FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW's Posts - Navy For Moms2024-03-29T09:13:08ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLWhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1954038343?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://navyformoms.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=25vq8mow2z5eg&xn_auth=noMemorial Day 2020 - Remember and Honortag:navyformoms.ning.com,2020-05-25:1971797:BlogPost:110189842020-05-25T18:39:11.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/5338847658?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/5338847658?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/5338847658?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/5338847658?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400" class="align-full"/></a></p>CO relieved of command USS Theodore Roosevelt – My personal journey through this...tag:navyformoms.ning.com,2020-04-06:1971797:BlogPost:108793732020-04-06T17:30:00.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p>I read the news feed when it first started on Tuesday. It sunk a hole in my heart that the USS Theodore Roosevelt had coronavirus.</p>
<p>However, while I had concern for the lives onboard her I had the confidence in the Navy to handle the situation. This isn't the first time that a ship has had contagious disease upon it. In the history of naval fleets they have dealt with outbreaks of disease. Even though this is a new virus there is still protocol to follow to help the sailors, to stay…</p>
<p>I read the news feed when it first started on Tuesday. It sunk a hole in my heart that the USS Theodore Roosevelt had coronavirus.</p>
<p>However, while I had concern for the lives onboard her I had the confidence in the Navy to handle the situation. This isn't the first time that a ship has had contagious disease upon it. In the history of naval fleets they have dealt with outbreaks of disease. Even though this is a new virus there is still protocol to follow to help the sailors, to stay on mission and to keep our national security intact. The Navy does not stop because of illness. They take action.</p>
<p>That may sound cold to you. <em>"I have a loved one onboard, how can you be concerned about the Mission and National security?"</em> </p>
<p>I'm not trying to be cold and unfeeling...it's just that I have been at this a long time and I have had 35+ years of "training" (Husband full time Law enforcement for 35 years and 30 years of reserve military) and so the bigger picture pops into my head automatically now. Well, most of the time. </p>
<p>From Tuesday to Thursday I read and was concerned. Still am. I pray that they get this spread stopped and everyone recovers healthy and hardy. </p>
<p>Here was my thought Thursday night though as I was going to bed<em>, “Should I be reading this? Is this safe for our country?"</em> Think about it. This is how I am feeling and a question I am asking myself <em>before</em> the CO was removed from his position. I am not saying I knew what was going to happen. I am saying that based on my personal experience the way that the information was coming to me caused an alarm to go off on my radar.</p>
<p>Then Friday morning I see that the CO <em>has</em> been relieved of his command. My first knee jerk reaction was<em>,” What?! Why?!”</em></p>
<p>Then I put my knee down and I read why. This is the why (an excerpt from the SECNAV’s statement):</p>
<p><em>"As I learned more about the events of the past week on board USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71), including my personal conversations with the Strike Group Commander, Commander, SEVENTH Fleet, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, the Chief of Naval Operations, and CAPT Crozier himself, I could reach no other conclusion than that Captain Crozier had <strong>allowed the complexity of his challenge with COVID breakout on the ship to overwhelm his ability to act professionally,</strong> when acting professionally was what was needed most. We do, and we should, expect more from the Commanding Officers of our aircraft carriers."</em></p>
<p>(Bold and italics mine)</p>
<p>The SECNAV fleshed out “the why” in his statement to the press. He had much to say and I believe that he did it with integrity.</p>
<p>Now, I did not initially read the bolded line from the SECNAV’s statement directly from his statement. I was reading it from an article online. I also read that the CO’s letter had been leaked to the public and published. I have read it..</p>
<p>You want to talk about emotion.</p>
<p>I had a double-knee jerk reaction.</p>
<p>My thoughts: This is a document that I should not even have eyes on.</p>
<p>Let me be clear…it is <strong>not</strong> the letter itself that produce that reaction in me; it is the fact that I have access to it when I shouldn’t.</p>
<p>After seeing the initial article my husband and I sat down and hashed out our thoughts and feelings. I trust his reaction to this as he has been in it. He has been in extreme adverse situations with lives on the line while he was in a leadership position. He has the authority to speak on it as he has experienced it himself. I watched a man who has been in it…”in the sh!t” (it’s an expression) if you will because that is the only way to describe it, become overcome with emotion as he talked about the reason why it was necessary for the CO to be removed from his position. Let me be clear when I use the term overcome I mean just that, overcome <em>not</em> overreact. For me, that influences how I should react to this. I value his judgement. I have experience with it to help me come to a conclusion for myself. I don’t have blind reaction. I have information from outside and personal experience.</p>
<p>It is a great and weighted responsibility to act professionally when faced with great challenges. The Navy (military) knows this and they are prepared for this. This is why there are rules and regulations. This why they train. When they are faced with something new that training is what helps them to face the new challenge. </p>
<p>Take a moment and think about it. Have you ever had the best intentions to address a problem and went about it in the wrong way. I have (raises hand!). What happened next? It has the opposite effect. You are no longer dealing with just the initial problem; you are now dealing with taking the wrong actions to solve it along with the initial problem. You’ve added hurt to hurt.</p>
<p>There is no doubt that the CO was acting in the best interest of his crew. No doubt at all. I am also not saying that the CO leaked the information to the public. There is no proof of that. What there is proof of is that it leaked and he was the initial bearer of the information. It was his responsibility to act in a professional manner and take the care that was necessary in keeping that information in the right hands. Information goes up the direct Chain of Command, not to outside sources and certainly not to the public.</p>
<p>While the Navy doesn't need to ask you this I’m going too...take a moment and put yourself in the Navy’s shoes. You have seen and heard words such as, “trust and confidence” and the loss of it by the Navy in the CO of the USS TR. What does that mean?</p>
<p>Let me suggest that it means that up until the point that the CO pushed the “Send” button on his computer the Navy trusted in and were confident that he had the abilities to perform as the CO of the USS TR.</p>
<p>To go beyond that you have to think back to what it takes to appoint someone to this kind of a position. It’s not a walk in the park. To quote my husband, <em>“You don’t just appoint (his name) to be the CO of an Aircraft Carrier!”</em> I have no idea what the screening process is to be appointed but think about what it takes to just get a job today. Background checks, psychological tests, capability tests, past experience, references…and that is to just work in the fast food industry sometimes!</p>
<p>Now go forward and think what it takes to have to remove someone from that position. It is based on the trust and confidence that the Navy has in the individual to perform to their full ability within the position given to them. This is what they have to go by. It is not based on feeling. It cannot be and I wouldn’t want it to be. What a mess that would be! I trust in my Navy to be the fine-oiled machine I expect it to be for my welfare and this Nations welfare.</p>
