Ship 02, Division 924

[Pearl_Ship 02_Division 924]

Hi everyone...I did not see a discussion started yet for our ship and division so I thought I would create one while I am feeling full of positive energy.  If one has been started I apologize for overlooking it. 

 

My name is Pearl and I am engaged to an amazing future sailor who I will get to see again on 4/29.  I had been having a hard time, but as of today things are starting to look up.  I finally have made contact with Bryan.  He has been writing me every night.  My envelope contained letters from 2/27 through 3/7 and 3/4 there were 2.  I feel so lucky to have someone so devoted to me and my four kids.  And I now know to expect at some point in time another envelope filled with a bunch of letters.   

 

I am from Pennsylvania.  Where is everyone else from? Will you be going to the graduation?  I am going and will be staying at the Homewood Suites, which is approximately 11 miles from the training center.  Has anyone planned out an itinerary?  I have been so busy thinking about seeing him that so far I haven't even thought of what we may do while we are there.    

 

My fiance mentioned that he had watch one night with a Single A / Minor league baseball pitcher from Detroit.  I know the way he loves baseball that had to be up his alley.   

 

I hope everyone else within our division starts to finally receive mail.  It is such a good feeling to see that envelope.  Thought for sure I was going to cry like I did when I received that graduation information, but instead I am so happy. 

 

Please feel free to ask questions.  My letters are personal, but there are sections of each letter where he is telling me about his day.  I would be more than happy to share. 

 

Pearl

[Pearl_Ship 02_Division 924]

Thanks...now it's your turn.

[lauren]

I'm still waiting for a letter! Maybe mail takes awhile longer to get to southern California... I'm 2,012 miles away! It is very encouraging that you received letters though! Just hearing what your SR has written to you gives me a little insight on what my boyfriend is going through. For now, I'll just have to keep writing my daily letters and keep hoping!

From what I saw in the group discussion, it is such a bummer that one person can ruin the whole group, but that is life. I hope our SRs encourage each other to behave and work as a team so that they can write us and call us more often!

I am also going to graduation, along with my boyfriend's parents. I will have to miss a class or two, but I know Ethan wants me to be there and I wouldn't want to miss it!  We haven't decided on an itinerary yet because we are unsure how much time we will have with him. He is going to Ft. Meade for A School for Mass Communications. It sounds like most sailors fly out on Saturday morning, but I'm hoping he doesn't fly out that early!

[Pearl_Ship 02_Division 924]

I would write him and find out if he is a grad and go.  My fiance did not give me any indication that he would be a grad and go so I am assuming at this point I will be able to see him during liberty time the whole weekend.  He did say in one of my letters that they do work as a team when it comes to doing chores, etc.  He also said that they are starting to finally get the hang of marching together as a unit, but that they have issues with turns.  He also mentioned that they have had their full blown physicals and shots, and that they have taken one written exam so far.  He has been writing me every night and the last letter in this envelope was 3/7, so I am led to believe I will get another envelope filled with letters sometime next week.  I can't read the post office stamp on the envelope so I have no idea when it was actually mailed.  Who knows maybe he sent two at the same time and I'll get another one next week.  There is no way he could have fit anymore letters in this particular envelope.  Hopefully some of the additional information I added will let you feel even closer to your boyfriend.

[lauren]

Thanks Pearl!

[goliathmacdog]

Thanks, I enjoy all your comments and it is great to get info coming from my son's ship and division (2/924).  I think I figured out that meme's son and Lauren's boyfriend are the same person....am I right?  If not sorry. My son's initials are DM.  He is 19 and just graduated HS this past June.  He may be one of the younger ones, but he can listen and follow directions, so I hope he's not one of the guys causing issues....guess I will always feel responsible :)  His letter to his brother said he was getting the hang of it there, but there was very little free time, and he was getting up at 2 AM to iron his clothes and get some peace and quiet....he was overall positive, but not a lot if info....He was a wrestler in HS and a pretty serious kid with a Catholic School background, so I hope he is doing well.  I don't think the physical stuff will be hard for him. He is scheduled to go to Nuke school in SC, and I was told that he could come home in between boot camp and SC, but now I am starting to wonder if that is correct.  I plan to come to graduation with at least 2 of my other kids.  My husband and other son are still up on the air about plans.  Staying at the Ramada and driving in from Ohio.  I am so curious about the performing thing...has anyone learned anything about that?  Will look for more info and if I get any interesting news for the group I am happy to pass it on.  Thanks. 

