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.

[Mary Booth]

Well we just got home from my sons PIR and it was so awesome to see my son turned into a sailor. He loved it and should be going to his next duty station which is right across the street from Training Command. We stayed at he Navy Lodge which is a very nice facility and the personal was very very helpful. They gave us directions to so many places I think they were tired of seeing me at the front desk. Will post pictures as soon as i get them developed. Have fun on your trip ours was very long.
Mary

[Tina -- James' mom]

Nicole,
Send NOTHING with him. They will send it all back. He can take his wallet, his driver's license, his SS card, a book of stamps and a pocket-sized Bible. Everything else comes back in The Box. My son had a sodoku book and pencil for on the plane. Even THAT came back.
Don't send toiletries, etc. Tell him to take travel size stuff to MEPS (shampoo, deodorant, etc) and leave it at the hotel.
He can take an iPod, but he runs the risk of it getting damaged in shipping (my son put his in his shoe).
Hang in there, you'll get through this. My son's PIR group home page has a WEALTH of info for new moms. Drop by and check it out:
http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/
Know that every mom here has been in your shoes or will be in your shoes. We are all here for you!!
tina

[Deirdre Jenkins]

thank you for the great info. My son just left on July 26 and my youngest son leaves on
december 24

Deirdre Jenkins

[♥Kathy♥]

Thank you.

[Cathy]

This website listed here doesn't work. Does anyone have another website address that would give this information?

[Cathy]

Thanks Maryann. That one worked.

[Leah Gaylord]

Thanks so much for the info. I had heard NOTHING about this stuff. How will I get his address? He just left yesterday & I already have 3 letters to send to him. The recruiter said not to send care packs, because they will just be sent back. Is this true? We have several friends/family members who want to send them. I sent notebook, stamps, envelopes with him, will they send them back or will he get to keep them? Thanks again & I will be back here daily.

[Lynne]

I rcvd my son's address & belongings via mail about 6 days after he left home. The address will be on the form letter that he sends. He'll have 3 short lines to write on, but I guarantee you it will be the best 3 lines you've ever read!! I tried several times to get his address before then from his recruiter, however, they were absolutely no help!!! He will get to keep the stamps/envelopes & it just depends on the size of the notebook & what it contains if he gets to keep it. Hang in there!! We're all rooting for you!

[Leah Gaylord]

Thank you for the info & the kind words. This has been soooo hard for me & I know now I'm not alone. God has given me the strength to let go so far & I'm sure he will continue. Good luck & God speed to all family, friends and members of the Navy.

Can someone tell me what PIR stands for?

[Anthony's Mom Kerri]

thank you i will let you know when i hear from him

[LuAnn P]

good luck Kerri!!!

[Navy for Moms Admins]

Pass In Review... the moms have started up a thread about all these... click here!