<p>Some have said that the SECNAV acted too soon. Well let me suggest this. Let’s go back to the “problem” scenario mentioned earlier. Instead of addressing it (wrong or right) let’s ignore it. Give it a pass. What’s the outcome? You have left the <em>potential</em> (not saying it absolutely will happen) that it could happen again. The potential for more harm.</p>
<p>Let me ask some questions. <em>In this situation</em> is that a risk that could be taken? And, are those that are in authority over me not held to the same standard that I am asked to uphold? My answers would be: No and yes they are.</p>
<p>Many have posted their opinions on the net as to why they think he was removed. Many of those are one-lined ones with no fact to back it up. I’ve seen, “he’s a scapegoat”, “the Navy is using him as an example” to name a couple. Okay, if that is what you know then what evidence do you have to back that up? Explain it to me and we’ll talk about it.</p>
<p>Another is that the Navy doesn’t care about our Sailors. Again, back that up. What factual evidence do you have? </p>
<p>There is a bottom line here on why the CO was removed. I hope that along the way in my story I have been able to convey that. I am not in any way trying to discount anyone’s emotions. My point in bringing this up is not to <em>stir</em> the pot but to ask you to <em>look</em> at the contents.</p>
<p>We are retired now, but you never lose your connection. It may take a different position in your life, as it should, but it is never lost. The fact that I am writing about this tells me that.</p>
<p>I have a husband who has “been there, done that”. I have a son that is enlisted in the Reserves in the Navy. I have another that is working “the front-lines” as an EMT in an emergency room in a hospital. I stand where you stand.</p>
<p>Respectfully,</p>
<p>FTLW</p>
<p>**I finished this over the weekend but waited until today to post this out of respect for joyful Sunday.</p>
<p>I realize that there are still events unfolding in this situation but did not add them to my post.</p>Honoring those who served at Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941tag:navyformoms.ning.com,2018-12-08:1971797:BlogPost:104802982018-12-08T01:14:10.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/271420559?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/271420559?profile=original&width=450" width="450" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">NEVER FORGET</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/271420559?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/271420559?profile=original&width=450" width="450" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">NEVER FORGET</p>Navy Sets New Physical Fitness Standard to Start Boot Camptag:navyformoms.ning.com,2018-01-18:1971797:BlogPost:103050362018-01-18T22:22:19.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p>Here is the link to follow to read about the new standard:</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=103353" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Navy Sets New Physical Fitness Standard to Start Boot Camp</strong></a></span></p>
<p>In a nutshell... starting January 1 of 2018, ALL Recruits will be required to pass an initial run standard BEFORE they commence basic military training. If they do not pass the initial run standard…</p>
<p>Here is the link to follow to read about the new standard:</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=103353" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Navy Sets New Physical Fitness Standard to Start Boot Camp</strong></a></span></p>
<p>In a nutshell... starting January 1 of 2018, ALL Recruits will be required to pass an initial run standard BEFORE they commence basic military training. If they do not pass the initial run standard they will be given <strong>one</strong> more chance within a 48 hour period to retest and pass. If they fail to meet the requirements for the initial run standard they will be separated from the Navy with an entry level separation, which allows them to reapply at a later date with a waiver from Navy Recruiting Command.</p>
<p>Please read the article in the link for more details.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>Thank you Veterans!tag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-11-11:1971797:BlogPost:92554852015-11-11T19:41:46.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974671215?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974671215?profile=original" width="275"></img></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974673000?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974673000?profile=original" width="346"></img></a></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Thank you to those who have served, those who are currently serving and to the families that support you.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I thank you for your patriotism and sacrifice to be apart…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974671215?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974671215?profile=original" width="275" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974673000?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974673000?profile=original" width="346" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Thank you to those who have served, those who are currently serving and to the families that support you.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I thank you for your patriotism and sacrifice to be apart of something bigger than yourself.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">God Bless you all.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>New Competitive Flag System Promotes Teamwork Among Recruitstag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-10-18:1971797:BlogPost:92327612015-10-18T03:29:09.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p>Found this on RTC FB.</p>
<p>The original article is from the Official website of the United States Navy</p>
<p><a href="http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=91255" target="_blank">New Competitive Flag System Promotes Teamwork Among Recruits</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Found this on RTC FB.</p>
<p>The original article is from the Official website of the United States Navy</p>
<p><a href="http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=91255" target="_blank">New Competitive Flag System Promotes Teamwork Among Recruits</a></p>
<p></p>RTC Thanksgiving and Christmas Adopt-A-Sailor Program Datestag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-10-17:1971797:BlogPost:92323652015-10-17T21:30:00.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">This year the dates for the RTC Adopt -A-Sailor programs for Thanksgiving and Christmas are as follows.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #333300;"><strong>Thanksgiving</strong></span>:</p>
<p>TG's graduating on December 4th and December 11th are participate Thanksgiving Adopt-A-Sailor.</p>
<p>Here is the link to the NOTE:…</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">This year the dates for the RTC Adopt -A-Sailor programs for Thanksgiving and Christmas are as follows.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #333300;"><strong>Thanksgiving</strong></span>:</p>
<p>TG's graduating on December 4th and December 11th are participate Thanksgiving Adopt-A-Sailor.</p>
<p>Here is the link to the NOTE:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/us-navy-recruit-training-command/thanksgiving-adopt-a-sailor-program/10153822534277259" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Adopt-A-Sailor program</a></p>
<p>It is also posted on the timeline with questions from followers.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Christmas</strong>:</p>
<p>TG's graduating on December 31st and January 8th will participate in Christmas Adopt- A-Sailor.</p>
<p></p>
