Ship 5 Moms(Formerly Ship 17)

For loved ones and graduates of Ship 5(17) no critics!This is a haven for the above, not for those seeking to attack those in need of support! PLEASE READ THRU MASTHEAD. MANY QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE!

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  • JeanneT

    Color. My son called. He will fly out of chicago tomorrow. He is coming home. He said they are getting everyone out of there fast. I only got to talk for a couple minutes. Hope that helps.
  • colormecrazy

    I don't understand. I called legal and they told me he was on the departure list for Friday December 21!

  • colormecrazy

    I'm sorry, I don't mean to be a wet blanket. I am very happy for everyone :) Praying I get him home for New Years <3

  • JeanneT

    Hang in there. I just got the call about 10 minutes ago.
  • JeanneT

    Color...no apologies......we all know the feeling. I am sure he will be home by Christmas. you are not a wet blanket at all. Stay by your phone.
  • colormecrazy

    THAT LITTLE SHIT CALLED HIS DAD AND WAS TRYING TO SUPRISE ME. omg.

  • JeanneT

    Color......seeee. Our boys will be home tomorrow. Yay. So happy for you. Now we can sleep good. :-D
  • colormecrazy

    Ugh!! I called his dad crying and he had to tell me. I'm all for surprises just not the ones that make me think that I'm not getting my husband for Christmas! I have to work all day tomorrow too which is just going to suck! But I am so happy, for all of us :)

  • TxNavyDad

    @colorme and jeanne....

    AWESOME!!!! I'm so glad your SR's are comin home. That's so awesome! I'm so happy for y'all!!

    Hey colorme... hmmmm... work tomorrow?? Is that a serious cough I hear coming from you?? Hmmm.... maybe a docs appt? Feelin to rung out to go to work??? I think so!!! :D

    Anyway... I'm so happy for you both. That's so awesome....

    Happy Holidays!!

  • colormecrazy

    I wish!! I just started today so I don't think they'd appreciate it. Our plan was me quit my job until hubby was done with boot & training while I focused on school until we moved to his first duty station. That didn't happen, so I'm back to work! He will come see me on my lunch break and I GUESS I will slave through 8 more hours without him. :/

  • colormecrazy

    It is going to be hilarious to see his reaction to my belly now! (I'm pregnant) He left when I wasn't really showing...now I'm pretty showing. LOL

  • glorann1978

    Okay I have not posted in a while but I have been following the posts. I am so glad that everyone's SR will be home for the holidays. Enjoy your time with them. I know our son made a comment that he has learned to appreciate everything he has. I have to laugh at what he says when I ask what he wants for Christmas. He said he has it, he came home (from ship 5). He says he lived without having things for about a month so he now needs to adjust again. I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and cherish the time we have been given.

  • TxNavyDad

    colorme... Well heck... It was a thought...but being the first day as you say, that wouldn't too good on your yearly evaluation... <sigh> BUT!!! The best part is almost home. That in itself should help relieve some stress for sure. Who knows, maybe the new boss has a heart and will let you go when hubby comes to see you at lunch... that would be nice...

  • Z's Mom

    Just wanted to say my son came home yesterday.

    He sat in the bathroom with the door closed ( a rare treat he said) and showered "by himself". He too appreciates the small things now. I have to say, I am VERY upset by the fact he came home OWING the Navy!!!! They charge for the clothes and ditty bag - and he for some reason was not given the rank he signed for, so he nows owes the government almost $200!!!!!! Beyond grateful to have him back - so I am going to focus on that......Blessings to all!!!

  • Thetwoj

    Well, for those of you who live in warmer climates and still have loved ones on Ship 5, they awoke to a nice covering of clean white snow today. I'm sure their spirits are up, something about the first snowfall of the year in Chicago puts us midwesterners in a good mood. Be asured that everyone is going to have a good day today.

  • TxNavyDad

    @Z's mom... The "Ditty bag" as it were isn't really a bag, but more of term for toiletries, underwear, socks, pt uniform, sweats and running shoes. Our son got hit for the $200 which he will have to pay back once the Navy sends him a bill for it. They didn't take it out of his pay since he had already been paid.

