My son leaves for boot camp in January

[Wendy Joes Mom]

My son leaves for boot camp in January, he will be going to Great Lakes, IL What can I do now to prepare for graduation and his send off?

Wendy

[Mary (Chris' mom)]

Does he know yet where he will go to A-school? If so, one of the best things that we did was to go to the school before my son left for boot camp. His school is about a 5 1/2 hour drive from here so we incorporated it into a long weekend getaway about two weeks before he left. He was able to get onto the base with his DEP Recruit ID and he "escorted" me as we went to the MWR and we saw the barracks and the building where he will have classes. The MWR folks were very helpful and let us see their bowling alley, movie theater, pool table area, computer banks where they can get online, gave us a booklet with phone numbers to rent cottages after he gets weekend liberties, etc. Then we did a very quick tour of the Virgina Beach area so he could be semi familiar with it and returned to the NC Outer Banks for the rest of our vacation. I think he felt much better and more at ease once he had checked out his first "home" which made me feel better.
He has plenty of time to enjoy his friends and family before he goes. Ask him if there is anything special he would like to do before he leaves. My son wanted to go fishing with me one more time. Other than that, he wanted one more pot of homemade chili. Neither of us had ever been hang gliding but he loves to fly so I asked him if he wanted to go to Kitty Hawk and take hang gliding lessons one afternoon. We drove 6 1/2 hours, spent the night, went hang gliding, the following day went to A-school, then came home the day after. All he wanted was simple and just wanted time with family and friends.
Between now and then you can't hug 'em enough either and tell them that you love them and support them.

[bonnie]

This is a great site to help you through your worries and concerns, especially when he 'ships out' in August. There a many of us who will help walk you through the process.!! Check in often. Support your son's decision. When he leaves for boot camp, you will find lots of support and detailed information from the moms who are doing the same. Once your son leaves the information from him is 0. The information will come from us to you...ask away, read the comments...connect! It sure helped me survive the unknown!! Once the new sailors complete Basic training (plan to go to graduation in Great Lakes, Illinois!!), things calm down and he will settle in and all will be well!

[Linda]

He did say that after BC he would be going to Pensacola, Fl.

[Debbie]

This was my sons' take on Boot Camp. Maybe reading his poem will help to understand a little of what your son will be going through and the obvious reward at the end. He is now in A school in Pensacola hoping to finish by the end of January, 09. Not sure where he will be stationed as of yet, but I have never been so proud of my son. Enjoy .........


BOOT CAMP

Poem by
AC Ammons, John
25-Aug-08


I started this journey worried and scared,
I walked worriedly and spoke in despair.
I wanted bad just to come home,
I couldn’t even use a phone.

P-Days ended then came week 1,
Ricky days they called it for fun.
I learned how to iron I learned how to fold,
I rushed the weekend to be put on hold.

Inspection, Drill, a lot of P.T.,
Yelling and screaming all at me.
I feel so small -- I feel so weak
But this phase is over then end of this week.

CART Phase begins I say with a cheer,
Six more weeks and I’m out of here !
P.T. got harder, so did drill,
Exercise, marching between each meal.

F.E.P. phase to end this all,
I no longer feel weak, I stand tall.
I’ma end this rhyme in a quote, you see,
Cause I’m in the U.S. NAVY !!

[Terrolyn]

I sent my son off with a book of stamps and one of those pre-paid phone cards, he didn't need much else. If he has a small bible, they will let them keep that. The checking account with a voided check and deposit slip is also a must for direct deposit. My son eventually opened another one with the Navy Federal Credit Union so they will pick up the ball from BC to do what they need to.

Talk with him as much as you can now, you will barely hear from him as he enters BC. As he enters week 4, they will send out the graduation information: when, where, what you will need, not need to attend. Make sure you have the vehicle passes, those are a must, your recruit can only have 4 people attending. (With 1200 plus recruits graduating in one shot, seating is limited.) Make sure all who attend graduation has a photo ID, yes, even the youngsters if you can.

Research your hotel recommendations, flight reservations and rental car...(as posted earlier, cab rides are extremely pricey, costs you half of your body instead of an arm or leg.) As for his send off, throw him one at home, invite his relatives, then have a get together so he can say bye to friends.

Welcome to the family, congrats on the new Sailor!

[Renee (Jacob's Mom)]

I find alot of information just by stopping in and talking to my son's recruiter. They guys in the recruiting offices are always so friendly and welcoming of ALL my many questions. Jacob leaves 1/12/09.

[Lynn and Art for Cody (Div 059)]

ATT phone card ( walmart), address labels for everyone he will want to write, when you have his exact address send him return address labels and give everyone you know a few of them as well so they can send him cards, Send him stamps. You can send him with a pen, and a Tablet, stamps and a bible. That and the phone card is all he will be able to keep.

[Wendy Joes Mom]

Thank you all for your input. I am getting more nervous as the days go by. Its great to know you will all be there for me.

Have A Very Merry Christmas and New Year! I will be talking with you soon!

WendyG

[bonnie]

keep checking in with Navy for Moms because you will receive lots of valuable information and support from everyone. Once your sailor leaves for BC, not hearing from him is so nerve wracking but we are here for you to ease your pain!! You will receive one call to let you know he arrived safely at Great Lakes. .and it is mighty brief . He or she needs to follow directions, follow directions and follow more directions again. it will be very tough for him or her but following directions are important. No back talk or arguing--!! At this time, nothing is open for discussion or negotiations!! Best Wishes to your new sailor.

[Tena Fleming]

Wendy,

Just keep in contact with him. So much changes from week to week. He could be a grad & go. which means you won't have much time with him after graduation before he leaves for his A school. My son got leave for 10 days after graduation and got to come home, but there were many who left right after graduation for their A school. Keep in contact with your recruit. My son only called the night before graduation and we were already in Chicago. If he gets leave after and has a cell phone, make sure and take it with you. We were able to keep in contact with him by phone since he flew out on a different airline than we did. He didn't know what to do with a cell phone when we gave it to him after grad. He hasn't put it down since. Ha! Make sure he's leaving right after graduation. They can't have them while on the base! Also take the right shoes for Chicago. I'm a Texan and didn't take the right shoes, and my feet froze! Boots, Boots, Boots, during the winter especially the snow there! Ha!
Good luck with your recruit. I'ts amazing to see the transition when they come home a SAILOR! You will love Chicago. The food is amazing!
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Tena

[Lynn and Art for Cody (Div 059)]

Hi, Wendy, We just completed our Son's PIR. I can answer many questions for you now. We stayed at the Residence Inn, about 3 mi. from the base and it is Awesome. Great room with kitchen, full breakfast, evening beer and wine and full meal is included in the 89.00/night rate, and so much more. they have a full packet of info for PIR families. definitely recommend for graduation accommodations. Our son was so pleased to just use his phone, use his computer, take a private shower, lounge in soft clothes, and download songs to a cheap MP3 player we brought him, they sure miss music.