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Comment by chriscwick on April 11, 2013 at 7:58pm

Chris did come home the summer of 2011 to the tune of $1,200. for the flight. There are strict rules about where they arrive & leave from here in the states. They really have to shop the flights. Also, be ready for delays, cancellations & the ever present "needs of the NAVY" regarding when & of they get leave. If he catches a MAC flights, yes it's cheap, but they can get bumped for, you got it, "the needs of the NAVY". This is the time when the "ranting & racing" comes in! lol when they come home is when "the happy dances" break out!
As a disclaimer: here we refer to my Chris as "Gary Cooper" (strong silent type) or "Secret Squirrel" (OPSEC, OPSEC, OPSEC) he's a devotee. I may start calling him the "Sphinx" since he goes for extended periods where we don't hear from him. I'm jealous of the Skyping & Face Time you all get!!!!!!

Comment by tysmom on April 11, 2013 at 5:09pm

@ CindyW, oh my yes....I would Love to have your recipe! Thank you so much!! @ Chriswick, Thank you so much for the advice. This is also my son's first post. I was wondering if your son was ever able to come home during his 3yr stay? My son was told by some that leave would probably not be available, while others told him that leave is available. However, most do not take it because of the expense. Also, just want to let you all know how nice it is to know that I am not alone in this. Watching my baby board that plane was one of the hardest things I think I've ever done. Thanks for sharing your stories, advice, and extending your friendship!

Comment by chriscwick on April 11, 2013 at 4:20pm

Hello ladies! I am one of the "old guard I guess. Welcome aboard! This is a great group of women. My son is in the last portion of his three year stay sifting sand! I would have gone nuts without their support. This was his first posting out of "A" school and a rude shock to this newbie NAVY Mom. Am in hopes that he can come home prior to his next station.
Chris is MA & MWDH (MWDH = Military Working Dog Handler). With regard to names; please only use first names for yourself & your service member. I won't be posting pics of Chris & his current furry friend. There have been bounties placed on them by the bad guys. You don't want them linked.
Use only "Bahrain" as a referance to their location in discussions. Never give exact times or dates regarding missions, sailings, etc. don't post a pic that shows your sailors name. Ya'll make sure to check out the Base FB page for pics. I got lucky earlier this year & found one of Chris's MA2 Frocking! So happy for that.
Funny you talking salsa, just sent the makings for the family enchilada recipe to Chris & his GF.
If your sailor's schedules get them up & out in the wee hours a Melita One cup drip coffee cup is great. They do have access to microwaves in housing & can make coffee for themselves & not be at the mercy of the Souk. Chris says the NEX is like a huge "Wally world", so they can get many things. However, when a "big thing" or "many things" port, there is usually a run on the joint decimating the inventory! You know, like the Piggly-Wiggly" before a blizzard or hurricane hits! lol This is the place to rant, rave, share good, bad news, whoop it up & do the "happy dance", cry & commiserate. Like I said, couldn't have made it through without these ladies.

Comment by Odi_Ship09_Div140 on April 11, 2013 at 4:14pm

I personally do not plan on sharing my sailor's name. I appreciate sharing stories as it makes me not feel alone. I have been told that last names are a definite no-no. It is not hard to come up with a nickname like "pay-per-word" which is how my sailor is - and always has been. Questions are answered but not extra info offered. Another idea for packages is trail mix......

Comment by CindyW on April 11, 2013 at 3:37pm

@tysmom, I have my grandmothers recipe for salsa that is actually cooked and canned the old fashioned way in mason jars. It has vinegar in it that acts as a preservative. I will send you the recipe if you want. As for shipping it, wrap each jar in LOTS of bubble wrap and then place them in baggies just in case they do break. Every jar has made it intact so far. And Richi's mom is right....you can never go wrong with beef jerky

Comment by HoustonTXMom on April 11, 2013 at 3:28pm

I thought it would be fun for us to share a photo of our sons and daughters in Bahrain...do think this is a good idea?  Are we allowed to state their name?  It's been a long haul and our first deployment.  We share the same emotions as we pray for our loved ones' safety and their return to the States.  

 

Comment by tysmom on April 11, 2013 at 3:03pm

Thank you all for the Welcomes!! @Richi's Mom, Yes, Ma'am our kiddos are Amazing!! @CindyW, we are also from Texas and I know he would absolutely love for me to send him some homemade salsa....so, my question for you is, how do you package the salsa and ship it? I would be worried about it going bad before it got there. And the chili, fritos and Beef Jerky are all more of his favorites! Thanks

Comment by Odi_Ship09_Div140 on April 11, 2013 at 2:35pm

My son usually wants beef jerky. It ships well

Comment by CindyW on April 11, 2013 at 11:16am

Welcome Tysmom! I follow a lot more than I post in this forum. These ladies are full of ideas to help you adjust. My son is an MA and arrived in Bahrain on January 8th. He has a room mate that he went through A school with and they have become good friends. We received 3 phone calls from him since he has been there but thanks to social media, I speak to him on fb several times a week. There is also an app that we use called ooVoo that uses fb for FaceTime chats. The connection isn't always good, but being able to see his face and speak to him at the same time makes up for it. Remember that there are no stupid questions. These ladies have seen and heard them all so ask what's on your mind. As far as care packages, we send one a month. Use the large flat rate box. We are from Texas so Sometimes he has specific request ( wolf brand chili and fritos, homemade salsa and jalapeño Cheetos. ) for the most part, I send him things like his brand of deodorant,sunscreen, baby wipes and foot powder and things that remind him of home. (UT Longhorns shirts and pics of the family). His strangest request was for his banjo so don't be surprised at whatever your sailor request. Hope this was some help to you

Comment by tysmom on April 11, 2013 at 10:29am

My son just arrived in Bahrain yesterday. We loaded an app called whatsapp for $1, it was wonderful he was able to contact at every stop! Today he purchased at phone and called home, it costs 10cents per minute and its worth every penny! He was exhausted, but just being able to hear his voice made my heart melt! Any advice on care package ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

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