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Sandhills area moms
Hi all! My name is Rhonda and I am from Laurinburg. Just curious if there are any moms from the Sandhills area (Richmond, Moore, Hoke, Cumberland, Robeson counties)? My son leaves for BC in early Feb. He doesn't talk much about it, but continues his workouts/running to keep in shape. I, on the other hand, feel I need to talk about his leaving and explore any information there is to keep my nerves in check. I fully support his decision and couldn't be more proud of him. But he's the oldest and first to leave the nest and well, it is just hard letting go.
I'd love hearing from any of you about your experiences with MEPS in Raleigh and how they handle the swearing in/airport on the day the recruit leaves.
Thanks so much!
Views: 37
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Janet D on
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Dear Proud Mom in NC!
I'm in Pinehurst, so we are just down the road... In addition, we both have sons that have/will be part of the Navy family. While it has been a long time since my son left for BC, my memories are fresh. I thank both you and your son for his committment to our freedom.
Please know that you're welcome to call me anytime. In the meantime, I would say that I wouldn't have missed the swearing in ceremony for anything. That I did mostly for myself, however, I know that he appreciated the support of his family during such an important day. I did not go to the airport to see him off. This was the beginning of his journey and he really didn't want mom holding his hand.
The following weeks were hard. I won't lie, I had lots of tears. I wrote to him nearly everyday. I also cried when I got his letters. There was very little communication other that those letters. He was working on becoming a sailor. My suggestion to you is to make sure, if at all possible, that you attend his graduation. You will be disappointed if you don't.
I hope this helps. And as I said before, you're welcome to call me anytime. (910) 528-6243
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hey rhonda & janet, I'm in wilmington...moved here from pinehurst in 2004. son joined in '07, but I will Never ever forget bc. I cried n cried...with feelings of being proud of him, the unknown of bootcamp...etc.. It's tough to let go. (i'm not sure that can be done completely anyway, lol).
he was first stationed in san diego, and is now on his 2nd deployment on a carrier somewhere in the pacific. he likes what he does and has career plans. he just recently received his orders for his next duty station which will put him closer to home, YAYYY !!! so, it DOES get better (tho I still cry at the least little thing).
so...anyway....wanted to let you know I was in the area too!
bring on summer!!!
annie
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Annie and Rhonda - yes the tears are going to come and come and come. The easiest way for me to cope is knowing that he is doing what he wants to do. This was his choice and he has grown so much. My son went in in 2000, so he has a lot of time under his belt. Support him in his decision and try to hide some, not all, of your pain. This truly is about them and the men that they become. Like Annie says, it is tough to let go...
It would be nice to all get together. Annie, do you ever get back to Moore County?
Be strong ladies. We are all proud of our sons and the stronger we are the easier it is for them!
Cheers,
Janet
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Permalink Reply by ProudmominNC ship 02 Div 921 on
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Janet and Annie,
Thanks so much for your words of support! It helps knowing that I'm normal and not alone. We've known about my son's BC date since early summer. Back then it seemed FOREVER away...now, not so much. The days seem to go by at lightning speed.
I returned to work today (teacher) to lots of questions/comments about my son leaving. I have a strong support system there....one coworker actually has two sons in the Navy so she's a pro!
I've read lots of comments about PIR (places to stay/not to stay, things to do, etc.). Do either of you have any words of wisdom regarding the PIR experience? We will definitely attend and want to make the most of it.
Thanks!!
Rhonda
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Rhonda, I live in Ellerbe. My son has been in for 1 year. He is currently stationed in Jacksonville Fl. He is loving the Navy. After his PIR in April he went to Pensacola Fl for his A school. He then ended up in JAX for his C school and his duty station. You will love the PIR. Try and attend if you can. It is truly amazing. I went with my first son in '96 and it had changed alot when we went in April, but it is still worth every mile you go to see it. Your sailor will probably graduate in April like mine did because he left on Feb. 9th. Be sure and take some warm clothes. It was 75 here and it was snowing when we arrived there. If you need to ask me anything just let me know. Remember you won't hear alot from him. Write him when you can, they love to get mail. Try not to cry too much, but it will be hard to hold back the tears.
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Hi Jackie! It's nice to connect with someone close by. We have one week down and seven to go. This past week really flew by and I hear that once the letters start time really does go by quickly. We got my son's address from his recruiter the day after he arrived. I think the divisions filled up fast due to the fact they didn't receive any recruits the week before (blizzard). I got my I'm here call...all 4 SECONDS of it the night he arrived. He sounded petrified....there was lots of yelling in the room when he called.
I'm sure things are getting busy for them this week. Physically and mentally he was ready. My only worry is homesickness.
We definitely plan on going to the PIR. We've estimated that it is 4/8. Funny you should mention the weather. I've already looked at the average highs in April and they are in the 50s. BRRRRR. I haven't wanted to tell him about our weather this week, but as it stands, they are in the middle of a heat wave as far as Chicago weather goes (40s for highs). When he arrived last Tuesday the temperature was -7.....and that wasn't the windchill.
I write to him at least every other day. We have other family writing as well. I hope he doesn't get so much mail that it draws attention to him!
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!
Rhonda
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Rhonda, I see that your son is in Division 921. This was one of the performing divisions when my son was there because he was in this division as well. He was in the band as one of the Drum Majors. They performed at their PIR as well as some of the PIR's before theirs. Maybe yours is in the band or one of the other groups that perform at the graduations. I got to see mine at one of the other graduations without him even knowing it. A friend sent me some pictures and there was one of the band playing at her sons graduation. It was a real treat. They look real good in their uniforms because they are a little different from the rest. My son said that everyone was jealous of them because they were treated a little better than the other guys.
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Jackie,
Since you posted about the 900 Divisions I've been doing a little "research" about their duties. My coworker (whose son was in a 900 Division) said her son stood in the stands as his part. She approached him to talk and he said, "I can't talk with you. Please have a seat!" My heart would just melt if my son said that to me. I'm anxiously awaiting future PIRs to see if I can find my son in the pictures posted weekly on The Recruit Training Command Facebook page. They have great photos.
Thanks so much for your information!!!
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Permalink Reply by Lorryfitz on
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MEPS is really supportive - but my son was really close mouthed when it came to details. We drove him up to Raleigh, had dinner, then said goodbye for 8 loooong weeks with only a few contacts. I made sure there was a letter in the mail everyday from family or friends (I addressed and stamped envelopes to share and encourage correspondence. Afterward James went to Coronado CA and is now somewhere in the Indian ocean. Really tough as he is my oldest child too. I email at least every other day to his UNS account. He gets the messages even when he cannot respond. It is VITAL that they hear from family and friends when they are out there on their own!
Lorry
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