Keith's mom PIR 8/14 alum-Jan's Page

Ahoy everyone! I feel a little strange joining a support group, when I am, myself, retired Navy! It was 25 years ago this November that I shipped out to boot camp in Orlando, and was named RCPO of my company! Now here I am, watching my first-born go off to Great Lakes and be selected as RCPO himself! I am so proud - he was pretty much pre-destined to join the Navy, with a retired mom and a Master Chief AC (air traffic controller) dad. I have to admit - he was very prepared for recruit training; between his parents telling years of sea stories, and the fabulous, award-winning recruiting command here in Maine, the kid knew what to expect better than most. He's a little older than most recruits, 22, and has 2 years of college under his belt. That will help him advance quicker, since he's an E-3 going in.

After boot camp, he will attend AT "A' school in Pensacola for 6 months. It's ironic, since he and his brother were both born at the NavHosp there! I was stationed at NAS Whiting Field in Milton for 5 1/2 years, and we transferred out when Keith was not quite 4 years old. He hasn't been back since, so this will be fun for him!

I joined Navy for Moms to find out specifics about the "new" Navy and what to expect regarding travel to/from Great Lakes for graduation. I've already learned a plethora of info - we plan to fly into Milwaukee and stay at the Navy Lodge, on the advice of several posts on this site. It's actually saving us almost $100 per family member in airfare to go into Milwaukee instead of O'Hare. And since I am a retiree, we have the option to stay at the Navy Lodge on base. This will make attending PIR very convenient. My husband Tony, younger son Kevin, and Keith's girlfriend Emily will be coming to GL with me. We are hoping Keith's father, the Master Chief, will be able to fly in to Great Lakes as well. It will be a proud moment for all of us.