Tell Us About Your Letters From Your Kids At Bootcamp

[Kimandtheboys]

Kyle has spent an insane amount of time folding clothes (maybe this will give him a new appreciation for me? hmmmmm)

They spent 7, yes 7 hours the other day changing back and forth from PT gear to a uniform. It had to be done in an alloted amount of time and every time someone messed up, the whole group had to get back into PT gear and start over.

They laugh at all the newly graduated sailors who come back from liberty and try bringing stuff back on base they did not leave with. Everyone is searched head to toe, and everything gets confiscated. If they bring food back, it is eaten right in front of them while they beg to be able to keep it. Phones, etc. are taken while they cry and beg.

Bootcamp is a lot like prison, but prison is better because you can have a TV.

The food is good.

He never thought he would miss home this badly.

[Karen Gallagher]

my sons at first said that the food was good but by week 6 or 7 they were so sick of it and boy did they learn to eat lots of peanut butter.

Loved the day that one of them told of the pea coat and how heavy it was "so heavy it could crush a small child or animal"
and the pant with the 13 button holes and how he hoped he did not have to go to the bath room quick as he would never make it

[Karen Gallagher]

I am proud of you for making it ! what a great feeling it must be to have changed your life in such a short time.

I am glad you are here Where are you located at now?

[Keisha]

Still havent gotten my letter but i did just get his address from his mom

[Molly Molly Fo Folly]

Patricia,
I am now a short timer :)
My son graduates 3/14 ( 7 days away from that hug )
Div 105, ship 10

[Patricia]

Congratulations to all of you! I can only imagine how excited you must be. I have 15 days

[Molly Molly Fo Folly]

15 days left ? Well you too can see the light of day :)
that 1st 2 weeks sucked so bad. Wondering how your child is, giving up that urge to save them, knowing that they could be sad, and you cant hug them.
My son's 1st letter sounded like he was putting on a good front, "everything is fine, I kinda like it" BUT as his mom as I swear I could hear that little "oh my god I just want to come home"
BUT by week 4 that seems to change, They say " ya I love it, I wish they had more PT, Im pretty bored "
And then just as quick as it started, it is now close to the end.
I wrote him last night, It will be my final letter to him.
I told him to look around, to take it in, he will never be in this place again.
To feel the spirit of all those who have come before him, many who gave there life.
To consider all those who will come after him, many who may give there lives.
To realize he stands on a sacred ground. A place where only the greatest get to stand.

[Patricia]

It is amazing isn't it. I told my son to imagine if he were standing in the exact spot where his grandfather stood 65 years ago.

[Molly Molly Fo Folly]

When I think about it in those terms, it makes me prouder.
The history that has come threw those doors, I feel very special to be allowed to enter such a amazing place. Then to think my son is now a perminate part of that place's history.
Well it makes me want to stand up here at work and start singing God Bless America.
My father was a navy/marine pilot during WWII, and my mother is one of the first wemon EVER to be excepted into the military during WWII. And she was a NAVY WAVE. My mother died just weeks before Colton went into boot camp. And OH my gosh was she proud of him, she said he was Papa's & her legacy. She just held his hand and told her hints and tricks about the NAVY :)
LOL I am sure it has changed a bit since 1940's, but her advice was absolutly precious.
She said "Keep your eyes and ears open, your mouth shut, and dont volenteer for anything. "
Also she said the NAVY is all about *hurry up and wait* And from what I have seen so far , darn it she was right ! LOL
Has anyone else had NAVY family ?

[Patricia]

My father was Navy 8 years subs; my brother in law is in Iraq now - Navy Reserve; My nephew is in Iraq - Navy. My brother is a Naval Commander at the Nuke school in Charleston. My son comes from a long line. We have a lot of pride in my son.

[Molly Molly Fo Folly]

OH my godness Patricia,
That is awesome
You do have a lot of NAVY, and I bet they are proud as can be to following in there footsteps. Wow how honorable.

[Patricia]

Sad part is my Dad can not travel to be at his graduation and my brother is a Naval Chaplin and Easter weekend he can not be away. The brother in law will not be back from Iraq unti August. I will just take lots of photos so they will feel like they were there

[BeverlyStat]

Oh, Molly. I laughed out loud at your inclination to stand up at start singing God Bless America at work. I swear I'm laughing my butt off again now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And the comment your mom made about not ever volunteering for anything got me going again. What a character she must have been. Ok, now that I've quit laughing long enough, I'm wondering if you mom was in during war time? Sounds like. Any way, yeah he will want to volunteer for lots of things because of his EVAL's (evaluations). Volunteering is huge when it comes down to those, along with job initiative, etc. The EVAL's are important because that is one way that he'll gain points toward his promotions. He'll probably figure that out real quick himself, tho. I have not laughed so hard for awhile. That was the best post I've read since starting this site. Keep up the good writing and the sense of humor.