Now I know that it was probably too long..lol. I invite all of you to check out the USS ESSEX FRIENDS/FAMILY/ABOARD FB page. We like to think it's the BEST military support page on FB, but we are a little biased. Just to let you know, we are doing a tee shirt sale in June to commemorate the hull swap. The money will go to our "Adopt a Sailor" for Christmas program. Starting early this year because last year was a little disorganized. Come check it out! I want you all to be able to join in with the tees! The Bonny Dick left Hawaii and is headed to Sasebo...YAY! We can hardly wait! She is pretty much brand new out of dry dock in June, 2011.
The BHR has an official page and a family page, you can follow their journey by visiting their FB pages...everyone is so excited and READY for this change to happen. Just want to let you know also, that you might want to chat with your guys/gals today. Just FYI. Thanks everyone! Have an awesome day and come check out the Essex family group!
We will be the proud moms of the Bonhamme Richard, nick name "Bonny Dick." The Essex will be carefully taken care of when it reaches SD. She will be in dry dock for approximately one year and be like new when she comes out! They will give her all the love she needs to get back on her feet....
Skyped with Josh last night. But his camera didn't work on his end :-( so I didn't get to see handsome face! But hearing his voice was wonderful! And he did finally get his ship to shore cards!! YAY!!!
skyping with Jesse now! We were looking at his face, but my husband decided to add a person and when you do that you cant see faces, so Jesse and his dad and Jeff's brother are all talkin now. Jesse is going to bed (early for him), he has to get up early tomorrow. He is in good spirits, had a good day bowling and playing b-ball. So good to hear him giggling on skype with the "boys" talkin Nascar and stuff.
Sounds like we are hearing from our sailors, have a great day my friends!
I don't even want to think about what Jesse will bring home, Kim! I already have my whole attic filled with his crap, and his room is full of crap! LOL. Jesse is a sentimental pack rat (has everything from his elementary school still!). Maybe since he lives on the ship he won't have as much, LOL
So, check out this "small world" thing. A fb friend posted about enjoying the new movie Act of Valor that was made with "real" navy seals instead of actors for most of the characters, and a friend of that friend mentioned that her sons ship was used in the movie for some of the scenes, yep - the Bonhomme Richard! So, I sent her a note and we are so psyched to talk to each other, just meeting randomly on fb. She lives in a different state now, but graduated from my high school a year before I did. She said my last name was familiar and if I knew a guy named "Jeff" (LOL). yeah I do...I married that guy! She remembers my husband from Jr. High and High School. small crazy world.
She said she was on the BHR tiger cruise and has told me that the ship is absolutely beautiful. most of the berthing areas have beautiful laminated wood floors, etc. It is a top notch perfect condition ship. (I wasn't sure what to tell he about "ours", LOL she said she has heard stories and jokes that ours might have to be "towed" back to the U.S.) :) funny, but kinda not funny. Anyway, it was nice how that all unfolded on fb, and thought I'd share.
Mary - glad your son shows up in the video. WIsh my DC was in it! The ombudsman also sent the video out.
Katie heard that March 15th is when we will start using their new address. I now I'm sending off another cookie box soon. One of the guys in Katie's shop is leaving in the spring or so and would like some 'rolo' cookies before he leaves.
Oh, and the joke about the tow - that's nothing new after they had to cancel the Australia trip and then weren't able to participate in the last exercises. Some lovingly refer to it as a 'rust bucket'. No wonder it is headed to dry dock.
sharon, glad you're back with us! good to hear you had a good time.
mary-very cool video and with jesse!!! very neat to hear the story about you and your fb friend.
marianne-you're so sweet for all the baking you do and send to katie and others!
mtdiane-nice to meet you!
julie-nice to meet you, too!
hope you all are doing great!
i have been working major more hours at work than i am scheduled, so, i haven't been able to comment, reading, but not commenting. i have a few minutes before i head to work, so i thought i better catch up on here. love hearing about our guys/gals here and on youtube!!! praying for their safety. HOOYAH!
Is there a way to "Stop Following" for good so that I don't get emails whenever there is a post? I hit Stop Following all the time in here, and it re-sets constantly and the emails start again.
I just sent something today and used the USS Essex. My understanding of what I read is that we should start using the BHR address on March 15...but I certainly could have misunderstood!