  • JeanneT

    Sixft......my son lands at 6 50 tonight. He wants food that is not "chow". Lol. We can not wait to see each other. I got to talk to him this morning for 20 whole minutes. Yah....the 11th of january will be a toughie for us being his grad date as well. Perhaps you all can do something fun and special today. My son sounded pretty positive and has a few ideas. He does not want to go back to Great Lakes. Thanks for being there. I will for sure hang around here and give back to othere that will be going through what we all have. God bless and happy holidays to you and your family.
  • abbyblue

    If a member of the armed forces was discharged during basic training for medical reasons, they are still considered a veteran for Federal student aid purposes so long as they served at least one day before being discharged.this is so confusing so if they get to boot camp and dont stay there more then one day ?

  • TxNavyDad

    @Abby... If they get to bootcamp, they will be there for more than one day. EVEN if they are going to turn around and discharge them the very next day, they still
    Have to be sent to ship 5 for seperation, then they have to see legal because the SR and the Navy both are both under contract, so someone who gets to bootcamp will most definately be there more than one day.
    Unless of course Angie has something to say about it.
    But Abby, my statement is true to the best of my knowledge since my son was seperated.
  • Alip2003

    N
  • CAB

    It's so great to see you all sharing with each other in here and standing up to "Angie."  When my son was separated from boot camp earlier this year, hardly anyone was communicating in this room and so I was not comfortable writing anything because whenever anyone would post a comment, sure enough "Angie" would make a negative comment.  It clearly says no critics for this group and that it is suppose to be a haven and not for those seeking to attack those in need of support!  No matter the reason a recruit is separated, these are our children who had dreams and it hurts to see your children's dreams shattered no matter how old they are.  My son waited a year for his ship date to only end up being separated after 5 weeks.  He came home in June.  He was able to receive unemployment as he had been working full-time for awhile before leaving for boot camp.  After he came back, he applied for college and financial aid and he received a Pell Grant and other aid and is going to college full-time and just finished the semester with all A's and works part-time.  And so life does go on.  But until then, continue to be there to support each other.  Support your children and spouses emotionally. Continue to ignore the things Angie says.  Some things she says are correct BUT she seems to be very insensitive to those in this group who are going through a difficult time and are trying to process and understand what has happened.  She is definitely not honoring what this group is suppose to be about. Merry Christmas to all.  Take comfort in knowing that the New Year will bring better times ahead.

  • JeanneT

    CAB....thank you for that. Most of us are just getting our kids home....It is nice to hear from someone who has moved on and is doing so well. Merry Christmas to you, your son and entire family. ps....I pick up my son tonight. Cant wIt to see him.
  • stephrn66

    So happy to see on here that most of the SR's are actually getting processed out pretty quickly.  It's stressful to try and get through a holiday knowing that they are NOT at all where they want to be.  Our life is moving on as well.  Registered for spring semester classes, back on my health insurance and working part time.  His brother is home from school so it's been pretty much status quo like no one was ever gone. Lol  Hoping you all have a very peaceful and joyous Christmas and that things will look better for the New Year! 

  • Melissa (ship 5 SEP)

    Jeanne-  So glad he made it home.  I've been thinking about you,  Hope you have a very  Merry Christmas.  Jan 11th will be a day to remember.  My SR says he is happy to be home but if he could be anyplace he would be back on that ship working for January 11th.   

  • JeanneT

    Melissa......it is good to see and hug him. And likewise.....he didnt want to leave. sitting by the fire now and hearing stories. Wow.
  • JeanneT

    Hi all.....does anyone know on the unemployment website, if when asked if you have been employed outside of your homestate in the last 18 months, if you mark yes. Does the military count as outside?
  • cpursley

    Yes, its outside. BUT my son was told at ship 5 he could get it. He went up there this week and was denied because he didn't have 6 months of work experience. He went Navy right after school so he has never had a job. Not sure if this is a Georgia rule or all states.
  • JeanneT

    Oh. Wow. My son worked for 3 years pruor to leaving so i guess we just have to go to the unempl. office and ask. Thanks everyone.
  • cpursley

    Hope it works out for you.
  • JeanneT

    Thank you. Me too. :-D
  • TxNavyDad

    Hello family!! 

    I hope everyone's SR is home and if they are not home. they will be shortly, before New Years.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all.

    Please update us with those who are not home yet, so we can say an extra prayer for God's speed to get them home.

