Thanks so much for your fast response. We have been talking via Face time. She is trying to get everything else all sorted out. It is just so far. I have assured her the time change and jet lag will pass. I love this site. It makes me feel better to be able to communicate with moms going through the same things. It was a life saver for boot camp.
rjh - send me a friend invite if you want. I've sent a facebook msg to my son. He was active 1 day ago so he may not be deployed right now. I tried to invite you but I'm rusty on how to do so.
My son is finishing A school in about a month. His orders are for Guam mid July. He is really nervous about going that far from home. Hopefully we can hook all of them up together!
My daughter heard it was great there and she expected to love it. I'm hoping once she makes some friends she will adjust. Yes if we get lucky and she adjusts and makes lots of friends we can send them a way to contact!
Hi everyone! I am headed to Guam this Saturday!! Let me know if I need to hug anyone or smack them upside their head for something they did or didn't do! haha Let me know if I need to make contact with anyone too!! Best way to reach me is by email: sbrenner907@gmail.com NMHs to all!! (Can you tell I am sooo excited??)
Thanks Tx Mom!! I will!! Can't wait to squish his cheeks then pop him upside his head!! (our tradition)!! :) I've got so much to do before I leave.. it's very overwhelming! rjh, if you want me to check in with your daughter, let me know! My son is always friendly with everyone and I am sure he would make her feel welcomed! :)
My daughter is slowly starting to adjust to life in Guam. She is finding that she will need to purchase a car. I was hoping that there was some sort of transportation provided there but apparently even to get to her job each day she needs a car.
If anyone has kids that are selling a "guam bomb" or kids who know someone else selling a car please let me know. Thanks
rjh - tell her to be careful on what she buys! The safety standards we take for granted in the States doesn't exist there in Guam. My son bought a car. He's gone quiet so I think he's out right now. Best wishes to her!
Yeah, thanks for the advise. We are so nervous about this. She knows nothing about cars and really does not want to buy one. I just can't understand how transpportation is not provided? Does anyone know if this is the way it is on all bases? She lives right on base. Duriing her training in Texas they had a bus that went everywhere on base.
That's why I put it out here hoping someone would have some car advice or suggestions.
Hi -- introducing myself. New to the group. My second son in the Navy just got assigned to the USS OKC in Guam and leaves the 15th from Ballston Spa. Looking forward to being a part of the group!
Hi everyone! Finally was able to jump back on here after playing catch up at work! Guam was WONDERFUL! It was so nice seeing my boy as well as getting to know the people he works with at the clinic! Went scuba diving with him.. he was sooo patient with me! He also went skydiving with his sister.. I stayed grounded for that one! Haha it is so beautiful down there! No wonder the kids like it! A bit too humid for my liking tho! Took tons of pictures.. not sure I can upload them on here.. but I am going to put them on the Guam Moms facebook page. Welcome LisaZski and anyone else I might have missed!
Hi my son graduates nuke school in July and is headed to Guam . I have mixed emotions after reading several things on other sites about loss of opportunity while on Guam. He is "scared"and wants me to find outlets for a "young dude"to help with the transition. He will be on the USS OKLAHOMA. He was worried about vehicle purchases while there, packing needs and finding a nice group of others to make his time there great.
Thanks in advance. Anything is appreciated.
To NurseRenee - My son has been on Guam for over a year and a half. He loves it there and wants all of his extended family to retire there. My son is not a social butterfly but he was able to find plenty of great guys to explore the island with on his free time. As lots of new Nukes go to Guam, plenty are leaving and need to unload their own personal "Guam bombs". Driving safety standards are different in Guam compared to the US. It isn't too hard to find an inexpensive vehicle. With the highest speed limit on the island being 35mph (unless I'm mistaken), it sounds like your son could still drive safely, even in a Guam bomb (which is what they call the vehicles in Guam).
It is the "not knowing" that is so difficult. Once he gets there, he'll adapt like all the others. Good luck to him!
P.S. My son suspended his US cell phone plan to get a Guam cell phone to keep his rates low. Get Facebook Messenger & Skype. Those are both inexpensive ways to communicate with your Nuke on the other side of the world.
Oh and FB messenger is free....just have to remember what time it is there...from Michigan it is 14 hrs ahead so lets see ....it is 2 in the morning there....I use it for email, phone and you can video chat also....
My daughter has been in Guam for about 2 months. She is an MA. It took her about a month to adjust. At first she was very homesick and very unhappy. The time change and jet lag was difficult for her as well. I do wish she was given a bit more information prior to going so she would have known more of what to expect. She was unaware she would need to purchase a car and make her own meals.