<p>All other TG's who will remain on base during the holiday will be treated to a traditional dinner and Holiday routine.</p>God Bless Americatag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-09-11:1971797:BlogPost:91994062015-09-11T19:29:01.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974671016?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974671016?profile=original" width="300" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For those who died</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For those who continue the fight</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Heroes</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974671016?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974671016?profile=original" width="300" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For those who died</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For those who continue the fight</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Heroes</p>In Honor and Remembrance...tag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-05-25:1971797:BlogPost:90642542015-05-25T21:49:04.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974670673?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974672316?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974672445?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974672445?profile=original" width="242"></img></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A heartfelt "Thank You" to those who died while serving in the Military.…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974670673?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974672316?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974672445?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="242" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974672445?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A heartfelt "Thank You" to those who died while serving in the Military.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974670673?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974672316?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974672316?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Thank you for your service and sacrifice.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">God Bless and Comfort those who have lost loved ones while they served.</p>Merry Christmas <3tag:navyformoms.ning.com,2014-12-25:1971797:BlogPost:88758182014-12-25T22:50:15.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="400" title="Desktop Pictures Of Christmas Christmas Tree" class="align-center" alt="Desktop Pictures Of Christmas Christmas Tree" src="http://www.webdesignmash.com/trial/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/christmas-wallpaper-81.jpg"/><span style="color: #008000;">MERRY CHRISTMAS Navy For Moms!!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="400" title="Desktop Pictures Of Christmas Christmas Tree" class="align-center" alt="Desktop Pictures Of Christmas Christmas Tree" src="http://www.webdesignmash.com/trial/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/christmas-wallpaper-81.jpg"/><span style="color: #008000;">MERRY CHRISTMAS Navy For Moms!!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>RTC Guest Policy for PIR beginning JANUARY 1, 2013tag:navyformoms.ning.com,2012-12-04:1971797:BlogPost:75026412012-12-04T09:00:00.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">This is from the RTC Websites "Upcoming Graduation" Page:</span></strong></p>
<p>(Here is the link to the RTC Website Upcoming Graduation Page: <a href="http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp">http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp</a> )</p>
<p>As of January 1st, 2013 Recruit Training Command will enforce the following policy:</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong class="red"><u>ALL…</u></strong></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;" class="font-size-3">This is from the RTC Websites "Upcoming Graduation" Page:</span></strong></p>
<p>(Here is the link to the RTC Website Upcoming Graduation Page: <a href="http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp">http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp</a> )</p>
<p>As of January 1st, 2013 Recruit Training Command will enforce the following policy:</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong class="red"><u>ALL GUESTS</u></strong>,</span> <em>including Active Duty/Retired Military Personnel</em> and those ages <em>3 and older</em> must be on the access list. Children 2 and under do not need to be on the access list.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong class="red"><u>12 or less</u></strong></span> divisions within the training group: <span style="color: #ff0000;"><span class="red"><strong><u>FOUR</u></strong> <u><strong>guest maximum per recruit</strong></u></span><strong>.</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong class="red"><u>13 or more</u></strong></span> divisions within the training group: <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><u class="red">THREE guest maximum per recruit</u>.</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>Individuals not on the access list will <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> be able to enter the drill hall and we do <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> have a standby list. In addition please plan on arriving at least <u>1.5 hours</u> before the ceremony, which begins promptly at 9:00 a.m.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><u>Graduation Day Schedule</u></strong></p>
<p>6:30 am: RTC gate opens to guests.</p>
<p>7:00 am: Ceremonial drill hall doors open to guests.</p>
<p>8:45 am: All guests must be seated. <u>Ceremonial drill hall d</u><u>oors close, no further entry for guests</u><em>.</em></p>
<p>9:00 am: Pass-In-Review commences.</p>
<p>9:20 am: Divisions arrive.</p>
<p>10:30 am: Pass-In-Review concludes.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks to all for your continued support of Recruit Training Command, the Navy's only boot camp!</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>This is what they are posting beside the TG information:</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-1">TG 8 - 9 Divisions (045-052 and 908) Graduate Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. Each recruit will be permitted 4 guests.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-1">TG 9 - 7 Divisions (053-058 and 909) Graduate Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. Each recruit will be permitted 4 guests.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-1">TG 10 - 11 Divisions (059-068 and 910) Graduate Friday, Jan. 18, 2013. Each recruit will be permitted 4 guests.</span></p>2012 THANKSGIVING WEEK PIR FORM LETTER CORRECTIONtag:navyformoms.ning.com,2012-10-11:1971797:BlogPost:73964862012-10-11T08:17:20.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p><strong>The PIR for <span style="color: #993300;">Thanksgiving Week</span> is <span style="color: #ff6600;">11-21-2012, WEDNESDAY</span></strong>.</p>
<p>There was an error on the Form Letters. Here is the Official Upcoming Graduations from RTC WEBSITE:</p>
<h2>Divisions Graduating by Training Group</h2>
<p> </p>
<p>TG 48 — 14 Divisions (327–338, 822 & 948) Graduate Friday, Oct. 12, 2012</p>
<p>TG 49 — 7 Divisions (339–344 & 949) Graduate Friday, Oct. 19, 2012</p>
<p>TG 50 — 7…</p>
<p><strong>The PIR for <span style="color: #993300;">Thanksgiving Week</span> is <span style="color: #ff6600;">11-21-2012, WEDNESDAY</span></strong>.</p>
<p>There was an error on the Form Letters. Here is the Official Upcoming Graduations from RTC WEBSITE:</p>
<h2>Divisions Graduating by Training Group</h2>
<p> </p>
<p>TG 48 — 14 Divisions (327–338, 822 & 948) Graduate Friday, Oct. 12, 2012</p>
<p>TG 49 — 7 Divisions (339–344 & 949) Graduate Friday, Oct. 19, 2012</p>
<p>TG 50 — 7 Divisions (345–350 & 950) Graduate Friday, Oct. 26, 2012</p>
<p>TG 51 — 13 Divisions (351–362 & 951) Graduate Friday, Nov. 2, 2012</p>
<p>TG 52 — 12 Divisions (363–372, 823 & 952) Graduate Friday, Nov. 9, 2012</p>
<p>TG 1 — 9 Divisions (001–008 & 901) Graduate Friday, Nov. 16, 2012</p>
<p><strong>TG 2 — 11 Divisions (009–018 & 902) Graduate <u>Wednesday</u>, Nov. 21, 2012</strong></p>
<p>(I just deleted the Gate Pass link part)</p>
<p>Here is the link to the Page on there:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp" target="_blank">http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp</a></p>BLOG OPS” PIR 05/26/2011: PIR! I hit an earlier subject…tag:navyformoms.ning.com,2011-11-08:1971797:BlogPost:66279592011-11-08T19:00:00.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p>The “cloudy” situation.</p>
