When will/ how will I have contact with my son?

[Darlynn Tracy-Oberg]

My son Kurtis left our house with his recruiting officer on December 15th. I saw him off at his swearing in on December 16th, in Boston MA~ MEPS building...thought we were going to go to Logan and have a 'last burger' together but was informed that was not OK....so we all said our goodbyes there. He has been gone for 5 days now. Shipped out to Illinois/Great Lakes for Boot Camp...How will I know how to contact him? Will there be some sort of contact made by him? Is there a place I can find an address to send him letters?
This is my first visit to this site and I am trying to load it up and read what I can, but frankly...am computer 'challenged'...LOL
Thanks for any advice...Darlynn out in Princeton MA.

[Amy-Micky's mom]

Hi Darlynn,

Put your fears to rest, you son is being well taken care of. He will receive the best medical and dental of his life. He will learn to care for himself, even though we try to teach them, they learn a whole new way. He will make friends like he has never had before and will learn more about himself then he probably wants to know. LOL But the most important thing for you is to write as much as you can and send any pictures you think he would like to have. they are not allowed to get packages, but you can send anything that will fit in an envelop. And no food or care packages. http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/index.html -- you can visit this site and look around, it should answer most of your questions. You should be getting a surprise phone call soon if you have not already gotten one. You will hear from him by phone more than you think and my son usually called on Saturdays. It will all depend on what his quad earns. They can also lose their privileges too. My son called for the first three times and then nothing. I finally got a letter letting us know that they had lost their calling privilege until the weekend before graduation because they marched like crap one day. So be prepared and just keep writing. Be proud of him. I know I am for taking on what is probably going to be the hardest thing that he has ever done. Wish him luck and Thank him for joining an elite team that is based on Honor and Courage. Looking for ward to hearing how he is doing. Take care and Happy New Year. Amy

[Vanessa]

Hi Darlynn
My son also left for Great Lakes on December 16th. I cried my eyes out! I couldn't believe he wouldnt be here for Christmas. When we got home I had ran to the corner store and while I was gone I missed his phone call home! Again, I cried like a baby. My other son had gotten the call and he just said I made it here and will call when I can. We got "the box" a few days later and again, cried like crazy. A few days after that we got the form letter with a few little lines handwritten at the bottom then received the first letter. He said that he couldnt call back again the day he arrived because he only got 60 seconds to make a call. His letter said that he would probably call on Christmas but we didnt hear anything. Maybe our sons are together. If so, it would be great to meet you at their graduation so we can have a hug "mom to mom" for making it thru boot camp ourselves!!

[Irma ( Stephens mom)]

been where you are now...my son graduated xmas eve.....how can i help

[Denise]

Darlynn,
First of all, Know that your son is in good hands.If your son knows when to talk and not to talk and do what is asked Boot camp will be a cake walk. That is coming from my son, who has been in for two years. If you have not yet received his personally belongings- be prepared - for me it was VERY emotional - everything is just thrown in. If I remember correctly it was about two weeks before I received his first letter. While in boot camp they are given time on Sundays to write letters home. If anyway possible attend the Boot Camp Graduation - It was GREAT - It will be the proudest moment you can share with your son and it helps them so much emotionally. If you can not attend have your son buy the CD of the event and watch it with him. We attended the graduation and now everytime I watch the CD with family memebers who have not seen it, I get teary eyed. As a mother you will know what I am saying. When my Son left I told him that I love him and will miss the boy that I raised and I look forwarded to getting to know the man that he will become. A-School they can have cell phones, IPods, lap tops - but please permently mark/engrave m.o. and last name - theft does take place. CD player missing at A-school / IPOD missing while on carrier. It gets easier after Boot Camp, A-School communications is much more frequent, phone, e-mail, depending on the study load. Once my son got to the base where he is stationed, (Navy will give them an e-mail address - ask for one)communication is as normal as it was before he left,when they are off, they are on their own time. Good luck to your Son and your family during this time. Denise Port Angeles, WA

[Annie Banks]

Hi Darlynn...My son graduated from boot camp 2 months ago and I truly know what you are going thru. He will send you his address soon but be prepared it might change within a week. When he writes send LOTS of letters, cards and post cards...he needs a lot encouragement. I sent a couple of pictures after a few weeks--its hard on them but they truly appreciate it. I remember they don't have an abundance of storage so I refrained from sending too many. I was fortunate to receive 3-4 phone calls and that helped immensely. I called his recruiter when I had any questions--they are there for you to lean on. Take care and know soon enough you will wrap your arms around him:)

Annie

[Cathy (Bob's mom)]

My husband and I have been AFS host parents for 5 kids and sent two of ours abroad. I think this was training for the Navy. We did it before e:mail and cheap long distance. The kids were allowed to call home when they arrived at their host families and weren't supposed to call again, unless there was an emergency. It's been 6 years since our son's recruiter picked him up in the early morning hours and whisked him off to Great Lakes in Chicago. I would have a fit when the mail hadn't arrived by my lunch break, as I would rush home to check the box. I actually drove around one time looking for the mail truck. (we live in a small town) Crazy mom, huh! Now I stalk my e:mail box for quick messages from far away. Haven't heard his voice in almost a month, but Lord those quick e:mails make it almost tolerable. Just to know he's okay. I actually just found NavyForMoms recently and the support and information is invaluable. Thank you and God bless.

