Michelle-I don't think our son has ever been able to take all of his annual leave. When we were there last month he was taking 4 days leave over a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in an attempt to use it up. Of course he went in to the squadron on Friday and Monday but he said at least he had some control over when he could go home.
James, did you really? That would be so cool! We almost got our DS back to the local airport but they had mechanical trouble and had to turn back. Maybe next time!
Michelle, it seems like there's always something that precludes our DS from taking much leave--typically training related. I don't think he's lost any, though.
Deployment is difficult. The timing does not always work. DS almost missed his brothers wedding because of typhoons, earthquakes, and unavailability of tankers. We were fortunate DS arrived Tuesday for a Wednesday wedding.
The Navy is not always easy for families.
If they are in work ups for deployment, leave will be very limited which may result in loosing some. Time off is rare during training as well. It's all about mission critical.
Crossing my fingers! DS has a cross country planned next weekend...to our Alma Mater for Military Appreciation Day. His wife is flying in commercial; and we are driving 14 hours just so we can see him land his F18! He's had to jump through all sorts of hoops to make this happen. He told us that even if he takes off, there's always the possibility that the jet won't start after they land mid-way for fuel. Most people think we are nuts for going, and they are probably right!
For anyone thinking of Christmas gifts for their LOs: anticipating upcoming workups from the ship, last Christmas time I gave my DS a pure beech jersey knit twin extra long sheet set & pillow/mattress protectors (from BB&B). He has had several chances to make use of them (along with the memory foam mattress top that he bought). Just recently he asked where I got the sheets so he could get an additional set of sheets. "So comfy!," he said. Made this Mom's heart happy to think that at the end of a mission, her DS could be cozily tucked in for a good night's rest before the next venture out.
I don't know of a group for helo pilot moms, though I am a helo pilot mom. I live in Kent, Washington and my LO is in San Diego. How about you and your LO?
I am so glad to see all the responses from helo moms. My DS is currently in JAX and will be going to Atsugi, Japan in the spring. We are from Athens, Ga
DaleAndrea: My DS was at Atsugi for three years. It is actually a nice posting and is a joint Japanese-American base. It's only 20 min. by train to Yokohama, and another 20 min. from there to Tokyo.
Base housing is very limited, but the housing allowance is generous and the Housing group is very helpful. My DS rented a house for two years with another aviator and then got an apartment when his roomie got married.
One caveat - it sometimes takes quite a while for their personal goods to get there. DS was moving from Norfolk, and it was about 3 months. Housing has furniture they lend out in the interim. He should take all the clothes, etc. that he'll need.
Wow! Welcome all you helo moms! Our representation in this group has been pretty thin over the years. NavyBratNavyMom - I have never been able find a group of helo moms but I haven't looked lately. My DS is in Coronado with his family.
Parv 44 - Our daughter was a Seahawk in 1992 while she was in calibration school on North Island! This is our son's third trip thru NASNI. He has never been with the Seahawks though.
Campbellm - We live in Kitsap County near Poulsbo. Our DS is a helo pilot on Coronado (San Diego) too! They have been there for three years, he was deployed for almost one of them. They love that area.
I got my Christmas present early. Our son has his next orders in hand and will be remaining on Coronado until March 2020. They are staying on the west coast! Woohooo!
Suzie, sorry to hear about the added stress...and yes, it sure means some extra time on your part, but glad you are able to support him! I think of you often and am sending warm thoughts to you and your family.
We were able to spend Thanksgiving with our DS and one of his AF buddies (from back at Vance) was able to join us for dinner. She flies the great big refueling aircraft. Because DS was leaving right away for training at Fallon and the work ups for the boat make for such long days, we ended up flying back with his dog. I guess she's mine for about the next year and a half! He will be home for a week at Christmas and I'm very, very grateful for that. Next year will be different.
I don't know how I missed this group when I went searching for support for moms back in June '16. My son deployed & my new daughter (his wife) said she didn't think any squadron news was applicable to moms. I know she meant well, and she is young, yet anything is like a breadcrumb for the soul. I live in Chicago and he's out of Oceana- F/A18Cs.
I SO wish I had somehow found you guys. My heart is so physically and emotionally wrung out. I get daily Foreign Policy Magazine briefs & Navy News just to "know" and be able to "be" with him. I didn't know how to do it better. Some said not to read those, but it is worse for me not knowing & I learned a lot about many countries politics, etc, so it isn't all bad. He is not back but we have spoken with him in different ways which is extremely joyous. My daughter (in law) has been doing so well...we keep in touch at least weekly...she is not at base & far from us too.
