NEW MOMS READ FIRST

[Barb Pruitt]

It just dawned on me that most moms, have alot of the same questions, so I thought I would put this out there it might help. First go to this site, it has GRADUATION DATES http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/family/upcominggrad.html it will update just about weekly sometimes they get busy and get behind. Spend some time on this site, you will find answers to alot of questions.

PHONE CALLS: you will get one right when they leave that says hi mom I am here Click. Very short but you know they are safe. You will get another around week 3 or so ( this varies on the command ), you may get a third right at the end.

ADDRESS: you will get their address about two weeks in. Remember to be writing letters while you wait for it, that way you can send a bunch right in the beginning.

GRADUATION PACKET / INFORMATION: around week four you will get a packet from your sailor/command, verifying grad date, and some information for hotels, a pass for your car window.

PICTURES: This is just a suggestion from me. When your sailor first leaves remind them what kind of pictures you want, also order video ( of graduation ) and a copy of the keel - yearbook, I have had two kids go thru bootcamp the keel is hard to get after the fact. Really a cool book worth the money.

Hopefully this will help a lot of moms upfront. Don't worry your not crazy. We all have had a hard time with our kids leaving, I can say it does get WAY better once they are in the navy. My kids call me ALL the time. You will find your sailor will appreciate family alot more when they are on their own. Good luck, if you ever need a shoulder this site absolutely ROCKS, the moms are very helpful and you won't feel so alone. Take care, Barb

Added note, I started this discussion it seems like years ago, when either my daughter or son went in I can't remember it has been so long. Its been we are on year two with our daughter. I know many of you new moms and dads are really worried. Happy thought for the day, I remember when I was crying EVERYDAY just like you probably are right now. It does get so much better, we have gone thru injuries, our daughter has met and married another sailor, and they are due in the spring with their first, our son has gotten the base of his dreams and is going to be married before the first of the year. Two years ago I would never have thought I would be at peace with this. And, I am a ex navy wife of many years. Have faith, so far 8 weeks of bootcamp may have been the worst 8 weeks of my life where my kids were concerned. It is almost as hard on us as them, in different ways. But looking back, its gets so much better and their adventures are just beginning. Good luck and god bless you all. For sharing your kids with us. They are well taken care of and the will make friends for life. As a footnote if anyone wants to get a reply or speak directly to me, please send me a comment as this discussion has grown so big I don't have time to read everything. God bless all of the parents out there that are sharing their kids with the rest of us. The adventure is just beginning.

[Boone'sMom--(Lori)]

Thank you for your support. I'm glad I found this site. It helps to be able to talk to others who are going through the same thing.

[Barb Pruitt]

Hi mom, this is the worst time, buck up. They all hate boot camp, I will bet honestly their has NEVER been anyone that can honestly say GOD I LOVED BOOTCAMP. NO WAY. My husband, son, daughter and son in law have all said worst 8 weeks of their lives, but they wouldn't trade for the world. Tell you son, he can do it, and remind him all things worth getting don't always come easy. Send pictures, articles, notes from friends, families, the dog anything to help keep spirts high. it will make it way easier for him, if he knows he can count on family for mail. We did at LEAST one letter a day, and I would send articles in their own envelopes just so my kids had lots of mail to open. My daughter loved it, my son said the guys in his ship thought his mom was crazy, but they all waited daily to see how much mail he would get, and he shared with they guys that didnt' get any.

[Diane]

I read your post and it touched me because my daughter just left 2 days ago. Im sure she is questioning her decision about now since she has not had a hardship like this before. How is your son? Do you know if he has changed his mind about his decision?
thanks!!
diane

[Cheryl Boyer]

Hi All! Just peeking in to see what's up, and the age old concern that your Sailors won't be buying those pics...don't worry! They are soooo stoked about graduating, they consider it a rite of passage, just as much as the capping! As far as loading their NEX cards, my advise is, DON'T! Time to let your baby make his/her decisions. Believe it or not, they are taking a special class in BC, regarding finances, how to handle them, how to make good choices, etc. Trust them, after all, you did a good job, or they wouldn't have felt compelled to serve their country! Sit back and watch how independant and smart they become...let them spread those wings...you'll be so much more proud of them in the long run...after all, they have a job, how many of their friends don't???? LYB, Cheryl

[mary ellen]

Reply by Mary ellen HI everyone my son left for BC on 11/20, the picture, yearbook, and the video he gets or do we get infomation on it. How much does everything cost can you break it down for me. Thank you i never knew about this i just found out tonight.

