Lisbeth: My son did just the opposite of yours in June. He drove from Norfolk to Whidbey Island, WA. He had his wife with him, who could share driving duties, so I didn't worry as much as if he were by himself. He bought a trailer in VA and loaded it up with all their stuff, and hauled it behind his 4WD pickup. He said the Navy would pay him so much per pound to move his own belongings plus a mileage rate. He got the trailer weighed empty, then weighed it when he got to WA, and then turned in the voucher. He then sold the trailer for about what he paid for it to someone else who was moving. So he actually made money for moving his own stuff, but he had to drag that trailer all across the continent and through the Rocky Mountains. They sold his wife's junker car in VA before they left, with plans to buy her something else when they got to WA, so they only had to move one vehicle.
Hi RhondaLou, my son is NFO in P'cola. He's been there since early June (graduated OCS 31May) and likes it. We're a Chicago-area family so lack of cool weather has been a welcome change for him. They will wear their khakis until they graduate API at which time they are presented with their flight suits. LOADS of studying coming up! Best of luck to your LO!
My daughter is also in P'cola training for NFO. KathyA what phase is your son in? Daughter is taking her checkride today for VNAV and then finishes Primary 1.
RhondaLou,
He will get some time to enjoy the beaches still. I got to visit there in November and it was still warm and very pleasant!!!! They get fitted for their flight suits but can't wear them until they pass API as Kathy mentioned. It's a big celebration when they get Flight Suit Friday!!!!!
He just began Primary yesterday . Hope your daughter's checkride went well! How exciting for her! Bit of a scare yesterday with that training flight...
for the cake/pie in a jar - look on the USS Comstock group page -- a mom posted the directions in the discussion portion when my SWO son was deployed in 2011 - didn't personally make any but some others did and they turned out great- good luck.
Thanks, kab.
Now another question. A couple of years ago, I was able to buy NEX gift cards online even though I'm a civilian. Now my son wants some (from various family members) for his birthday, but I can't find a way to buy them online. Does anyone know if that's still possible? I guess the alternative is to get prepaid VISA cards. They work at the NEX, don't they?
If she's looking for an enlisted pea coat, she can buy one at the NEX or order it through the NEX online. Pea coats are not issued to officers and she can't wear it on base or in uniform, but if she's looking for a pea coat style dress coat, sorry can't help you there!!!!!!!
Bake a ton of stuff. Took four days to get it all cooked and baked. Sent out 22 trays of goodies like this. Have just enough for the house for over the Christmas holiday.
Plus the bridge coat has the straps for the shoulder boards that show their rank. All the midshipmen were wearing them at the Army Navy game - where Navy won again for the 12th straight year!!!!!
Alaskan Mom..If she needs to have a pea-coat, have her ask her CO where to get one. That's the best way...then she won't get into any trouble. Watching her P's and Q's at this point in her service is the best thing. Then it will be in regulation, no guess work whether it is the right kind or not.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas...I'm off on Holiday in a couple of days...
Here we are on a beautiful sunny day - LZ, JudyM and Paymaster along with our friend Wanda helping out at the National Veterans cemetery in Dixon, CA. Helping with Wreath's Across America.
Officer / Enlisted Fraternization??? I hope someone can give me some info to help my daughter and her bf. They have been talking about getting married but there is one big fly in the ointment. She is going to commission as an Ensign in the Navy soon and he is a Cpl in the USMC. They have asked within their chain of commands and gotten conflicting answers. The regs seem to say that there is an exemption for relationships prior to commissioning (as in an existing MARRIAGE, not just a dating relationship) and it doesn't seem to matter that they are in different branches and could never be within the same chain of command. Are their only options really to get married quickly or break off the relationship for 4 years? Any advice or experiences? Thanks!
Lori4629....Boy is that a loaded question. I know it has been done, that they marry before the commission. It is very difficult on the couple. They are often not stationed together or near by. They will have different social circles and they will not be able to blend their friends. A lot will depend on what their goals are???? Short and long term. Sorry I am not more help.
Have them talk to their respected chaplains. I know of a couple in a similar situation and they were told encouraging information. Especially when completely different branches are involved and there is no way they will ever be in the same chain of command. They could also talk to a jag lawyer to get their opinion. Both of those suggestions would be required to keep what they are told confidential. However, getting stationed together could be tough!!!