 

[Pearl_Ship 02_Division 924]

I haven't heard anything about the performance at this point.  I know Bryan doesn't play an instrument so I can't wait to see what he will be doing.  I did read somewhere that the performers where a yellow scarf/hankerchief type thing around their neck so they will stand out from the rest of the divisions...heard they perform in 3 graduations so there will probably be to other 900 divisions there helping with the performance if that that is the case.  I imaging if your son is up at 2 am doing all that work he is one the well-behaved SR's... Bryan mentioned that there were a couple falling a sleep during class as well not properly pronouncing 924, etc.  They obviously don't think those little things are big issues yet, but they are and the entire division ends up having to pay for it.  Initially Bryan was told he would be able to come home before he left for Mississippi but then later we were told no, that he will be going to mississippi from great lakes...i will be arriving in Illinois Thursday and I am staying at the Homewood Suites.  I had thought about bringing my kids but opted to come out by myself so I can enjoy my time with Bryan.  I have no idea who else is going.  Seems like with the exception of his mom no one can give me a definite response.  His mom cannot go.  She just had to take 2 weeks leave for her mother to put her in a 24 hour care center and she was supposed to get fmla, but they told her they will not give it to her because the docs she has are not acceptable so now she has no leave to go.  Hopefully I will be able to get a definite answer from his sister so I do not have to drive out by myself. 

 

Well I have to get back to writing my paper.  I have a big presentation on Thursday for school.  Can't wait to get it out of the way so I can move on to my last 2 electives and then graduate in May. 

[lauren]

Goliathmacdog:
Yes, you are right. I am meme's son's girlfriend. I hope that isn't causing confusion! We both want to stay connected to what our SR is doing in boot camp, which N4M provides. N4M is a great community and I'm glad my boyfriend's mom invited me to join.
Like your son, E is young (20 years old), athletic (basketball player), and is serious about succeeding in the Navy. In the form letter, E was very positive and optimistic, but we are still waiting to learn more about his experience in a personal letter...

[lauren]

I finally got a letter today!! It made my day!  Actually, it made my month!!

E said that Div 924 has been marching a lot and that they will have time to read and write letters almost every night before "taps" aka lights out. As of 3/15, E had received 18 of my letters (I'm also writing everyday since he left home on 2/22). He also mentioned passing the swim test, other physical fitness tests, and a class on ships and aircraft.  Div 924 will be taking their first test this week (on classroom things). He said that now that they are into actual training, the time is flying by.

On a humorous note, E said that on the 2nd P-day all of the recruits were standing at attention in front of their racks while the RDC was walking around the ship.  He said that all of a sudden, he heard a familiar tune: "Listen Baby! Ain't no mountain high! Ain't no valley low!" His RDC's ringtone on his phone is "Ain't No Mountain High Enough!"  E said that moment was a blessing from the Lord to hear "our song" at boot camp of all places!  I thought that was so great!

[Pearl_Ship 02_Division 924]

That is so awesome!!!  I got some more letters from Bryan too....dates 3/11 through 3/15...couple letters from 3/15...can't see the details cuz i am at work, but he did mention he passed the swim test too and something else...he mentioned he got 8 of my letters the first night they got mail.  Today I sent letter 22 out, so hopefully he is receiving the rest.  I need to find out if he is a Saturday departure or there the whole weekend.  I am praying for the whole weekend.  I reserved my hotel stay through Monday. 

[Pearl_Ship 02_Division 924]

Hey everyone,

I received more letters from Bryan.  I haven't had time to share a lot from the letters with you because I have been super busy finishing up college.  I made it through my presentation last night and now I just have to finish up my paper and the hard class will be over.  Two more electives and I will be a college graduate on 5/21.  After nearly 5 years of attending and have 4 amazing kids putting up with mommy going to school I cannot wait to be done. Okay moving on to the letters.  I am going to start from the first letter I received and work my way up to the 20th.  I apologize if I repeat anything I said in the previous comment.  Just want to make sure I share everything that will help anyone who is wondering what is going on. 

 

 

[goliathmacdog]

Can't wait to hear your news.  Hope you get a call tonight!

[Pearl_Ship 02_Division 924]

2/27/2011

"we've been inside a big room with a bunch of bed bunks and pressured to learn all navy etiquette.  We have 3 RDCs who are hard core"  He mentioned that he is missing me and my kids, "but it's hard feeling like I'm in prison. 

Even though we are not married yet, Bryan wears his wedding ring, and he says that has been his big motivator. 

