The USS Carl Vinson, with DS aboard, pulled into port in San Diego this morning after 10 months at sea! Helomom: I'm so jealous that you were there to see the ship come in. (I watched the video of it sailing in to the harbor on SanDiegoLive.com.) Hope you're having a wonderful reunion with your son!
M's mom- It has been amazing! We got here Tuesday. Tuesday night we went to the squadron to help make signs and decorate. The squadron flew in on Wednesday after Change of Command on the ship. When our son landed he was the new skipper of the squadron. His wife met him at his helo and took off his XO name badge and attached his new CO name badge. We had cake, sodas, and a chance to meet the other pilots and look at the eight helos. It was incredible. Today we went to HSM-73 for their fly in, they were also on the Vinson. Next it was on to the pier to watch the Vinson come in. DS and DIL dropped us off with the squadron families as they had to be over in the VIP area for all the initial ceremonies. Then we greeted all the squadron people as they got off the ship. It was a very emotional day.
Helomom: Congratulations to your son for becoming the new squadron CO. I can tell you are justifiably proud! Sounds like you had a wonderful time. So, your son's wife is now the COW? What if the CO is a female? Is her husband the COH? That doesn't sound as funny. I'm sure your DIL is proud to be the COW, even if she has to put up with lots of cow gifts! How long will your son have shore duty before his squadron is deployed again?
M's mom - His CO tour will be about 14 months. He is thinking that his next tour will be a joint tour as he hasn't done a true joint tour yet. They would like to snag something in DC or Europe. DIL got her first COW gives from her mother. LOL
Helomom: What is a joint tour? My son has only been in 2 1/2 years, so I'm still learning the lingo. I was just curious as to how long the ship's company would have shore duty with their families before the Carl Vinson deployed again. My son was with the air wing, and they rotate on & off various carriers.
Joint tour is where you work with Army, Navy, and Air Force officers. Pentagon, NATO, AFRICOM, there are a few others scattered around the U.S. and overseas. Usually occurs sometime after your 15th year depending on how your personal track is going but you have have a "j-coded" tour before you can get a "major command". As for the Vinson, they will have a family day in July. Not sure when they go out again as my son's squadron will be changing air wings and ships. He has a buddy that will be here in March to be the navigator on the Vinson and they will be starting work ups.
Helomom: You mentioned a Famliy Day in July for the Vinson. That's the second time I'd heard that, but I emailed an ombudsman for the Vinson and asked, and she said there were no definite plans at this time and no date. I was so disappointed that I couldn't go on the Tiger Cruise. My son couldn't find a female to sponsor me because you have to sleep in their quarters, at least that's what they told him. I know families need a sponsor for the Family Day also, but my son said he could probably get a weekend leave and fly down to SD if he was allowed to go. The ombudsman sounded like it was only for the ship's company families, and not the air wing, but I would think that since the air wing personnel were also on the ship for 10 mos, they should be invited and allowed to sponsor guests also. Of course, your son's squadron is based there in San Diego, unlike my son's. If you hear of a definite date in July, please let me know, and hopefully my son can figure out how we can be included. I 'd really like a tour of the ship!
Not sure when they will have family day. Lots of logistics in planning for that. There may be a cap on who can attend. If they ended up with like 10,000 people (half of everyone on the ship invited 2 people), where would they put them? How would they feed them, how much water would they need for drinking? Porta potties, the list goes on and on. Just have your son check with his command and let them know that he is interested.
Mama Gumby: Thanks for the info that the squadrons that were deployed will be able to sponsor guests also. Can you ask your sailor whom they contacted to sign for a ship's Family Day? My son says his CO is clueless about how they would sign up for this. He is in Whidbey Island WA with his squadron now, and not in San Diego where the Carl Vinson is, so he would have to take leave to meet us in San Diego. Thanks for the help!
Hi All,
My son is planning a wedding in Northern VIrginia this summer. He actually is legally married, having done so civilly prior to his deployment last summer. He and his wife now want to have a ceremony and reception to say their vows and celebrate with family and friends. The venue is set, located in Chantilly VA, close to Dulles airport. Does anyone know if there is a way to have a military ceremony off the base? I am trying to contact chaplains, however, have not been successful in getting this information. My son was based in Norfolk and is now in San Diego. So, coordinating this is a bit challenging. I did speak to one chaplain in Norfolk, but she was not very helpful. I read somewhere, (I don't remember where I stumbled on this info) that there are reserve units or honor guards around the country who will show up at military weddings and do the sword arch. Does anyone know how this can be done?