[Sheri]

Hi I'm not sure what I'm doing or if I'm even doing this right. My son left 11-24-08 for boot camp after a job came up he was interested in otherwise he was not leaving until the middle of Feb. So in about two weeks we found that out, had a going away party for him and just trying to get used to the fact he was leaving. It's been hard. The letters do help. He has not even mentioned about pics, video or the yearbook. Do you know any info on that I would really like that too. His grad is 1-23 so i hope I'm not to late in purchasing this stuff. This is an awesome site! Thanks. Sheri

[Ava]

HERE ARE SOME SIGHTS

http:/www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/family/upcominggrad.html http:/navy.com/about/during/bootcamp/ www.navy-info.com/boot_camp_vocabulary.htms www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/family/html www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcglfamily/checklist.html
navylodge 800-628-9466 2 rooms with kitchenette is $62.00
shuttle 847-855-8294 is 3 dollars per person and they drop U at gate ,less check in time and make sure you have your invitation
boxes to mail to your sailors 1-800-610-8734 prompt :#1 then - #1 then- #2 then ask for Military Pack up to 50LB is $10.00
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/navyjoin/l/aanavybasic3.html
pyzam.com for the count down clockWebsite:
Website: http://www.edwardstechnologies.com/military-technology.asp http://www.dosits.org/gallery/tech/at/s1.htm for the sonar sound
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/subsecrets. all about subs
I hope these are helpful as well, Ava

[Linda Z]

Barb: This is great advice. My son Jeff went through Boot Camp in November 2006 - right before the holidays and it was tough. I remember crying a lot and yet trying to be positive and encouraging in my letters. I only wish I had known about this website back then :)

I would like to add one more thing. As your son or daughter goes through their Navy adventure - if you have an opportunity to join them for Boot Camp Graduation, A School Graduation, A Boat Tour etc - be sure to go. Don't listen to them as they may try to pass it off as - it's no big deal, I don't care if you come. I remember looking at the faces of young, brave men and women at various graduations with no love ones to great them. My son told us don't worry about coming to his Nuke school graduation. Hah - as if he could stop us! We went and he was so HAPPY. He introduced us to everyone, friends, officers and then for the first time in his life - treated us to lunch! I guess I am trying to say is no matter hold old or how far they roam, there is nothing like a hug and love from home!

[Barb Pruitt]

You are so right, it is terrible to see those sailors with no familes, I always remind parents to find out if their sailor had someone they knew with no family coming to invite them to dinner or lunch so they aren't alone.

[Therese]

Our son knows we live overseas and also how the economy is so he is concerned about us coming. But we will be there if we can. I tried the website to find out the date,but it is broken. Of course I do not know if it is broken or being blocked as we live and work in Shanghai right now. So, I will just have to pay extra fees and change that international flight ticket if the date changes much.

[FC3 Thomas]

A note from a Sailor: Tell your kids that even though the pictures may not turn out great, get some anyway. Also, remind your new Sailor that the keel is a great way to remember things. They also do some divisional photos that are kinda silly - they provide great memories. As for the moms, mail call is always great when you get mail. However, not everyone gets mail. If you have spare time, ask your sailor who never gets mail, and write them a short letter. I know it seems odd because you don't know that person, but about half way in, ANY mail is welcome. Don't feel bad if you don't get a lot of mail back though. Technically, recruits can only write letters home on Sundays. Sundays are "Holiday Routine," and Recruits can write letters, shine boots, talk quietly amongst themselves, take longer showers, or go to church. I suggest church for those that are more social. It's a more relaxed environment, and it's actually kind of fun. Anything else I can answer, just contact me. It's been a little over a year and a half since I left for boot camp, so things may have changed a little bit, but I'm willing to answer anything I can (or research).

[Lynda724]

That is a very inspirational thought, that a lonely sailor would receive a piece of mail from a fellow Recruits' family member. Talk about pay it forward. I love the idea. My son has only been gone for 4 days and I have not heard from him, but I will definitely write my next letter asking about anyone not receiving mail to let me know. Thanks