I wish I had had your input and comments these months on just the "knowing" which no one understands in my family system or my larger community. Of course, being an Army vet, my husband does not relate completely.
I tried to write to get it out on paper, but my emotions are frozen inside for now...it is lonely, terrifying territory.
I find it hard to fathom that other family members have told me often that it's not different from a policeman or fireman. I cannot say anything to this...it isn't worth the effort to explain because you just have to KNOW.
I am heartened by finding you today...a Christmas present.
Happy holidays everyone.
Rade, our DS is also deployed out of Oceana, flying F/A-18F aboard the IKE. Having email exchanges and calls when in port has really helped, though some days are hard. We're heading down for the fly-in, just counting the days.
Suzie - my NFO wasn't able to communicate much when he left US for his ship - boarded it while underway. Communications were hard - very limited. When he got back I asked if there was anything he would like for his next round. He said not really but then I mentioned that I had seen knit extra long twin sheet sets recommended on this site and he said that would be something he would like. Plan to get him a set before he goes out again.
Suzie - I agree about the sheets! Some other ideas that have gone over well with my DS were magazines (all types for the wardroom), socks (he swore the laundry shrank them), snacks, and DVDs
I collected magazines from a number of friends; the military boxes from the U.S.P.S. make it reasonable to send heavy things because it is a flat rate per size. You can even get the boxes delivered to your home.
Pick snacks that travel well; others have told me that chocolate ends up a gooey mess. Jerky, hot sauces, hard candy, all made it fine for the 3 years he was deployed.
Suzie, he'll love whatever you send. I forgot to add that the DVDs are great in the ready room, too. I think the favorite set was the Terminator marathon!
Another idea is small games, cards, etc. I once sent 4 wind-up mice as a joke, and my DS thought I was crazy, but they ended up having races with them! Ha ha, Mom is right again!
Yes, the jersey knit sheets (twin XL) have scored well with our DS. :-D He has requested cookies, also beef jerky, for care package items. Has anyone sent flash drives loaded with movies, podcasts, and such? Figure with limited access, he can still have that type of stuff to watch on his laptop.
Wow Susie, you rock! Great ideas and resources. Happy Valentines Day to all You lovely Navy moms, especially to those whose loved ones are deployed. Our hearts travel with them every day.
Kama, Just a few things. If you can edit your post, I would remove the info about his deployment and where he is headed. This falls into OPSEC rules, which is for our LOs safety. As far as the financial aspects, he will be briefed on making sure someone has a Specific POA (power of attorney) prior to his deployment in order to assist with things i.e. financial. If they live together, he would probably want to consider auto pay or setting up the stipend to her account so she can pay the bills. Contact can be limited but it all depends on a lot of things we can't/shouldn't discuss in an open forum.
My son's first deployment is upcoming. I need some help knowing how to set up financial support for his bills and what you do to send packages. Some tips would be much appreciated. Thanks. My email is kamajama@comcast.net if you can share your personal tips with us. Thank you!
My DS is also preparing for his first deployment. We are so glad that we will be able to head out to spend some time with him and our DIL beforehand. I am so grateful for a welcoming and unselfish DIL,who encouraged our visit.
I will be rereading this thread but would love any additional advice in making the transition 'easier for him, for her...for us.
Thoughts on cell phone service, as he is still on my plan. Our service provider said to shut him down from satellite to wifi only. Anyone have experience with that?
Hi, my son is currently in Pensacola. He is in his Pre-Flight Indoctrination? All I know it is whatever you do before the instructor led courses for the Cessna. He has two exams left. Any advice appreciated. I really don't get much out of my son.
My DS is off to Japan sometime in the near future. Can anyone give advice for staying in touch. I know we can email and Skype but what about FaceTime? And phone calls? Any help would be appreciated.Proudmom
Proudmom, Japan can be tricky because of the 16 hr. difference and the fact that they are one hour ahead. We pre-arranged times for SKYPE and used Facebook. Email is one of the best because they can pick it up on the ship, where OPSEC and limited bandwith nix phone calls, etc.
Lots of packages helped me feel connected; those military mailers from the USPS are the best because there is no additional cost for FPO and no weight limit.
Just a couple of suggestions on the logistical things. Our son was deployed on the IKE that returned last December. With Verizon you can "suspend" and "un-suspend" his phone at will from their web site. This is a benefit they offer to deployed servicepeople. This way you are not paying for service when he is on a boat, but it can be "un-suspended" when he is in port. Depending on the country of the port call the cost can be small or large for cell service -- again that's all spelled out on their web site under "International Roaming."