My son got his orders today and he officially reports July 5th to Newport. Since I was giving him space and "allowing" him to be a man I never made any hotel reservations for him for the night before. Anyone else out here that has a son with a room that might like to meet someone and share the expense of the night before? Is it possible to private message someone with info here? Thanks all! This Mom is a little sad but happy for him as he was originally told June 14th, so we said goodbyes then, said goodbyes at college graduation and said them again after this "bonus" visit!
When I got married many many years ago my husband was a Navy Lt. We had a military wedding. If memory serves the arch is always formed by members of ( in our case my husband's unit) the service member's unit or friends as a way of welcoming the bride into the group. There is a whole set of rules regarding a military wedding from seating for officers at church and reception to the position of the bride at the altar ( to the right of the groom not the traditional left side). You might want to check the chaplains at Joint Base Bolling -NSA Anacostia here in D.C. 703-614-9280. In addition, you might want to try the local Colleges NROTC units. They might be able to perform the arch since hopefully they will be officers soon. In the area, The George Washington University, Virginia Military Academy, UVA, and Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech is one of 12 Senior Military Academies in the country not counting West Point, Annapolis, AF Academy and the Coast Guard Academy. And they have the corp of cadets as well that might be another avenue for you. Now, The George Washington University is the closest to your venue. I hope this helps. Good Luck.
Whether you have the military arch or not, just seeing your loved one in their dress uniform on this special day is priceless. Our son just got married a few weeks ago after Power School graduation. He and his bride considered the arch and looked into it through the ROTC program at our local university. However, timing got in the way and it didn't work. One of his fellow Power School graduates was in the wedding as well. Absolutely stunning seeing those guys in their dress whites!
Enjoy!
I wore a cocktail dress as well as my daughter in law. The guys wore slacks, ties and jackets. It's pretty fancy. Business dress is good for graduation.
Mimi.. Wearing black dress and pearls for moms night. I may need to get a dressier cocktail dress! Do you think it needs to be a sequined gown? Or is that too dressy?
Miss deb
My son's Hi Moms was a cocktail party and everyone was "dressed up" but I don't recall anything floor-length and sequined, so don't lug anything formal. Some guys were in dress shirts and khakis; some women in dressy slacks. Graduation was more casual. This time of year, the new Ensigns will be in their "choker" dress whites for graduation, so if you will be taking pics with your LO after, consider what you what to be photographed in, standing next to such a spiffy Naval officer!!!!!
Anyone going to the Hi Moms and commissioning for Class 01 16 in Oct? My sons in that class and Im traveling to RI from AZ for the events. When should we arrive and how long should we stay? Thanks everyone!
I went 2 years ago; I agree with Mimi re the timeline. Friday after the ceremony, everyone(esp. the new officers) cannot get away quickly enough! If you want to do any sightseeing in Newport, do it the first day! You will probably have bits and pieces of time Thursday also, but you will want to be available to be with your LO whenever they are free!
Our son was in 01-15. Wow! Has it been a year already?! We arrived early enough on Wednesday that when he was allowed to leave mid-afternoon on Wednesday, we took him off-base with us for the rest of the day. Again, he couldn't get out of there fast enough. Thursday was booked and after the ceremony on Friday, he wanted off that island ASAP. The pilots were the last to get there orders and still didn't have them after graduation. They trickled in as they moved out of their quarters. So be flexible for flight departure timing a little later in the day but plan to honor your LO's zeal for getting away quickly. Many families had plans in Boston and the the surrounding area before their LOs had to report for duty elsewhere.
It will be a year that we dropped off our daughter at OCS. She was class 02-15 Hotel. Jsefamily your son inducted my daughter into OCS. Yes I agree my daughter couldn't wait to leave, but she had to say bye to Gunny a man she truly respected. He was hard on Hotel, but they passed with flying colors for everything. My daughters orders were for San Diego Ca. She drove so she got traveling time to spend with us before leaving. 10 days to be exact. It took her 3 days to drive from iL to Ca. If your LO gets a chance to drive it was well worth the extra time to have boots in the house.