"The guys in my division here are great" 

2/28/2011

"another tough day in the can" "went 2am thurs to fri 8pm (Bryan left on 2/24/11) "that night was a rough adjustment...having a bunch of Petty Officers yelling at the top of their lungs if you make any mistake or am not in military bearing / posture" "since I got her our division has not been outside all but once for a fire drill" "we've been drilled in our heads the 11 gen orders, the chain of command, officer pay grades, collar devises, sailors creed, and other stuff""today we got drilled into our heads how to make our racks properly since we'll be inspected on that" He said his bunk mate and him are pretty good at working together at getting their racks made and that particular day they both got the division organized to march "our RDCs are really up our butts about every little thing cuz they want our division to be the sXXt of this place!" 

3/1/2011

April 29, 2011 graduation is confirmed.  "Today, right before taps our 1st RDC told us our graduation date along with a boat load of inspiration"  "Today we finally went outside to march" They are doing a lot of marching drills.  He said he could not wait to start PT, so maybe the days/weeks will go by quicker.  "our other half of brothers/recruits arrived today so our division is complete with approx 80 recruits.  "a lot of them are cool and we work together as a team when doing a lot of chores and stuff...folding clothes, making racks, etc. 

3/2/2011

"we did more marching today and it did not go well but it's early so we all our division, has time to work things out"  "our division seems to keep changing...we had more recruits join our division and some went to another...i heard we are getting three more to make our division at 86.  "tomorrow we're all going to medical to receive a full-blown physical-shots and all...then we get our boots, blue PT shirts and then our camo-uniforms!" 

3/3/2011

"today went ok with the exception of the evening after chow-aka dinner when our division made a bunch of opps (dumb mistakes)...being simple stuff...stenciling/labeling laundry...it seems like there is some incompetent guys in our division so our RDC is gonna make us pay tomorrow when we go to P.T. "  "We got our camo uniforms that have our last names on them...I think they look pretty decent." he took his first written exam on some basic navy info...11 general orders of sentry, etc. and he thinks he did okay

3/4/2011

he had a long day at medical but did not get the painful shots yet...they had vision, hearing, and dental.  He got a pair of glasses the RDCs refer to as birth control glasses...that works for me :-) "It seems like we have a couple of arrogant guys in our division before we tapped out our RDCs made us do all these painful exercises cuz some of our leaders were slacking...i.e. falling asleep in the classroom, not pronouncing our div.# correctly!! Our workout was pretty rough and it's only gonna get worse" 

3/5/2011

"today we did not do much but ID, fold, and stow a lot of our gear in our new and perminent home/compartment which is a lot bigger than the previous one."  he had a 2-hr watch with a single A/minor league baseball pitcher from Detroit...Bryan loves baseball so I know this would have been right up his alley. 

3/6/2011

"today we marched to the navy exchange to get some toilatries/supplies...it was a pretty long, walk for our group/division of 86 guys plus 2 RDCs...we're really good at marching straight forward but suck at turning.  I feel eventually we'll all get it." 

3/7/2011

"today was a very long one spent at medical for dental and our shots...right now I am extremely sore in both arms (I received 4 shots, 2 in each arm) and one in my lil left ass cheek...they used these piston guns to inject into my arms and a syringe in my ass"  "after spending 6 hours at medical we had a long outside march drill then we went back home to stencil more stuff and we received IT(intensive training-punishment) for talking outside our compartment." 

3/8/2011

he had a very tough day...he said "our RDCs ITed us like crazy and it was hell.  BTW IT = Intensive Training / punishment workout...A lot of recruits did not shine their boots, the night watch log was wrong, and other misbehavior's that pissed our RDCs off."  "We almost had a recruit quit but a bunch of us near by him convinced him to stay."  "There is a possibility we may receive our NWOs (Navy camo uniform w/ our names on them) if everyone's shoe's are shine! I know I just shined mine." 

3/9/2011

"We got our NWUs (Navy working uniforms) today and I feel I'm getting closer and closer to seeing your!"  To show you how much of a sap Bryan is and how lucky I am to have him he calculated how many seconds their our in a day to show me how many seconds of the day he thinks about me...gonna have to tease him though cuz he calculated wrong...leave it to me the accounting major to double check his math :-)

3/10/2011

"today was a boring day, filled with bunk drills and marching drills and ITing which is a pain...we got 49 days left and I hope it goes quick"  He remembered that a year ago from today that he purchased my engagement ring and wedding band <3

3/11/2011

"it was a pretty boring one needless to say but the action is expected to pick up next week when we start PT-ing...Today we had bunk drills and march drills and that was pretty much it." 

