Camp Lejeune and FMTB-East Moms, Families and Friends

146 members

Camp Lejeune / Camp Johnson / Field Medical Training Battalion moms, family and friends - Welcome! Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is home to more than 47,000 Marine and Sailors from around the world. FMTB, the eight-week training course for corpsmen, is on Camp Johnson, adjacent to Camp Lejeune.

Comments Discussions Members

Load Previous Comments

cali87

i wanted to go to the graduation i was in corps school with all the guys. they tried to put together money to fly me out but i ended up having to drill this weekend for the reserves and wasn't able to make it. i miss all of those guys. take pix if you can i want to see them and i know a lot of the guys from all of the platoons so any pix will work if anyone does go. i know a few of the guys are coming out to california so maybe i can meet up with them later on, hopefully soon.

Jul 18, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

The Baymont Inn doesn't have a bar for drinks unfortunately - they have breakfast next to the lobby, but that's all. But you could sure meet up there!

The Baymont manager recommended this seafood restaurant to us and it was really good, plus it's just up the way from the Baymont on Western Blvd (same street as the hotel): Tony's Seafood and Oyster Bar. They have a lounge, too.

Tony's Seafood and Oyster Bar

1345 Western Blvd
Jacksonville, NC 28540

(910) 938-6070

Jul 18, 2011
rockwido(S07Div359)

Thanks....Hope MEsailormom sees this...maybe i will just look for her in the lobby.....how hard was it to get your car pass on base....my son says he can't call until 4 this afternoon...and I will have to go to the base after that...I hate not knowing what to do and not having a plan...I think PIR was a little more organized that this..........just saying

Jul 18, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Don't worry about it, this isn't a big affair like PIR. I got my pass without my sailor having called - I didn't know he had to - just provided my license and car registration and why I was there. In the discussion I put above I added maps you can download. Last June I wrote this up: FMTB graduation notes for a gal on here (Charlotte) who was also a little worried, if it helps you, it has more specific directions to Lejeune main gate and to Camp Johnson in there too.

Jul 18, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

By the way - have you two private-messaged each other with your real names? Might make connecting easier :)

Jul 18, 2011
Dan's Dad (John)

Marcy's right, no lounge at the Baymont. The Applebee's has a nice bar and shares the parking lot, very convenient after a night of celebrating :)

Jul 18, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

John, from the entrance to Camp Johnson, what are the directions to the new building for graduation? I parked at Four Corners and walked to the Schoolhouse last May, but it's not held there now. What did you do?

Jul 18, 2011
Dan's Dad (John)

Graduation was in the gym, we parked just past in in a field to the left.

Jul 18, 2011
Dan's Dad (John)

I got the map from the FMTB website...

Jul 18, 2011
Billie

I know I haven't been very active with this group, but hubby and I will be at the FMTB graduation tomorrow as well. :) We are staying at the LeJeune Inn. Cub called us this evening and said his platoon (3rd) had to stay on base and clean/pack/etc. Apparently they didn't pass their barracks inspection so they are bummed and have to do extra work. He also said that we need to be at the graduation building tomorrow no later than 8:30; the graduation starts at 9. Perhaps I'll run into a few of you. . . :)

Jul 18, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Billie, I think that the cleaning thing the night before is very common there :) Maybe it's to keep them focused up to the end?

There are two others from this group attending. Have a great visit with your son!

Jul 18, 2011
Robin(Corpsman-DA Mom)

MEsailormom and Rockwido! My son is in platoon 3 graduating tomorrow. I hope you can post some pics from the graduation. Ya'll enjoy yourselves and your sailors!!

Jul 18, 2011
Robin(Corpsman-DA Mom)

Billie- I also haven't been too active in this group but I see our sons are in the same platoon. (mine is a skinny guy from Louisiana!) He has enjoyed the training and I was glad to hear that their platoon won alot of the competitions. (Far cry from his division in boot camp! ha!) Have a great day at graduation and post some pics for us! Thanks! Robin

Jul 18, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

I know, I was amazed at how those flying out were piling into taxi vans and outta there :) Don't worry about the drive, I've done it a couple of times & it's fun - though hot this time of year! Does he have AAA? Best deal around for peace of mind, only $44 or so, it's a good backup. You could call their 800# & have him on it today.