Aloha mom, from IL we did our last family trip together so it was 10 days. Coming home home was 2 days but we had 3 drivers. Plan your trip. The LOs will be at Hi Moms.
AlohaMom: If you want to doo some sightseeing in Newport (tour some of those mansions the old rich called "summer cottages,") arrive early in the week. We arrived for OCS graduation week on Wednesday. We flew in, and our son was able to meet us at the Providence airport that afternoon. We were in a Newport restaurant having dinner when he got a message that his orders had just arrived at the base, and he had to hustle back.
Thursday AM was Pass-in-Review that you don't want to miss. The classes march in formation and demonstrate their rifle drills. Our Hi Moms was a cocktail party with hot appetizers early Thursday evening. We filled up on the food there, so none of us wanted to go out to dinner afterwards. I think our son was told to be back on base by 11 PM or midnight, but I think we dropped him off earlier because he wanted to pack. Graduation run is at 0500 Friday morning, but it is worth going to watch because then you can eat breakfast with your LO in the chow hall for a small fee. After graduation, everything is pretty much over by noon on Friday.
We had a hotel room for Friday night and tickets to fly home on Saturday. Our son had his orders and 10 days' travel time to report, so he was able to book a seat on the same flight as us, and we all flew home together. He then drove from home to his next duty station.
A few in every class don't get their orders before graduation and have to stay in Newport until they arrive, so you can't count on them leaving with the family.
My son will be graduating on Sept. 25 He is in class 17-15.We get bits of info of what to expect at the Hi Mom but have no times for that or the graduation. Can anyone help me out with that.
Thanks so I guess we should expect that the graduation might be in the morning and that the times do change. How did you find out about the times ? And yes it does help thank you
My son graduated last May from Johns Hopkins with a major in political Science and international studies. He came home and informed us that he wanted to go to OCS. We were fine with it but he had to wait until July to go because they kept pushing him back. He worked out daily and studied a lot. When he finally went and ended up in group 17-15 He was happy but the first letter was a bit of a shell shock for him. He commented on talking and preparing for OCS is one thing but actually being there and being trained is completely different. Since then we have received many letters and have been able to talk and he is convinced that he made the right choice. Realizing that you will be responsible for the lives of others is quite a commitment. He says leadership all takes time and the training will definitely get you there.
This is turning out to be a great adventure that possible will turn into a career. He does know that at the end he will be going to Pensacola for flight training. This all so exciting.
GalleyMom: (and any other Moms of OCS Class 15-15) Have a great time in Newport! If your class invites you to the graduation run at 0500 on Friday, it is worth getting out of bed for. You can run with the class if you are so inclined, but we just spectated. They wind up at the chow hall where the candidates demonstrate how they had to eat "square meals" by sitting at attention in silence and eating one bite at a time in unison to a count of 8. After they are dismissed, the family can buy breakfast for a few dollars each and eat with your loved one. Thank goodness the families don't have to eat "square meal" style!
Just wait until you see your son in his choker whites and white gloves at graduation! You'll be bursting with pride! Especially since you know what he had to go through to get there. Take plenty of tissues unless you are less emotional than most!
looking forward to our trip to newport end of this month for 16-15 graduation. We will be spending time in Boston for sightseeing then to Newport wednesday evening. I have my dress for Hi Moms classic black cocktail and hubby will be bailing as jeans is all he wears. Do you think new jeans and nice button shirt will be ok for graduation? Son already ok'd dad bailing he does know his dad.
Dad will be present. That the most important of all. My LO commissioned five years ago. Since then he served in Washington DC, Guantanamo Bay and is now a Veteran prepping for Graduate school. Enjoy commissioning and all that goes with it.
