Comment

Comment by AC on May 18, 2011 at 4:33pm

Joy,

you are a true "joy" to us "beginners"! I thank you so much for all your postings, suggestions, explanations. You are a precious co-wayfarer along this journey that at times seems harder because of lack of information. Thank you so much!

Comment by Joy on May 18, 2011 at 9:40am

AC: 

There will be e-mail instructions forthcoming around the month-to-go mark.  The sorts of information required will include full names, vehicle information, etc.  (If you'll be in a rental, then don't worry too much -- just indicate "RENTAL").  I believe you'll be asked for contact info, in case things change by a few hours. 

Our sister ship will officially submit the list assembled from all the various components (Ombudsman, Homecoming Committee, FRG, ship, etc.) to NBSD Base Security.  The day of the event this list will be used to verify those without Dept. of Defense ID.  You will need to show photo ID for every adult in the vehicle to be permitted entry.  (Especially since our bases are at Force Protection Bravo).

There will likely be an e-mail attachment that you'll print out that shows that you are allowed to park in the reserved-for-GRIDLEY-homecoming lot.

Hope this helps.

 

Comment by AC on May 18, 2011 at 9:23am

Could any of you ladies tell us (the ones who are "new" to deployment) what to do in order to be admitted on base for homecoming?

Comment by Joy on May 15, 2011 at 11:45am

Homecoming is a fun event.  Families and friends of the crew begin gathering hours before the ship is actually pierside.  The mood is festive and euphoric.  :)  Most folks are looking their best.  There are canopies to house various military support organizations (Pacific Beacon, Lincoln Military Housing, Fleet & Family Service Center, Armed Services YMCA, Navy League, etc.)  There are usually some refreshments and beverage services.  The Navy Band is often requested to perform.  There's usually an opportunity for folks to make a little sign on a stick and some little amusements for kids.  There are even port-a-potties (yay).

The ship returns with the crew manning the rails and festooned with a "lei".  If you have the chance to be here, it really is like Christmas and your birthday all rolled up in one day.  There will be a few new babies waiting to meet their daddies for the first time.  Festive and emotional and joyous. 

 

There are some "thou shalt nots":  No mylar balloons.  No pets.  No confetti.  No showing up the day of the event (without a military ID card) and demanding entry when there will be a process to be listed on the Approved-for-Base-Access list. 

 

Hope this helps...marinewifenavymom, please fill in what I've overlooked! :)

 

Comment by Joy on May 15, 2011 at 10:50am

Yes, families are not only allowed but encouraged!

Yes, if you do not have a Dept of Defense ID card, you will need to work with the Homecoming Coordinator to enjoy base access. 

I strongly encourage those who are interested in attending Homecoming to:

1. E-mail gridleyhomecoming@live.com and start connecting with Sue, the amazing Homecoming Coordinator;

2.  Make sure that you are on the Ombudsman e-mail list by sending a message to Terrie (our awesome Ombudsman) at ussgridley@gmail.com; and

3.  Join the FRG e-mail list by sending a message to Priya (the delightful and dedicated FRG President).

This ensures that you have maximum "intel".  Of course, the very best connection remains your loved one but these are smart redundancies.

 

More later...J.

Comment by AC on May 15, 2011 at 9:57am

Greetings to everyone!

Could anyone describe in a few words what "homecoming" is about? Will it be in San Diego? Are families allowed to be there when the ship arrives? Do we need special permissions/documents to enter the base? I am totally new to this and have no idea on how it works. Thanks for any information you could share

:)

Comment by Joy on May 15, 2011 at 9:34am

Hi, Christine (and everyone else) ~ 

Here's the website for a "free" banner; you do have to pay shipping.  http://www.buildasign.com/troops

It's completely understandable to have some nervousness about reunion.  That's why the Family Readiness Group will be sponsoring a Fleet & Family Service Center presentation on "Return & Reunion".  This is probably as important as the Pre-Deployment Brief.  I expect that it will be Wed., July 6th at 6:30 p.m. at the usual meeting spot (Bowling Alley Banquet Room). 

For anyone not able to make the event, here's a great list of resources: http://www.socom.mil/family_readiness/documents/return%20and%20reun...

 

Comment by Cindy (Proud mom of my Sailor!) on May 8, 2011 at 4:47pm

Hi Lois!  Welcome to the Gridley group.  Everyone on here is extremely supportive.  It's a great place to go if you have happy news to share or if you are having a bad day, share it with us and we'll help you get thru!  This has been our first deployment.  My daughter is on the Gridley and I've learned a ton with the help of this site.  Welcome Aboard!

Comment by Cindy (Proud mom of my Sailor!) on May 8, 2011 at 4:44pm

Happy Mother's Day!

Comment by Joy on May 8, 2011 at 9:37am

Welcome to the GRIDLEY family, Lois! 

If you are on Facebook, then you can "follow" (or "like") USS Gridley (DDG 101), listed as a Government Organization and currently boasting about 380-some "fans".  The Public Affairs Officer posts photos about every couple of weeks and there are occasionally messages about what is going on -- as they can share. 

Also, maybe folks in this group might be touched by one mom's message to her sailor:  http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=129612667113911&am...

 

The official line of communication between families and the ship is our awesome Ombudsman, Terrie Puhek.  To join her e-mail list, have your son send an e-mail to ussgridley@gmail.com .  There is a Family Readiness Group (FRG) led by an amazing spouse, Priya Sheriff -- which includes everyone with a loved one aboard GRIDLEY; an e-mail request to gridleyfrg@gmail.com ensures that you receive information on their events and projects.  (You need not live in San Diego to participate!)  Finally, we have a fantastic Homecoming Coordinator in Sue Bowie.  To get involved with planning and preparations -- again, you need not be local -- just e-mail gridleyhomecoming@live.com .

 

Hope this helps... and Happy Mother's Day to all! 

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