Second -- most post offices will tell you to send packages using Priority Mail. What they won't tell you about (because you have to luck into someone that knows about it) is that that they have a service called "Regional Rate Priority Mail." If you are within a certain zip code range of the FPO zip code you can use this instead of the full-price Priority Mail. It has its own boxes, and they don't have them in the Post Office - you have to order them (for free) from the USPS web site. The cost per package is about 1/2 to 2/3 of the regular Priority Mail, and it goes in the same stream. It's a little bit of a challenge to find out about it on the USPS web site, but if you stick to it you can save a bunch, especially if you send a lot of packages (and they love getting stuff, even if it's nothing significant).
We use ATT, and it sounds like the plan is very much like Verizon's. They did not mention anything about unsuspending it until he gets back to the States.
My brother was stationed in Afganistan YEARS ago and we just used our regular service...at that point an International plan was no big deal but it wasn't even suggested this time.
DS said he would be able to FaceTime or Skype occasionally, he will be on a cruiser so will apparently in and out of ports periodically. I just wondered if everyone suspended their service or if there were other options out there!
Hello lovely navy moms, especially proud mom. My DS just returning from Japan adventure. FaceTime worked great, he usually had time to talk on the weekends. iPhone for texting. I purchased a clock to set to Japan time to keep in our kitchen. I had to check out the clocks at Walmart carefully because many are atomic clocks that reset to local time, tricky to find a manual-set one. Just kind of a nice thing for me. We also sent a few fun care packages, priority mail, use the large one that gets a little military discount with USPS.
It's never easy for the moms to have their LO so far away. God bless your family, fair winds and following seas to your DS
Sending warm Palm Sunday wishes to everyone. Lots of activity with our LO's this weekend. Saying extra prayers for their safety. Our DS is back out on CQ's. He just passed his LSO, so that was cool and his CO was just named CO of the Blue Angels! Hoping the sunshine is bright where you are!
Michelle
Is it very common to not be able to schedule, and then lose leave time? I'm wondering if others run into this issue.
Oct 18, 2016
Helomom
Oct 18, 2016
Barb
James, did you really? That would be so cool! We almost got our DS back to the local airport but they had mechanical trouble and had to turn back. Maybe next time!
Michelle, it seems like there's always something that precludes our DS from taking much leave--typically training related. I don't think he's lost any, though.
Oct 18, 2016
JudyM
The Navy is not always easy for families.
Oct 18, 2016
Hurricane
Oct 18, 2016
CheriH
Crossing my fingers! DS has a cross country planned next weekend...to our Alma Mater for Military Appreciation Day. His wife is flying in commercial; and we are driving 14 hours just so we can see him land his F18! He's had to jump through all sorts of hoops to make this happen. He told us that even if he takes off, there's always the possibility that the jet won't start after they land mid-way for fuel. Most people think we are nuts for going, and they are probably right!
Nov 6, 2016
Rose
For anyone thinking of Christmas gifts for their LOs: anticipating upcoming workups from the ship, last Christmas time I gave my DS a pure beech jersey knit twin extra long sheet set & pillow/mattress protectors (from BB&B). He has had several chances to make use of them (along with the memory foam mattress top that he bought). Just recently he asked where I got the sheets so he could get an additional set of sheets. "So comfy!," he said. Made this Mom's heart happy to think that at the end of a mission, her DS could be cozily tucked in for a good night's rest before the next venture out.
Dec 5, 2016
HeloPilotMom
Is there a group just for helo pilot moms?
Dec 6, 2016
campbellm
I don't know of a group for helo pilot moms, though I am a helo pilot mom. I live in Kent, Washington and my LO is in San Diego. How about you and your LO?
Dec 6, 2016
Parv
I'm a helo pilot mom as well. I live in Avon Lake, OH and my LO is in Atsugi, Japan; was in San Diego for about a year prior.
Dec 6, 2016
naturegirl1
Parv, my son is also helo pilot. He is also in Atsugi. just went Dec. 1
Dec 6, 2016
naturegirl1
we live in North Carolina
Dec 6, 2016
peachstatemom
Dec 6, 2016
motherof2dragons
Another Georgia helo mom here. My DS is in Guam.