Lori4629....as a mother of a Commander, I know that it is very difficult. It gets worse after they have a child! Higher ranking officers are NOT allowed to socialize with lower class officers, including the children. My daughter-in-law had a child later in life so this became a big problem when it came time for the child to play with other children their age since most of the kids have parents that are much younger on the base. It is a mess! Good luck! Love can always wait and it strenghtens the relationship if it is true love.
Hi Traycee! Some suggest a POA but my single sailor didn't want one. Just make sure you are on the ombudsman's list. Also my son arranges to have all of his bills paid automatically and gets his car ready to sit in deployed parking. He puts something in the fuel, puts extra air in the tires, disconnects the battery, and once he used a car cover but it blew off. (Even with lots of straps) I always send a few cards in his sea bag and the Ombudsman will let you know about a halfway bag. Your daughter is lucky to be going out for the first time as a LT. Mine is a LT and he is on his fourth sub deployment. That's all I can remember but maybe others can chime in!
Our son was (and is) single also, but the POA came in handy while he was deployed previously, and he plans to get one again this time. We used it for various things such as when the post office messed up his mail, to get Verizon to suspend his service (he deployed in a hurry and didn't get to do everything), and to deal with a fraudulent charge that came in on his credit card while he was gone.
Traycee....A POA is a must, yes make sure you are on the Ombudsman's list. If they are renting have them give your contact information to the landlord/manager.
I always like to print off a sheet of their deployed address. I give several labels to the grandparents, as they often have difficulty with the address, also to the younger children. I carry several individual pre-printed mailing labels in my purse, that way when I see that old friend or classmate and they want you to tell them they said hello, I hand them a mailing label and tell them they would love to hear from them directly. If they are single I also put greeting cards in their goodie box, so they can send them out to important people for those birthdays, and other holidays they will miss. The other is get a supply of flat rate boxes, custom forms and mailing labels from the post office ( you can order them on line). Something I have been doing for years is saving my desk calendar pages (the ones with cartoons on them). When I don't have much to say I cut the date off and put the cartoon in. One time when my son was deployed it became the squadron tradition to check out the cartoon of the day. Good luck to you and your child on this deployment. Far winds and following seas.
Wow sub deployments are so different. Interesting! We have to send everything ahead of time since it has to be on board when they leave. Space is so limited so everything has to be small. There is a very occasional mail drop when a sailor is meeting the sub so he carries letters to the crew. This is just FYI for sub parents/ spouses that are reading.
You definitely want to get the ombudsman's contact info and get yourself added to the family readiness group email list. You can also check Facebook to see if there is a group for the families. The Fleet and Family Support Center for the base can give you the info if your daughter doesn't know it. They can also send you a checklist of things you should know before deployment. Navy Legal cautions service members about giving general powers of attorney because there have been many cases of identity theft perpetrated by family members. You may want to get a specific POA if you know you will be handling taxes or other transactions.
One of my husband's favorite things to take on deployment was a memory jar. We filled a small jar with slips of paper containing family jokes, stories or words that triggered favorite memories. He could pull one out and be instantly transported to that time and place. When he was on subs I sent him a pillowcase with a favorite photo silkscreened on it. It took no space and made him feel connected to us.
The best part about deployment? Homecoming! Get ready for the greatest day ever!
Hi I am a new officer navy mom. My son is stationed in Yokosuka Japan and currently lives off base and does not have a car. I have a question on shipping items to his townhouse address. Any suggestions on least expensive package shipping. There are several large boxes ( 24x24x18"). Thank you in advance for any help
When things were shipped to my Japanese apartment, I had to go to the Japanese post office to pick them up. Not an easy feat. Your best bet may be to mail them to his ship or see if he has friends on base who will accept a delivery. Our base in Sasebo also gave us a P.O. box; not sure how it works in Yokosuka. I woulda k about a P.O. box or the ship before sending it to his home.
The ombudsman is the Commanding Officer's representative to the families. S/he is appointed by the CO and remains in contact with the command even when the families are unable to communicate. There is significant training involved in this and ombudsmen devote a lot of time to handling issues for familiy members. Ombudsmen are usually spouses of enlisted sailors, although there may be commands where an officer's spouse fills the role. I was an ombudsman back in the 90s when my husband was on a submarine He was enlisted at that time and got his commission while at that command. The ombudsman has a phone line provided by the command; s/he usually provides an updated message every day and will take calls and questions on that line.
If you are looking for a way to stay informed about activities on the ship and for the command families, the Family Readiness Group is your best resource. The FRG organizer creates a distribution list to let family members know information about homecoming and any special events they may be organizing.