  • cpursley

    Merry Christmas. I hope everyone is home or will be soon.
  • JeanneT

    Merry Christmas to all of my "ship 5" family. Hope everyones day is filled with laughter and lots of hugs. Gos bless.
  • JeanneT

    God bless. Bad typo.
  • sdcel

    Hello everyone - my son arrived home at 9pm Christmas Eve.   It was a wonderful gift and we are so happy to have him home.   We are going to take a few days to decompress before we think about the future.   God bless you all - here's hoping 2013 brings good things for everyone!

  • JeanneT

    Sdcel. Enjoy! There is an adjustment period for sure. Especially if your son didn't want to leave the navy. We will get busy after the holidays are over. Right now just enjoying family. God bless you and your family. And back at you about a great 2013. :-D
  • TxNavyDad

    @batmom... So sorry to hear your son is on S5. Ours was also, but he's now home. When did your son get sent to S5 and for what reason?
    Usualy the way things work is, they get sent to S5, then they have meet with with legal (our kids are under contract just as the Navy is) so legal has to give his options with regard to his future with the Navy. Sometimes this can take awhile, sometimes not. Then when he's done with legal, his paperwork goes to his CO to sign off and then his paperwork goes to Transportatio to finalize his departure and get his flight info.
    I know, it's allot to happen before he comes home.
    There's many of us in here who have gone thru this or are currently going thru this. We are all here to help you get thru this and try to answer as many questions as possible. There are plenty of shoulders to cry on, ears to listen, plenty of prayers for you and your son.
    We all are family here. We all support each other here. You are not alone here. I will do my best as will many others to help you and make you a little easy as this transition is just short of total madness. We have all gone thru emotions never before thought possible in so many different ways. Don't be shy, as there is no judgement here, just compassion and understanding. Don't hesitate to cry out, YELL OUT or lash out. We understand as we too have done just that and helped each other along this very rocky road.
  • TxNavyDad

    batmom... Well... his recruiter never should have told him not to disclose anything. He knows better than that. They would have found out anyway whether his knee locked up or not. They would have found out more on his background and about the Ritalin. Failure to disclose is a big issue, however, I've never heard of any prosecution because of failure to disclose, especially since his recruiter told him not to. I'm sure it can happen, I've just never heard of it. As long as they are still active duty, even on ship 5, as I understand it they are still bound by the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice).

    If I'm incorrect, please someone correct me on this.

    I'm not trying you scare you batsmom, just give a little background.

    There have been allot of our sons/daughters get sent to ship 5 for medical issues, so your son is not alone in that regard. I can't comment on the SO contract as I've never heard of that.

    Contacting the Red Cross certainly couldn't hurt. I don't know how much it would help, but I don't know that it would hurt things either. I'm sorry that I'm not allot of help right now, but what I can say is, We will keep you and your son in prayer for a speedy outcome and for a non-risky back surgery for you with fast and complete healing.

  • JeanneT

    Batmom. My son was sent to ship 5 on Dec 7 and got home on Dec 21. Felt like an eternity but just as texnavydad said, we are here if you need anything at all. I got thtough it because of these fine people on this site.
  • Janet

    My son was heartbroken to be sent to ship 5 after an optometrist said he had keratoconus during the processing eye exam. This is an inherited eye condition that disqualifies you from Navy service. However, I don't think the diagnosis was correct -- he has no symptoms or family history and it has never been diagnosed before. He doesn't even wear glasses. Has anyone experienced this situation and if so was it possible to get a second opinion on the diagnosis? It seems to me like he deserves that before he's just sent home. Any advice appreciated!

  • Robynkm

    I know a mom who's son was sent to s5 for about the same thing, I will tell her about this maybe she can help. Her son stayed & fought it & went back in training & graduated.
    Batmom, call your Congressman they really help. You may get the run around at first but don't take "NO" for an answer. We are all here for you.
    Ship 5 Moms/Dads are the rock!
  • Robynkm

    I know a mom who's son was sent to s5 for about the same thing, I will tell her about this maybe she can help. Her son stayed & fought it & went back in training & graduated.
    Batmom, call your Congressman they really help. You may get the run around at first but don't take "NO" for an answer. We are all here for you.
    Ship 5 Moms/Dads are the rock!
  • sdcel

    We were advised to contact our Congressman and ask for an Crongessional inquiry if we felt our son was being railroaded. His veterans affair staffer has been very helpful. Although it maybe be a long fight, he made us feel it was a process we could win.   

