I have a problem with the mail on the ship. I sent my son's birthcertifate over a month ago and he said he still did not get it. and it has not come back to me, and I know I sent it to the right address because he has received mail before. Now he cannot get his passport. I am very frustrated and so is he. I am worried now when they go on deployment he will not get mail. I do not know who to contact about this? anybody have any ideas?
Annie,sometimes it has taken a long time to get mail, for some reason. Since things are done by email, is there a way for your son to get online to the county where he was born and request a copy to be emailed? If the Navy or his CO did it, maybe the county would expedite it. Just a thought.
Thank you for that advice. I will ask him to do that. Do you know if they have to have a passport for deployment? Or will he be ok without it? I did not know that they can get or send emails, can he do that on his own phone? or does it have to be on one of the ship's computers? I am so new to this and not sure what to do or can do to get my son stuff to him.
Hi Annie! My son has been on the Stockdale, but this is his first deployment. So I have a lot of questions too. If it's any consolation, we have had some of my son's mail get to him and some has not. I have found not to send him anything of value unfortunately. But you had to get his certificate to him obviously. I would think that he would need his passport, but have you contacted the Ombudsman? She can answer that probably. I feel very out of the loop as far as info about the deployment. Yes, they can send out emails from the ships computer, but my son is just going to take his phone for the games, but turning off phone service while on deployment since his phone won't work while on the ship. They can also get on face book I believe during that time. But like I said, this is our first deployment, so we are learning as we go. I would love for the other moms to chime and and let us know who we can get more info as deployment goes on. Welcome Annie to the club! :)
I tried sending a box of baked goodies to one of my son's shipmates who wouldn't be home for Christmas. I mailed it Express Mail on 12/12. Still not there:(
Hi Guys. This is our son's 2nd deployment on the Stockdale,but this is the first time he needed to get a passport. I think getting a hold of the Ombudsman would be a good idea. Call him and see if he can get the CO to answer about getting that birth cert. directly from the county. He also needed his SS card. We sent all that to him a while ago to his apartment and he got it and the PO sent everything back to him and he brought the stuff back when he was on leave last week. You might also want to make sure that any sensitive type things like a birth cert. & SS card get sent back to your address and not to him on the ship. Facebook may not be available when they are in certain areas because they can be tracked. Use his ship email address when trying to contact them during deployment. And there will be times when you won't hear from them for a long time if they are in a "hot" area. Send letters by regular mail. It will take a while, but they love getting letters. Hope this helps.
ok, so how do I get ahold of the Ombudsman? I have so many questions and this is a great place to find out more about deployment. Thank you guys for responding.
well monday is the day they deploy,,,this will be my sons 6th deployment and his first on stockdale..it will be a long deploy..
this comment goes to loriP (below) don't ever pay the extra to get something shipped out express mail its a waste of money. the navy will get it to them eventually. you are paying for it to get to the spot in the US quickly not the ocean..sometimes it takes 3weeks to a month or more to get to your child..
Can somebody give me the correct email address tot he Ombudsman? Obviously I do not have the correct one it keeps coming back...I would like some answers regarding the mail and my son getting a passport..thank you!
Hi Annie - I've been doing some digging. The only address I could come up with is: stockdaleombudsman@yahoo.com
I'm not sure if this is current. I haven't gotten anything from the ombudsman in a long time. I used to get information on a regular basis, but maybe that was when they were on deployment the last time. Let us know if this address works.
I got a response from her, and she is going to relay this to his commanding officer. Whew! I hope it works out that he is ok without the passport, and hopefully find the one lost. Now that it is getting closer to the time they leave, I wish I could be out there to see him off. I am in Colorado. His girlfriend is there though, so that will help. He is my baby of four and I still sometimes have a hard time letting go even though I should because he is a man. I will miss him, and hope to hear from him..I asked the ombudsman if there was like a guideline that we can go by on what to do or not to do, send or not send, basic stuff to know. If anybody can shed light on this for me that would be great! This seems to be an awful long deploy of 10 months..I remember my other kids were only like 6 months.
Deployments are longer is bc of cutbacks. Fewer ships in the fleet; less manpower (women too, of course). Troops in every branch are stressed to the limit.