[Ginger]

hi darilynn, I'm an older mom 55 and am also computer challenged. Anyway when my son went off to boot camp I felt as though he had been kidnapped. We got a quick call from him to let us know he made it safely to Great Lakes, then it was a while and we got a letter with his address. We went to GL for his graduation and I can't tell you how wonderful it was to see him and hug him and just sit across the table from him. He had so many great stories and funny things to talk about. I could see he was satisified with his decision to join. Anyway, just trying to let you know that I feel your pain.My son is in Japan now about to board the Uss George Washington and i miss him so much . But knowing he is confident and secure in his decision gives me strength to make it until our next e-mail, call , letter, or leave. Ginger in Greensboro NC

[Shelia]

Hi...boy this site will come in handy...my son leaves in 18 days...right now he is burning the candle at both ends trying to make the most of seeing his buddies...I try not to think about him leaving much, waterworks start if I think too much! I am just praying that after 19 years being on this earth..he will let God guide him in growing up Navy style. How scary is it to let go!!!
I have no idea what to expect..for instance I didnt know we would get a box with his belongings...whew! alot to learn

[Lisa Mullen]

Darlyn, My son just graduated from boot camp on the morning of Christmas Eve.
He flew home to California that night and was home for Christmas. Just yesterday he
went to Pensacola, Florida. Once you have the address sent with the Navy letter giving you lots of information you will feel better. Be prepared when you get the box with his stuff because it will have everything. Have someone with you when you open it. I felt better after washing his clothes and putting them away. The letters from your son will definately make you feel better. At the end though they are so busy with tests and trying to graduate that he may not write as much. Try not to let it get to you. Logan said they were very, very busy. Also they all tend to get the same illnesses such as flu, pink eye, etc. But they get to go to the doctor. We got a phone call after
three weeks because Logan was told to let us know he was in the advance program
and was finishing Christmas Eve. He got promoted to an E2 while there. He took the
initiative to volunteer to clean toilets and passed two important tests. I know exactly how you feel, you will get through it, I counted the days like you. Stay really busy and the time will go by quickly. Hope this helps. One last thing - you can't send any food at all. You can send things like Qtips, chap stick, and writing supplies. Lisa

[Karen Wilson]

My son, John [we call him Jack] also left our house with his recruiter on Dec. 15th. He stayed overnight in an old barracks by Pittsburgh airport. He still had his cell phone & was able to talk to him that night. They took him to the state building the morning of the 16th to swear him in. He sat at the Pittsburgh Airport most of the day. [still able to talk to him] He got his flight around 3:00 P.M. Landed at O'Hare Airport around 8:30 P.M. Talked to him then, too while he was waiting for the bus to come pick them up. Got a 10 sec. phone call around 12:30 A.M. saying "I'm here, I'm safe, can't talk, miss you, love you, will be able to call in 30 days. bye.
We received his "box" a few days before Christmas. Got the navy form letter & a few days later got a very short letter from Jack. It's been tough! Haven't heard from him since, but I write often.
I just learned of this site. I'm computer illiterate, too...lol I'm not even sure that I'm using this web site properly!
Jack is on Ship 10...Division 101. Maybe our boys are together?
Hope you've gotten more info. by now. I went into Google. Typed in recruit training command. Tool bar dropped down & it was right there. Clicked on navy training command great lakes. Lots of information & vidios to watch. Shows what our boys are going through.
Karen from Pa.

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

It does get easier - soon you will start receiving letters on a regular basis. They are only allowed to write on Sundays and once you receive your first letter they seem to arrrive every week. Wednesday and Thursdays are big mail days depending on where you live from GL.

Also - phone calls CAN come sooner! We received our first call on Day 9 - just got his mailing address that day and he surprised us with a phone call. They "earn" the calls so depending on your recruit, his division, his RDCs...phone calls can really vary. Good luck - you will be planning a PIR trip before you know it!

[debbie]

Hi Karen, my name is Debbie and my son left from Tampa on Dec 16th. However we are originally from the Pittsburgh area. My son is in the same division as Jack, who maybe like my son is a HUGE Steeler fan. I have gotten all the same things from Jimmy meaning the "box" and 3 letters so far. I just wish to here his voice, but from the letters he sound good. Hang in there. It always makes me feel better when I realize I am not alone and we all are in the same boat. Stay strong Debbie