My LO graduated in Feb 14 -we ended up running late and we were not able to change for Hi Moms. We still had a wonderful time. I wouldn't worry about jeans or whatever for Hi Moms - just enjoy the time with your LO and their accomplishments.
mimi he will going to nuke power school or sub school not sure yet. my daughter will being attending the hi moms. funny my daughter is wearing her go to wedding and interview dress. i am wearing a floral summer dress for graduation but also bring something incase the weather is not nice. i am looking forward to meetting the mom's i have befriended on here and the 16-15 fb page. i too will be remembering kleenex i know i neeeded them for his college graduation and this i feels is going to be so much more special,
Helomom, your son is on the Carl Vincent. It goes out with the USS Princeton. Recently they had a practice somewhere together. As him if her see a tiger on the princeton. That is the USS Princeton mascot. All the incoming officers must wear theascot. That would be my daughter right now until Sept when the new Officer will come aboard.
Noni: My son was on that aircraft carrier with Helomom's son, and it is the USS CARL VINSON, not Vincent. -- a common mistake. Carl Vinson was a US congressman who was instrumental in getting Congress to appropriate a bunch of money to the Navy to build more aircraft carriers--so they named one after him!!!
topdog1p: I think your hubby should attend the Hi Moms reception even in jeans. Nobody will care. Really. He probably won't be the only one there dressed casually, especially since it's summer; there will even be shorts I'm sure. Graduation is more casual, and many people will be in jeans. Just dress up yourself as you like, and let hubby wear what he wants. Believe me, I know, I have one like that too!!
Hi Noni-My son is with the air wing. He is back at his squadron on Coronado. I don't know if they have much interaction with the ship now that they are in port.
Ladies-it's been so wonderful to read about graduations! We loved Newport! Be sure to tour the mansions and drive out on Ocean if you have the chance. Here's the latest news from our son's squadron. http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/hsc15/Pages/CO.aspx
I think overall, attire is less important than your being there. The attire information is a guide of what to expect and the idea. We were given these same guidelines and saw all kinds of attire, especially at graduation. Our son graduated in the fall and there was a chill in the air. My husband had just landed a cold and was very sick. So on top of his beautiful cashmere sweater and dress slacks, he wore a thick sweatshirt (all we had for a jacket) at the graduation. He looked a fright but no one kicked him out.
I have one comment I'd like to share about graduation itself. Our son was the first graduation that fall that wore the dress blues (actually black, and they are my favorite uniform). When the entire class walks/marches to their seats for the ceremony, it is a site to behold. You can't help but swell with pride and feel the emotion, not as a parent, but as an American. Wow. I still see it in my mind's eye.
My father swore me in when I commissioned. He wore a civilian suit. He was 40yrs retired! I would say any uniform that still fits would be appropriate!
Helomom: Very impressed reading about your son! You must be very proud. He has certainly accomplished alot in his career so far. Will he no longer fly since he is now the CO and probably has lots of admin duties? Love those military contractions: HELSEACOMBATRON
M's Mom - Thanks! He still flies to stay qualified for missions. Add to that his administrative duties. Last week he posted that he was 4 hours late getting home for his birthday dinner. His wife is a saint and the kids are used to it. That's just life with their dad.
M's mom
The USS Carl Vinson, with DS aboard, pulled into port in San Diego this morning after 10 months at sea! Helomom: I'm so jealous that you were there to see the ship come in. (I watched the video of it sailing in to the harbor on SanDiegoLive.com.) Hope you're having a wonderful reunion with your son!
Jun 4, 2015
Helomom
Jun 5, 2015
ChrisyDVM(Chris'sMom)
That's awesome! Congrats to you and your son!
Jun 5, 2015
M's mom
Helomom: Congratulations to your son for becoming the new squadron CO. I can tell you are justifiably proud! Sounds like you had a wonderful time. So, your son's wife is now the COW? What if the CO is a female? Is her husband the COH? That doesn't sound as funny. I'm sure your DIL is proud to be the COW, even if she has to put up with lots of cow gifts! How long will your son have shore duty before his squadron is deployed again?
Jun 5, 2015
Helomom
Jun 5, 2015
M's mom
Helomom: What is a joint tour? My son has only been in 2 1/2 years, so I'm still learning the lingo. I was just curious as to how long the ship's company would have shore duty with their families before the Carl Vinson deployed again. My son was with the air wing, and they rotate on & off various carriers.
