The Form Letter - Recruits Address and Graduation Info

Ah yes here we are again...

So far I've sent off my recruit to boot camp, received the phone call and also received the "The Box".

It was P-4 and I was so excited to get the smelly clothes and contraband from the kid.  Just like college...sending laundry home to mom. LOL...

I have forgotten to mention the NavyforMoms.com website.  I spent so much time on the website getting familiar with how the process goes, getting links for all my family and friends to look at and to read recruits and parents experiences.  It was awesome.  I was so happy to be a part of this community and to see what others were feeling and to see the good the bad and the ugly form different points of view.  Scour this website it is amazing!!!

So it was day P-4, I have the box and now I can start the count down for the arrival of the Form Letter.  The form letter is said to arrive anywhere from 7-14 days after the box arrives.  HAAAAAAAAAAAAA - guess what was in the mail on day P-7.  THE FORM LETTER!!!

I was so happy.  I have had it for 4 hours now.  I have addressed all 6 letters and cards and ready ship out encouragement to my recruit while she is in boot camp growing blisters.  Oh it couldn't have been a better day.  I was expecting it to come on day 1-3 or 1-4. but oh sweet Jesus its here.  Really I kid you not.  Wait until you get yours youll act a fool too.  Its the best thing in the world.

The Form Letter shares a standard message from Captain Pfeifle.  Sam got to fill in the blanks there are 11. But the letter has her address, her graduation date, her parking pass code for graduation if we rent a car to be able to park on base and the 3 or 4 attendees of her choice to be allowed on base for the graduation.  

That is the hard part for the recruit.  Choosing who get to come in to see the graduation.  Sam is lucky she gets 4.  Some get three depending on how many divisions there are at boot camp.  if 12 or less they get 4 if 13 or more they three.  But speaking from experience do not chastise your child if you are a friend and she doesn't pick you or she chooses people you  may not have picked.  Sam has chosen me and her boyfriends parents and a friend due to circumstances but should other family want to be there I will step aside and ease her burden to not have to pick sides.  I am a believer that it isn't my time, but her time and her wish is my command on that day.  Just a point of view from me.  Opinion only...Everyone is different.

Writing letters.  Do not send anything like glitter or confetti or money or gift cards or care packages.  they cannot have that stuff and you do not want your new recruit to get into trouble.  Be encouraging, Write how your days are going.  That kind of stuff.  I have been talking with other kids just out of boot camp and that is the one thing they said.  Mail is everything make sure you don't sent something that will keep mail from your loved one.  Its the words that matter.  Care packages can come later. They miss home, they are tired of being yelled at and can't cry and are tired of having to pay for others mistakes but need that encouragement and positiveness to keep them going.

Now, all the hubbub is over.  I have gotten her safely off to boot camp.  I have talked to her, received her box and received her letter.  I pray each and everyday for her safety and for those with her to be successful, strong individuals that will persevere and become Navy Seaman who will hold this country up and fight for our freedoms.  They are our future. Lets love them and get them there.  

Happy day all, time to watch The Voice....

Much love

Mama H...