3/12/2011

"daylights savings tonight so we lose an hour of sleep...I just got done ironing and polishing my boots"  "oh btw the food here is not too bad...tonight for chow I had grilled chic, baked potato (not as good as yours), frosted mini wheats, vegs wi/ pasta, cottage cheese..so they do feed us a lot...maybe I'll come back to you w/ a butt!" 

3/13/2011

"It's 3am, I just got done polishing my boots, shave, and brushed my teeth so I'm ready for tomorrow...sort of...PT finally starts so hopefully the days will go by even quicker...daylight savings helped a lil...we were told last night letters can be mailed out the next day."  "today was just a day of marching and inspection of our uniform." 

3/14/2011

"WOW!!! I finally got your letters tonight...My 2nd RDC called our our names...it felt like an eternity till xxxxx was called"  "45 more days and counting...we had our 1st PT day today so hopefully that'll start a fast trend of days."  "also this morning we fill out our dir.deb stuff...Apr 1 will be payday one."  He was also told he needs his debit card...I will be mailing that to him asap. 

3/15/2011

He received a letter from Sunday (she is from his recruiting office) and she included steelers stuff in it and some words of encouragement that he shared with the division. He passed his swim test and his mock personal uniform inspection.  Tomorrow they have their PFA (Physical Fitness Assessment)...running 1.5 miles, sit ups, and push ups.  He said "I know it's gonna be a work out and they are very strict about how you go about the workout...ie no talking or you fail, and do the push ups or sit ups wrong they fail you." 

3/16/2011

"down to 43 days now...seems like an eternity but it'll be down to the 30s by the time this letter reaches your hands."  "Today right after early chow/B-fast, we had our phys. fit PFA Fitness Assessment for running 1.5 mi, sit-ups, and push-ups...I finished 1st in the run time...my 1st RDC commented and asked if I ran a lot and I told him I'm a natural born runner...He gave the young bucs a hard time for being smoked by a 31 yr. old!"  They had a computer learning seminar, got tested on folding and stowing their NMUs and folded their hankerchiefs...he said the hankerchiefs will be part of their dress uniform aka "the Cracker Jack" which we will get to see our sailors wear at graduation.  "Tomorrow I and a good portion of the division has dentist appointments" 

3/17/2011

"Well this is not a normal time of day to be writing you but due to a lot of recruits in our division with dental appointments, the RDCs are giving us some free time.When some of us were waiting at Dental the TV got turned on which was the 1st time we got view the news!"  "I talked to a buddy of mine when waiting at dental and he told me my running performance was the talk fo all the RDCs...in fact they were thinking of making me Athletic PO for the div.

3/18/2011

he said he had a pretty uneventful day...PT running in gym, studying and marching drills were the events of the day...This Sunday will be our 1st holiday where we have free time to do certain things." 

 

3/19/2011

"Well a day I thought was going easy ended bad/tough.  In the early afternoon we had a tough PT workout with plenty of marching drills.  Later on in the day we all sat in on a graduation ceremony drill session in nice comfy seats...almost too good to be true...when we got back to our compartment all oru racks were torn up cuz of inproper folding and stowing...as a result the RDCs ITed the crap outta us for an hr. before evening chow...after chow we had education session and then laundry and folding...He also signed up to be a rifle man...He also said that he will be calling me on Friday Mar. 25 so make sure you have your phones glued to you...I don't know what time they are calling. "oh btw I had manicotti for chow."

3/20/2011

It's our first holiday Sunday where we call can do somethings we normally can't do for 5 hours...talk freely, hold and stow laundry, hygiene/shower, shine our boots clean and organize our racks and I that's it."  "After holiday routine ended we had a personal inspection by the RDCs...it was us putting on our NWVs (Navy Working Uniform) standing at attentiong for an hour and closely evaluated on our uniform which had to meet the standards exactly or we got It=ed...basically the whole dive got It-ed. 

3/20/2011...this letter was wrote to my 8 year old daughter

"I'm doing ok...what I'm experiencing is tough physcial and mental walk but I am hoping it'll go by quick because I miss you and really want to take ya to Texas Roadhouse and maybe play a game of Uno."  "Give your mom a big hug and kiss, love her and help her out" 

 

Well everyone that is all I have for now...hope you enjoy

Pearl