Kristy - I would just send it to the USS Essex address that you have - that is what I will be doing as well. Like someone else has posted and mentioned, it is March 15th when you are changing the the BHR address. I'm not really too concerned about the package getting to Katie, It will go to the ship via zip and so I'm sure for a while it will get to our sailors either way.
Later I'll be wondering about when to stop sending to the BHR and then on to her new ship.
wondering...when using a ship to shore calling card, would Josh be able to call a cell phone or would it have to be a land line?
Well, our weatherman was right! The snow has begun. Winter storm warnings from now until 6:00 p.m. tomorrow night. Sounds like it is going to get messy...snow/sleet/snow.
My family is all sending cards to the Essex still, but that is because Jesse's birthday is on March 9th!! Hope he gets the cards that his grandparents and aunts are sending to him!
I'm going to go see Act of Valor soon. I know some stuff will be hard to watch tho, but want to see it anyhow!
Great weather here in Cleveland! I'm getting out of this cubicle for the day finally!
Hugs and prayers to those experiencing harsh weather.
Also did you hear that Davy Jones from the Monkees passed away at 66? Too young, so sad
Sharon, he will be 23...some troubles still for him, but getting a little better. put it this way, it will be an improvement for him to get his "white card" back or even Alpha liberty! Now I've learned a new one, it's some sort of charlie restriction thing... dang kid.
oh - and we want him to go with the plan, stay in and stay on track with BHR, and I think he is coming around to agreeing that he should do that. He loves his work, so he needs to stay strong and continue with this path.
Me too, Marianne! Jeff said, "he is been trying to get into a pic for 2 years, just watch - now he was in a few, so he probably won't be in any more" LOL
cathy-i want snow! haha i live in ohio. don't like the weather in ohio? stick around, it'll change...that's said of the weather here. it's been crazy. 60's, then 40's. ugh oh well, hope you like snow, cathy.
mary-some great people were born on march 9th...ahem...LOL
sharon-i thought about what you said about writing every week--you are too good! i try to get at least 1 package out per month. i have written hunter a couple of times, and i even included one of those surveys i've heard people write about that he can kind of answer with yes and no, and he hasn't even returned that! i even put in a SASE!!! that boy, so i guess we'll use technology to converse, except when we send a package of goodies. ha ha
still going crazy working every day. i am thankful my husband has a decent job which allows me to work only part time. so, needless to say, my house is lacking in the area of cleanliness. we do good to have clean clothes and clean dishes. hehe
kyann, your fb doesn't have a bday! that is really cool!! jesse's gonna love that. he has been into horoscopes and stuff lately for some reason.
Jesse's shop has had its share of troubles lately! between sailors getting kicked out with less than 6 months to go, and now one of my girls had the tip of her finger cut off! hope the bhr brings better luck
Hi Moms, my new friend on fb (that I told you about), sent me a note that there are t-shirts available that have both ships on them (hull swap 2012). They are $13/each if you buy multiple t-shirts or $15 for one. You can "Like" the BHR family page on FB or just send an email to them if you would like to purchase. I will post the link to their page (the pic of the tshirt is in their profile pics). I can post a pic too. standby...
I was curious about the white card, charlie, etc., so this is what I found out.
White card is out until midnight in civis Alpha is leave in uniform but have to come back Bravo has to leave in uniform with an escort Charlie is stuck on board and have to muster Restriction is muster several times a day, and extra duty(the worst)
We will be having the Commemorative Hull Swap tee shirts for sale in June. They will come in red and navy, so you can order from the USS ESSEX F/F/A FB page. There are two events posted. The tee shirt sale (which will also be a fund raiser.) And, the Adopt A Sailor event for Christmas. Some of the tee shirt money will be used to adopt Sailors...
