Haven't Heard From My Daughter Yet - is that a good sign?

[Porter's Mom]

My daughter arrived at Boot Camp on May 14th - we received the 30 second call, her box of clothes and stuff and the letter stating her anticipated graduation date.  Is it unusual not to have received a second call or letters by now?  We are writing every day but I have to say I'm sad and super anxious to hear from her and that she is doing fine and progressing as planned.

Porter's Mom

[CryptoDad]

A couple of points that need reiteration:

1.  RTC requests that you DO NOT send mail to your Recruit until you receive the form letter. There are a bunch of good reasons for this, but the fact that RTC says NO should be good enough.

2. Trip insurance is expensive and usually a waste of money. Book flights with airlines (like Southwest) that allow you to change your flights without penalties.

HOLD FAST,.

[Porter's Mom]

Unfortunately we did not know about sending mail before the form letter and possibly the Petty Officer doesn't either since he gave me the address but didn't mention not mailing letters until the form letter came.  I'll let him know next time I talk with him. 

Thanks for helping me out!

[CryptoDad]

This might be a good time to review the official RTC Family Guide, http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/fam_guide.asp

[Denise]

Recruiters don't always have the correct information for your sailor. It's best to wait to get your form letter from your son or daughter. I know it's hard to wait. But you've got to remember it's not summer camp. They are in the navy. And there is life after bootcamp.

[Denise]

Yes mama. No news is good news! Trust me. I recommend you join the RTC Facebook page. It was my life line when my son was at bootcamp. Also I would recommend seeing if there is a Blue Star Mothers group in your area. It is a group of military moms that feel your pain. Bless you my friend. It is a difficult 8 weeks but PIR will be here in no time. And remember no news is good news.

[Joe's Mom]

My son graduated from boot camp 2 years ago. I feel for you I thought I was going to have a nervous break down before I heard his voice again. I don't think we received his first letter for a week or two after we got the smelly box. 

I also remember a son of one of my now friends (4 of us met here and are still friends) got to make a phone call home around week six. I got really worried that I and the other three friends didn't get a call. Come to find out if the recruit does something really great they are awarded a phone call. So don't worry if you see some of the others getting calls and you don't. Your child is ok.  Once you get to know people on this sight mention them to your child. My son and my freiends son met that way. I mentioned the town he was from and my son asked who M*** from ****************** was and this short little guy walked up to my boy and said "I'm **** why" they stuck together after that. they even went to Fort Sam together then PM. Splitting after that but they are still great friends. 

I suggest you get to know your fellow moms. They will become your support. You never know you might make great friends through this. 

I am not sure where I got the info. (maybe this sight). but you can keep track of what they are doing daily. 

Good Luck and stay positive,

Mom of J

[lemonelephant]

The link to the day by day and more can be found in Arrival and What Happens at the RTC. The day by day (based on the memory of a recruit from 2009) is the closest we have, but it may or may not reflect the actual schedule of the recruits now.

[lemonelephant]

Thanks for coming back and sharing.

[Alli's mom]

Hi Porter's Mom.  My daughter went in April 22.  We have received one 20 minute phone call and as of yesterday, no letters from her. I write her as much as I can and just keep on sending them. I know how anxious you feel.  No news is good news as they keep telling me.  Just keep your daughter lifted up in thought and prayer.  You will hear from her. 

[mrsrds2012]

No news is ALWAYS good news. Just keep in mind - they may not be allowed to write the first couple of weeks that they are there. Or, they may decide to spend their time studying rather than writing. Also - they don't start receiving letters until the person in charge of mail is trained how to do so. Letters will start rolling in. Keep writing - mail call is the best time of the day.

[Porter's Mom]

I just want to say a very heartfelt thank you to everyone who has responded to my questions and concerns.  It's helpful to know what others have experienced and are experiencing now and the resources on the web are most helpful.  Although this is super tough as you all know, I am definitely repeating the "no news is good news" mantra every time I start to worry.

[Coach Shelia]

Porter's Mom...practice your happy dance when you hear from your Seaman Recruit! I would write on every letter to my son..." Stay focused,patient,and positive"! Please post an update when you get a call or letter!