Calling Card

[Gina (Ship 09/ Div 331)]

I have read that it's a good idea to purchase a calling card, I was wondering how much would be sufficient for them. My son will be leaving in 14 days, and it has gone by fast, since he told us two months ago, when they told him his date for leaving to boot camp. My emotions are up and down, like so many of the moms here that I have read in there comments, I have taken much of your advice to be proud and let them know as well that we support them and are very proud of them as well. Thank you moms, Good luck to you and your sons and daughters.

[Jana]

Right before my son shipped out, I thought I had read somewhere that they could have a calling card no more than $50 in value, so my sister got him one with a value of $50.  I received my first call from him today.  I asked him if he was using the card that his aunt gave him and he said that they couldn't use them if they were over $20.  I had sent him one for $20 in my first letter, so I would suggest not sending one for over $20...you may have to send more than 1.  I have heard some people say that on the AT&T website, you can get one that can be reloaded over the internet, so that might be good because you can reload it when the funds get low.  Another suggestion that I thought was good, was to make a copy of the card.  That way you could find out how much he has left on the card and send another if funds are getting low by calling the number.  I got his at Walmart.  Make sure that the card is activated before you send it.  That will save him some time.

[Gina (Ship 09/ Div 331)]

Thank You so much Jana, I will do just that.

[Diana(PO3/IT3)]

Great advice Jana....on starting with a $20 card and activating it beforehand. I am wondering though, how would they know the amount on the card?

[Jana]

I think most cards say on the front how many minutes or what the dollar value of the card is.  If not, there should be a toll free number on the back of the card where you can call and see what the value of the card is. 

[mn linda (nuke MM ELT Groton CT)]

the best deal that I found for calling cards (and yes send him with one) was at Costco -- 700 minutes for $20.  He didn't use all the minutes, but close.  They call from pay phones and it takes something like 35 minutes just to connect.

[Navy Mom Sandi]

I never knew that it took so long to connect. He never told me that part. This is news to me. That's a shame though, don't you think???

[Jana]

It does not take that long to connect...it just takes that many minutes off every time you make a phone call

[Posie (Ship 3 Div 249)]

I sent my son a Verizon phone card - those don't work (grrr), wish I had known!

[JC'smom SHP 3/ Div 367]

The costco card sounds great. I will pick my recruit up one this Friday, he leaves in September and I know time seems to fly. I am trying to get what he needs now instead of rushing around last minute.

[jujumomma]

My son leaves on Sept 12th

 

[KathyMmom]

Hey Gina - I've heard the same thing, my son leaves on August 9th.  We are going to purchase about 500 minutes or more with the thought being that perhaps there will be some recruits that do not have a calling card.  This way, my son can share with others who need may need it.  If he has some minutes left over, then that's fine, he can use them whenever.  Sounds like our boys will be going about the same time.  :-)

[Diana(PO3/IT3)]

Goodness! So much to learn just about calling cards.  I will search/question around to those who have gone this route and see if there's a smoother way. Bummer if it takes 35 minutes just to connect! That is strange....