Needing Information

[Tina ( Justin and Joe's Mom)]

I am a new Navy mom, my son left last Sunday for bootcamp and of course we didn't hear from him. We got a call from the airport in Atlanta Ga. when he had a layover said he would arrive in Chicago in the middle of the night. I was given a website from a friend www1.netc.navy.mil to go to but it doesn't work does anyone know of this website that can give me the correct web address? Tina

[Navy11years]

Please contact the Public Affairs Officer at Great Lakes. They will be able to point you in the right direction. Sorry to hear that you didn't hear from him, they are given a 3 minute phone call when they arrive to let the family know they made it. If they didn't contact anyone they are supposed to let their RDC know that they didn't, but of course he could have not said that to his RDC. The PAO can lead you in the right direction.

[Navy11years]

P.S. Here is the correct website....

http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/index.html

[Joyia]

Hi Tina. I know we new navy moms have lots of concerns and are anxious to know that our kids have arrived safely at Great Lakes. If he left last week, did you get "the box"? It should have all his clothes and things that needed to be sent home. The first few days they are there are very busy with processing. They get the one time quick call home upon arrival, (although there are some moms on here that haven't received that call), and are only allowed to write on Sunday so depending on your mail service, you may get a letter late this next week. You should also receive a form letter from the Navy which will have a very brief note on it from your son. The waiting for that first contact from them is so HARD! The other option you have is to contact his recruiter. They will have his ship number and division number for his address so you can write to him. If there was a problem with his arrival, GL would have been in contact with the recruiter and they would have called you.

This site is a wonderful place to learn and share. We are all part of the Navy now...welcome to the family. This web address is the one you requested. You can probably cut and paste it into your browser. There is a "family" section you can go to that is very informative and will help with alot of your questions.

http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/index.html

Keep us posted on what is happening.

Joyia

[Navy11years]

Please give a few days before contacting his recruiter, the recruiter will not have his mail information for at least 2-5 days depending on assignment to a division.

[Tina ( Justin and Joe's Mom)]

Thanks for the information. We haven't gotten the box yet, but his friend left the week before he did and his mom said that she got it in about a week. My son there now is my youngest(18) and the other one (21) has left college after 3 years and is leaving for Chicago in Feb. So I guess by then I will be a pro. Although it doesn't make it easier. Thanks for the web site. Keep in touch.

[Debby]

I say this to all new moms... I remember when my son left for basic... then he left to fight in Iraq.. I wish I could have him at basic again... looking back it was so much easier.. at least I knew where he was and I knew he was safe.. now I dont know anything until I hear from him.. and that could be weeks between contacts...

I remember getting "the box" I sat on my bed smelling and clutching his clothes and sobbing... When my middle son left for the Army it wasnt any easier... my youngest son has been told he can't go into the military that I emotionally can't handle it.. early next year I will have 2 sons in Iraq

You will be ok Mom... and so will he...

Debby

[Valorie, Proud mom of this MASN]

Tina,

My son left for BC 10/7, it was almost 6 days before we got tat 30 second call telling us he was there, so don't worry. We aslo called his recruiter two days after he left to make sure all was well.

[Paula]

Oh Girlfriend, wait until you get to the "Stalk your Mailman" stage. Seriously we have all been there, but Welcome to the military. I have decided it certainly is not built around Moms :) That is why we have this site, we will all be your supporst & strentgth thru this. I was a BASKET CASE when my son left, it was the first b-day (turned 19 in BC) that we have not been together. I am sure it effected me much more than him. Make sure you are writing everyday, same for his family & friends, Letters are so important to them and they pretty much only write back on Sundays.
When you receive his box in the mail, your going to get a lump in your throat that this is a reality. I myself and quite a few others had issues with that but guess what, you look back and laugh. It is just his clothes and belongings they told us not to send anyway. If you need anything, please feel free to call, email or PM me. You can cry, laugh, scream & BRAG as we all do abot your recruit. Hang in there, I PROMISE it really does get easier.
Paula I PM's you my info.