Annie, he should have an address on the ship. I sent international phone cards to my son. I get them at Walgreen's when they are on sale Buy 1 Get 1. I've sent candy (ones that won't melt), stamps, ramon noodles, playing cards, puzzle books, munchie stuff, cookies, jerky, hometown newspapers. Send mail as often as you would like.
My son is also suspending his phone service. We did give him one international card to use. They are pretty cheap at Walmart. Just remember when you send something that they don't have a lot of room. Also, do you know about the possible Tiger Cruise? If that does happen, it is my understanding that the parents can meet the ship when it gets back from deployment in Hawaii. Ride the ship into SD after meeting in Hawaii. I have never been on this type of trip and I heard it can happen possibly. Does anyone else know anything about it?
I have heard of it, and if I could afford to fly to Hawaii to do it I would. I am going to send my son a couple of international phone cards as well. How often do you think I should send a care package of goodies? Don't want to overload him with a small space.
I hope we all keep writing here during deployment, because it sure helps hearing from other parents and having that support.
Yes, I like hearing from the other moms too. I feel like I get more info that way and we can support each other with our thoughts and prayers. I would send packages maybe every 6 weeks or every month. My church sends my son packages every 4 months and the deployed guys from my church get very special packages with socks, hygiene items, coffee packets, even a small artificial christmas tree during the holidays. What job does your son have on board? My son is an ET but he says he's doing damage control mainly now, not his normal job.
Hi Amy. i am glad you have joined, and thank you for your imput. i apologise if there was bad posts. I will most definitly watch this from now on. I am enjoying connecting with Moms and do not want to jeopordize anything. we love our sailors.
HI! I am new to this group. Feeling anxious about my son deploying today. Are there families and people in the area that help send them off with cheers and waves? Or do they just sail off? I"m new to this. My son just graduated Basic in November. Stationed in San Diego in Dec. And now deploying today. ANY information if valuable to me. My personal email is HonleeSar@aol.com if anyone would like to correspond.
As we move forward on this journey, I look forward to hearing from all of your stories, responses and care of each of our sailors as they endeavor there journey.
We watched the Stockdale leave from Seaport Village. I was surprised more people weren't there. As I watched my son leave the harbor I was also very proud and sad at the same time. I've already got an email from him and he said it's been pretty busy just getting settled in. Haven't been on here since my son was at bootcamp but it sure helped me so I will be checking in daily!
Lisa, I am glad that you heard from your son already. I am waiting to hear from mine to get his email address. I sure wish I could of been there to see them but, couldn't make it happen. At least there is the wonderful skype!!
I wished I could've been there, but we are planning on being in SD when they return. I've never been to CA before. I'm in cold cold Michigan. By Monday, it's going to be 5 degrees at night and 10 degrees during the day. Let's hope there's no wind, because then it's going to be below 0 wind chills. Brrrrrrrr. That's when your nose hairs stick together!!
MaggieH - I understand your heart swelling and breaking at the same time.
I wasn't at the Stockdale's return from their first deployment because of bad timing of life, but I just last week saw a video of it on YouTube. My Sailor was the one driving into SD. I so wanted to see it return but now I did. I'm going to check to see if the departure Monday was videotaped.
Well, we survived our first week! Hope everyone has heard from their sailor by now. My son has sent a few emails to me so far and his girlfriend gets them everyday :) She said they are "I love you" emails and that worries her but I assured her he can't share a lot about his day so only so much to say.My son forgot his pillow but says he falls asleep as soon as he hits his rack at night because he is so tired. I wasn't planning on sending a pillow in a care package. LOL!
So neat to see all the comments. Helps me to get a better picture of their time out. I heard from my son once. Says all is going well. Thanks also for the news links! Keep the comments coming. . I think it will really hit home later on. Holidays and birthday times. I'm sure he's very tired but experiencing so much. Keep them all in your prayers.