We are gonna make a picture poster of Jesse with a white card stuck to his forehead, saying "White Card for life, baby!" and underneath..."Don't be THAT guy"
Or maybe one that says "Blue Card Envy"
told him he'll probably get his blue card for his last couple weeks in the navy. He's been in almost 2 years
Hi moms! Beautiful but cold day in western Washington...some snow last nite, but nothing really stuck. Not a cloud in the sky but still only in the 30's. Love this page because I can just post like a "normal mom" instead of a support page admin. YAY! My Sailor son Aaron is on the USS ESSEX, now floating about in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility with the Japanese Navy. My AF son Ian is currently in ROTC studying aviation at the University of ND...Aviation school is just as bad (monetarily) as medical school. We are having a hard time coping with the expenses. I own a pack and ship store and also sell retail. I am I of 3 such stores in our area who survived last year. The other 7 stores went out of business. I know this sounds selfish, but I am asking for prayers for our family. My husband's pay was cut and we are barely able to keep the store open. I collected all my gold and precious gem jewelry yesterday (including my wedding rings) to take to sell tomorrow. We are trying to find a way into my husbands retirement fund to secure more money for Aviation school. Ian has no time to get a job in Grand Forks because his days start at 0430 and end about midnight after studying. I try to stay positive, but some of the time I find I look positive on the outside but I am crying on the inside. I could say so much more, but I have already burdened you with too much information. Thank you all for being here. HOOYAH AND SEMPER FI!
Mary, Jesse will be fine. Some take longer to find their way than others. I found that to be true with my oldest son. He made some wrong decisions and a couple of detours along the way. But he has learned some valuable life lessons and he's a wonderful, caring, loving, young man.
KimTN, so glad you are safe. I look forward to Hans adventures.
Happyclime, prayers are free and never too much to ask for. I would never think anyone is selfish to ask for prayers. I am confused, if he is in ROTC, why are you paying? I have no clue how it works.
I am a little confused about the cards. My son never mentioned them (not that he communicates) and he was allowed to stay out when he first arrived in Japan. Is that because he was over 21 or because he was E4?
Speaking of school and next assignments. Jonathan finally went to check his transcript. He has one class to earn his Associate degree. They came up with a plan for him to earn his degree while in the navy. He has one more year on this assignment and then shore duty. His plan is to apply for officer after his shore duty. He wants to save his GI bill for his children. I'm praying for grandchildren.
hi, happy! i am wondering if you are the site admin of the FB page, or has that already been stated? anyway, you sound familiar. hope things turn around and that you don't have to sell all your sentimental stuff.
glad you are safe, too, kim.
sharon, i am pretty sure someone sent me a message on FB of where to send money for the shirts. when i see it, i will fwd it on to you. i can't wait to get a shirt! i'm excited. i saw where some of the people who have sailors on the BHR are sad they are losing "their" ship. hmmm
ohio weather--thunderstorms, then snow, then 60's...don't like the weather here? stick around, it'll change! :)
Hi Ladies. . .I’m wondering if any of you have had to deal with a request for emergency leave or a death or serious illness in your family while your sailor has been in the Navy. Sorry this is long, but thanks for listening....
I had written about a month ago or so about my uncle's diagnosis of end stage cirrohsis and liver cancer. He continues to have good and bad days. He has lost an enormous amount of weight the past few weeks which is from the meds he has to take for his amonia levels so that he won't slip into a coma. We were also told that his cancer cells are burning an enormous amount of calories too. Per Josh's request, I have been sending him regular updates. He seems to think that he might be able to get emergency leave granted. I told him that I didn't know if the Navy would consider a great uncle as immediate family. He talked to someone there and said that I should contact the Ombudsman - which I did. I wanted to start inquiring as early as possible since we just don’t know. She has been very responsive and helpful and much appreciated! She outlined the following things that are taken into consideration
1. Seriousness of the situation/health of the family member
2. Relationship of the Sailor to the person in question (i.e., parent, siblings, child, spouse, grandparent, etc.)
3. Needs of the Navy, needs of the ship, needs of the division (I know this sounds harsh but it's part of the process)
4. Where are they if they're underway and can they get the Sailor out quickly or at all
She also suggested that I contact the Red Cross to start the communications going now.
So late last night before giving Josh the info from the ombudsman, I received an email from him responding to my latest update on my uncle. He was so sweet and was anxious to hear what I learned from the Ombudsman. He asked me to tell Uncle Floyd that he loved him very much and that he wants to see him again before anything bad happens and to hang in there and he misses him. UGH...I burst into tears.
He was still on line when I forwarded him the information from the Ombudsman and wrote back that he doubts he would be granted leave of something happened during the hull swap. I wish I could have been there to HUG him!!
FYI, he’s kind of a private person and probably wouldn’t appreciate me sharing this with all of you. . ..but I needed this :-)
I also told him that the Ombudsman suggested he make his LPO or LCPO aware of the situation so that there would be support for him there– which he said he would.