Jun 5, 2015
Helomom
Jun 6, 2015
M's mom
Helomom: You mentioned a Famliy Day in July for the Vinson. That's the second time I'd heard that, but I emailed an ombudsman for the Vinson and asked, and she said there were no definite plans at this time and no date. I was so disappointed that I couldn't go on the Tiger Cruise. My son couldn't find a female to sponsor me because you have to sleep in their quarters, at least that's what they told him. I know families need a sponsor for the Family Day also, but my son said he could probably get a weekend leave and fly down to SD if he was allowed to go. The ombudsman sounded like it was only for the ship's company families, and not the air wing, but I would think that since the air wing personnel were also on the ship for 10 mos, they should be invited and allowed to sponsor guests also. Of course, your son's squadron is based there in San Diego, unlike my son's. If you hear of a definite date in July, please let me know, and hopefully my son can figure out how we can be included. I 'd really like a tour of the ship!
Jun 6, 2015
Helomom
Jun 6, 2015
M's mom
Helomom: Yes, you're right. I know they have to draw the line somewhere. Just thought it'd be fun to see my son's "home" for 10 months!
Jun 6, 2015
M's mom
Mama Gumby: Thanks for the info that the squadrons that were deployed will be able to sponsor guests also. Can you ask your sailor whom they contacted to sign for a ship's Family Day? My son says his CO is clueless about how they would sign up for this. He is in Whidbey Island WA with his squadron now, and not in San Diego where the Carl Vinson is, so he would have to take leave to meet us in San Diego. Thanks for the help!
Jun 8, 2015
Rosemarie
My son is planning a wedding in Northern VIrginia this summer. He actually is legally married, having done so civilly prior to his deployment last summer. He and his wife now want to have a ceremony and reception to say their vows and celebrate with family and friends. The venue is set, located in Chantilly VA, close to Dulles airport. Does anyone know if there is a way to have a military ceremony off the base? I am trying to contact chaplains, however, have not been successful in getting this information. My son was based in Norfolk and is now in San Diego. So, coordinating this is a bit challenging. I did speak to one chaplain in Norfolk, but she was not very helpful. I read somewhere, (I don't remember where I stumbled on this info) that there are reserve units or honor guards around the country who will show up at military weddings and do the sword arch. Does anyone know how this can be done?
Jun 23, 2015
freckles1218
My son got his orders today and he officially reports July 5th to Newport. Since I was giving him space and "allowing" him to be a man I never made any hotel reservations for him for the night before. Anyone else out here that has a son with a room that might like to meet someone and share the expense of the night before? Is it possible to private message someone with info here? Thanks all! This Mom is a little sad but happy for him as he was originally told June 14th, so we said goodbyes then, said goodbyes at college graduation and said them again after this "bonus" visit!
Jun 24, 2015
Jo
Hi Rosemarie,
In addition, you might want to try the local Colleges NROTC units. They might be able to perform the arch since hopefully they will be officers soon. In the area, The George Washington University, Virginia Military Academy, UVA, and Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech is one of 12 Senior Military Academies in the country not counting West Point, Annapolis, AF Academy and the Coast Guard Academy. And they have the corp of cadets as well that might be another avenue for you. Now, The George Washington University is the closest to your venue. I hope this helps. Good Luck.
Jun 24, 2015
Gatormom
Enjoy!
Jun 24, 2015
Manette
I wore a cocktail dress as well as my daughter in law. The guys wore slacks, ties and jackets. It's pretty fancy. Business dress is good for graduation.
Aug 2, 2015
miss deb
Aug 2, 2015
miss deb
Miss deb
Aug 2, 2015
M's mom
My son's Hi Moms was a cocktail party and everyone was "dressed up" but I don't recall anything floor-length and sequined, so don't lug anything formal. Some guys were in dress shirts and khakis; some women in dressy slacks. Graduation was more casual. This time of year, the new Ensigns will be in their "choker" dress whites for graduation, so if you will be taking pics with your LO after, consider what you what to be photographed in, standing next to such a spiffy Naval officer!!!!!
Aug 2, 2015
AlohaMom
Aug 6, 2015
td309
I went 2 years ago; I agree with Mimi re the timeline. Friday after the ceremony, everyone(esp. the new officers) cannot get away quickly enough! If you want to do any sightseeing in Newport, do it the first day! You will probably have bits and pieces of time Thursday also, but you will want to be available to be with your LO whenever they are free!