Jul 19, 2011
Robin(Corpsman-DA Mom)

hisbiggestfan....we are on the same page! HA! When we would fly together as a family before he joined, we would get him to navigate through the airport to the correct gate and he rarely got it right. So when he was flying to and from Chicago, I would constantly be texting him to make sure he was at the right gate and getting on the right plane. He would text me "Mom! I'm sitting at the correct gate...just where I need to be!!". It's just so hard to let go but they do seem to do OK on their own. My son is actually on the road right now, driving from Camp LeJuene to Parris Island. Much better drive than across country!! Good luck to your sailor.

Jul 19, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

I renew AAA for myself and my son every year, call it one of his Christmas presents! Flat tires, dead batteries, all that good stuff that happens to us all eventually. It's hard to let go, but we can use the stuff we've learned to help them as they make their own way.

Jul 19, 2011
Scrappy1(Carol)

Congratulations to all the Graduates. Another accomplishment to be proud of. I pray for their protection as they move to their new locations. I pray for all their family members for the strength they will need to be strong. God Bless you all.

Jul 20, 2011
rockwido(S07Div359)

Well I hate to tell you moms that were expecting pics from me I didn't get any...not a very pic friendly kinda graduation. (Nothing like Chicago) It was really dry and to the point. They called their names before they even got their certificates. I was looking for a few sailors for moms and couldn't tell who was who. And you talk about getting outa their...my son told me to go to the student parking where his car was and he'd meet me their. They were kids undressing in cars, in the parking lot and everywhere you looked, they were getting outta there as fast as they could..no photo ops there...LOL. We did have lunch with some of his friends before we started on our 6 hour drive home...after 6 loads of laundry he is gone again on his was to Knoxville.

Jul 20, 2011
mikes mom

Wow !!! Really ? So you live pretty close to CL ..

Jul 21, 2011
rockwido(S07Div359)

Its about 6 hours....we live almost at the other end of NC

Jul 21, 2011
mikes mom

Its a six hour flight for me to go to CL... I didn't go to my sons graduation, but his older sister did..

Jul 21, 2011
MEsailormom

Home. 3.03 AM. The trip was full of everything...most of all a 6'6" buff Corpsman who was sure glad to see his Mom! I have all sorts of commentary on FMBT graduation (passes, directions, what to expect) but will catch those up when I am a little more rested. I held back the tears of goodbye until the last hug in the Baymont parking lot as he headed out for the drive to CA. Then I fell apart, we both laughed at me and yes he wiped away his own tears. Wish I could be better on that piece. The deployment discussion over dinner the night before really shoook me. God bless all you sandbox parents!

Jul 22, 2011
MEsailormom

Jul 22, 2011
MEsailormom

@ Robin (I am a Robin too!). Platoon 3 was front right and they recieved the top platoon award! Hope you can find your Corpsman in the sea of shaved heads!

Jul 22, 2011
MEsailormom

proud N4M

Jul 22, 2011
mikes mom

Congrats to all that graduated !!!! Awesome : )

Cathy welcome to the group... I'd like all our corpsman moms to join our other groups too... Corpsman moms and corpsman moms and dads : ) Two wonderful groups...

Jul 23, 2011
MEsailormom

I posted a rather verbose commentary on the weekend details in hopes it helps the next groups going through....

My cub just sent this pix he took while packing his car. :) Said he wanted to remember the smiles not the tears...

Jul 23, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

ME, thanks for sharing your experiences, not verbose at all. It's why we're here, to pass on what we learn and help each other :) Isn't it handy to have a tall one in the family? My dad's 6'4" and I was always grateful I could find him in a crowd. Speaking of height, this is from last May's graduation - my son (6'1") is in the middle, and the guy on his left is now in the midst of Search and Rescue training.