She has since adjusted very well. The buying a car was difficult for her. She never owned a car before and is not mechanically savvy. She was finally able to purchase a used car from another sailor leaving the island. I'm only hoping that it does not break down frequently. Car insurance seems to be inexpensive there (or at least compared to what we pay where we live). Although At&T assurred us that her cell phone would work there it did not and she purchased a new service in Guam (I'm thinking she is still using her old phone). We keep in touch with her via face-time audio and I think my husband has WhatsApp and uses that as well. She has made many friends and really seems to be enjoying life on Guam.
Good luck to your son, I'm sure he will adjust and do great.
Is anyone here in the facebook group for Guam families? I'm not sure what has happened but i have requested to be in the group & have heard nothing from the admin. It has been over a month. Would you mind putting a feeler out to see if someone can please let me in. Thanks!
I will check on it. It took a LONG time for me to get approved. There is only one admin and she has had a few family emergencies.
Double check your FB messenger 'hidden messages" area in case her message to you got routed there. You have to answer some questions before she adds you.
Thank you for checking. I have been watching messenger. I will keep looking though. I would be glad to help her if she wanted to add me somehow. My son is there for the next 3 years!
After much time waiting to join the Facebook Guam group to no avail, i have created another group page. If anyone would like to join, the name of the group is Guam Navy Friends & Family. I hope it is okay to post this here. If not, please feel free to delete. Thanks!
my son has been in Guam for over 1 1/2 years also. He is in Helicopter pilot school. He loves the island, even though it does get small. He loves the snorkeling and diving. He is a history buff, so he enjoyed the museums. He says there is always something going on to do there.
My son is stationed in Guam and his brother is visiting him. He is on the last day of his 2 weeks. Did a lot of diving. The political events are not real bothersome.
My 22 yr. old son is at OCS - graduates in September and just got his orders for Guam. He is CEC and is excited about the construction that will be happening while he is there. I, on the other hand, am freaking out a bit. Can I get some advice.......
Liz - My son is also at Guam. I try not to let the political blustering get to me. If Guam gets bombed, this whole world is in for a rude awakening. I simply refuse to believe that anyone will be that stupid. The N Korea threat is nothing new. I even appreciate China's approach to try and keep the situation balanced. All these countries want to make money off trading partners, not bomb each other to oblivion. That is no good for anyone. Sometimes you have to have faith, whether it is religious faith, or a simple belief in right and wrong. I understand your "freaking out". Learn to live for the random phone calls or skype sessions. :)
My daughter has been in Guam for about 3 months. It is her first post. She has been very calm about the situation and I can't help but feel it's a reflection of how everyone is responding over there. She feels secure in our militay's ability to handle any threats. These days you are actually better off being in a place where you expect a problem then being hit with a surprise.
Regina - You have any Guambabies? :) I teased my son about not having any Guambabies because I wouldn't want to live so far from my grandchildren, but in truth, if he fell in love there, I would be happy for him. 4 and 1/2 years. WOW!
Tx mom: Well yes kind of, My First grandson is due October 2nd ( Mason Scott ) My son was suppose to leave this year but they asked him to stay 2 more years, so he will be there a total of 6 years. We will going to Guam for Thanksgiving this year!
Liz - my son is not an officer but he is a bachelor. Against our wishes, he bought a house in Guam. I believe he is now trying to convince a few other guys to rent a room from him. If you live off base, you get a sort of housing allowance. I believe housing is only going to get worse with the new marine base being built there. That might be good for my son's real estate investment... I don't know.
nurserenee - Guam has phone company, ( I believe it's GTA ). My son has it and pays a little extra for the plan that allows him to call and text us. For insurance USAA is the best option. hope this helps.
We use fb messenger. Works great and it's free. I am not sure what phone he has now and insurance he handles himself. I am sure the Navy has info on ins.
I would like to visit Guam, but it is so expensive. At least I would have lodging when I am there as my son rents a house.
I'm new to this particular group. My son just informed me that following A school grad he will be in Guam. Does anyone have any tips on mailing items to him?
Omce my son had an address I had no problem mailing boxes to him. I would wait and see what your son needs once he gets there. My home phone is with Spectrum and we could call from our home phone to his cell phone free. Otherwise we talked using messenger. He will want to get a phone from the Guam phone company GTA
My son suspended his USA cell phone service while serving in Guam. Now that he will be briefly stateside, he has suspended Guam cell phone service and reactivated his USA cell phone service. I think the government requires the phone service providers to work with military personnel that are deployed. Not like when my mother died after getting a brand new phone and 2 year service contract and my father was required to keep paying for her phone that no one was using.
