Son leaving soon for boot camp

[Linda]

My son is leaving in 9 days for boot camp in the Chicago area. I would love any advise on how to best prepare him (and me) for this. He will be going in to the nuclear program.

[Paula]

You can prepare your recruit, he just has to go in upbeat and ready to conquer! You on the otherhand, lol will go thru lots of stages, crying, missing him, feeling bad, BRAGGING and "stalking the mailman stage" It is all normal and 99% of us have been there. Start writing letters to him ow so as soon as you get his address you can mail them.. Letters are very important, try to keep them upbeat. DO not send anything to hiim but letters and maybe 1 or 2 pictures. He will be able to write home on Sundays, so don't think "why am I not receiving anything" It does take time, it maybe 2.5 -3 wks before you get one. If you need anything, or have questions please feel free to contcat me. This site is full of great moms and a whole lot of knowledge.

I'll be thing of you!

[Debbie Christian]

This week a year ago, my son reported to his first assignment. I tell you this because my memory of just under a year and a half ago might be foggy. My son was able to call when he got to GL not right away though....it was about 2 am and only for about 2-3 minutes. After that, he wrote me a note and then letters. My son told me that the first week was the most difficult after that it was just follow what they tell you and teach you. The pride that was on his face at GL graduation was a look I had never seen on his face. You have this site I did not......you will be ok......now when the nest is empty and they leave to go back to duty it is like reliving the day they first reported to go off to GL.......Just be proud of him and the decision he made to enlist with the Navy!!!

[Eileen Altenhoff]

My 23 year old son went thru boot camp last Feb. This is a big step. Be encouraging and positive. Don't expect to hear from him over the phone much, except when he first arrives and only then for a minute. They earn phone time and usually not much of it. Only a few minutes, several weeks into it. Write him letters often. He will be able to write less often.
The first couple weeks are a big adjustment. The best advice my son received was to avoid eye contact, say as little as possible, and do exactly what you are told, even if it doesn't make sense. Tell him not to take the yelling personally. It's just part of the whole deal.
My son also is in the nuclear program. He worked and studied harder than he had his whole life, and he couldn't be more proud of himself. We are too! My son finished his nuclear training at the end of Oct. He enjoyed the last few weeks at home on leave and is now on his way to his 1st assignment on the West coast. His joining the Navy has been quite an adventure for our whole family. Lots of emotional ups and downs for us at home, but the best we can do is keep loving him and be supportive.