Comment

Comment by kim ann on February 27, 2010 at 10:22pm

I cant say about SD homecomings, as my guys are east coast. Besides, each homecoming even on the same base runs a bit differently. However, if you are connected with your sailors ombudsman, they do give out tons of info, as do the FRG's. They usually hold an evening prior meeting/party for the families. As I live very far from the coast, I couldnt go as I would fly in and rent a car. As they need license plate #'s beforehand (cant get that from a rental company!). Be sure your sailor signs every up that will be coming, or at least I had to be, or could not get on base on homecoming day. They have a tent set up and are ready typically with bands, TV crew, families, and all sorts of entertainment for the children there. I cannot tell you the swelling pride and hold breath moment when you see far out there the ship coming in with the sailors all decked out in their best, manning the rails! Awww, so spectacular! You will all remember this as you do their PIR day! Congrats, and really enjoy yourselves! So proud of all of them! (***AND the awesome jobs you all did shows off too!)

Comment by Wallstreet's Mom (Denise) on February 27, 2010 at 1:20pm

It is my son's first deployment and VBSS is what he talks about the most. His primary job is STG, but he'd be on that RHIB all of the time if he could.

I get to go on the Tiger Cruise (if the current tsunami situation doesn't change things) and can't wait! My husband will be in San Diego waiting for the Benfold's arrival. We aren't quite sure how it all works, getting on base, etc. My son says that info on the logistics will be coming. Soon, I hope! We'll see you there!

Comment by DLC73 on February 27, 2010 at 12:29pm

My daughter has been one of the sailors on the Benfold's VBSS team for two deployments now. I know she is dedicated and highly trained, not to mention she loves doing a job that is very important -- in addition to being part of the VBSS team, she's also a SAR swimmer. I know those two aspects of her service are what makes her the happiest!

I'm so proud of all the sailors who are trying to make a difference in a world that is always uncertain. Moms and dads are often concerned about what dangers might exist in that big unknown their kids venture into each day they are away from family, but I know that's what moms do about everyone of their children, no matter what type of job they have. Navy moms probably worry more, but we also have the pride in knowing that they have chosen to do something beyond themselves and to grow in such a positive way.

My husband and I are planning to be at the homecoming soon, and this will be our first one. Any information you can share with me about what to expect and how things run would be very much appreciated. I'm sure our kids know each other, and it's so nice to feel another type of connection with my daughter while she is gone. This deployment has seemed very long, so I'm thrilled she will be home soon.

Thanks for inviting me into your group and I hope to see you in San Diego very soon!

Comment by Wallstreet's Mom (Denise) on February 26, 2010 at 11:51pm

Well said, Kim Ann. Well said.

Comment by kim ann on February 26, 2010 at 11:37pm

Between the initial intense training, and the continued simulations off and on, I agree that they are well prepared.
Like your son Denise, either of my boys jump quicker than anything with a gigantic smile when they know they are getting ready to go do this stuff! Danger, tis true. But we have no guarantees walking safely across the street either. My two have always loved the dangerous missions, and also are thinking about volunteering to go IA. They also want to go further than that upcoming...but I always knew this since they were in elementary school-their dream. I had them convinced once to go to college for awhile, but their heart was so broken, and I knew they couldn't live my dream. After I told them 'it was up to them, just think carefully first and be sure what you want', a peace overcame all of us. So, it is the right choice for them. Yes, as a mom we will always worry, just need to keep it in check and remember they are in God's hands. Better this, where they are doing what they love and take more initiative into learning Everything to be prepared, than not doing what they want and taking unnecessary chances. That's what helps me through!

Comment by Wallstreet's Mom (Denise) on February 26, 2010 at 9:08pm

I think it is my son's favorite thing too!

Comment by Wallstreet's Mom (Denise) on February 25, 2010 at 5:17pm

I have to agree that it is scary. It has the possibility of being dangerous, but the teams are well trained. I can only speak for my son, but he loves it. It is like kim ann said below, the thrill of it is what they love. My son has talked about going IA and that scares me a whole lot more!

Comment by kim ann on February 15, 2010 at 2:28am

My two are at their second of five years, altho they hope to make a life-long career out of it.
Yes, I must agree with you Denise, my son enjoys his VBSS role tremendously. He loves his rate as GM as well, but the "thrill" that comes from this other job...My other son was actually signed up for the class first, but had a deployment issue that kept him from actually getting in it, so he is waiting to get into the class now. And thank you, yes, I am very proud of my sons. Just as I know we are all proud of our sailors! Thanks for the warm welcome!

Comment by Wallstreet's Mom (Denise) on February 14, 2010 at 7:08pm

Happy to have you Kim Ann! Two sailors in your family! You must be so proud!

Where is everyone's son/daughter in their Navy career? Mine is almost at the three year mark of a six year enlistment. His VBSS duties seem to be one of his favorite things. Days he spends in the RHIB he calls "a good day at the office."

Comment by kim ann on February 14, 2010 at 3:07am

I feel somewhat out of place, as I do not have a son who starts with "M", but I do have one son who is VBSS, and another waiting to class up, both in Norfolk presently. So I hope to 'hang' if I may?

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• Next ›
• Page