<p>Hmmm…well here is my little cloud that I had when going to PIR:</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974667209?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974667209?profile=original" width="300"></img></a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>Okay…not really, but it’s almost as cute as that:</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974669283?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974669283?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350"></img></a></p>
<p> …</p>
<p>The “cloudy” situation.</p>
<p>Hmmm…well here is my little cloud that I had when going to PIR:</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974667209?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974667209?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>Okay…not really, but it’s almost as cute as that:</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974669283?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974669283?profile=RESIZE_480x480"/></a></p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974671072?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p>This boy is my bud…especially when DH was gone. He goes everywhere with me…weather permitting.</p>
<p>He’s my working dog…sheep…and I couldn’t get by without him!</p>
<p>His one major downfall? Seperation Anxiety. He’s a mommas boy!</p>
<p>Or</p>
<p>…vice versa? It’s both!</p>
<p>This is the dog that walks in my “blind spot”.</p>
<p>“<i>Where</i> is Kep?”</p>
<p>“Mom…he’s right behind you?”</p>
<p>Turn, turn to the left…quick right…HA…caught you…there he is!</p>
<p>He’s been known to follow me into the port-a-potty…I know TMI.</p>
<p>So we’re on the plane…and I say for the umpteenth time, “Keppie has such bad separation anxiety…I hope he’s okay.”</p>
<p>Fireteam2 says, “WHO has such bad separation anxiety?!”</p>
<p>Where’s the emergency door?…yeah might need to let SOMEONE off early! LOL</p>
<p>He’s right though! I settled after that! Still missed him, but had so much fun with the two-legged creatures!</p>
<p>FTLW…out.</p>
<p>***************************************************************************************************</p>
<p>I lost this beautiful boy on January 24th, 2015. Just two months shy of his 15th birthday. He'll live in my heart always...which is the <em>best</em> place to bury a good dog.</p>
<p>"That'll Do Kep, That'll Do."</p>BLOG OPS” PIR 05/26/2011 Mission 5: PIR!tag:navyformoms.ning.com,2011-07-10:1971797:BlogPost:56812122011-07-10T06:33:58.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p>Finally!</p>
<p>We make our way to Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall.</p>
<p>Of course I FORGOT to have my camera ready…so I am advising you to get that baby ready from the moment you step through those doors. There ARE photo ops (or should that be PHOTOPS?) all along the way to that security checkpoint.</p>
<p>So don’t miss it like I did!</p>
<p>When you enter the actual graduation grounds you will see Sailors and some SR (the ones performing for the PIR) all over.</p>
<p>Good luck trying to…</p>
<p>Finally!</p>
<p>We make our way to Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall.</p>
<p>Of course I FORGOT to have my camera ready…so I am advising you to get that baby ready from the moment you step through those doors. There ARE photo ops (or should that be PHOTOPS?) all along the way to that security checkpoint.</p>
<p>So don’t miss it like I did!</p>
<p>When you enter the actual graduation grounds you will see Sailors and some SR (the ones performing for the PIR) all over.</p>
<p>Good luck trying to determine who is who!</p>
<p>Though I have heard some wonderful stories of family “spotting” there Sailor before the ceremony starts. Some are working it and that is why they are out and about.</p>
<p>As much as you would like to…try not to pay attention to them UNLESS they approach you. They most likely will not. They are working and could get into BIG trouble.</p>
<p>So no dive bombing them and planting big wet smoochies on them no matter HOW bad you want too…it just wouldn’t be worth it if the repercussions were something like them losing all their liberty.</p>
<p>Save it for the Hotel!</p>
<p>Okay, as you walk along you will notice “markers” with your Division number on it. Like this:</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974665145?profile=original"><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974665145?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Ooooo this one has Sailors. These are Honor grads from…180! My Sailors Division. The one on the left is the top honor grad for this TG. Woo-Hoo! There are a few more scattered along the way at other markers.</p>
<p>They get to stand here and “be noticed” and assist in any way on the floor. They will go bye-bye shortly before PIR starts to join there DIV.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The markers are to show you where to sit. Just go up the bleachers directly facing your marker. You will be slightly to the left (your DIV right) of your DIV.</p>
<p>So we find our marker, climb up and sit.</p>
<p>And sit.</p>
<p>And sit.</p>
<p>Because we get there as early as they will let us in!</p>
<p>BUT, there is coffee and snacks to buy. Sailor hats for the little guys to purchase and wear ('cause YOU KNOW they are going to want to wear Dad or Moms and they are not allowed too! So if you got little Sailors-get ‘em one. I want one…).</p>
<p>They also run “entertainment” for us while we are waiting. There is a video screen right in the middle of the hall. Naval type videos etc. Honestly…I wasn’t paying much attention! Too excited….but it IS a nice thing to do!</p>
<p>The anticipation is killing me!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>“BLOG OPS” PIR 05/26/2011 Mission 5: PIR!! Convoy...tag:navyformoms.ning.com,2011-06-10:1971797:BlogPost:54281322011-06-10T07:01:47.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p><span class="font-size-3">Well, where was I?</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">We had just finished the M&G.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Plus, the silliness in between...don't worry...there WILL be more!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">PIR.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">I tried to get some sleep.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Really...I did.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">For those of you that have been through it, y'all (I'm not…</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Well, where was I?</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">We had just finished the M&G.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Plus, the silliness in between...don't worry...there WILL be more!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">PIR.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">I tried to get some sleep.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Really...I did.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">For those of you that have been through it, y'all (I'm not from Texas...I just like "y'all"), you know how it is.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">For those of you who haven't yet I am prepping you!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The Team and I rose bright and early. I was up BEFORE them and STILL was the last one ready.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">I put on my lovely ribbon that LaLa Ribbon Queen made me, my blue star flag pin, my Navy pin, not too much make up (Navy whites and at the same time I didn't want to scare little children) and my jeans and red shirt. The teams uniform of the day was Jeans and red shirts...too be recognizable and in honor of our country. Yay Old Glory!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Oh, here is promised said silliness:</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974666192?profile=original"><img width="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974666192?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Hey...no laughing at my toes! That's an order.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">FT2 actually suggested this. I was going to do all blue and put a flag on my big toe. This made more sense and was a big hit at my beauty parlor. I think I'll repeat it for the fourth and any other military holiday and event!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Unfortunately, it was raining and I could not wear open toed shoes to flash 'em.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Like my Sailor cares!