I haven't heard from my son either Sailormom59. I'll try emailing him tomorrow. Happy for those who have heard from their Sailor. I watched some of the inauguration today and I got all choked up when the Navy marched by him. They looked so sharp.
oh Colleen.. I hope you hear something! I've written a few emails since they've left. (Don't want to be TOO pesty, ha!) but all I need back is a "Hi Mom....I love you" and I'll be good for a week. :-)
It doesn't take much to make us happy, does it? I have to tell you a little story about my Sailor's last full day at home 2 weeks ago. He dressed in his dress blues for church. He looked so handsome. The closing hymn was "Eternal Father, Strong To Save." He was hoping that it would be played, because he loves that hymn. I asked Pastor if it could be played. Well, they took it one step further. The congregation sang verses 1 & 4 and choir sang verses 2 & 3 - the Navy verses. I held onto his arm while the song was sung. Choked me up. What really teared me up was when the song ended, he leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. That is something that I will hold in my heart forever.
That is a wonderful sweet story, Mom. I would have cried all the way through the Hymn. Yes, your sailor looked proud and handsome in those blues! God Bless him.
So great to stay in touch and see all the comments and updates! It helps!
My son made a recordable book for his daughter before he left. She lives close to us and is three. The book is kept at our house, so when I want to hear his voice, I can just open the book and hear him read to her. I know the book is meant for her, but it helps me too to hear his voice! :)
Lisa S.
i love the photos of the ships at the top of the page,,
Jul 24, 2012
LoriP
Any clue as to when our kids will be back on dry land?
Aug 4, 2012
Colleen
I'm still waiting to hear also.
Aug 4, 2012
Lisa S.
my son said around the 10th of aug they will be back in sd
Aug 4, 2012
Annie
Welcome Back Stockdale! Can't wait to see my son!
Aug 10, 2012
aatlmom
Heard they were going back out again soon? any idea for how long? Is anyone going for Fleet Week?
Aug 16, 2012
Annie
Jan 8, 2013
Colleen
Annie,sometimes it has taken a long time to get mail, for some reason. Since things are done by email, is there a way for your son to get online to the county where he was born and request a copy to be emailed? If the Navy or his CO did it, maybe the county would expedite it. Just a thought.
Jan 8, 2013
Annie
Jan 8, 2013
aatlmom
Hi Annie! My son has been on the Stockdale, but this is his first deployment. So I have a lot of questions too. If it's any consolation, we have had some of my son's mail get to him and some has not. I have found not to send him anything of value unfortunately. But you had to get his certificate to him obviously. I would think that he would need his passport, but have you contacted the Ombudsman? She can answer that probably. I feel very out of the loop as far as info about the deployment. Yes, they can send out emails from the ships computer, but my son is just going to take his phone for the games, but turning off phone service while on deployment since his phone won't work while on the ship. They can also get on face book I believe during that time. But like I said, this is our first deployment, so we are learning as we go. I would love for the other moms to chime and and let us know who we can get more info as deployment goes on. Welcome Annie to the club! :)
Jan 8, 2013
LoriP
I tried sending a box of baked goodies to one of my son's shipmates who wouldn't be home for Christmas. I mailed it Express Mail on 12/12. Still not there:(
Jan 8, 2013
Colleen
Hi Guys. This is our son's 2nd deployment on the Stockdale,but this is the first time he needed to get a passport. I think getting a hold of the Ombudsman would be a good idea. Call him and see if he can get the CO to answer about getting that birth cert. directly from the county. He also needed his SS card. We sent all that to him a while ago to his apartment and he got it and the PO sent everything back to him and he brought the stuff back when he was on leave last week. You might also want to make sure that any sensitive type things like a birth cert. & SS card get sent back to your address and not to him on the ship. Facebook may not be available when they are in certain areas because they can be tracked. Use his ship email address when trying to contact them during deployment. And there will be times when you won't hear from them for a long time if they are in a "hot" area. Send letters by regular mail. It will take a while, but they love getting letters. Hope this helps.
Jan 8, 2013
Annie
ok, so how do I get ahold of the Ombudsman? I have so many questions and this is a great place to find out more about deployment. Thank you guys for responding.
Jan 9, 2013
Lisa S.
well monday is the day they deploy,,,this will be my sons 6th deployment and his first on stockdale..it will be a long deploy..
this comment goes to loriP (below) don't ever pay the extra to get something shipped out express mail its a waste of money. the navy will get it to them eventually. you are paying for it to get to the spot in the US quickly not the ocean..sometimes it takes 3weeks to a month or more to get to your child..
