Ship 04, Div. 19 Navy Moms

[NavyMomma89]

Hi fellow Ship 04, Div. 19 Moms.  I thought we could start this "discussion" group since we all have something in common and go back to the main PIR 12/16/2011 group whenever we have questions for all of the veteran moms who have been so helpful.  We're in this together!

[Debbie G.]

My son said he got "hired" as the Weapons PO (but I don't know what that is).  

[CeliaSews]

Here's the link to the recruit leadership:

http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/recruit_petty_officer.asp

Maybe you can find the explanation there. 

[Debbie G.]

Hmm, I don't see anything to do with weapons.  He said he has to get up every 2 hours all night to check on the watch or something like that.  Doesn't sound like much fun lol!

[navymom12592]

I got a 15 minute call from my Sailor!!!!  He's doing very well.  He sounded like he was in really good spirits and he was proud to be able to say he's carrying the Ships Guidon, as he called himself, the "Stick".  He said he should be marching into their Graduation carrying their banners and flag, calling Cadence. 

His sister was able to tell him that he's going to be an uncle and he hollered "YES".  She lost a baby last year, tragically.  I believe that news, alone, will help carry his spirits the rest of the way.  I am SOOOOOOO proud of him and what he's made it through. 

They are taking their PFA's next week and Marksmanship.  He'll enjoy all of that since we all like guns.  9mm and 12g and he knows them both.  WAY TO GO SAILORS!!!!!!!

[NavyMomma89]

That's all great news!  We also got a call from our sailor on Thanksgiving Day and talked with him for about 20 minutes, as there were others waiting to use the phone.  He, along with about 30 other sailors, spent their Thanksgiving Day at a Lutheran church near the RTC.  They had a nice meal and then afterwards were able to make phone calls, get on the computer, watch some t.v., etc. until about 7:30 p.m. or so.  So, they had all day to relax and chill out.  His spirits seemed a little better.  He and a whole lot of other guys have been sick with colds quite a bit of the time since they've been there.  The letter we received this weekend also said some of the guys had pink eye too.  :(  

 

In his letter he also mentioned that his bunk mate is from Calif. and last name begins with "L".  If that sailor's mom is on this list, please message me privately.  I'd like to "meet you"!  :)

[majrobertson]

Hello - My son was supposed to graduate on 12/02, but he was moved back (ASMOd = bad word) to graduate on 12/16.  He was at a VFW for Thanksgiving and smoked a cigarette.  Someone told and so they all (not just him) got in trouble.  He has always been hard-headed and has to learn things the hard way, so this was probably really good for him.  He sounded very upset when he called to tell us though.  We haven't heard from him since then, but I am hoping to get a letter this week.  The Public Affairs office gave me his new division.  He is now Ship 04, Div 19!

 

[navymom12592]

Don't fret. My son got moved from 12/2 to 12/16 also.  He had to complete the PASS Program for anger management.  Like your son, mine's hard headed too.  Our boys would be graduating today had they kept themselves in check.  My son's first name starts with D, incase yours mentions him.  We're from Texas.  My son told me that one of his classmates is going to run up to me and hug me, just to be funny.  I'm SO looking forward to PIR.  I'm nervous for my son though.  He loves to perform, but I can feel his anxiety.  I believe they are doing the gas chamber this week.  As of last week when I talked to him, they hadn't done it yet.  I can't wait to hear those stories.  I work for a prison so I've been gassed.  You feel like you're going to die, your lungs restrict, you produce mucus by the gallons, eyes tear up and you want to rub them really bad, but it makes it worse.  The only thing that helps is cool water, NO SOAP except maybe ivory. 

My son is dramatic, so I can't wait to hear all about it.

[majrobertson]

I am glad I am not alone!  My son's first name starts with M.  He doesn't say much of anything in his letters - he is not much of a talker.  We are from Arkansas.  Yes we were all set for graduation this weekend, but it just wasn't meant to be.  Another 2 weeks will probably do him a lot of good.  I know this is really tough on all of them.  My son had already gone through the gas chamber, so he will have to do it again!  lol  He said it wasn't nearly as bad as he thought it would be.  I am in the Army Reserves, so I have been through the gas chamber before too.  But not actually "gassed" like you have!  Yikes! 

You will have to tell us what your son says about the chamber!

[NavyMomma89]

Sounds like your sons are similar to mine--has had to learn things the hard way the past few years.  I think he's at least learning, though, which I guess will be worth it!  He's 20.

We've already "chatted" before, navymom12592, we're also from Texas.  You all are scaring me, though, with your talk about the gas chamber. . . . :o  This is the first week we didn't get a letter from him Thurs.  I guess he's just working hard and doesn't have time, because he's been very good about writing his letters every week.

I'm looking forward to PIR, but NOT the cold Chicago winters!!!!  :)

[majrobertson]

I am glad you mentioned that you did not get a letter this week.  We haven't received a letter either.  The last thing we heard from him was the phone call saying he was being moved back for 2 weeks.  I hope everyone receives a letter this week!

I am not looking forward to the cold either!

[Jajajo]

The extended weather forecast for Chicago on graduation date is 40's and sunny. Fingers crossed :)

[majrobertson]

40's and sunny will be great!