I know we are all always looking for that unique gift for our LOs. I ran across this through my DIL and thought I would share. Very Respectfully Made is the home business of a Navy spouse. http://www.veryrespectfullymade.bigcartel.com. There are some great pillows available, I think I'm going to be doing a lot of shopping.
Hi all! I'm a Mom of a Officer stationed in Pearl harbor. He is sub. He's been stationed there since Sept 2013. This is his first duty station. Looking for Sub Moms who's Officer is stationed in Hawaii. Guess we're not supposed to share which boat he is assigned? Looking for friends:-)
My son was a nuke officer stationed at Pearl. Just make sure your son gives the boat's ombudsman your contact info. My son's ombudsman created a secret group on Facebook (Family Readiness Group). That was where I got almost all my info. Families who lived in HI got together on a regular basis and organized Homecoming events. Many photos were posted. Even the CO posted a comment. Not every boat has a group (just depends on who is the ombudsman and volunteers). Find out who the ombudsman is and send her a request to join the group. Good luck.
I am a new Boot Camp Mom and have a 16 year old that has been invited to the Naval Summer Stem Program. Has anyone here been involved with the program?
M's mom
Lisbeth: My son did just the opposite of yours in June. He drove from Norfolk to Whidbey Island, WA. He had his wife with him, who could share driving duties, so I didn't worry as much as if he were by himself. He bought a trailer in VA and loaded it up with all their stuff, and hauled it behind his 4WD pickup. He said the Navy would pay him so much per pound to move his own belongings plus a mileage rate. He got the trailer weighed empty, then weighed it when he got to WA, and then turned in the voucher. He then sold the trailer for about what he paid for it to someone else who was moving. So he actually made money for moving his own stuff, but he had to drag that trailer all across the continent and through the Rocky Mountains. They sold his wife's junker car in VA before they left, with plans to buy her something else when they got to WA, so they only had to move one vehicle.
Nov 4, 2013
KathyA
Hi RhondaLou, my son is NFO in P'cola. He's been there since early June (graduated OCS 31May) and likes it. We're a Chicago-area family so lack of cool weather has been a welcome change for him. They will wear their khakis until they graduate API at which time they are presented with their flight suits. LOADS of studying coming up! Best of luck to your LO!
Nov 5, 2013
Anna
RhondaLou and Kathy A,
My daughter is also in P'cola training for NFO. KathyA what phase is your son in? Daughter is taking her checkride today for VNAV and then finishes Primary 1.
RhondaLou,
He will get some time to enjoy the beaches still. I got to visit there in November and it was still warm and very pleasant!!!! They get fitted for their flight suits but can't wear them until they pass API as Kathy mentioned. It's a big celebration when they get Flight Suit Friday!!!!!
Nov 5, 2013
KathyA
Hi Anna,
He just began Primary yesterday . Hope your daughter's checkride went well! How exciting for her! Bit of a scare yesterday with that training flight...
Nov 5, 2013
Anna
KathyA,
Yes, she passed and is now finished with Primary 1. Hopefully will be done with Primary 2 in a few weeks.
What did you hear about a scare with a training flight yesterday?
Nov 5, 2013
Anna
KathyA,
Disregard that last question - - I found the answer!!!
Nov 5, 2013
kab
for the cake/pie in a jar - look on the USS Comstock group page -- a mom posted the directions in the discussion portion when my SWO son was deployed in 2011 - didn't personally make any but some others did and they turned out great- good luck.
Nov 6, 2013
LindaB
Now another question. A couple of years ago, I was able to buy NEX gift cards online even though I'm a civilian. Now my son wants some (from various family members) for his birthday, but I can't find a way to buy them online. Does anyone know if that's still possible? I guess the alternative is to get prepaid VISA cards. They work at the NEX, don't they?
Nov 6, 2013
ChrisyDVM(Chris'sMom)
Congrats on having your son back, JAMI! How precious of a reunion that must have been w/ his wife and daughter!
Nov 22, 2013
NOAM
Awesome Jami! What a wonderful Thanksgiving blessing!
Nov 23, 2013
Anna
Alaskan Mom,
If she's looking for an enlisted pea coat, she can buy one at the NEX or order it through the NEX online. Pea coats are not issued to officers and she can't wear it on base or in uniform, but if she's looking for a pea coat style dress coat, sorry can't help you there!!!!!!!
Dec 13, 2013
Paymaster
Bake a ton of stuff. Took four days to get it all cooked and baked. Sent out 22 trays of goodies like this. Have just enough for the house for over the Christmas holiday.
