new moms

[Diane Awbrey]

My son will be leaving for boot camp March 11th - I really have no idea what to expect for boot camp and what how he needs to be prepared before he leaves. He is very quiet and doesn't say much although he is excited about going. Can someone give me some insight as to how he should be preparing and anything I can do to help.

[Donna]

Hi Diane, my son also leaves 3/11. He should be going to DEP meetings. This gets them ready to go. He should have a book that gives you all the info. you need. What to take, what he has to study and PT. My son is studing his general orders and the ranks. As for PT he is running, swimming and doing alot of push-ups. They really don't need to take much. Most will come back to you. Oh he should have a checking account set up with a dept card and get a direct deposit form from the bank, he will need to take that with him. We found it best to keep the account in our home town to pay his bills. Then after they get out of BC they can set up an account with Navy Federal or just keep the one they have. If you still have questions you can call his recruiter or just go to the group DEPPERS. All your questions can get answered there. Keep in touch or boys will be in BC together.

[Diane Awbrey]

Thanks Donna - Dan, my son does have that book and he studies a lot - can't get him to do the physical stuff - says "he's in shape" but hopefully someone will convence him he needs to do more. He goes to meetings every Tuesday night and they do physical workouts and studies which are helping him a lot. He may think he is in shape but don't think anyone is ever prepared for what they put them through!! Thanks so much for taking time to get me started. It means so much. Hope to keep in touch. THanks again, Diane

[Diane Awbrey]

Donna, just wondering - where do you live and what is your son's name - thought I would tell my son, Daniel, that there will be someone he "knows" when he gets there - Daniel has a friend going in Feb. 2nd who will still be there in March so hoping he will write Daniel and tell him what he needs to really prepare for before March 11th! I'm not real good at communicating on computer as I do this from work and don't have a home one - still living in the dark ages!! Hope to stay in touch with you and meet you at some point. Have a blessed day. Diane Awbrey

[Donna]

Diane, My sons name is John and we live in New Jersey. Sorry but thats about all I can tell you on this site. I know the guys go by last names when they get to BC so its hard for us to let them know. But we will stay in touch and see if they get into the same division.

[Diane Awbrey]

Thanks Donna, had no idea about the last names - so new at all this - can we give each other phone numbers? Be happy to give you my cell number if we can. Just let meknow - or home addresess, I will be back here on Monday so have a great weekend and look forward to getting to know each other. Have a peace filled weekend. Diane

[Dianne]

Diane, my son was exactly the same way about the physical stuff. Fought me all the way. I know once he was in BC he had wished he had worked out more. These kids are so stubborn, you have to let them learn on their own. As long as he is doing the memorization...11 general orders, etc., that will be a big plus. I made flash cards and quizzed him all the time.

Here's what to expect...
1. About 4 days after your son arrived in GL you will receive "the box" of all his stuff.
2. About 1 week later you will receive a form letter, which gives you info about boot camp, his address and a two line note from your son.
3. About the 3rd week you will receive your first letter from him. After that you should receive one letter a week. They are given time to write on Sundays.
His first two weeks will be the hardest, so don't be surprised if his first letter isn't an upbeat one. After that they get into a routine and it gets easier on him. In fact, if you were to ask my son today, he would say he liked boot camp. They LOVE getting letters, so write everyday!! Hallmark has some nice military cards. Do not send musical cards, the RDC's hate them. Also, do not put stickers or things on the envelopes, just regular envelopes, nothing that stands out. I wrote most of my letters on the computer and added a photo to every letter. As for phone calls, well, I didn't get any, but if your son has a NICE RDC you will probably get one around week 3.
One more thing...his recruiter will have access to his address 72 hours after arriving at GL. Call the recruiter, get it and start mailing letters!!! Hope this helps. You will be surprised how fast it goes and then you will be at his graduation with so much pride!! Hang in there! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!!

[Diane Awbrey]

Thank you so much - so glad he is not the only one who is "stubborn" - being a mom I don't want it to be as hard on him as I think it will but you are so right - they do have to learn for themselves! And I'm sure he will. I do so appreciate your information - my son has always been the "quiet" one in my family and now is no exception - hat to grill him too much so I just pray a lot!! That way I know he is in good hands. Thanks again, Dianne, looking forward to meeting you one day. Peace, Diane

[Dianne]

Hi Diane, you are so welcome, glad I could help!! I bet you receive a letter from your son, while he is at boot camp saying how much he wished he had listened to you and worked out more!!! Enjoy your time with him while he is home!! Don't fight, just lots of hugs and love. Take care.

[Diane Awbrey]

Thanks Donna - went to my first Navy Moms meeting Saturday and did learn some good information - met some great moms and look forward to sharing with them. But would like to talk with you personally so tell me how we can do that please - think there is a site we can talk person to person - thanks again - counting the days and praying for both our sons - Peace, Diane

[Dianne]

We can private message on here. Just send me a request to be "friends" then we can send PM's to each other.

[Anti M]

D. A., I don't want to scare you or make you think I'm scolding, but the whole world can read this site. You just gave your phone number to the whole wide world .... not such a good idea. Stay safe, and yes,, there are a lot of good people here! I know you'll find friends and support.

[Diane Awbrey]

I had no idea - so sorry - guess I have a lot to learn. D.A.