My son got a PO box in Guam until he found a permanent residence. It isn't international mail rates because Guam is a US territory.
Guam takes some getting used to but it is manageable.
My daughter is in Guam, it's been almost a year. The post office will discount one of the flatrate priority mail boxes if it is being shipped to a FPO address (which was the address I believe my daughter gave me).
My ds has been in Guam two years. It took him 6 months to get his car. He does not plan on bringing it back. They usually loan their cars out to each other while on deployment. He has an apartment with a roommate in the Tamuning area , and loves it there. He can walk to the beach after work , and go snorkeling.
rjh
Dear Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke:
Thanks so much for your fast response. We have been talking via Face time. She is trying to get everything else all sorted out. It is just so far. I have assured her the time change and jet lag will pass. I love this site. It makes me feel better to be able to communicate with moms going through the same things. It was a life saver for boot camp.
May 1, 2017
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
rjh - send me a friend invite if you want. I've sent a facebook msg to my son. He was active 1 day ago so he may not be deployed right now. I tried to invite you but I'm rusty on how to do so.
May 1, 2017
rjh
I will try to send a friend invite. I'm not so good with this either!
May 1, 2017
LisaZski
May 1, 2017
rjh
Hi LisaZksi,
My daughter heard it was great there and she expected to love it. I'm hoping once she makes some friends she will adjust. Yes if we get lucky and she adjusts and makes lots of friends we can send them a way to contact!
May 1, 2017
SusanB
Hi everyone! I am headed to Guam this Saturday!! Let me know if I need to hug anyone or smack them upside their head for something they did or didn't do! haha Let me know if I need to make contact with anyone too!! Best way to reach me is by email: sbrenner907@gmail.com NMHs to all!! (Can you tell I am sooo excited??)
May 1, 2017
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
SusanB - GREEN WITH ENVY!!!! Have an amazing time with your sailor.
May 1, 2017
SusanB
Thanks Tx Mom!! I will!! Can't wait to squish his cheeks then pop him upside his head!! (our tradition)!! :) I've got so much to do before I leave.. it's very overwhelming! rjh, if you want me to check in with your daughter, let me know! My son is always friendly with everyone and I am sure he would make her feel welcomed! :)
May 1, 2017
LisaZski
May 1, 2017
middlemom
oh my gosh SusanB. I am so jealous. Have a super time.. If you see my sailor, give him a snack on the head and tell him to face time his mom!!!!!
lol
May 2, 2017
rjh
My daughter is slowly starting to adjust to life in Guam. She is finding that she will need to purchase a car. I was hoping that there was some sort of transportation provided there but apparently even to get to her job each day she needs a car.
If anyone has kids that are selling a "guam bomb" or kids who know someone else selling a car please let me know. Thanks
May 5, 2017
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
rjh - tell her to be careful on what she buys! The safety standards we take for granted in the States doesn't exist there in Guam. My son bought a car. He's gone quiet so I think he's out right now. Best wishes to her!
May 5, 2017
rjh
Tx Mom:
Yeah, thanks for the advise. We are so nervous about this. She knows nothing about cars and really does not want to buy one. I just can't understand how transpportation is not provided? Does anyone know if this is the way it is on all bases? She lives right on base. Duriing her training in Texas they had a bus that went everywhere on base.
That's why I put it out here hoping someone would have some car advice or suggestions.
May 5, 2017
ProudofNavySons
Hi -- introducing myself. New to the group. My second son in the Navy just got assigned to the USS OKC in Guam and leaves the 15th from Ballston Spa. Looking forward to being a part of the group!
Jun 1, 2017
LisaZski
Jun 3, 2017
middlemom
welcome LisaZski and ProudofNavysons - They will love Guam. My son has been there since December of 2016. He is on the USS Key West,
Jun 5, 2017
SusanB
Hi everyone! Finally was able to jump back on here after playing catch up at work! Guam was WONDERFUL! It was so nice seeing my boy as well as getting to know the people he works with at the clinic! Went scuba diving with him.. he was sooo patient with me! He also went skydiving with his sister.. I stayed grounded for that one! Haha it is so beautiful down there! No wonder the kids like it! A bit too humid for my liking tho! Took tons of pictures.. not sure I can upload them on here.. but I am going to put them on the Guam Moms facebook page. Welcome LisaZski and anyone else I might have missed!