Dec 6, 2016
Marianne
DaleAndrea: My DS was at Atsugi for three years. It is actually a nice posting and is a joint Japanese-American base. It's only 20 min. by train to Yokohama, and another 20 min. from there to Tokyo.
Base housing is very limited, but the housing allowance is generous and the Housing group is very helpful. My DS rented a house for two years with another aviator and then got an apartment when his roomie got married.
One caveat - it sometimes takes quite a while for their personal goods to get there. DS was moving from Norfolk, and it was about 3 months. Housing has furniture they lend out in the interim. He should take all the clothes, etc. that he'll need.
Dec 6, 2016
Helomom
Dec 6, 2016
CathieRenee
Motherof2dragons... Is your name a reference to the MH53E Sea Dragon helicopter?
Dec 6, 2016
Parv
DaleAndrea: My DS really likes Japan! Loves sushi, haha.
Helomom: My DS was a Seahawk for about a year on North Island
Dec 6, 2016
Helomom
Dec 6, 2016
motherof2dragons
CathieRenee -- Haha, but no. My "name" is a Game of Thrones reference, except that I only have 2 sometimes uncontrollable offspring.
Dec 6, 2016
HeloMOM2016
I am a Helo mom...my DS is at Jax and he is loving is new squadron
Dec 6, 2016
Helomom
Dec 9, 2016
Helomom
Dec 9, 2016
Helomom
Dec 11, 2016
Parv
Helomom - That's great news! So happy for you :-)
Dec 11, 2016
Barb
Helomom, that is awesome news! Merry Christmas!
Suzie, sorry to hear about the added stress...and yes, it sure means some extra time on your part, but glad you are able to support him! I think of you often and am sending warm thoughts to you and your family.
We were able to spend Thanksgiving with our DS and one of his AF buddies (from back at Vance) was able to join us for dinner. She flies the great big refueling aircraft. Because DS was leaving right away for training at Fallon and the work ups for the boat make for such long days, we ended up flying back with his dog. I guess she's mine for about the next year and a half! He will be home for a week at Christmas and I'm very, very grateful for that. Next year will be different.
Wishing all of you warm and wonderful holidays!
Dec 12, 2016
rade
I SO wish I had somehow found you guys. My heart is so physically and emotionally wrung out. I get daily Foreign Policy Magazine briefs & Navy News just to "know" and be able to "be" with him. I didn't know how to do it better. Some said not to read those, but it is worse for me not knowing & I learned a lot about many countries politics, etc, so it isn't all bad. He is not back but we have spoken with him in different ways which is extremely joyous. My daughter (in law) has been doing so well...we keep in touch at least weekly...she is not at base & far from us too.
I wish I had had your input and comments these months on just the "knowing" which no one understands in my family system or my larger community. Of course, being an Army vet, my husband does not relate completely.
I tried to write to get it out on paper, but my emotions are frozen inside for now...it is lonely, terrifying territory.
I find it hard to fathom that other family members have told me often that it's not different from a policeman or fireman. I cannot say anything to this...it isn't worth the effort to explain because you just have to KNOW.
I am heartened by finding you today...a Christmas present.
Dec 24, 2016
NFAO
Rade, our DS is also deployed out of Oceana, flying F/A-18F aboard the IKE. Having email exchanges and calls when in port has really helped, though some days are hard. We're heading down for the fly-in, just counting the days.
Dec 24, 2016
rade
I went to my profile, & in 2009 I joined but completely forgot and didn't find this group this time!
I will now keep up!
Merry Christmas to all!
Dec 24, 2016
Marmie
Suzie - my NFO wasn't able to communicate much when he left US for his ship - boarded it while underway. Communications were hard - very limited. When he got back I asked if there was anything he would like for his next round. He said not really but then I mentioned that I had seen knit extra long twin sheet sets recommended on this site and he said that would be something he would like. Plan to get him a set before he goes out again.
Jan 24, 2017
Marianne
Suzie - I agree about the sheets! Some other ideas that have gone over well with my DS were magazines (all types for the wardroom), socks (he swore the laundry shrank them), snacks, and DVDs
I collected magazines from a number of friends; the military boxes from the U.S.P.S. make it reasonable to send heavy things because it is a flat rate per size. You can even get the boxes delivered to your home.
Pick snacks that travel well; others have told me that chocolate ends up a gooey mess. Jerky, hot sauces, hard candy, all made it fine for the 3 years he was deployed.
Jan 24, 2017
Marianne
Suzie, he'll love whatever you send. I forgot to add that the DVDs are great in the ready room, too. I think the favorite set was the Terminator marathon!
