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.

[Stephanie]

Thank you so much for the information..espcially about the photos..I have a hard time getting my son to spend money on ANYTHING that doesnt involve video games but I need to make sure he does this because I WANT THEM DAMMIT!! LOL Anyway thanks again for the help and info.. those of us just starting this journey really appriciate the help!

[Barb Pruitt]

I know how you feel, I wrote both of my kids daily while they were in bootcamp, about every third letter I would remind them to order pictures. They are WELL worth the money.

[Sonia]

So that I understand this...does he need to buy pictures each week or something while he is there or what?? I doubt if he will order any if its up to him...lol....tell me what i need to tell him about it........he leaves in 3 days.........and like many others on this page I have cried a river.........

[seattlekos]

I love the pictures! In fact, my son's own picture in his uniform by the US flag is on my profile.

[Lynne]

it's a one time picture fee. I paid $170 for the pics, book & dvd. I just sent my son a NEX card to pay for them so he wouldn't have to use any of his money. Also, make sure you send an adequate phone card. I got mine at Sams Club. 1000 minutes for $35. He won't need this many in boot camp, but afterward, while he is awaiting his transfer orders, he will need the minutes!! I also mailed stamps in my first letter so that he'd not have to purchase those but he never used them because they give them about 20 stamps with their stationary. Hope this helps!

[Karan - Bryan's Mom]

Hello thanks for the info but where and how do i get a Nex card for my sailor because i definitely want the pics book and dvd---thanks

[Barb Pruitt]

Dont' worry you can't do anything about week 4 or 5 after they have been fitted for their uniforms, they get their pictures taken. At that time they get to order them, the money is taken out of their checks really easy. But they have to do it. BUG your sailor, great pictures.

[Alyse]

Thanks for all this info, this is the 1st I'm hearing about it. I definitely want pictures!!

[Ruth Hagen]

My son has only been gone for one week and 2 days....feels like an eternity! This is the first time I have used this site just signed up so thank you so much for your time! Will they send info home on the pictures, ect or will my son be totally resposible for ordering everything? He only took $10. with him thats all he was told he could take....I guess I better get a NEX card and get it sent to him! Good news at least I got his address today! Thanks Again Ruth

[Anthony's Mom Kerri]

they can take it out of his pay

[Viki]

You mean they get paid to have all this fun ! LOL

[Angie F.- WA: HM mom]

Ruth, welcome! These are old posts,keep reading down to the next two and flip forward to the last several pages to get a good scope on other stuff you'll need to know. btw: both Linda and Cheryl at least are still on site. No need for you to do anything. It will all be handled at GL. So will the NEX card, they'll make sure he has one and will front load it so he'll have the items he'll need, like a calling card. You can reimburse your son later for the pics after graduation. No worries! Start writing right away, once a day is not too much. Be sure and go join the Boot Camp Moms Group too for heads up on other things as he progresses! God Bless! :-)