Dec 14, 2013
OkSuzy
Dec 14, 2013
Anna
Paymaster,
Those look good!!!! I baked four batches of cookies and sent them to my sailor in Afghanistan!!
Don't Officers still wear bridge coats?? The heavy wool double breasted with gold buttons!
Dec 14, 2013
Anna
Plus the bridge coat has the straps for the shoulder boards that show their rank. All the midshipmen were wearing them at the Army Navy game - where Navy won again for the 12th straight year!!!!!
Dec 14, 2013
JJ
Alaskan Mom..If she needs to have a pea-coat, have her ask her CO where to get one. That's the best way...then she won't get into any trouble. Watching her P's and Q's at this point in her service is the best thing. Then it will be in regulation, no guess work whether it is the right kind or not.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas...I'm off on Holiday in a couple of days...
Dec 15, 2013
Paymaster
Here we are on a beautiful sunny day - LZ, JudyM and Paymaster along with our friend Wanda helping out at the National Veterans cemetery in Dixon, CA. Helping with Wreath's Across America.
Dec 15, 2013
Lori4629
Officer / Enlisted Fraternization??? I hope someone can give me some info to help my daughter and her bf. They have been talking about getting married but there is one big fly in the ointment. She is going to commission as an Ensign in the Navy soon and he is a Cpl in the USMC. They have asked within their chain of commands and gotten conflicting answers. The regs seem to say that there is an exemption for relationships prior to commissioning (as in an existing MARRIAGE, not just a dating relationship) and it doesn't seem to matter that they are in different branches and could never be within the same chain of command. Are their only options really to get married quickly or break off the relationship for 4 years? Any advice or experiences? Thanks!
Dec 29, 2013
Paymaster
Lori4629....Boy is that a loaded question. I know it has been done, that they marry before the commission. It is very difficult on the couple. They are often not stationed together or near by. They will have different social circles and they will not be able to blend their friends. A lot will depend on what their goals are???? Short and long term. Sorry I am not more help.
Dec 29, 2013
Anna
Lori4629,
Have them talk to their respected chaplains. I know of a couple in a similar situation and they were told encouraging information. Especially when completely different branches are involved and there is no way they will ever be in the same chain of command. They could also talk to a jag lawyer to get their opinion. Both of those suggestions would be required to keep what they are told confidential. However, getting stationed together could be tough!!!
Dec 30, 2013
Paymaster
You know its going to be a good day when your deployed child calls you first thing in the morning just to talk! Happy day:)
Jan 14, 2014
Anna
Happy Day indeed Paymaster!!!!
Jan 14, 2014
NOAM
those are THE best days Paymaster! Glad you got that call. :-)
Jan 15, 2014
Paymaster
Welcome DeeDeeJay15!
Jan 16, 2014
JJ
Lori4629....as a mother of a Commander, I know that it is very difficult. It gets worse after they have a child! Higher ranking officers are NOT allowed to socialize with lower class officers, including the children. My daughter-in-law had a child later in life so this became a big problem when it came time for the child to play with other children their age since most of the kids have parents that are much younger on the base. It is a mess! Good luck! Love can always wait and it strenghtens the relationship if it is true love.
Jan 16, 2014
Paymaster
Welcome NotBetty!
Jan 17, 2014
susank
Jan 18, 2014
LindaB
Jan 18, 2014
Paymaster
Traycee....A POA is a must, yes make sure you are on the Ombudsman's list. If they are renting have them give your contact information to the landlord/manager.
I always like to print off a sheet of their deployed address. I give several labels to the grandparents, as they often have difficulty with the address, also to the younger children. I carry several individual pre-printed mailing labels in my purse, that way when I see that old friend or classmate and they want you to tell them they said hello, I hand them a mailing label and tell them they would love to hear from them directly. If they are single I also put greeting cards in their goodie box, so they can send them out to important people for those birthdays, and other holidays they will miss. The other is get a supply of flat rate boxes, custom forms and mailing labels from the post office ( you can order them on line). Something I have been doing for years is saving my desk calendar pages (the ones with cartoons on them). When I don't have much to say I cut the date off and put the cartoon in. One time when my son was deployed it became the squadron tradition to check out the cartoon of the day. Good luck to you and your child on this deployment. Far winds and following seas.