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Okay, we grab "chow", our cute little Navy Lodge Breakfast bag and grabs (bagel, cream cheese, OJ and a chewy granola bar-They were VERY good), and head out.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">To get in line. Of cars. Not really too bad though. We only had 7 DIV graduating so not crazy jam packed.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">SPEC OPS was out though to direct traffic along Buckley. They came up to the car and asked if we were going to Graduation, told us to continue on and turn on Ohio.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">SPEC OPS? Directing traffic? Hmmmm...That's what FT2 said.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">I said, "Maybe their SPEC OP is <em>in</em> PIR traffic directing."</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">I got the look. Sorry, nice SPEC OPS, I really <em>do</em> respect what you do...I was just relieving tension.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">I like the digiblues!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">As we are pulling up to the gate I am saying,"Augh, get out your ID and Ooooo where is the Gate Pass?"</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">We park and make ready to travel on foot.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Hence the "toes".</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">FTLW out</span></p>"BLOG OPS" PIR 05/26/2011 "Little Miss GPS"tag:navyformoms.ning.com,2011-06-06:1971797:BlogPost:53937062011-06-06T07:52:02.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p>That's what I called her. She always started out with:</p>
<p>"Please fasten your seatbelts."</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Very polite.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If I messed up and made a wrong turn, she never yelled at me, just said, "Recalculating."</p>
<p>In spite of the few times I got exasperated with her and said, "Where the heck ARE you taking me?"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Couldn't have done without her and had a moment of panic when I LOST her in a tunnel. Took awhile to get her back!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>FT2 called…</p>
<p>That's what I called her. She always started out with:</p>
<p>"Please fasten your seatbelts."</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Very polite.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If I messed up and made a wrong turn, she never yelled at me, just said, "Recalculating."</p>
<p>In spite of the few times I got exasperated with her and said, "Where the heck ARE you taking me?"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Couldn't have done without her and had a moment of panic when I LOST her in a tunnel. Took awhile to get her back!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>FT2 called "it" the "Magic Box."</p>
<p> </p>
<p>He also adopted a bit of her strategy when we would get lost walking around.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>"I think we were supposed to go THIS way."</p>
<p>"Recalculating..."</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974666736?profile=original"><img width="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974666736?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>FTLW-out </p>"BLOG OPS" PIR 05/26/2011 Mission 4 continued - The Meet and Greettag:navyformoms.ning.com,2011-06-06:1971797:BlogPost:53932422011-06-06T07:00:00.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p>...was great!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>They served meatballs, egg rolls, veggies/dip and chips/salsa. Ramada gives those staying with them a voucher for two free drinks. Everyone else may purchase drinks. Food is free. I am told that they do not mind if you come in with a non-alcoholic drink or water.The boys ate their fill while their mom <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">gabbed away</span> ...ummm collected intel.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Naw...we gabbed! Got to see the Sailor who joined our…</p>
<p>...was great!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>They served meatballs, egg rolls, veggies/dip and chips/salsa. Ramada gives those staying with them a voucher for two free drinks. Everyone else may purchase drinks. Food is free. I am told that they do not mind if you come in with a non-alcoholic drink or water.The boys ate their fill while their mom <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">gabbed away</span> ...ummm collected intel.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Naw...we gabbed! Got to see the Sailor who joined our group who's GF was going through boot camp-Semper Fortis! Okay DforMegan, I think I've about wore that one out! LOL</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was great to meet the mom's, wives, fiancees, girl friends of DIV 180 that I did! <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Go 180!</strong></span> So glad that the hostess has you get up and speak if you like. That way everyone can go "Oh...THAT'S you!" Much easier to connect up! Otherwise you run around the room in the dim light squinting at everyones chest. Then you end up asking anyways because it has their REAL name on the tag! So if you remember, try to write your NAVY4MOMS name on it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>K?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I know travel time can be tough, but if you CAN go to your Meet and Greet, do so!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>"BLOG OPS" PIR 05/26/2011 Boot Camp Questionnairetag:navyformoms.ning.com,2011-06-06:1971797:BlogPost:53928402011-06-06T04:30:00.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p>We are interrupting this Blog to publish an important document.</p>
<p>The Boot Camp Questionnaire!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It should copy and paste all right. You may need to tweak it!</p>
<p>FTLW is NOT an IT!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dear, <br></br>Here is your personalized, “official”, Navy 4 Moms Boot Camp Questionnaire. Please fill it out and send it back in the SASE! <br></br>Love, <br></br>Mom <br></br>Today is Week___ Day___. <br></br>1. Life here is: a. good b. getting better c. fantastic, beyond my wildest…</p>
<p>We are interrupting this Blog to publish an important document.</p>
<p>The Boot Camp Questionnaire!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It should copy and paste all right. You may need to tweak it!</p>
<p>FTLW is NOT an IT!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dear, <br/>Here is your personalized, “official”, Navy 4 Moms Boot Camp Questionnaire. Please fill it out and send it back in the SASE! <br/>Love, <br/>Mom <br/>Today is Week___ Day___. <br/>1. Life here is: a. good b. getting better c. fantastic, beyond my wildest expectations! d. hard, but I can handle it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2. The first night here I got to bed at_____________AM and slept for ___________ Minutes/hours. OR _____Slept, who slept?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>3. New Friends___________________________________________________________</p>
<p> </p>
<p>4. My Best friend is_______________________________________________________</p>
<p> </p>
<p>5. I do the following job at BC: <br/>a. Kitchen Duty <br/>b. Bathroom Duty <br/>c. Chapel <br/>d. Other ____________________________</p>
<p> </p>
<p>6. My bed is made so tight that the quarter hits the ceiling. TRUE FLASE</p>
<p> </p>
<p>7. My bed is like: <br/>a. Papa Bear’s – Too hard <br/>b. Mama Bear’s – Too soft <br/>c. Baby Bear’s – Just Right</p>
<p> </p>
<p>8. In our bunk I sleep on the: <br/>Top Bottom</p>
<p> </p>
<p>9. My bunkmate is: <br/>a. Friendly <br/>b. Don’t know – too quiet <br/>c. Wish he was on the other side of the room</p>
<p> </p>
<p>10. Have you got any awards yet? <br/>a. Yes. __________________________________________________________ <br/>b. Not yet, but soon. <br/>c. No and it doesn’t look likely. <br/>d. You are kidding, right?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>11. Has the yelling at BC: <br/>a. Increased <br/>b. Decreased <br/>c. Stayed the same <br/>d. No comment <br/>e. I can tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>12. On a scale of 1-10 how is your division working as a team? <br/>Awesome 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 pitiful </p>