Jan 9, 2013
Annie
Jan 9, 2013
Colleen
Hi Annie - I've been doing some digging. The only address I could come up with is: stockdaleombudsman@yahoo.com
I'm not sure if this is current. I haven't gotten anything from the ombudsman in a long time. I used to get information on a regular basis, but maybe that was when they were on deployment the last time. Let us know if this address works.
Jan 9, 2013
aatlmom
For Jennifer the ombudsman. This is the last number I
Have
For
Her
Let me know if this work for u
Jan 9, 2013
Annie
Jan 9, 2013
Annie
Jan 10, 2013
Reid's Ma
Deployments are longer is bc of cutbacks. Fewer ships in the fleet; less manpower (women too, of course). Troops in every branch are stressed to the limit.
Jan 10, 2013
aatlmom
I have not heard anything from her is a very long time and
I want
To be kept informed.
Jan 10, 2013
Annie
Jan 11, 2013
Colleen
Annie, he should have an address on the ship. I sent international phone cards to my son. I get them at Walgreen's when they are on sale Buy 1 Get 1. I've sent candy (ones that won't melt), stamps, ramon noodles, playing cards, puzzle books, munchie stuff, cookies, jerky, hometown newspapers. Send mail as often as you would like.
Jan 11, 2013
aatlmom
My son is also suspending his phone service. We did give him one international card to use. They are pretty cheap at Walmart. Just remember when you send something that they don't have a lot of room. Also, do you know about the possible Tiger Cruise? If that does happen, it is my understanding that the parents can meet the ship when it gets back from deployment in Hawaii. Ride the ship into SD after meeting in Hawaii. I have never been on this type of trip and I heard it can happen possibly. Does anyone else know anything about it?
Jan 12, 2013
Annie
I hope we all keep writing here during deployment, because it sure helps hearing from other parents and having that support.
Jan 12, 2013
aatlmom
Yes, I like hearing from the other moms too. I feel like I get more info that way and we can support each other with our thoughts and prayers. I would send packages maybe every 6 weeks or every month. My church sends my son packages every 4 months and the deployed guys from my church get very special packages with socks, hygiene items, coffee packets, even a small artificial christmas tree during the holidays. What job does your son have on board? My son is an ET but he says he's doing damage control mainly now, not his normal job.
Jan 12, 2013
Annie
Hi Amy. i am glad you have joined, and thank you for your imput. i apologise if there was bad posts. I will most definitly watch this from now on. I am enjoying connecting with Moms and do not want to jeopordize anything. we love our sailors.
Jan 13, 2013
SailorMom59 (son deployed)
HI! I am new to this group. Feeling anxious about my son deploying today. Are there families and people in the area that help send them off with cheers and waves? Or do they just sail off? I"m new to this. My son just graduated Basic in November. Stationed in San Diego in Dec. And now deploying today. ANY information if valuable to me. My personal email is HonleeSar@aol.com if anyone would like to correspond.
Praying for all of our Sailors!
Jan 14, 2013
Annie
As we move forward on this journey, I look forward to hearing from all of your stories, responses and care of each of our sailors as they endeavor there journey.
Godspeed ahead!
Jan 16, 2013
MaggieH
SailorMom59 - I was there!!!!
It was bittersweet...my heart was swelling with pride and breaking at the same time...
This is my daughter's first deployment - Her husband will deploy on their carrier in April...
There was quite a few people there...some media as well... the media seemed to linger around the Lawrence more than the Stockdale though
Jan 16, 2013
Lisartru97(Ship 07 Div 359)
We watched the Stockdale leave from Seaport Village. I was surprised more people weren't there. As I watched my son leave the harbor I was also very proud and sad at the same time. I've already got an email from him and he said it's been pretty busy just getting settled in. Haven't been on here since my son was at bootcamp but it sure helped me so I will be checking in daily!
Jan 16, 2013
Annie
Jan 16, 2013
Colleen
Hi all,
I wished I could've been there, but we are planning on being in SD when they return. I've never been to CA before. I'm in cold cold Michigan. By Monday, it's going to be 5 degrees at night and 10 degrees during the day. Let's hope there's no wind, because then it's going to be below 0 wind chills. Brrrrrrrr. That's when your nose hairs stick together!!
