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.

[Tina -- James' mom]

We are halfway through tomorrow!!!

[Ruth]

yes that was really cool...to see his handwriting...

[Tina -- James' mom]

Write, Write, Write to him. You'll only get letters once a week, but write him every day. Send silly pictures from emails. Send news updates. Twist the arms of everyone you know to write to him.

I have been fanatical about this. I've written every day since Jamie left on May 7. The PS at the end of his first "real" letter made it all worthwhile: "All the guys hate me cuz I get mail every day."

[Cheryl Boyer]

Yep, I even contacted my daughter's Principle of her elementary school, to have the little kids write...they love doing projects like that, and when they get a letter back, MAN are they jazzed!!!

[Ruth]

I have been writing everyday. Mailed a card yesterday. Letters from me, his brother, sister & fiancee today & a second letter from me also today...

[Cheryl Boyer]

You go girl, believe me, I heard the words, "The letters are the only thing that get me through!" I even sent a rose from my yard in a letter once-it was received with great enthusiasm, because they're "Scent deprived" LOL She had to pass the darn thing all around the female barracks!

[Cheryl]

I am sorry but I cant open the link above. I am really interested in the Keel yearbook and would like to know how to get hold of that. Our son just left for Great Lakes boot camp yesterday. Let me know if you have any ideas of how to get that book ordered and any other good information you have learned.

Thanks
Cheryl

[Angie F.- WA: HM mom]

Hi Cheryl, what link are you referring to? As people post, previous posts tend to get pushed around and out of order. You just need to let your son know in your first letters that you want him to order it. They'll take it out of his pay, he should have plenty to cover it, you can pay him back later if you like. You might want a package of his pictures, and the PIR (graduation) video too, heard they can be hard to obtain after the fact. Pictures aren't taken until week 4, you should get one phone call before that, so you can talk it over with him then too.

My advise...read this entire thread as time allows, plus the "Boot Camp Moms" group, you'll pick up LOTS of good information along the way. Welcome to N4M, glad you found us and best wishes to your recruit!

[Cheryl Boyer]

Well, to be honest, I've been here for a while, just never heard about the publication! My daughter's a sailor now, she graduated on the 30th of May! Now I'm fishing around on the Pensacola site because she's going to AD school Tuesday the 10th! But we'll take your blessings for that!!! LOL The pictures are awesome, and the video should be arriving in a week or two...so excited!

[Kimberly]

My daughter left for bootcamp on June 2. She's in Div 266 Ship 10. What does the Ship 10 mean?Also, I would love to talk to any other mom's that have a son or daughter in this division.

[Cheryl Boyer]

Hi Kimberly! Ship 10 is the building that they're housed in. Ship 6 (where my daughter was) was for the 900's Division-the Performance Division. Ship 17 is the hospital ship, etc. They also have names of carriers/boats from the Navy...6 is the Constitution for example. Once you read a little more in here, you'll know all this stuff too...I knew nothing at all when I first logged in! You're in a great place...Welcome aboard!!!

[Joan (Bryan's Mom)]

Thank you so much for the info...it is the info that as Mom's we need, especially the pictures. Thanks also for the words of encouragement, it means a lot to us "new Mom's".