It must be so difficult for our sons and daughters when something like this happens.
cathy, i am glad you put that on here, too, because hunter has a cousin who is pretty close that has had health issues since birth and has just received some bad news and i was wondering if something happened to her if hunter would be allowed to come home. she wasn't expected to live as long as she has, so we never really know what the Lord has in store for her life. :)
oh, maureen, you are too funny!!!! i knew you had something about your name on here, but i don't have time to go back through all the comments. lol by the way, thanks, again, for the address!
happyclime
OK, just wrote a pretty long note and it didn't let me post
Feb 25, 2012
happyclime
Now I know that it was probably too long..lol. I invite all of you to check out the USS ESSEX FRIENDS/FAMILY/ABOARD FB page. We like to think it's the BEST military support page on FB, but we are a little biased. Just to let you know, we are doing a tee shirt sale in June to commemorate the hull swap. The money will go to our "Adopt a Sailor" for Christmas program. Starting early this year because last year was a little disorganized. Come check it out! I want you all to be able to join in with the tees! The Bonny Dick left Hawaii and is headed to Sasebo...YAY! We can hardly wait! She is pretty much brand new out of dry dock in June, 2011.
Feb 25, 2012
happyclime
The BHR has an official page and a family page, you can follow their journey by visiting their FB pages...everyone is so excited and READY for this change to happen. Just want to let you know also, that you might want to chat with your guys/gals today. Just FYI. Thanks everyone! Have an awesome day and come check out the Essex family group!
Feb 25, 2012
happyclime
Mary n Jesse,
We will be the proud moms of the Bonhamme Richard, nick name "Bonny Dick." The Essex will be carefully taken care of when it reaches SD. She will be in dry dock for approximately one year and be like new when she comes out! They will give her all the love she needs to get back on her feet....
Feb 25, 2012
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
It must be an exciting time for all! I'm excited for them!
Feb 25, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
Spent the evening talking with Katie. It was wonderful.
Tina - agree, very sad. Praying as well.
Feb 26, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
Skyped with Josh last night. But his camera didn't work on his end :-( so I didn't get to see handsome face! But hearing his voice was wonderful! And he did finally get his ship to shore cards!! YAY!!!
Feb 26, 2012
Mary n Jesse
skyping with Jesse now! We were looking at his face, but my husband decided to add a person and when you do that you cant see faces, so Jesse and his dad and Jeff's brother are all talkin now. Jesse is going to bed (early for him), he has to get up early tomorrow. He is in good spirits, had a good day bowling and playing b-ball. So good to hear him giggling on skype with the "boys" talkin Nascar and stuff.
Sounds like we are hearing from our sailors, have a great day my friends!
Feb 26, 2012
Mary n Jesse
I don't even want to think about what Jesse will bring home, Kim! I already have my whole attic filled with his crap, and his room is full of crap! LOL. Jesse is a sentimental pack rat (has everything from his elementary school still!). Maybe since he lives on the ship he won't have as much, LOL
Feb 26, 2012
Mary n Jesse
So, check out this "small world" thing. A fb friend posted about enjoying the new movie Act of Valor that was made with "real" navy seals instead of actors for most of the characters, and a friend of that friend mentioned that her sons ship was used in the movie for some of the scenes, yep - the Bonhomme Richard! So, I sent her a note and we are so psyched to talk to each other, just meeting randomly on fb. She lives in a different state now, but graduated from my high school a year before I did. She said my last name was familiar and if I knew a guy named "Jeff" (LOL). yeah I do...I married that guy! She remembers my husband from Jr. High and High School. small crazy world.
She said she was on the BHR tiger cruise and has told me that the ship is absolutely beautiful. most of the berthing areas have beautiful laminated wood floors, etc. It is a top notch perfect condition ship. (I wasn't sure what to tell he about "ours", LOL she said she has heard stories and jokes that ours might have to be "towed" back to the U.S.) :) funny, but kinda not funny. Anyway, it was nice how that all unfolded on fb, and thought I'd share.
Feb 27, 2012
mtdiane
I have not been on this site for awhile.What happened on the Essex?
Feb 27, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
Wow, Mary, certainly is a small world! That is really interesting...didn't know that our new ship was in that movie...thanks for sharing!
