Our son is seriously considering the enlisting in the Navy

[Angela]

Our son Matthew called us and told us he's taking the necessary tests and exmas to be considered for the Navy. My heart sank. I felt immediately overcome with fear and visions of returning combat veterans, seriously injured whose lives are forever changed. Our son in a man, a college graduate, a good head on his shoulders. But all I wanted to do was tell him of all the reasons I thought he shouldn't enlist. I knew instantly that this would do him a great disservice. He is a young man, keen to be of service, to serve a noble purpose, and if he got to see the world in the process that would be okay with him too. I am praying for the strength to protect him from MY fears and concerns. I am praying that GOD will guide him in the decision that is only his to make. I want to do the right thing by Matthew. I know I have the power to encourage him or cause him distress in this decision making process. But honestly, I don't know how I can keep from being teary eyed in any discussion of armed forces service when I know too well that this will undoubtably place him in harm's way. I appreciate your website so much. It is such a blessing already. Thank you for letting me share .

[Elizabeth]

Dear Angela,
Praise God that you have a son that knows what he wants in life. I live in Jacksonville ,FL where the crime here is so high, I'm glad that my 2 sons have made the choice to enlist in the Navy. Our Navy is THE best in the world. My oldest son has been to the Far East twice and snowboarded in Dubai, in the desert! My second son just went in last Oct. and he's looking forward to his first deployment. My husband retired after 20 yrs. in. I've never been more proud of being a Navy Mom than I am now. Your son will be great at many things, even making you proud. Keep on this site for more advice and kudos. God Bless!

[Andrea Hatfield]

When my son joined the Navy it was one of the happiest days for me. He is now on a carrier and couldn't be safer while defending this country. Oddly enough he is serving on the same ship as his step-father served on. The USS T. Roosevelt. Even odder, his daughter was born on Roosevelts birthday. No matter what craft he would have been assigned to, I would have been proud. Just give him the loving support of another proud parent and watch him become another great american sailor. God Bless all of our men and women. They are a very special breed.

[Sandy]

When our son sat us down in the living room to say very much the same thing as Matthew did, my reaction was much as yours was. Inside I was screaming "No!" But, like you, I knew that this was his decision to make. It scared me to death, but it would have been a disservice to Boo for me to have been anything but supportive. Much as I tried not to cry when he left for boot camp, I failed miserably. I am sure he saw it as mom just being mom when he gave me a hug and, told me he loved me, and kissed me goodbye. It gets better. The letters from boot camp were word-filled wonders. Boot camp, A school and C school will keep him busy and out of harm's way for many months. The fears subside. Much in the world can change in the intervening time. That thought keeps me going.

[Rosemary]

My son finished boot camp in November 2008 and is now awaiting transfer in February to San Diego for Navy Seals training.
I have a strong faith and believe this was the best decision for my son. Especially in our current ecomonic situation, I believe what better way to see the world while having a place to sleep each night and food to eat each day. He will make many great friendships I am sure. Many kids now a days are struggling to get through college and will end up with large loans and probably not many job offers. Although it may not be for everyone, it was a good decision for my son.

[MRM3]

Angela, I can certainly understand your apprehension especially with the things that are going on overseas. I felt the same way when my two sons told me they were joining the Navy. Looking back I was just afraid of what may happen to them but I now realize that joining the Navy was a good decision and my sons know that I support them in whatever they decide; whether it's to serve 4 years and leave or if they want to make it a career. When they came out of boot camp they were different people....responsible, more focused MEN! And they are excited because the Navy has so many wonderful opportunities....they are enjoying the camraderie with their "Navy brothers" and learning their specific jobs. Hopefully, you can learn much from this site and find the support you need!! Welcome!

[Sheryl-Kay Hall]

I think if he is to join any service he is safest in the Navy The most important thing you can do is listen and stand by no matter what he decides. It wont take long for your fear to be out weighted by pride

[Nina]

Dear Angela,
I can well understand how you feel. We too were quite concerned when our son announced that he planned to join. He's very intelligent and is a talented musician, but had been employed mostly as the lead singer in a punk rock band. We knew he had a tough future ahead of him if he didn't find some kind of direction. We were stunned when he announced his plans to join the Navy, but we knew that the Navy would give him just the tools he needed to succeed. As he prepared for his tests, we watched his self esteem and determination grow stronger, and he began to realize his own potential.
We know that he could be facing some very dangerous situations, but are confident that the U.S. Navy takes very good care of their own. More importantly, we're convinced that God has had His hand on him all along, and will continue to guide his life. I'm sure He's with your family, too.
Also, remember that the Navy encourages the support of their men and women and their families.
I cried a lot at first, too. This is a life changing decision, and you will miss him.
We're so glad that our son joined, and I know that he hasn't regretted his decision for one moment.

The best to you and your family,
Nina

[Candy]

Nina,

Did your son join as a Navy Musician? My husband is a retired Navy Lieutenant Band Master and my oldest son is currently a Musician with the Navy Band in San Diego and having the time of his life! Sure hope your son was able to join as such - the best gig in the World!

Take care, Candy

[Nina]

Hi Candy!
No, Patrick didn't go in as a musician. I would love to see him get into that, as my husband and I are both professional musicians. Patrick stunned us with the news that he was going into meteorology. I didn't know he was interested in any type of science, but he's done very well with it. I would be thrilled if he would get into the Navy band. We have both suggested it, and it isn't out of the question, he's just very wrapped up in the meteorology for now.

What does your son play?

Nina

[Candy]

Hi Nina!

Geoff plays flute major (Jethro Tull Wannabe) and saxophone minor. Of course he also plays piccolo (did I spell that right?). My husband got in as a guitar player and ran several rock bands during his Navy career until he was commissioned. He absolutely loved it and misses it terribly now that he's retired.

What do you and your husband play as professionals?

Candy

[Nina]

Hi again, Candy! You should be so proud of both your husband and your son. I wish our kids could meet somehow. Also, my son would probably love your husband. Along with singing lead, he also plays guitar.
My husband and I are keyboard and guitar players, respectively, but are especially strong on vocals. We do mainly classic rock, R&B, and 80's dance. I'm trained in opera and classical music, (and what a hilarious transition when I attempted rock and roll for the first time.) We both agree that if we won the lottery we would give up our day jobs, (advertising) but would continue doing shows together. It feeds the soul.
Tell your husband that he doesn't have to retire from music...look at Mick Jagger, Peter Frampton and Eric Clapton :) !!
(By the way, we LOVE Jethro Tull!)

Nina

[Michelle Nate's mom]

Angela
We all know the feeling of your heart sinking when your child tells you they are enlisting in the Navy, but after many long days , long nights, many tears and a lot of words of encouragement by other Navy 4 Moms, that awful feeling is replaced by the most awesome, most proud feeling you could ever have when you see your sailor after they graduate from boot camp and then to continue to excel . No this is not the easiest way out, or the easiest choice, but there have been more blessings and made us closer to our son, our Sailor. It isn't the worst thing in the world. The best thing to do is to become educated about the Navy, boot camp, what your sailor will be doing, and as you have already done, pray . God will lead your son and you. May God Bless you and your family during this difficult time of decisions.
Michelle MASA Nates mom