Aug 6, 2015
jsefamily
Our son was in 01-15. Wow! Has it been a year already?! We arrived early enough on Wednesday that when he was allowed to leave mid-afternoon on Wednesday, we took him off-base with us for the rest of the day. Again, he couldn't get out of there fast enough. Thursday was booked and after the ceremony on Friday, he wanted off that island ASAP. The pilots were the last to get there orders and still didn't have them after graduation. They trickled in as they moved out of their quarters. So be flexible for flight departure timing a little later in the day but plan to honor your LO's zeal for getting away quickly. Many families had plans in Boston and the the surrounding area before their LOs had to report for duty elsewhere.
Aug 6, 2015
Noni
Aug 6, 2015
Noni
Aug 6, 2015
AlohaMom
Will the OC's be able to join us for dinner after Hi Moms?
Aug 6, 2015
Noni
Aug 6, 2015
Noni
Aug 6, 2015
M's mom
AlohaMom: If you want to doo some sightseeing in Newport (tour some of those mansions the old rich called "summer cottages,") arrive early in the week. We arrived for OCS graduation week on Wednesday. We flew in, and our son was able to meet us at the Providence airport that afternoon. We were in a Newport restaurant having dinner when he got a message that his orders had just arrived at the base, and he had to hustle back.
Thursday AM was Pass-in-Review that you don't want to miss. The classes march in formation and demonstrate their rifle drills. Our Hi Moms was a cocktail party with hot appetizers early Thursday evening. We filled up on the food there, so none of us wanted to go out to dinner afterwards. I think our son was told to be back on base by 11 PM or midnight, but I think we dropped him off earlier because he wanted to pack. Graduation run is at 0500 Friday morning, but it is worth going to watch because then you can eat breakfast with your LO in the chow hall for a small fee. After graduation, everything is pretty much over by noon on Friday.
We had a hotel room for Friday night and tickets to fly home on Saturday. Our son had his orders and 10 days' travel time to report, so he was able to book a seat on the same flight as us, and we all flew home together. He then drove from home to his next duty station.
A few in every class don't get their orders before graduation and have to stay in Newport until they arrive, so you can't count on them leaving with the family.
Aug 6, 2015
AlohaMom
Thanks so much everyone!
Aug 7, 2015
Tishie57
My son will be graduating on Sept. 25 He is in class 17-15.We get bits of info of what to expect at the Hi Mom but have no times for that or the graduation. Can anyone help me out with that.
Aug 8, 2015
Tishie57
Thanks so I guess we should expect that the graduation might be in the morning and that the times do change. How did you find out about the times ? And yes it does help thank you
Aug 8, 2015
Noni
It's a set time for Hi Mom. Long enough to socialize and take you LO off base for a great dinner.
Aug 8, 2015
Tishie57
My son graduated last May from Johns Hopkins with a major in political Science and international studies. He came home and informed us that he wanted to go to OCS. We were fine with it but he had to wait until July to go because they kept pushing him back. He worked out daily and studied a lot. When he finally went and ended up in group 17-15 He was happy but the first letter was a bit of a shell shock for him. He commented on talking and preparing for OCS is one thing but actually being there and being trained is completely different. Since then we have received many letters and have been able to talk and he is convinced that he made the right choice. Realizing that you will be responsible for the lives of others is quite a commitment. He says leadership all takes time and the training will definitely get you there.
This is turning out to be a great adventure that possible will turn into a career. He does know that at the end he will be going to Pensacola for flight training. This all so exciting.
sable for someone elses life is huge.
Aug 8, 2015
M's mom
GalleyMom: (and any other Moms of OCS Class 15-15) Have a great time in Newport! If your class invites you to the graduation run at 0500 on Friday, it is worth getting out of bed for. You can run with the class if you are so inclined, but we just spectated. They wind up at the chow hall where the candidates demonstrate how they had to eat "square meals" by sitting at attention in silence and eating one bite at a time in unison to a count of 8. After they are dismissed, the family can buy breakfast for a few dollars each and eat with your loved one. Thank goodness the families don't have to eat "square meal" style!