Jun 5, 2017
nurserenee
Thanks in advance. Anything is appreciated.
Jun 25, 2017
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
To NurseRenee - My son has been on Guam for over a year and a half. He loves it there and wants all of his extended family to retire there. My son is not a social butterfly but he was able to find plenty of great guys to explore the island with on his free time. As lots of new Nukes go to Guam, plenty are leaving and need to unload their own personal "Guam bombs". Driving safety standards are different in Guam compared to the US. It isn't too hard to find an inexpensive vehicle. With the highest speed limit on the island being 35mph (unless I'm mistaken), it sounds like your son could still drive safely, even in a Guam bomb (which is what they call the vehicles in Guam).
It is the "not knowing" that is so difficult. Once he gets there, he'll adapt like all the others. Good luck to him!
P.S. My son suspended his US cell phone plan to get a Guam cell phone to keep his rates low. Get Facebook Messenger & Skype. Those are both inexpensive ways to communicate with your Nuke on the other side of the world.
Jun 26, 2017
tysmom
My son has been in Guam since Dec 2016. He bought a truck because roads are even worse than our roads here in Michigan!!!
He does a lot of golfing and the scuba diving is incredible!!
This past weekend he posted pictures of 4 wheeling with his truck...
It always takes a bit of time to makes friends. But your son is connected to a sub and some of those guys will end up being lifelong friends.
One of my sons brothers is planning a visit this summer to check out all the dive spots. What a great way to see the world!!!!
Be an encourager...look online for info about Guam...Pacific Daily News...local TV stations....LOTS of WWI and WWII history.....
Jun 26, 2017
tysmom
Oh and FB messenger is free....just have to remember what time it is there...from Michigan it is 14 hrs ahead so lets see ....it is 2 in the morning there....I use it for email, phone and you can video chat also....
Jun 26, 2017
rjh
For NurseRenee,
My daughter has been in Guam for about 2 months. She is an MA. It took her about a month to adjust. At first she was very homesick and very unhappy. The time change and jet lag was difficult for her as well. I do wish she was given a bit more information prior to going so she would have known more of what to expect. She was unaware she would need to purchase a car and make her own meals.
She has since adjusted very well. The buying a car was difficult for her. She never owned a car before and is not mechanically savvy. She was finally able to purchase a used car from another sailor leaving the island. I'm only hoping that it does not break down frequently. Car insurance seems to be inexpensive there (or at least compared to what we pay where we live). Although At&T assurred us that her cell phone would work there it did not and she purchased a new service in Guam (I'm thinking she is still using her old phone). We keep in touch with her via face-time audio and I think my husband has WhatsApp and uses that as well. She has made many friends and really seems to be enjoying life on Guam.
Good luck to your son, I'm sure he will adjust and do great.
Jun 26, 2017
LisaZski
Jul 10, 2017
turtlegirl428
Double check your FB messenger 'hidden messages" area in case her message to you got routed there. You have to answer some questions before she adds you.
Jul 10, 2017
LisaZski
Jul 11, 2017
LisaZski
After much time waiting to join the Facebook Guam group to no avail, i have created another group page. If anyone would like to join, the name of the group is Guam Navy Friends & Family. I hope it is okay to post this here. If not, please feel free to delete. Thanks!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/110434882976073/
Aug 9, 2017
naturegirl1
my son has been in Guam for over 1 1/2 years also. He is in Helicopter pilot school. He loves the island, even though it does get small. He loves the snorkeling and diving. He is a history buff, so he enjoyed the museums. He says there is always something going on to do there.
Aug 12, 2017
tysmom
My son is stationed in Guam and his brother is visiting him. He is on the last day of his 2 weeks. Did a lot of diving. The political events are not real bothersome.
Aug 12, 2017
Liz
My 22 yr. old son is at OCS - graduates in September and just got his orders for Guam. He is CEC and is excited about the construction that will be happening while he is there. I, on the other hand, am freaking out a bit. Can I get some advice.......
Aug 21, 2017
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
Liz - My son is also at Guam. I try not to let the political blustering get to me. If Guam gets bombed, this whole world is in for a rude awakening. I simply refuse to believe that anyone will be that stupid. The N Korea threat is nothing new. I even appreciate China's approach to try and keep the situation balanced. All these countries want to make money off trading partners, not bomb each other to oblivion. That is no good for anyone. Sometimes you have to have faith, whether it is religious faith, or a simple belief in right and wrong. I understand your "freaking out". Learn to live for the random phone calls or skype sessions. :)
Aug 21, 2017
rjh
Liz: I totally agree with everything Tx mom said.
