feel a little out of place

[twinkietwin94]

but I was directed here by the future sailor, he showed me the site to show me the video about boot camp.

 

So I guess I should explain, I'm a teacher, I recently moved home to St. Louis.  I taught for the past several years in a small rural district.  I taught middle school and had the same kids for 3 years, then was able to keep up with them as they went on to high school, so I got pretty close to my kids.  The first class I ever had for all three years graduated high school this year.  Two of them are joining the Navy, correction one joined already he leaves next Thurs the 23rd for boot camp.  His best friend is working on losing the body fat to enlist.  One of my best friends was in the Navy at the end of the 90s right after we got out of high school, she met her husband there (he's a career man).  My grandfathers were both also Navy, as are two cousins of my mother and mine, so I was supportive when the boys told me their plans.  I've told them both I'd write to them when they go.  One of my other best friends has been a great resource for me answering questions as her little sister just finished A school and got her new duty station orders, today as a matter of fact.

 

I hesitated to join bc my relationship to the future sailors is different but I care a lot about these boys and want to keep track of them, and this site looks like a great way to get any questions answered that I might have about what they're going through. figure it will help me in the future as I have students ask about options for the future.  Anyway just wanted to introduce myself, btw guess I should add my name is Kelly.

[HM__Mom Ruth]

Kelly,

I completely understand how you feel about the kids that you have taught.  I teach in a rural school district myself.  My sailor is my daughter, but this site is really for anyone that has questions or wants to support someone in the Navy, not just Moms.  These kids were clearly lucky to have a caring teacher that wants to follow them, and I think this is a good place to start.  Join the Bootcamp in June group and follow along.

 

Ruth

[MidwestMom]

Welcome Kelly!  No one will care that you aren't "official" family here.  You have loved ones that are joining and serving and that makes you part of our family.  Just join in with the discussions.  Not only will you learn a lot right along with the rest of us, but maybe you can take some of that knowledge and use in when current and future students have siblings serving or joining.  Unfortunately, N4M isn't real well known and there are many families that send kids off to boot camp without any knowledge of what to expect.  You have access to a lot of future families.  We hope you help spread the word.  :)

[BonnieRN]

Doesnt seem like it should matter if you are "blood" or not.  They are young men you have come to care about.  And great that you can use information gained here for future reference.  Welcome.  BTW...I am new too.  My daughter leaves Tuesday.

[twinkietwin94]

Thank you ladies.  I grew up in St. Louis and while I had favorite teachers I was never as close to any of them as I am to these students, small schools really do make for a different atmosphere.  I guess it also helps that things are so familial.  The SR leaving Thurs, I got to know better than most of my students bc his older sister babysat my son for several years.  This often led to me driving the kiddo to his sister's after school, and then seeing him there through his time in high school.  I was shocked at grad last year that I was so choked up, this year I thought I was prepared, had the kleenex and everything but I was wrong.  I've actually choked up a time or two thinking about these two joining the Navy.  I'm so proud of them and I know they'll do well but I still worry.  I'm so glad I decided to go ahead and join here.  I feel better already.

[Lion55's mom]

HI there twinkie!  My son is one and half years into a 6 year enlistment.  He is a Nuke so training takes two years.  He is still here on dry land for another six months and then I will be among the moms whose sailors are deployed.  I am nervous about that but I just have to stay in today.

 

I also work in Middle School.  I am a paraprofessional in the Special Education department.  Never a dull moment there!  I work with the ED, ADD and mild Asperbergers kids so they are quite a handful but I love my job.  Nice to meet others that care so much about students in middle school.  Lots of people run from them really fast!  Lots of students run from them really fast too but that is the nature of Middle School.  I call it the meanest place on earth!  Another connection you and I have is that my daughter just graduated from high school this year.  That is my youngest and she is leaving for college in the fall and then I will be an "empty nester"  Bitter Sweet I say.

 

The main thing about boot camp is that they like to get LOTS of letters. They don't have alot of time to reply to them, but they do get some time to do so.  They have to send actual hand written letters on Navy Stationary.  It was so wonderful to receive those letters from my son.  He actually even improved his handwriting because the Navy told him he had to!   Write lots of letters, send stamps, self addressed envelopes and even fill in the blank questions and answers so he can reply to what you want to know quickly and then just drop it in the mail.  Also, if you can go to PIR you absolutely should!  Lets keep talking!

 

Also to all new boot camp moms,  Just a little bit of info...They are not supposed to but it is not unheard of CO's at boot camp watching this site to find info about their recruits.  That can be good or bad.  Boot Camp is really stressful and my son was pretty emotional while there so just be careful not to give any info that could be used to embarrass or humiliate, etc.