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Comment by chriscwick on April 25, 2013 at 10:28pm

To be candid; Chris's academics were lackluster, he was bored, defiant, moody. College wasn't his answer, though, he gave it almost a two year try. He'd talked military in HS. I went ballistic. When he brought it up again with all bases & questions covered & was of age we acquiesced & back him completely. He rocked his entrance tests & has hit his rank exams well & risen quickly. To be honest, even though I knew he was intelligent I wondered at the ease he found in service. Am grateful he's found his niche. Funny, he says (on being MA), "Mom, people may not like me, but they trust me to have their back." Means a lot to him. I don't see him failing any of the people who would trust him. His MWD is a "Maligator"; high drive, eager to perform, relentless. I see my son as a biped Malinois!

Comment by Nancy Cooper's Mom on April 25, 2013 at 10:09pm

Yes, I. Would say most of our Sailors mature in the Navy. Their Peers push them to grow and adjust. I remember years earlier complain to a friend ( who is a family therapist) that one of my sons would not conform and step in line. I told her "nothing I do makes a difference." She told me that the males peers will push them to conform and step up. When this son told me he was going into the Navy at not yet- 19, I thought "Shazam! They can do the finishing work and this one! The last! The Baby!" And they did. Step by step he will grow. You need not worry, the Navy will see to his maturity.

Comment by k9kell on April 25, 2013 at 9:57pm

I'm hoping the Navy will be a game changer for my son, so far he still seems to be fighting the growing up process. He was enthused when he thought he was going to get to be an MWDH but that fell through, and then he missed expert with the rifle by 1 point (he got expert on the M-9) and it seemed to knock the wind out of his sails. I know it's a maturity issue, he needs to grow up and I hoped after 8 months in the Navy he would! He seems to be slowly (and I mean slowly) growing up. Unlike your son, my son lacks drive! He got an 87 on his asvab and passed all his physical fitness tests on the first try, things come easy to him but he's not motivated. It's hard to watch someone with so much potential not do their best. I will definitely encourage him to hangout at the kennels and maybe something will transpire, I know he's happier when he's around dogs so it's worth a shot. Thanks for listening, the encouragement helps.

Comment by chriscwick on April 25, 2013 at 9:30pm

Hanging in the kennel helped my son. He had a lot happen in very quick order in 2010. HS grad in 2008, then his NAVY career & out of country & into the sand in a matter of four months at 20 yrs. of age. He immersed himself in his job, found kindred spirits; gamers, geeks. Then stumbled onto the kennel. Made all the difference. He's a serious, driven individual who doesn't let many folks close. The dogs nosed into & under his shields & became game changers. Hope someday I can count you as a paw-sister.

Comment by k9kell on April 25, 2013 at 9:18pm

chriscwick- I don't blame you at all for being scared about your son, that's your job as his mama! And yes, my screen name is because I'm a huge dog person! They are my favorite thing in the world after my 2 sons and husband. I don't think they get enough credit for how much they benefit our lives and their never ending loyalty. I can imagine how dear your sons dog is in your heart! My sailor son got that from me and so I was really hoping the MWDH job would happen for him. Right now I think he's too homesick to think about pursuing it anymore, I hope he will later. He's been in Greece for 2 and half months and is still adjusting. When he complains I tell him how the guys in Bahrain would have no sympathy for him! He was told if the MWDH billets were approved that he would have gone to Bahrain.

Comment by chriscwick on April 25, 2013 at 8:57pm

K9kell > am very proud. Was scared to death when he enlisted, went MA, sent to the sand & runs a sniffer dog. He has found his calling & niche. Am still scared, but know he does what he loves with a buddy that loves him. They are a wonderful team. Wish I could give his fur ball a big hug & smooch for keeping my sand sailor & others safe. From your screen name can I assume you are a paw-sister?!

Comment by lemonelephant on April 25, 2013 at 8:47pm

Navy_girlfriend, the Meet and Greet the day before PIR is for families and friends only. The first time you will see your Sailor is when he marches into the Drill Hall at PIR. See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend within Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)for more on how to plan your weekend. I invite you to join that group while you are there and to check out the other Pages (found under the pictures of the Members) as well. Join San Antonio MA's; there is a "Break down week by week" discussion that will let you know what happens at NTTC Lackland (San Antonio). Go to http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/groups-listed-by-pir-date and join the group for his PIR date to connect with others with loved ones training with your SR. Also, join Girlfriends, Fiances,and Wives of Sailors.

Comment by k9kell on April 25, 2013 at 7:47pm

Wow! Special story, special Sailor! That's really neat! I will tell my son to pursue it, although I know stories like your son's are rare, it's definitely inspiring. I would love for my son to love his job that much! Thank you for sharing!

Comment by chriscwick on April 25, 2013 at 7:42pm

They only graduate approximately 300 or so handler any year. Eleven started in his class, but only 7 made it through. It ain't a walk in the park. He was recommended by the kennel master in the sand, along with help from the Base CO, very cool. He'd gotten bored & wandered into the kennel, began hanging around, eventually helping, then was assigned as a support MA. They saw something in him & put him up for handler even though he didn't have the requisite time in service. He agreed to extend his sandy stay another year to kind of pay it forward for the kennel for their confidence in him & the life changing gesture. He LOVES what he does. Have your sailor look into the kennel at his assignment after TX. lightning could strike twice!
o-)--}
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=@=

Comment by k9kell on April 25, 2013 at 7:32pm

chriscwick- P.S. Being an MA2 and an MWD handler is very impressive, you must be proud.

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