Feb 27, 2012
Mary n Jesse
short one minute video, this was just posted on sasebo FB page. it's only a minute video, AND JESSE IS AT THE END OF THE VIDEO!!!!!! hope this works
http://www.youtube.com/embed/Tz1qIXsu0Rg
Feb 27, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
Mary - glad your son shows up in the video. WIsh my DC was in it! The ombudsman also sent the video out.
Katie heard that March 15th is when we will start using their new address. I now I'm sending off another cookie box soon. One of the guys in Katie's shop is leaving in the spring or so and would like some 'rolo' cookies before he leaves.
Oh, and the joke about the tow - that's nothing new after they had to cancel the Australia trip and then weren't able to participate in the last exercises. Some lovingly refer to it as a 'rust bucket'. No wonder it is headed to dry dock.
Feb 27, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
Mary, that's really exciting that Jesse is in the video!!
Feb 28, 2012
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
sharon, glad you're back with us! good to hear you had a good time.
mary-very cool video and with jesse!!! very neat to hear the story about you and your fb friend.
marianne-you're so sweet for all the baking you do and send to katie and others!
mtdiane-nice to meet you!
julie-nice to meet you, too!
hope you all are doing great!
i have been working major more hours at work than i am scheduled, so, i haven't been able to comment, reading, but not commenting. i have a few minutes before i head to work, so i thought i better catch up on here. love hearing about our guys/gals here and on youtube!!! praying for their safety. HOOYAH!
Feb 28, 2012
Mary n Jesse
Is there a way to "Stop Following" for good so that I don't get emails whenever there is a post? I hit Stop Following all the time in here, and it re-sets constantly and the emails start again.
thanks
Feb 28, 2012
Mary n Jesse
Gotcha, thank you "reeniegalla" LOL
Feb 28, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
Sharon, Looking forward to seeing the movie. I found the new address (starting March 15) on the USS Essex/Friends/Family FB page:
USS Bonhamme Richard (LHD6)
DEPT./DIVISION
FPO, AP 96617-1656
UGH! Is there anything that is not going up? Oh yeah, that's right, my pay!!
Feb 28, 2012
Kristy
thanks for the information ladies. I am sending a package out tomorrow. Do you all think I should send to the USS Essex or to the USS BHR?
Feb 28, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
I just sent something today and used the USS Essex. My understanding of what I read is that we should start using the BHR address on March 15...but I certainly could have misunderstood!
Feb 28, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
Kristy - I would just send it to the USS Essex address that you have - that is what I will be doing as well. Like someone else has posted and mentioned, it is March 15th when you are changing the the BHR address. I'm not really too concerned about the package getting to Katie, It will go to the ship via zip and so I'm sure for a while it will get to our sailors either way.
Later I'll be wondering about when to stop sending to the BHR and then on to her new ship.
Feb 28, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
wondering...when using a ship to shore calling card, would Josh be able to call a cell phone or would it have to be a land line?
Well, our weatherman was right! The snow has begun. Winter storm warnings from now until 6:00 p.m. tomorrow night. Sounds like it is going to get messy...snow/sleet/snow.
Feb 29, 2012
Mary n Jesse
My family is all sending cards to the Essex still, but that is because Jesse's birthday is on March 9th!! Hope he gets the cards that his grandparents and aunts are sending to him!
I'm going to go see Act of Valor soon. I know some stuff will be hard to watch tho, but want to see it anyhow!
Great weather here in Cleveland! I'm getting out of this cubicle for the day finally!
Hugs and prayers to those experiencing harsh weather.
Also did you hear that Davy Jones from the Monkees passed away at 66? Too young, so sad
Happy leap year! March is tomorrow!
Feb 29, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
March 1st and our first snowstorm here in upstate NY!
Mar 1, 2012
Mary n Jesse
Saw this on the Essex FB page. I think Jesse is finding a way to get into pictures! What a ham...
Mar 1, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
I saw this pic this morning Mary and said again..."there's our Jesse"
Nice!!
Mar 1, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
Mary - I'm beginning to think he's friends with the MC on board;) Great pic!
Cathy - glad you were the one with the snow!