Another idea is small games, cards, etc. I once sent 4 wind-up mice as a joke, and my DS thought I was crazy, but they ended up having races with them! Ha ha, Mom is right again!
Jan 25, 2017
Rose
Jan 25, 2017
ulua
Feb 14, 2017
Barb
Suzie, that is awesome! Great ideas, thank you. I am anxious to learn more when you hear from him. Happy Valentine's Day to all.
Feb 14, 2017
jsefamily
I love and appreciate all the ideas! Thank you, ladies!
Feb 14, 2017
Hurricane
Kama, Just a few things. If you can edit your post, I would remove the info about his deployment and where he is headed. This falls into OPSEC rules, which is for our LOs safety. As far as the financial aspects, he will be briefed on making sure someone has a Specific POA (power of attorney) prior to his deployment in order to assist with things i.e. financial. If they live together, he would probably want to consider auto pay or setting up the stipend to her account so she can pay the bills. Contact can be limited but it all depends on a lot of things we can't/shouldn't discuss in an open forum.
Mar 28, 2017
Kama
Thank you Hurricane...I didn't know. I appreciate it. I deleted it and will repost with no info.
Mar 29, 2017
Kama
My son's first deployment is upcoming. I need some help knowing how to set up financial support for his bills and what you do to send packages. Some tips would be much appreciated. Thanks. My email is kamajama@comcast.net if you can share your personal tips with us. Thank you!
Mar 29, 2017
BuckeyeMom
I will be rereading this thread but would love any additional advice in making the transition 'easier for him, for her...for us.
Thoughts on cell phone service, as he is still on my plan. Our service provider said to shut him down from satellite to wifi only. Anyone have experience with that?
Mar 29, 2017
Gina Mills
Mar 29, 2017
proudmom
My DS is off to Japan sometime in the near future. Can anyone give advice for staying in touch. I know we can email and Skype but what about FaceTime? And phone calls? Any help would be appreciated.Proudmom
Mar 29, 2017
proudmom
Just posted but forgot to include my email.
Please respond to maggie.geis798@gmail.com
Mar 29, 2017
Marianne
Proudmom, Japan can be tricky because of the 16 hr. difference and the fact that they are one hour ahead. We pre-arranged times for SKYPE and used Facebook. Email is one of the best because they can pick it up on the ship, where OPSEC and limited bandwith nix phone calls, etc.
Lots of packages helped me feel connected; those military mailers from the USPS are the best because there is no additional cost for FPO and no weight limit.
Mar 29, 2017
Marianne
Oops - Japan is 16 hrs, but also one DAY ahead. Sorry for the confusion.
Mar 29, 2017
JudyM
My son has been to Japan twice. Viber works great for messaging.
Mar 29, 2017
NFAO
Just a couple of suggestions on the logistical things. Our son was deployed on the IKE that returned last December. With Verizon you can "suspend" and "un-suspend" his phone at will from their web site. This is a benefit they offer to deployed servicepeople. This way you are not paying for service when he is on a boat, but it can be "un-suspended" when he is in port. Depending on the country of the port call the cost can be small or large for cell service -- again that's all spelled out on their web site under "International Roaming."
Second -- most post offices will tell you to send packages using Priority Mail. What they won't tell you about (because you have to luck into someone that knows about it) is that that they have a service called "Regional Rate Priority Mail." If you are within a certain zip code range of the FPO zip code you can use this instead of the full-price Priority Mail. It has its own boxes, and they don't have them in the Post Office - you have to order them (for free) from the USPS web site. The cost per package is about 1/2 to 2/3 of the regular Priority Mail, and it goes in the same stream. It's a little bit of a challenge to find out about it on the USPS web site, but if you stick to it you can save a bunch, especially if you send a lot of packages (and they love getting stuff, even if it's nothing significant).
Mar 29, 2017
BuckeyeMom
We use ATT, and it sounds like the plan is very much like Verizon's. They did not mention anything about unsuspending it until he gets back to the States.
My brother was stationed in Afganistan YEARS ago and we just used our regular service...at that point an International plan was no big deal but it wasn't even suggested this time.
DS said he would be able to FaceTime or Skype occasionally, he will be on a cruiser so will apparently in and out of ports periodically. I just wondered if everyone suspended their service or if there were other options out there!
Mar 29, 2017
ulua
It's never easy for the moms to have their LO so far away. God bless your family, fair winds and following seas to your DS
Mar 30, 2017
Barb
Apr 9, 2017