<p> </p>
<p>13. Have you gotten IT? If so, what for?! _______________________________________________________________________</p>
<p> </p>
<p>14. We designed our Division Flag and it has on it: ________________________________________________________________________</p>
<p> </p>
<p>15. My spiritual life is: <br/>a. Great – God’s showing me a lot <br/>b. Fine, but it’s hard finding time to really pray/read my Bible <br/>c. I’m learning what a sense of humor God has <br/>d. Pray for me!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>16. When I passed my PFA test, I did: <br/>_____________ push-ups <br/>_____________ sit ups, <br/>And I did my run in ___________________.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>17. Who loves you more: <br/>a. RDC <br/>b. Mom <br/>c. (Insert pets name)</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>18. How long does it take to scrub the head with a toothbrush? <br/>a. 2 hours <br/>b. Haven’t found out yet <br/>c. I don’t know, haven’t done it <br/>d. Jesus is coming back before I get done.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>19. Pssst…watch out for Ninja’s.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>20. Don’t you just love Sharks? Ha, betcha’ didn’t know I knew what they were, did you?!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>21. Did you order your Graduation Pictures, Keel Book and DVD yet? <br/>a. Been there, done that <br/>b. It is at the top of my list, Mom <br/>c. O.K. I am on it! I will get them ordered ASAP!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>22. My proudest accomplishment is: ________________________________________________________________________</p>
<p> </p>
<p>23. We won (a) flag/flags! For: ________________________________________________________________________</p>
<p> </p>
<p>24. You passed your swim Test! Yea! Or Have you passed your swim test?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>25. Are you proud of yourself? You should be! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>26. Do you know how proud your Family is of you? You should! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>27. Have you started training on Marlinspike yet? Yes____ No ____</p>
<p> </p>
<p>28. Are you looking forward to Captain’s cup? Yes ___ No ___</p>
<p> </p>
<p>29. Are you looking forward to Battlestations? Yes___ No ___ <br/>((Hey, don’t let the ninja’s get you.))</p>
<p> </p>
<p>30. Do these questions EVER end…really Mom…I don’t have time for all these!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>31. My favorite thing about Boot Camp is: <br/>a. Singing cadences <br/>b. Marching <br/>c. When do we get to blow things up? <br/>d. LOVE studying for tests! <br/>e. I’m the hottest guy here!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>32. My LEAST favorite thing about Boot Camp is: <br/>a. I’ve forgotten my first name! <br/>b. Who the heck picked all this grey paint <br/>c. No fraternizing <br/>d. It starts way too early in the morning and I am not a morning person!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>33. Finally, What I think about Boot Camp surveys <br/>a. LOVE them! How easy is this? Mom will write to herself for me! <br/>b. MOM! Please! I’m not at summer camp! <br/>c. My mom is a hoot and more Recruits need a Mom like her!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Love, <br/>Your SR</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Now, fold me up and mail me out!</p>"BLOG OPS" Mission on HOLDtag:navyformoms.ning.com,2011-06-03:1971797:BlogPost:53724242011-06-03T08:09:09.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p>FTLW is Poo-ped!</p>
<p>I will continue tomorrow!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>FTLW is Poo-ped!</p>
<p>I will continue tomorrow!</p>
<p> </p>“BLOG OPS” PIR 05/26/2011 Mission 4: Getting our bearings/The Silo/Navy4Moms Meet and Greettag:navyformoms.ning.com,2011-06-02:1971797:BlogPost:53634402011-06-02T07:30:00.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p>Start time was late. Just pooped.</p>
<p> <br></br> First goal…food…again!</p>
<p>I can’t even remember WHAT we were looking for, but we stumbled onto…the Silo!</p>
<p>Just had to try the Pizza!</p>
<p>We decided to get individuals so everyone could try it with their fave toppings.</p>
<p>The atmosphere is great. The pizza is very good. Nice thick crust with their tomato topping and your picks. We also shared a dinner salad. It’s hard to find places that have the individual dinner salads. Price…</p>
<p>Start time was late. Just pooped.</p>
<p> <br/> First goal…food…again!</p>
<p>I can’t even remember WHAT we were looking for, but we stumbled onto…the Silo!</p>
<p>Just had to try the Pizza!</p>
<p>We decided to get individuals so everyone could try it with their fave toppings.</p>
<p>The atmosphere is great. The pizza is very good. Nice thick crust with their tomato topping and your picks. We also shared a dinner salad. It’s hard to find places that have the individual dinner salads. Price and size wise. The waitress was extremely nice and added some extra lettuce for us! <br/> Here are some Pics: <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974666823?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974666823?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="400" height="346"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974668504?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974668504?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="409" height="332"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974668532?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974668532?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="409" height="356"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It wasn't good or anything!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974668942?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974668942?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="413" height="359"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974669479?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974669479?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="413" height="342"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974669603?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974669603?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="418" height="632"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="font-size-5"><strong><span style="color: #003300;">THE SILO</span></strong></span></span></p>
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<tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="144"><p align="center"><b><i><font color="#006600" size="+1">HOURS:</font></i></b></p>
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<tr valign="top"><td><p align="center"><b><i><font color="#006600" size="-1">Mon-Thu <br/> 11 AM to 10 PM</font></i></b></p>
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<tr valign="top"><td><p align="center"><b><i><font color="#006600" size="-1">Fri-Sat <br/> 11 AM to Midnight</font></i></b></p>
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<tr valign="top"><td><p align="center"><b><i><font color="#006600" size="-1">Sun <br/> 4 PM to 10 PM</font></i></b></p>
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<tr valign="top" align="left"><td height="4" width="188"><img id="Picture35" border="0" name="Picture35" src="http://www.silopizza.com/assets/images/Silo_Short_Horiz_Rule.jpg" width="188" height="4"/></td>
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<tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="179"><p align="center"><b><i><font color="#006600" size="+1">625 Rockland Road <br/> (RT. 176)</font></i></b></p>
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<tr valign="top"><td><p align="center"><b><i><font color="#006600" size="+1">Lake Bluff, IL 60044</font></i></b></p>
