As soon as you get the form letter from your sailor listing his address etc, let the letter writing commence. They do have restrictions on letter sizes, so standard letter size with no perfume on it. I was in the Air Force and when I got letters from home and it made me realize people do love me. 

ok to start writing letter now and when you get the address to mail them off. welcome StephenC

It is exciting for our sailors. Frightful for the parents. NavyforMoms helps deal with the frightful part. I believe this site and NavyDad's has helped keep our acts together. As soon as you get your sailors address start writing letters. Letters from home always lift the sailors spirits, ours too.

simplyproud welcome aboard and hang on for a wild ride. You have come to a good place to get questions answered and your heart supported. 

My son leaves for Boot camp tommorow. Already saud our goodbyes. I miss him already

Memo- Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a little walking. Remember to have fresh batteries. I had mine mixed up and had to resort to my phone when my batteries died. Be sure to have Chicago style pizza. We went to Giordano's. Yum. We were lucky she flew out on Sunday so we had an extra day. But my friends' son left on Saturday and they met at the airport and took him to downtown but returned in time for his flight.

The next couple of days will be crazy. You'll get a brief call when he arrives. And I MEAN brief. 15 seconds or so. In a couple of days you'll get that kid in a box. I laughed when I opened it and found her panties all twisted. Found out she had barely any time to change. She lived in the "smurfs" for about a week. She said they stank like #@*. This from a girl who showered sometimes 2'x in a day. You'll get those letters in about 4 weeks. Mine came on Wednesdays. They are mailed out on Sundays. Be sure to write at least every other day. She told me one time she "needed" a letter from home and she didn't have any mail. Boy, did I feel bad. I was busy and others said they were writing. Don't count on it. It hurt my heart. Remember some letters may be great and others may sound sad. Keep Positive for your SR.

Your son has decided to be part of the best Navy in the world. Be proud!! We're proud of all these kids and we are proud of your son. Thank you!! And welcome.

Looking ahead. There are Meet and Greets (MNG) around the Great Lakes area the day before your sailor graduates-Pass in Review (PIR). They are free except for the bar. We went to Sarge's MNG at the Sundance Saloon. It is not a bar but a large convention style building, nice. They do have a  contribution box to offset his costs. That is up to you. So, depending where you are staying will determine which one you go to. I tried to squeeze the time we stayed there and we were tired. I suggest getting there one day before the MNG so you will be more rested. We flew into Chicago but found the Milwaukee Airport was a better choice. (After we booked Chicago) Main thing is to get there a little early so you can rest up. Our emotions are skyhigh, even the Dad's. Not knowing what is going on is one reason. So, this is the place to be as well as NavyDads. 

Ive been thinking about you and your SR. My SR PIRs Feb 8th/ is about halfway through BC.I know your mom heart is anxious. Im glad you found navy for moms for support and to get your questions answered. sending extra ((((hugs))) today. 

I wish smooth sailing for all new Seaman Recruits (SR). Look at the video on boot camp first days. Gives you an idea of what they will be going through. Also read about Operational Security (OPSEC). Some members cannot even give their sailors real name or their own. We are in the Navy Now.