Just wait until you see your son in his choker whites and white gloves at graduation! You'll be bursting with pride! Especially since you know what he had to go through to get there. Take plenty of tissues unless you are less emotional than most!
Have a safe trip!
Aug 9, 2015
topdog1p
looking forward to our trip to newport end of this month for 16-15 graduation. We will be spending time in Boston for sightseeing then to Newport wednesday evening. I have my dress for Hi Moms classic black cocktail and hubby will be bailing as jeans is all he wears. Do you think new jeans and nice button shirt will be ok for graduation? Son already ok'd dad bailing he does know his dad.
Aug 9, 2015
Manette
Dad will be present. That the most important of all. My LO commissioned five years ago. Since then he served in Washington DC, Guantanamo Bay and is now a Veteran prepping for Graduate school. Enjoy commissioning and all that goes with it.
Aug 9, 2015
Marmie
My LO graduated in Feb 14 -we ended up running late and we were not able to change for Hi Moms. We still had a wonderful time. I wouldn't worry about jeans or whatever for Hi Moms - just enjoy the time with your LO and their accomplishments.
Aug 9, 2015
topdog1p
mimi he will going to nuke power school or sub school not sure yet. my daughter will being attending the hi moms. funny my daughter is wearing her go to wedding and interview dress. i am wearing a floral summer dress for graduation but also bring something incase the weather is not nice. i am looking forward to meetting the mom's i have befriended on here and the 16-15 fb page. i too will be remembering kleenex i know i neeeded them for his college graduation and this i feels is going to be so much more special,
Aug 9, 2015
Noni
Aug 9, 2015
M's mom
Noni: My son was on that aircraft carrier with Helomom's son, and it is the USS CARL VINSON, not Vincent. -- a common mistake. Carl Vinson was a US congressman who was instrumental in getting Congress to appropriate a bunch of money to the Navy to build more aircraft carriers--so they named one after him!!!
Aug 9, 2015
M's mom
topdog1p: I think your hubby should attend the Hi Moms reception even in jeans. Nobody will care. Really. He probably won't be the only one there dressed casually, especially since it's summer; there will even be shorts I'm sure. Graduation is more casual, and many people will be in jeans. Just dress up yourself as you like, and let hubby wear what he wants. Believe me, I know, I have one like that too!!
Aug 9, 2015
Helomom
Aug 10, 2015
Helomom
Aug 10, 2015
jsefamily
I think overall, attire is less important than your being there. The attire information is a guide of what to expect and the idea. We were given these same guidelines and saw all kinds of attire, especially at graduation. Our son graduated in the fall and there was a chill in the air. My husband had just landed a cold and was very sick. So on top of his beautiful cashmere sweater and dress slacks, he wore a thick sweatshirt (all we had for a jacket) at the graduation. He looked a fright but no one kicked him out.
I have one comment I'd like to share about graduation itself. Our son was the first graduation that fall that wore the dress blues (actually black, and they are my favorite uniform). When the entire class walks/marches to their seats for the ceremony, it is a site to behold. You can't help but swell with pride and feel the emotion, not as a parent, but as an American. Wow. I still see it in my mind's eye.
Aug 10, 2015
miss deb
Does anyone have a retired military member commissioning their LO? Am wondering which military uniform may be appropriate??
Aug 10, 2015
randy04
My father swore me in when I commissioned. He wore a civilian suit. He was 40yrs retired! I would say any uniform that still fits would be appropriate!
Aug 10, 2015
M's mom
Helomom: Very impressed reading about your son! You must be very proud. He has certainly accomplished alot in his career so far. Will he no longer fly since he is now the CO and probably has lots of admin duties? Love those military contractions: HELSEACOMBATRON
Aug 10, 2015
Helomom
Aug 10, 2015
J/J Mom
Such mixed emotions... excitement, pride, sadness, feeling old, haha The list goes on & on.
One Navy kid is now on her way to Sigonella Naval Air Station in Sicily
One Navy kid is soloing for Primary this week (if weather cooperates)
Youngest is off to Junior High
Aug 18, 2015
Anna
Jn/Jf Mom,
So good to hear from you - its been a long time. Congratulations to both your officers!!!! Hope good weather holds out!!!
Aug 18, 2015