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<tr valign="top"><td><p align="center"><b><i><font color="#006600" size="+1">847-234-6660</font></i></b></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">It gets crowded at dinnertime! We were there about 3 PM. No crowds at all. There is a bar area and upstairs is for 23 and older. Ummm I don't know why 23 though. I am guessing liquor...but isn't that 21? 23...never mind, I don't want to know. Here is the downstairs bar:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974671619?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1974671619?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">After lunch I just drove around to find the entrance to PIR, the Gurnee Mall, and just in for kicks in general. Then we went back to the room to change and freshen up for the Meet and Greet.</p>“BLOG OPS” PIR 05/26/2011 Mission 3: Chow, Stimulant and The Navy Lodgetag:navyformoms.ning.com,2011-06-01:1971797:BlogPost:53558092011-06-01T07:24:32.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p>Need to feed the Team…all are suffering from caloric depletion.</p>
<p><br></br>I consult Miss GPS, but I think the hunger pangs are just causing a fog.</p>
<p><br></br>In me…not her.</p>
<p><br></br>So, I type in Wal-Mart hoping that it will bring us close to food. <br></br>Nada.</p>
<p>Right about now an MRE would be good…or a Box Nasty (I think they are called Bag Nasty’s now.)</p>
<p>I cruise along and spot…Chili’s!</p>
<p>The Team is HAPPY!</p>
<p>We eat WAY too much…play with the little electronic…</p>
<p>Need to feed the Team…all are suffering from caloric depletion.</p>
<p><br/>I consult Miss GPS, but I think the hunger pangs are just causing a fog.</p>
<p><br/>In me…not her.</p>
<p><br/>So, I type in Wal-Mart hoping that it will bring us close to food. <br/>Nada.</p>
<p>Right about now an MRE would be good…or a Box Nasty (I think they are called Bag Nasty’s now.)</p>
<p>I cruise along and spot…Chili’s!</p>
<p>The Team is HAPPY!</p>
<p>We eat WAY too much…play with the little electronic device on the table that you can order from. It has apps and a movie guide with previews. <br/>“How long do you think this little device would last back home Team?” <br/>“Not long.” <br/>Roger that.</p>
<p>We get back on our way and fireteamleaderwife-(FTLW from now on)-realizes that she needs… <br/>…a Starbucks fix. <br/>Little Miss GPS comes through and FTLW is now fueled up and ready to go. We make a quick stop at Target for H20 and leave Rosemont and O’Hare Airport behind.</p>
<p><br/><span style="color: #993300;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">NOTE</span>: I loved O’Hare. I had no problems arriving or departing.</span></p>
<span style="color: #993300;"> </span><br/>
<p><br/>It’s only about a thirty plus minute drive. We arrive at the Navy Lodge and check in.</p>
<p><br/>The Navy Lodge is $65 a night. Tax free. It was clean. We had two queens and I requested and received a rollaway. Coffee maker, microwave and fridge. They do have rooms with kitchenettes but we missed out on one of those. You can rent DVD’s for a $2 a night for one or $3 a night for two. Or bring your own! They make a Brown Bag Breakfast-to-Go from 6-9 AM. Ours had a Bagel, cream cheese, chewy granola bar and large bottle of OJ.FT2 said it was his favorite thing! There is free coffee, leaded and unleaded, all the time. Vending machines on the first floor have the usual snacks, ice cream, soda, frozen “meals” (Hot Pockets and such), an “automat” looking one, toiletries and…liquor! Vending machines on the second floor are soda and snacks.</p>
<p><br/>I’ve never seen one of those before! Airplane size bottles of Vodka, Jim Beam and Brandy. Beer too. You have to purchase tokens from the front desk for this one!</p>
<p>There is a laundry room on the first floor at the rear of the building and own the corridor on the elevator side. Pay Computers on both floors near the elevators with printer ($9 an hour and $0.10 a print) hat look just like the ones in the RTC NEX Phone/Computer room.</p>
<p>There are Navy items that can be purchased in the Lobby. Shirts, knick-knacks. It is in a small display case. Free USA News and local Paper.</p>
<p>There is a Jungle Gym for the kiddies but as it was raining it was very flooded.</p>
<p>One block up the street is the mini NEX and gas station. I believe you can get a pass to shop there if you do not have military ID. Gas was about fifteen cents less there.</p>
<p>At first I kinda felt bad that I didn’t get a hotel with a pool etc., but this worked out well as we were not there all day and pooped out at night! <br/>Plus…okay, I will admit it, I just like staying at the military institutions!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><strong><span class="font-size-4">GO NAVY!</span></strong></span></p>“BLOG OPS” PIR 05/26/2011 Mission 2: Arriving at Great Lakes/Rental Cartag:navyformoms.ning.com,2011-05-31:1971797:BlogPost:53422062011-05-31T07:30:00.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p><span style="color: #000080;">The flight went off without a hitch. I do suggest bringing your own snacks and definitely buying a bottled water once past security. We arrived hungry and THIRSTY. Beverages were free but we are big water drinkers.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">It also helps to keep anything you want to “do” in your purse or smaller carry on. That way you don’t have to get into the one you’ve stored up top. I REALLY did not want to bonk anyone in the…</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">The flight went off without a hitch. I do suggest bringing your own snacks and definitely buying a bottled water once past security. We arrived hungry and THIRSTY. Beverages were free but we are big water drinkers.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">It also helps to keep anything you want to “do” in your purse or smaller carry on. That way you don’t have to get into the one you’ve stored up top. I REALLY did not want to bonk anyone in the head!</span></p>
<p><br/><span style="color: #000080; text-decoration: underline;">The Rental Vehicle</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;">I forgot to find out just HOW we were supposed to get our rental car. No counters in sight.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">That's 'cuz they are outside the airport.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">Shuttles. Cool beans.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">We were with AVIS. They were courteous and helpful.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">TIP1</span>: If you don’t drive toll roads I would recommend the IPASS with the car. That way you don’t have to “worry” about having change all the time and missing it and getting a fine or penalty or whatever happens. This is of course if you are going to be doing a lot of driving. I had a feeling I would be and so I did. I have no idea if I broke even cost-wise…and I don’t care as the mental benefit MORE than made up for it!</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">TIP2</span>: Rent the GPS.</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">TIP3</span>: Did I say “Rent the GPS”?</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">TIP4</span>: DON”T forget to RENT THE GPS!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">The GPS was a godsend! It saved so much time and frustration! I was VERY nervous about driving. I knew I was going to have to too. Prayer and little “Miss GPS” made it FUN! FT2 (fireteam 2) called it the “magic box”. Took LOTS of the stress away! I REALLY don’t care how much she cost!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">We get our "orders" and march, okay at this point “trudge”, out to find our car.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">Space S-16.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000080;">“Look out for space S-16 team.”</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;">FT2-“Is it this Camaro?”…points at shiny <span style="color: #ff0000;">red</span> convertible.</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;">“No…that’s not S-16”</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;">“How about THIS Camaro?”…points at shiny <span style="color: #ff9900;">orange</span> convertible.</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;">“No…read the space…<em>not</em> S-16!”</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;">“Okay…the Camaro?”</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;">I turn to FT3 and say, ”You have permission to <em>hurt</em> FT2 for me.” ((VBG)) LOL</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;">We find S-16. Chevy…hmmm, looks just like a cop car (DH is law enforcement when not serving his country as a reservist).</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;">Chevy Impala…THE cop car. It’s got an IPASS, GPS, XM radio and faux leather seats.</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;">Cool. ;-) “Hit it.”</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000080;">“How about the Camaro?”</span></p>
