNORANCE is Bliss. Just casually say "How did you sleep last night?" They will usually say ok or great night sleep. After their response, say you can thank my child for that.

I love & support every brand of the military! Thank your child for me!

[Donna]

Great come back Paula, I really hope I don't have to use it but if the time comes up again I most definitely will.

[Brenda S., aka, Sailor Moon]

Thank you Donna, and tell your Sailor thank you too. Go Navy!

[Proud Navy Mom Sue]

I agree completely how people don't understand the sacrifice our kids have made to be part of the Navy. Yes our kids might get their education paid for but look at what they do for that. Also they are away from their families sometimes overseas and sometimes they are fighting for everyone's freedom. I had a friend tell me that I didn't have to pay for my son's education and I said excuse me-I pay everyday by not being able to see him or talk to him and worry about where he will go or what he will do. I also reminded her that everything our Navy or other branches of military do gives her the freedom she has in this country. I am very proud of my son and every other child that chooses the military! When I see a person in the military I thank them for serving our country! Where would we be without them. The real support we get going through this is right here on Navy for Mom's because we all feel the same thing and are going through this together. So everyone tell your kids I am proud of them!

[Karen Gallagher]

I agree that a NAVY education is the best education that you can get hmmm that must be why I have 3 sons in and getting a wonderful education !!

God Bless

[Donna]

You guys (ladies) are the best, I'm right there with you Karen I have 3 Navy educated sons myself. And won't change a thing. I knew everyone would understand what I am going through.

[Lisa (Kylie's Mom)]

Hi Donna .....GO NAVY!!!!! My husband is retired Navy and my father is retired Navy and I'm so proud to be called a Navy Brat, Navy Wife and now Navy Mom. My daughter Kylie did go to college right after high school for 2 years and it was her choice to leave and join the Navy. I have to say I have never been more proud of her NOW. I worried more about her in college than I am now. My daughter is in bootcamp and I can't believe the positve change in her (at least in her letters and phone calls). I thank everyone on this site for being there, because like you I feel my coworkers don't understand either. She is going to have the adventure of her life. Thanks to all the branches of the military.

[Mary Doshay]

I agree with you. I am fairly new to this site, but it has already helped just preparing me for the experience of the graduation from boot camp. I have had several people ask me how I could "let" my son join the Navy. I told them I was proud of him for his choice. The strange thing is that we are in San Diego, a Navy town. Anyway, I am thrilled beyond words at the transformation just over the 8 weeks of boot camp, and I know this will be a good experience for us as well as our son. Now our youngest son (graduating this year from high school) is also considering the Navy. I am thankful to whoever started this and makes sure it keeps going.

[Robyn Schwartz]

Donna - when Dan first joined in 1994 I went looking on the web and found a similar group for support, never would have made it through BC and A school, all the deployments without all the understanding Nay moms I had for support. You are right, friends, even family, do not understand what we are going through, seems the ones who do understand are the other vets and their families, be it WWII, Korea or Viet Nam.
We're here for ya!

[Lindylou]

I am so proud of all our kids getting their "cheap" education in the Military. They are brave and selfless young men and women. For many of us this is our first experience with Boot Camp and I'm sure we had no idea what lay ahead for our kids and even as we are going through it, it's hard to explain to others which is why N4M is such a lifeline. Hopefully those that judge are in the minority but we can hold our heads high knowing the sacrifices our kids are prepared to make for freedom. We must remember to tell our kids often what an important job they are doing and how proud we are of them. To all you ladies here thank you for your wisdom and broad shoulders guiding us through this journey and hopefully as this journey goes along I will be able to lend my shoulders and share what I've learnt with moms about to take the first steps.

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

It's been a such a year for our Sailors Donna but I'm quite sure it's because of all of the wonderful things the MOMs learned from each other and forced on shared with our Sailors!!! This Friday marks our one year anniversary from boot camp and you were along for the ride with me the whole time and for that and our friendship this past year, please let me thank you for all the love and support that you have offered to me and my sailor. You are a great Navy mom and a great friend!