Jan 19, 2014
susank
Jan 19, 2014
beachmom76
You definitely want to get the ombudsman's contact info and get yourself added to the family readiness group email list. You can also check Facebook to see if there is a group for the families. The Fleet and Family Support Center for the base can give you the info if your daughter doesn't know it. They can also send you a checklist of things you should know before deployment. Navy Legal cautions service members about giving general powers of attorney because there have been many cases of identity theft perpetrated by family members. You may want to get a specific POA if you know you will be handling taxes or other transactions.
One of my husband's favorite things to take on deployment was a memory jar. We filled a small jar with slips of paper containing family jokes, stories or words that triggered favorite memories. He could pull one out and be instantly transported to that time and place. When he was on subs I sent him a pillowcase with a favorite photo silkscreened on it. It took no space and made him feel connected to us.
The best part about deployment? Homecoming! Get ready for the greatest day ever!
Jan 20, 2014
cynduf88
Hi I am a new officer navy mom. My son is stationed in Yokosuka Japan and currently lives off base and does not have a car. I have a question on shipping items to his townhouse address. Any suggestions on least expensive package shipping. There are several large boxes ( 24x24x18"). Thank you in advance for any help
Jan 21, 2014
Paymaster
No cheap way to get things mailed. It will depend on fast you want the items to get there.
Personally I am a flat rate box gal. It must fix in the flat rate box for me to mail stuff. And boy do I pack that box!
Jan 21, 2014
beachmom76
When things were shipped to my Japanese apartment, I had to go to the Japanese post office to pick them up. Not an easy feat. Your best bet may be to mail them to his ship or see if he has friends on base who will accept a delivery. Our base in Sasebo also gave us a P.O. box; not sure how it works in Yokosuka. I woulda k about a P.O. box or the ship before sending it to his home.
Jan 22, 2014
ChrisyDVM(Chris'sMom)
My son who lives off base in Bahrain wants his mail sent to his ship and I've read on here that that is the safest way to mail things.
Jan 22, 2014
TwoForTheNavy
Jan 27, 2014
beachmom76
The ombudsman is the Commanding Officer's representative to the families. S/he is appointed by the CO and remains in contact with the command even when the families are unable to communicate. There is significant training involved in this and ombudsmen devote a lot of time to handling issues for familiy members. Ombudsmen are usually spouses of enlisted sailors, although there may be commands where an officer's spouse fills the role. I was an ombudsman back in the 90s when my husband was on a submarine He was enlisted at that time and got his commission while at that command. The ombudsman has a phone line provided by the command; s/he usually provides an updated message every day and will take calls and questions on that line.
If you are looking for a way to stay informed about activities on the ship and for the command families, the Family Readiness Group is your best resource. The FRG organizer creates a distribution list to let family members know information about homecoming and any special events they may be organizing.
To find the ombudsman for any command, go to the following link:https://ombudsmanregistry.org/?m=contactombudsman
Feb 3, 2014
Paymaster
Welcome Foreverblue.....
Feb 18, 2014
Paymaster
Welcome NC mom
Feb 19, 2014
Helomom
Feb 22, 2014
pattirn85
Hi all! I'm a Mom of a Officer stationed in Pearl harbor. He is sub. He's been stationed there since Sept 2013. This is his first duty station. Looking for Sub Moms who's Officer is stationed in Hawaii. Guess we're not supposed to share which boat he is assigned? Looking for friends:-)
Mar 3, 2014
BunkerQB
My son was a nuke officer stationed at Pearl. Just make sure your son gives the boat's ombudsman your contact info. My son's ombudsman created a secret group on Facebook (Family Readiness Group). That was where I got almost all my info. Families who lived in HI got together on a regular basis and organized Homecoming events. Many photos were posted. Even the CO posted a comment. Not every boat has a group (just depends on who is the ombudsman and volunteers). Find out who the ombudsman is and send her a request to join the group. Good luck.
Mar 6, 2014
Helomom
Mar 6, 2014
Anna
Congratulations to your son Helomom!!!!! Fair winds and Following Seas in his command duties!!!!
Mar 7, 2014
BunkerQB
Helomom, Congrats. :)
Mar 7, 2014
Paymaster
Life is good, the son is back on US soil!
Mar 7, 2014
BunkerQB
Paymaster, I can hear your sigh of relief. I'd bet you feel lighter too.
Mar 16, 2014
Paymaster
Mar 17, 2014
SpunkyNavyMom2014 (PIR 4/25/14)
Hello!
I am a new Boot Camp Mom and have a 16 year old that has been invited to the Naval Summer Stem Program. Has anyone here been involved with the program?
Mar 20, 2014
Helomom
Mar 20, 2014