Jul 23, 2011
mikes mom

Awwwwww Marcy our guy always looks so cool : )

Jul 24, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Aw, we sure ♥ our guys... I still want to know how they can see anything with those covers pulled down so low! Oh that's right, we can ask Robin, she's got the look just right :)

Jul 24, 2011
MEsailormom

:)

Jul 24, 2011
mikes mom

Robin a smile still doesn't answer our question : ) LOL

Jul 24, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

I think she kept the hat and is having guilt pangs for when her son can't find it in his sea bag :)

Jul 24, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

For those whose sons just graduated, MEmom Robin just posted a ton of photos here! http://www.navyformoms.com/group/corpsmanmomsanddads If you're not a member there, you should be!!!

Jul 24, 2011
MEsailormom

Thanks for saving me the keystrokes Marcy! BTW cub is in Tempe right now visiting a friend. I'll have him wave on his way through Phoenix.

I did not keep the lid but did make off with a pair of PT trunks.

Jul 24, 2011
mikes mom

Hmmmm I wonder what I should keep of Melissa's : )

Jul 24, 2011
Scrappy1(Carol)

Congrats to everyone. Robin, I know he will arrive in CA safely. Thanks for the photos, can't wait to see them

Jul 24, 2011
Kym Ship 11 Div 118

Our son heads to CL Aug 1. Right now he is home and we are totally enjoying him to pieces.

Jul 25, 2011
MEsailormom

Well he arrived in CA safely but just found out he got a speeding tix in NC. 80 in a 55 mph. Now we need to hire a lawyer to appear in court in NC. Any experience out there? Any referrals? In maine you just pay the fine and move along....

Jul 25, 2011
cali87

MEsailormom make sure he knows that in CA if you are going over 25mph over the listed speed limit it is a misdemeanor which can get him in a little bit of trouble especially in SoCal. as for NC i have no clue but i thought i would give you a heads up as far as the california law goes. im sure if he doesnt have anything on his record in the past 12-18months he should be able to just pay a fine or do traffic school online.

Jul 25, 2011
MEsailormom

clean record thank goodness. I think in NC you have to go to court if it is 15 mph or more over (he was 25 over). A lawyer can go for you. I sure will warn him about CA rules. Thanks!! I called Navy Legal assistance and I think they can help him. Ah yes our job is never done. He is freaking out...a good kid. I told him he didn't commit murder or rob a bank or anything!! Just got to take care of business.

Jul 25, 2011
MEsailormom

cali 87 I just copied and pasted your CA comment. Thanks! Good warnings for a very rural Maine 18 year old. He is speaking with the Navy Legal assistance now. I will let you know how it goes...

Jul 25, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Geez, I just looked and the next FMTB graduation is in October! Guess the summer really is flying by.....

Aug 1, 2011
Navy Mom

My corpsman just left this morning for Camp Lejeune after being home for 11 days. I miss him already! Anyone want to fill me in on what to expect next?

Aug 2, 2011
Kym Ship 11 Div 118

We are in the same boat! Talked to ours last night, sounded very excited to be there.

Aug 2, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

They start with five blocks of classroom instruction and tests, then field ops. If you send mail, they have to do pushups to receive it, so confirm with your sailor first how much he wants your cards, letters and packages first LOL

Aug 2, 2011
mikes mom

Christine - Please give your son a big hug from me when you see him ...

Aug 3, 2011
Navy Mom

Christine-Sending good thoughts your way for your son's deployment. I will add his name to my prayer list, and you too! Tell him thank you and that we are all proud of him!

Aug 3, 2011
Navy Mom

Yep, some days I swear I can literally watch my hair turn gray! :)

Aug 5, 2011
Scrappy1(Carol)

My son is to start FMTB in a few weeks, any of you with sailors in that group?

Aug 6, 2011