Mar 1, 2012
Mary n Jesse
That's funny cathy...(some days... you can have him!) LOL
Mar 1, 2012
Mary n Jesse
Sharon, he will be 23...some troubles still for him, but getting a little better. put it this way, it will be an improvement for him to get his "white card" back or even Alpha liberty! Now I've learned a new one, it's some sort of charlie restriction thing... dang kid.
Mar 1, 2012
Mary n Jesse
oh - and we want him to go with the plan, stay in and stay on track with BHR, and I think he is coming around to agreeing that he should do that. He loves his work, so he needs to stay strong and continue with this path.
Mar 1, 2012
Mary n Jesse
Me too, Marianne! Jeff said, "he is been trying to get into a pic for 2 years, just watch - now he was in a few, so he probably won't be in any more" LOL
Mar 1, 2012
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
cathy-i want snow! haha i live in ohio. don't like the weather in ohio? stick around, it'll change...that's said of the weather here. it's been crazy. 60's, then 40's. ugh oh well, hope you like snow, cathy.
mary-some great people were born on march 9th...ahem...LOL
sharon-i thought about what you said about writing every week--you are too good! i try to get at least 1 package out per month. i have written hunter a couple of times, and i even included one of those surveys i've heard people write about that he can kind of answer with yes and no, and he hasn't even returned that! i even put in a SASE!!! that boy, so i guess we'll use technology to converse, except when we send a package of goodies. ha ha
still going crazy working every day. i am thankful my husband has a decent job which allows me to work only part time. so, needless to say, my house is lacking in the area of cleanliness. we do good to have clean clothes and clean dishes. hehe
have a great day/evening, all.
Mar 1, 2012
Mary n Jesse
kyann, your fb doesn't have a bday! that is really cool!! jesse's gonna love that. he has been into horoscopes and stuff lately for some reason.
Jesse's shop has had its share of troubles lately! between sailors getting kicked out with less than 6 months to go, and now one of my girls had the tip of her finger cut off! hope the bhr brings better luck
Mar 2, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
YIKES, Mary, what happens that a sailor gets kicked out with less than 6 months to go? And ouch...hope her finger is OK
Mar 2, 2012
Mary n Jesse
I guess, cathy "stuff" happens, lol -
better not happen to my sailor, I will kick his butt!
Mar 2, 2012
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
mary-no, i don't have it on fb. hehe
thanks, sharon. i don't need to celebrate it anymore. haha
hope none of our sailors get kicked out!
Mar 2, 2012
Mary n Jesse
Hi Moms, my new friend on fb (that I told you about), sent me a note that there are t-shirts available that have both ships on them (hull swap 2012). They are $13/each if you buy multiple t-shirts or $15 for one. You can "Like" the BHR family page on FB or just send an email to them if you would like to purchase. I will post the link to their page (the pic of the tshirt is in their profile pics). I can post a pic too. standby...
https://www.facebook.com/media/albums/?id=193191604066861#!/pages/U...
Mar 3, 2012
Mary n Jesse
Hull Swap Tshirts for purchase...
Mar 3, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
I was curious about the white card, charlie, etc., so this is what I found out.
White card is out until midnight in civis
Alpha is leave in uniform but have to come back
Bravo has to leave in uniform with an escort
Charlie is stuck on board and have to muster
Restriction is muster several times a day, and extra duty(the worst)
Mar 4, 2012
happyclime
We will be having the Commemorative Hull Swap tee shirts for sale in June. They will come in red and navy, so you can order from the USS ESSEX F/F/A FB page. There are two events posted. The tee shirt sale (which will also be a fund raiser.) And, the Adopt A Sailor event for Christmas. Some of the tee shirt money will be used to adopt Sailors...
Mar 4, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
KimT, glad to hear you and your family are safe! Can't wait to hear all about Hans' homecoming!
Tina, thanks for the update on Jamie. Glad to hear he is doing well.
Take care all and Happy Monday!
Mar 5, 2012
Mary n Jesse
We are gonna make a picture poster of Jesse with a white card stuck to his forehead, saying "White Card for life, baby!" and underneath..."Don't be THAT guy"
Or maybe one that says "Blue Card Envy"
told him he'll probably get his blue card for his last couple weeks in the navy. He's been in almost 2 years
I think he's done with Charlie. that one sucked.
have a great day, everyone
Mar 6, 2012
happyclime
Mar 6, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
Happyclime, I am sending prayers your way.