MaggieH - I understand your heart swelling and breaking at the same time.
I wasn't at the Stockdale's return from their first deployment because of bad timing of life, but I just last week saw a video of it on YouTube. My Sailor was the one driving into SD. I so wanted to see it return but now I did. I'm going to check to see if the departure Monday was videotaped.
Have a great week everyone!
Jan 16, 2013
Lisa S.
Jan 17, 2013
Colleen
Thanks for links Amy!
Jan 17, 2013
Lisartru97(Ship 07 Div 359)
Well, we survived our first week! Hope everyone has heard from their sailor by now. My son has sent a few emails to me so far and his girlfriend gets them everyday :) She said they are "I love you" emails and that worries her but I assured her he can't share a lot about his day so only so much to say.My son forgot his pillow but says he falls asleep as soon as he hits his rack at night because he is so tired. I wasn't planning on sending a pillow in a care package. LOL!
Jan 21, 2013
aatlmom
So neat to see all the comments. Helps me to get a better picture of their time out. I heard from my son once. Says all is going well. Thanks also for the news links! Keep the comments coming. . I think it will really hit home later on. Holidays and birthday times. I'm sure he's very tired but experiencing so much. Keep them all in your prayers.
Jan 21, 2013
SailorMom59 (son deployed)
I haven't heard anything from my son. I'm very sad because ya'll have. It worries me. So good to be on this website, though.
Jan 21, 2013
Colleen
I haven't heard from my son either Sailormom59. I'll try emailing him tomorrow. Happy for those who have heard from their Sailor. I watched some of the inauguration today and I got all choked up when the Navy marched by him. They looked so sharp.
Jan 21, 2013
SailorMom59 (son deployed)
oh Colleen.. I hope you hear something! I've written a few emails since they've left. (Don't want to be TOO pesty, ha!) but all I need back is a "Hi Mom....I love you" and I'll be good for a week. :-)
Jan 21, 2013
Colleen
It doesn't take much to make us happy, does it? I have to tell you a little story about my Sailor's last full day at home 2 weeks ago. He dressed in his dress blues for church. He looked so handsome. The closing hymn was "Eternal Father, Strong To Save." He was hoping that it would be played, because he loves that hymn. I asked Pastor if it could be played. Well, they took it one step further. The congregation sang verses 1 & 4 and choir sang verses 2 & 3 - the Navy verses. I held onto his arm while the song was sung. Choked me up. What really teared me up was when the song ended, he leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. That is something that I will hold in my heart forever.
Jan 21, 2013
Reid's Ma
That is a wonderful sweet story, Mom. I would have cried all the way through the Hymn. Yes, your sailor looked proud and handsome in those blues! God Bless him.
Jan 21, 2013
Colleen
Thanks for the update Amy. I know he will email when he has time. Glad to hear they are doing well.
Jan 21, 2013
Lisartru97(Ship 07 Div 359)
Love your story Colleen. Thanks for sharing! Thank you Amy for the update!
Jan 21, 2013
MaggieH
Jan 22, 2013
Colleen
Wow! Thanks for the picture MaggieH. It's gotta be tough trying to stand in rough waters. Prayers going up for Stockdale.
Jan 22, 2013
SailorMom59 (son deployed)
Colleen..sweeet sweet story!!! oh my goodness!
Amy...thank you for the update!!! thank you so much!!!
Maggie...wow!!! those ARE some rough seas! Thanks for the picture!
The page sure helps me get through each day!!! Thank you to ALL who are here and share anything and everything! GOD BLESS!!
Jan 22, 2013
SailorMom59 (son deployed)
Great to see pictures posted on the Facebook page! My son is in FOUR of the pictures! Wonderful to see his face! To know he's doing good! :-)
Jan 23, 2013
aatlmom
So great to stay in touch and see all the comments and updates! It helps!
My son made a recordable book for his daughter before he left. She lives close to us and is three. The book is kept at our house, so when I want to hear his voice, I can just open the book and hear him read to her. I know the book is meant for her, but it helps me too to hear his voice! :)
Jan 23, 2013
SailorMom59 (son deployed)
oh, aatlmom, I'd do the same! :-)
Jan 23, 2013