Are Phone Cards still needed at RTC?

[LuciaPS]

Hi all, 

I just got The Box from my SR and he sent back his phone cards. One was in his pants pocket, the other was in his overnight string bag. I think he forgot he had them and sent them accidentally, but I also saw somewhere that the pay phone banks are gone.

So, should I send one back in a letter so he can call?

Or does he really not need them? If he doesn't need them, then maybe someone can update the page here on Leaving For Bootcamp so no one else wastes money on them. Pretty sure I can't return them to Walmart now. 

Thanks In Advance for anyone who can shed some light on this. :) 

[lemonelephant]

LuciaPS, yes, you can send the phone cards to him after you receive The Form Letter and have his address. There are no phone banks (pay phones) in in-processing any more, but for most recruits, all calls after the "I'm here!" call are made from the phone banks (pay phones) next to the NEX and require a phone card. Recruits are able to purchase a phone card at the NEX. See Phone Cards and Phone Calls.

[5whosmom]

Asked my daughter this on the phone yesterday, she says you can buy them there but definitiely need them and said they were expensive there.  She also asked for stamps, just a thought in case you want to include those also

[LuciaPS]

Thank you! I will send back the phone cards, and I will include some stamps in my first letter. I had not thought of that. I know I read somewhere that they get stationary, and I know he had some cash and his debit card with him, but I think he may appreciate the stamps. 

It is so hard to not be able to just send a quick text- are you ok? do you need these back? etc. At the same time, it is good for him to not have any electronics to distract him. Letter writing will be a new experience for him and my other children, lol! The only letters I think they have ever done is Thank you cards to the grandparents. 

Thank you again for helping us newbie moms out!