Mary, Jesse will be fine. Some take longer to find their way than others. I found that to be true with my oldest son. He made some wrong decisions and a couple of detours along the way. But he has learned some valuable life lessons and he's a wonderful, caring, loving, young man.
Take care all!
Mar 6, 2012
Kim
Tina, thanks for the update.
KimTN, so glad you are safe. I look forward to Hans adventures.
Happyclime, prayers are free and never too much to ask for. I would never think anyone is selfish to ask for prayers. I am confused, if he is in ROTC, why are you paying? I have no clue how it works.
I am a little confused about the cards. My son never mentioned them (not that he communicates) and he was allowed to stay out when he first arrived in Japan. Is that because he was over 21 or because he was E4?
Speaking of school and next assignments. Jonathan finally went to check his transcript. He has one class to earn his Associate degree. They came up with a plan for him to earn his degree while in the navy. He has one more year on this assignment and then shore duty. His plan is to apply for officer after his shore duty. He wants to save his GI bill for his children. I'm praying for grandchildren.
Mar 6, 2012
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
hi, happy! i am wondering if you are the site admin of the FB page, or has that already been stated? anyway, you sound familiar. hope things turn around and that you don't have to sell all your sentimental stuff.
glad you are safe, too, kim.
sharon, i am pretty sure someone sent me a message on FB of where to send money for the shirts. when i see it, i will fwd it on to you. i can't wait to get a shirt! i'm excited. i saw where some of the people who have sailors on the BHR are sad they are losing "their" ship. hmmm
ohio weather--thunderstorms, then snow, then 60's...don't like the weather here? stick around, it'll change! :)
have a great day, all!
Mar 7, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
Hi Ladies. . .I’m wondering if any of you have had to deal with a request for emergency leave or a death or serious illness in your family while your sailor has been in the Navy. Sorry this is long, but thanks for listening....
I had written about a month ago or so about my uncle's diagnosis of end stage cirrohsis and liver cancer. He continues to have good and bad days. He has lost an enormous amount of weight the past few weeks which is from the meds he has to take for his amonia levels so that he won't slip into a coma. We were also told that his cancer cells are burning an enormous amount of calories too. Per Josh's request, I have been sending him regular updates. He seems to think that he might be able to get emergency leave granted. I told him that I didn't know if the Navy would consider a great uncle as immediate family. He talked to someone there and said that I should contact the Ombudsman - which I did. I wanted to start inquiring as early as possible since we just don’t know. She has been very responsive and helpful and much appreciated! She outlined the following things that are taken into consideration
1. Seriousness of the situation/health of the family member
2. Relationship of the Sailor to the person in question (i.e., parent, siblings, child, spouse, grandparent, etc.)
3. Needs of the Navy, needs of the ship, needs of the division (I know this sounds harsh but it's part of the process)
4. Where are they if they're underway and can they get the Sailor out quickly or at all
She also suggested that I contact the Red Cross to start the communications going now.
So late last night before giving Josh the info from the ombudsman, I received an email from him responding to my latest update on my uncle. He was so sweet and was anxious to hear what I learned from the Ombudsman. He asked me to tell Uncle Floyd that he loved him very much and that he wants to see him again before anything bad happens and to hang in there and he misses him. UGH...I burst into tears.
He was still on line when I forwarded him the information from the Ombudsman and wrote back that he doubts he would be granted leave of something happened during the hull swap. I wish I could have been there to HUG him!!
FYI, he’s kind of a private person and probably wouldn’t appreciate me sharing this with all of you. . ..but I needed this :-)
I also told him that the Ombudsman suggested he make his LPO or LCPO aware of the situation so that there would be support for him there– which he said he would.
It must be so difficult for our sons and daughters when something like this happens.
Take care,
Cathy
Mar 7, 2012
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
lol, thanks, reeniegalla, i thought so.
cathy, i am glad you put that on here, too, because hunter has a cousin who is pretty close that has had health issues since birth and has just received some bad news and i was wondering if something happened to her if hunter would be allowed to come home. she wasn't expected to live as long as she has, so we never really know what the Lord has in store for her life. :)
Mar 7, 2012
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
oh, maureen, you are too funny!!!! i knew you had something about your name on here, but i don't have time to go back through all the comments. lol by the way, thanks, again, for the address!
Mar 7, 2012