  • cpursley

    Most of us here have went through the same thing. The most important thing is to make sure your son knows you are proud of him and that this is not his fault. My son was sent to Ship 5 the day before his graduation, so he was REALLY upset that he had to leave. He has been home almost 2 weeks now and can't make up his mind if he wants to try to get the waiver and try to re enlist. This is sad to me because the military is all he ever wanted to do. MOST of the people on here want to support you, beware there is one that I think tries to help BUT is very rude most of the time.
  • colormecrazy

    Hi everyone! I feel really bad that I haven't been back to update y'all. But my husband made it home the Friday before Christmas!  With my new job, the holidays, and wanting to spend every few seconds of my free time with him I just haven't had time to get back on here!

    Batmom - I'd never thought I'd make it to the point where I'd be giving the advice. Every day goes by so slow and honestly nothing makes it better. We stayed pretty strong up until my Husbands mom decided to tell him that his grandfather was on his deathbed 2 days before he actually came home. He had a break down after finding out he wasn't on the departure list on the day they told him he would be- or the day after.

    I called the Red Cross which can help if an immediate family member has gotten into a life threatening accident,life threatening illness, or death.They couldn't help me because his mom wouldn't release the medical info...which really ticked me off...like why tell him in the first place?

    So then I called legal, and explained the situation and that I had a meeting with my congressman that Friday because I was running out of options. He put me on hold for a bit then came back to tell me my husband was on the departure list for that Friday. Not sure if it really helped. If you do decide to call them, know that they actually are REALLY nice people. When I called I sort of had a defensive tone at first- expecting a fight. But he was very very helpful.

    I know how incredibly awful this situation is. I was deeply depressed. I think  only got out of bed a couple times a week.  Keep your eye on the finish line though, and stay positive. That's the best thing you can do for your son. He needs someone to be strong for him.

  • mmyers01

    Hi ladies!! I just wanted to drop in and say a few words. I just got home from ship five about 3 weeks ago. And I can honestly tell all of you ship five sucks!!!! But as for me...coming home was the worst part. I just wanted to give you guys a little bit of advice...first off if you have the seps address send your family member something...even if it is just funny jokes if you don't have the address it is as follows and this
    Doe, John
    Ship 05, Seps (f) or (m)
    3610 Illinois st
    Great Lakes, il
    60088
    Sending them something may not seem like a big deal since you get to talk to them often and they are coming home soon...but I promise am hour seems like days in separations. So send them some funny jokes to pass around...send them funny pictures, send them movies or even send some girls some coloring books or word searches...the smallest thing brightens thier day.
    Second thing is...when they come home...don't hound them with questions. Or even when they call. I know your eager to find out what happened but they are all above the age if 18 and adults so they will tell you if and when they are ready. And just be kind and supportive when they come home...I mean if you kid is like me they had their whole life planned around being in the military and now everything is change in an instant for them...and don't push them to do something they don't want to. Some people coming home have been told they can reenlist but some may not want to. My family is pushing me to have some pointless mom life threatening surgery that I can't afford just so I can reenlist...which I'm not sure that is the right option for me. So listen to your kids wants and just try an be supportive...and when they do call don't sound frustrated or upset on the phone hold it in until the call is over cuz that just hurts them more...just try and have a conversation about stuff that doesn't involve the military like tv shows and family events!!!
    One last thing DO NOT SAY " what did you so today" or "how was your day" because they so the SAME thing every day and 90% of the time their day sucked.
  • TJsMom

    Thank you to all of you for your posts!

    My son is in ship 5 waiting to come home. He has been sick since the first week of BC-he said they told him he has asthma and he is coming home (that was 2 weeks ago). I know he is very upset about this but I haven't pressed for too many details over the phone.

    I pray he will be home soon and ready to start his Plan B.

  • Janet

    When my son first got to ship 5 he got to call me several times but now I haven't heard from him in a week, since Christmas Day. Anyone else heard from their SR lately? It's so hard every day that passes with no news about what's happening with his case.

  • Janet

    Batmom - I thought it was something like that. It seems so wrong that they are treated like a "division" and everyone is grouped together - those that want out with those that desperately want back in.

  • Janet

    Batmom, He must have come in about the same time as my son. I too have left messages with legal several times with no answer, but I understand they were closed for a 4-day weekend. Hopefully tomorrow...