My daughter has been in Guam for about 3 months. It is her first post. She has been very calm about the situation and I can't help but feel it's a reflection of how everyone is responding over there. She feels secure in our militay's ability to handle any threats. These days you are actually better off being in a place where you expect a problem then being hit with a surprise.
Aug 21, 2017
Regina
Liz: Tx mom said it beautifully. My son has been in Guam for 4 and half years, he married a local girl and no one seems concerned about NK.
My son loves Guam, hopefully yours will too.
Aug 21, 2017
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
Regina - You have any Guambabies? :) I teased my son about not having any Guambabies because I wouldn't want to live so far from my grandchildren, but in truth, if he fell in love there, I would be happy for him. 4 and 1/2 years. WOW!
Aug 21, 2017
Liz
I've already hit up travelocity! Hah.....thanks for the advice. I know I will have more questions....
Aug 21, 2017
Regina
Tx mom: Well yes kind of, My First grandson is due October 2nd ( Mason Scott ) My son was suppose to leave this year but they asked him to stay 2 more years, so he will be there a total of 6 years. We will going to Guam for Thanksgiving this year!
Aug 21, 2017
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
Regina - Congrats! :)
Aug 22, 2017
Liz
what do you all know about finding housing for a bachelor officer?
Aug 22, 2017
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
Liz - my son is not an officer but he is a bachelor. Against our wishes, he bought a house in Guam. I believe he is now trying to convince a few other guys to rent a room from him. If you live off base, you get a sort of housing allowance. I believe housing is only going to get worse with the new marine base being built there. That might be good for my son's real estate investment... I don't know.
Aug 22, 2017
Liz
Hah, your son sounds like mine.....
Aug 22, 2017
Regina
Thanks Tx Mom. The baby will be very spoiled he's the first grandchild on both sides.
Aug 22, 2017
nurserenee
What are recommendations for international car insurance and phone provider in Guam ?
Feb 28, 2018
Regina
nurserenee - Guam has phone company, ( I believe it's GTA ). My son has it and pays a little extra for the plan that allows him to call and text us. For insurance USAA is the best option. hope this helps.
Mar 1, 2018
tysmom
We use fb messenger. Works great and it's free. I am not sure what phone he has now and insurance he handles himself. I am sure the Navy has info on ins.
I would like to visit Guam, but it is so expensive. At least I would have lodging when I am there as my son rents a house.
Mar 1, 2018
julieanns
Hi ladies!
I'm new to this particular group. My son just informed me that following A school grad he will be in Guam. Does anyone have any tips on mailing items to him?
Mar 2, 2018
wisconsinmom
Omce my son had an address I had no problem mailing boxes to him. I would wait and see what your son needs once he gets there. My home phone is with Spectrum and we could call from our home phone to his cell phone free. Otherwise we talked using messenger. He will want to get a phone from the Guam phone company GTA
Mar 5, 2018
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
My son suspended his USA cell phone service while serving in Guam. Now that he will be briefly stateside, he has suspended Guam cell phone service and reactivated his USA cell phone service. I think the government requires the phone service providers to work with military personnel that are deployed. Not like when my mother died after getting a brand new phone and 2 year service contract and my father was required to keep paying for her phone that no one was using.
My son got a PO box in Guam until he found a permanent residence. It isn't international mail rates because Guam is a US territory.
Guam takes some getting used to but it is manageable.
:)
Mar 5, 2018
rjh
My daughter is in Guam, it's been almost a year. The post office will discount one of the flatrate priority mail boxes if it is being shipped to a FPO address (which was the address I believe my daughter gave me).
Mar 5, 2018
ArchyMom
Son in C School, then Guam. Probably by then I'll have lots of questions.
Apr 5, 2018
Cath Bubblehead mom
Hi All,
My son will be assigned to Guam starting in a few months. Do you recommend shipping his car, or buying one once there?
Also - He will be getting an apartment - any suggestions as to where to look?
Thank you for any advice. He has been on the east coast for 5 years.
Sep 9, 2018
naturegirl1
My ds has been in Guam two years. It took him 6 months to get his car. He does not plan on bringing it back. They usually loan their cars out to each other while on deployment. He has an apartment with a roommate in the Tamuning area , and loves it there. He can walk to the beach after work , and go snorkeling.
Sep 9, 2018