<br/>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000080;">“Uh…FT3?”</span> <br/><span style="color: #000080;">“I got this, mom.”</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br/>*******************************************************************************************************************************</p>
<p>[Jake and Elwood are arguing about the new Bluesmobile] <br/>Jake: What is this? <br/>Elwood: What? <br/>Jake: This car. This stupid car. Where's the Cadillac? <br/>[Jake tries to use the car's lighter, but it does not work; he throws it out the window] <br/>Jake: The Caddy, where's the Caddy? <br/>Elwood The what? <br/>Jake: The Cadillac we used to have! The Bluesmobile! <br/>Elwood I traded it. <br/>Jake: You traded the Bluesmobile for this?! <br/>Elwood: No ... for a microphone. <br/>Jake: A microphone? [pause] Okay, I can see that. But what the hell is this? <br/>Elwood: This was a bargain. I picked it up at the Mount Prospect City police auction last spring. It's an old Mount Prospect police car. They were practically giving them away. <br/>Jake: Well thank you, pal. The day I get out of prison, my own brother comes to pick me up in a police car. <br/>________________________________________ <br/>[Elwood and Jake stop in front of an opening drawbridge] <br/>Elwood <span style="color: #000080;">You don't like it?</span> <br/>Jake: [pause] No, I don't like it. <br/>[Elwood jumps the car over the bridge] <br/>Jake: [impressed] Car's got a lot of pickup. <br/>Elwood: <span style="color: #000080;">It's got a cop motor, a 440-cubic-inch plant. It's got cop tires, cop suspensions, cop shocks. It's a model made before catalytic converters, so it'll run good on regular gas. What do you say? Is it the new Bluesmobile or what?</span> <br/>[Jake lights his cigarette using his lighter] <br/>Jake: Fix the cigarette lighter. <br/>________________________________________ <br/><span style="color: #333399;">Elwood: It's a hundred and six miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, its dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.</span> <br/><span style="color: #333399;">Jake: Hit it.</span> <br/><span style="color: #000000;">________________________________________</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="http://www.freesmileys.org/emoticons.php"><img src="http://www.freesmileys.org/emoticons/emoticon-tv-002.gif" alt="Emoticon" border="0"/></a></span></p>"BLOG OPS" PIR 05/26/2011 MISSION 1 Getting to the Airport/Security Check cont.tag:navyformoms.ning.com,2011-05-27:1971797:BlogPost:53217112011-05-27T22:30:00.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p>The Booth.</p>
<p>So, we peel off everything we are supposed to and I go through the detector, start to walk off ...and it buzzes.</p>
<p>???</p>
<p>The agent pointed to the box/booth behind her and in I go.</p>
<p>Ya know...it would figure...my I-Love-Lucyness came out.</p>
<p>Forgot to empty my pockets. Had extra suitcase locks in them.</p>
<p>Which turned out to be a good thing as I forgot to put them on my luggage! I had asked the Team to put them on the checked bags and assumed they…</p>
<p>The Booth.</p>
<p>So, we peel off everything we are supposed to and I go through the detector, start to walk off ...and it buzzes.</p>
<p>???</p>
<p>The agent pointed to the box/booth behind her and in I go.</p>
<p>Ya know...it would figure...my I-Love-Lucyness came out.</p>
<p>Forgot to empty my pockets. Had extra suitcase locks in them.</p>
<p>Which turned out to be a good thing as I forgot to put them on my luggage! I had asked the Team to put them on the checked bags and assumed they would do mine.</p>
<p>You know what they say about assume-ing things...</p>
<p> </p>"BLOG OPS" PIR 05/26/2011 Mission 1 - Getting to the Airport/Security Checktag:navyformoms.ning.com,2011-05-26:1971797:BlogPost:53080492011-05-26T09:00:00.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p>Once the remaining members of the fireteam were ready, we piled into the POV and set off to meet up with PUBTRANS to get us to the AP.</p>
<p>The Flyaway Bus.</p>
<p>We made it in the nick-of-time to catch the 05:15 AM bus. Flight leaves at 07:00.</p>
<p>Yes, I was cutting it close.</p>
<p>Everyone was pleasant and helpful so far and it continued at the AP. The line to go through security was ASTOUNDING! I had no idea.</p>
<p>Does the term "cattle call" come to mind?! Mooooo.</p>
<p>Luckily…</p>
<p>Once the remaining members of the fireteam were ready, we piled into the POV and set off to meet up with PUBTRANS to get us to the AP.</p>
<p>The Flyaway Bus.</p>
<p>We made it in the nick-of-time to catch the 05:15 AM bus. Flight leaves at 07:00.</p>
<p>Yes, I was cutting it close.</p>
<p>Everyone was pleasant and helpful so far and it continued at the AP. The line to go through security was ASTOUNDING! I had no idea.</p>
<p>Does the term "cattle call" come to mind?! Mooooo.</p>
<p>Luckily AP personnel was going through and pulling those with 7AM departure times and moving us up front.</p>
<p>Now, I don't fly...the last time I did was 15 years ago when the youngest of the fireteam was just beginning his journey (I was just a few weeks along). Things were quite different then.</p>
<p>So we scoot ourselves forwards in "hurry mode" and start peeling off jewelry, belts, etc. Grab a box to throw it all in and yank off our shoes. All while trying to read the signs to see exactly WHAT we are supposed to be doing. I told a couple of people to go ahead of us!</p>
<p>Didn't know that H20 cannot go through...and spent a couple of red-faced moments when the agent said, "Got another water." They were very courteous though and even asked us each time if we would "like to step outside and drink it'"</p>
<p>"Ummm...no, thank you."</p>
<p>Are you kidding? No way was I going back OUTSIDE the building! LOL Seriously, he was very nice. Calm...that's it, they were calm and knew their jobs.</p>
<p>So far so good...but. gotta go and TRY to get a little rest before PIR.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>NEXT INSTALLMENT: I stand in "the Booth".</p>
<p> </p>"BLOG OPS" PIR 05/26/2011tag:navyformoms.ning.com,2011-05-26:1971797:BlogPost:53005172011-05-26T07:00:00.000ZFireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLWhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/FTLW
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #008000;">NOTE: This Mission started on the 2011/05/24 but was not published due to extreme fatigue.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #008000;">Day 1 is at a close and it is late and I NEED to go to bed! It's hard too though as I am thoroughly enjoying myself! There is one cloudy situation for me but it is of my own doing and I will write about that later. ;-)</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #008000;">I'm…</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #008000;">NOTE: This Mission started on the 2011/05/24 but was not published due to extreme fatigue.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #008000;">Day 1 is at a close and it is late and I NEED to go to bed! It's hard too though as I am thoroughly enjoying myself! There is one cloudy situation for me but it is of my own doing and I will write about that later. ;-)</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #008000;">I'm using green for today as that was what struck us most as we were landing. <strong>GREEN</strong> everywhere!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #008000;">Bee-u-tee-ful!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #008000;">For now, I just wanted to say how excited and happy I am to be here. Last time this year we were all sick. Ended up with pneumonia and so did the two kiddos that I have here with me. Looking back we never would have EVEN imagined that this is where we would be this time, this year.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #008000;">What with DH being deployed and eldest son becoming a Sailor, this year has started out as an adventurous one.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #008000;">Makes an "old gal" feel young!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #008000;">fireteamleaderwife out</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #008000;"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #008000;"> </span></p>