DEP-Leavin' for bootcamp in February

My son left yesterday. It was the toughest day. I cried a lot the day before, the day and last night. His call came at 9:05 pm. I set a specific ringtone for him so I would be on serious alert. The call was longer than I expected and we talked for about two minutes before he said he was sharing his cell phone with another recruit. It was comical because after he asked how I was, he said "Mom, I have 3 things to tell you..." I said " Son, I have 2 things to tell you..." Those things were "I love you, and you've got this"  My boy sounded great and said his flight was amazing; he has never flown before. He sounded really strong and just good. I was so relieved but of course I woke up crying this morning. My heart is so sad. Big Hugs to all of the Mommas facing the departure day.

@Becky and @TJMom16     I saw where your sons left also on Feb 9. Mine also left the same day. I have not received the letter yet.  Can you tell me what color was the envelope? So I know what I am looking for.  Thank you

My son also left Feb. 9, and I am very anxiously waiting for my letter! how many guests are allowed to attend?

Laurel Tyler's mom I will keep you in my thoughts and sending you love and peace

My SR has been gone exactly 2 weeks today. It gets easier with receiving the box and then the form letter. You feel like you are a step closer to seeing them again. Even though I still have 6 more weeks, I have less anxiety. I do write everyday as a one sided conversation and that makes it easier too. 

I got my box yesterday and  "the" letter today.  PIR 4/1/16  ship 14 div 143.  I have never been so excited just to get a form letter!

@Becky ok. Thank you for the information.  I hope it is in my mailbox when I get home.  Thank you

Here are the current PIR groups for the February shippers:

PIR: 03/25/2016 TG 20 - 11 Divisions (129-136, 809, 810, and 920) 4 guests

PIR: 04/01/2016 TG 21 - 10 Divisions (137-144, 811, and 921) 4 guests

PIR: 04/08/2016 TG 22 - 7 Divisions (145-150 and 922) 4 guests

Click on the date and join to connect with others with loved ones training with your recruit.

Arrival and What Happens at the RTC within Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) will let you know what is happening and what to expect.

Ten days after arrival is still the average time to receive The Form Letter, meaning that some will have it before that and some after. Most will have it by 2 weeks after the recruit arrived at the RTC and the recruit is usually in his/her permanent ship by that time.

Picked up My son's box this evening.  I got a rush of emotions when I saw it, but then I became extremely PROUD of him.  Instead, of being sad as I expected, I was extremely happy and proud of him.  I put on his hat and sweat shirt and took a picture.  I'll be sending it to him once I receive the address. 

My son has landed safely.  It was so hard to leave him this morning.  I just wanted to keep hugging him and not let go.  I miss him so much already.  Now waiting on the phone call. 

LaDasha, my son left last Tuesday, I got my letter yesterday

LaDasha my son left 2/10 as well and I have not received letter yet. I'm sure we will soon.

Ten days after arrival is still the average time to receive The Form Letter, meaning that some will have it before that and some after. Most will have it by 2 weeks after the recruit arrived at the RTC and the recruit is usually in his/her permanent ship by that time.

Arrival and What Happens at the RTC within Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) will let you know what is happening and what to expect.

If your future Sailor has yet to ship, be sure to check out the discussion, Things to Do in the Last Month before Your Future Sailor Leaves for....

If you have not yet joined Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones), now is a good time to do so (especially if you have a recruit at the RTC) and to begin checking out the Pages (found under the pictures of the Members) starting with OPSEC and PERSEC (Making Changes to Your Profile) (some of you have changes that you need to make--at least change 3; make change 4 if your profile pic includes your future Sailor or recruit) and then go on to Arrival and What Happens at the RTC.

Soralinat,  I will be thinking of you. My son left on Tuesday and I am literally sick to my stomach and still fighting tears while at work. When I go home, I sit on his bed and just let it all out. Hang tight, sweetie. Love and peace.

I have left info on some of your My Pages about your recruit's (or future Sailor's) rating (job/specialty) and "A" School. If anyone else needs this info, leave a comment on my My Page with the rating or field and I will comment back on your My Page. I have info on every rating and field. I also have that info for the PACT programs.

Everyone, Make it a habit to check your My Page because you may have comments from Members and not even know it if you have the notifications turned off for comments on your My Page. To reply to someone who leaves a comment on your My Page, click on "Comment Back" or "View Thread" (you will have to do that if the person has their profile set to "Just My Friends") below the comment. Also check in the upper left to see if you have Friend requests or any new messages in your Inbox.

I feel lost. I wake up and turn on his bedroom light until I leave for work. I come home and turn on his bedroom light until I go to bed. I sit on his bed and cry. It has been since Tuesday. There are no Moms in my immediate circle that seem to understand and no people other than his girlfriend and she has her own tears to deal with. He is in good hands I know but this doesnt feel like he is away at college. I try to think of  the positive outcome the impact this will have on his life and I know it is the beginning of a great career for him, I just miss him.

I have my letter. This is one very HAPPY mom.  Our son on Ship 2, Division 922.  I will let you know about PIR date after I opened it.  My postal carrier just made my day. Good Luck to everyone else who is waiting on their letter. :)

I just got my letter also!!!! He's Ship 2 Division 922!! That just made my day I'm so happy!!! I'm preparing my letters to send out to him right now!!  :-D

My mother-in-law checked my and mail and the letter is in! Can't wait to get off work and get home!

Yes, NavyMom77, recruits receive a gamma globulin injection to help prevent illnesses at BC, but those who are allergic to Penicillin will receive an alternative since the gamma globulin injection could contain Penicillin antibodies. Recruits are also given a flu shot and other vaccinations.