DEP-Leavin' for bootcamp in February

Do not send packages or envelopes of any kind that require more than standard postage. Those would have to be opened in front of the RDC and your recruit may not be permitted to keep the contents and may also receive IT or other consequences. Save any "Care Packages", especially those containing food, for "A" School or training after BC. The RTC indicates the following in http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/faq.html#contacting_recruits: "Because space is limited in the barracks, recruits may receive letters and small photographs only. Please do not send your recruit packages of civilian clothing, toiletries, food items, etc. as they will not be permitted to keep them."

Ok All-

just got so real for me. Just got the call that my SR leaves Monday Feb 19 and sworn in on Feb 20. We’ve rode this roller coaster since last Year. Been in DEP since May ‘17. Was pushed up to be pushed back to be pushed back to June ‘18 and now the call he leaves Monday. Wow- thought I was ready for this (which I know we are) but I lost it (after my SR called me with the news). Hurry up and wait -I’m an expert!! I know I’m rambling - sorry! Just freaked and excited and a tons of emotions right now....

proudMom- guess our SR’s are going together.  What’s ur SR’s rate?

Ceej0347 Welcome, the emotions are natural and believe me you will have plenty. He seems excited, that's Great! Congratulations to him and best of wishes to you and your Family including your Son.

When will "The Box" come?

It will usually arrive by FedEx within a few days, but it can take up to 2 weeks at times.

Someone will have to receive it or they will leave a slip and it will need to be picked up.

My stepson shipped out on 2/8, we received his "box" today  :)

Ladies I will not give you false info, It will be a Roller Coaster of a ride. Your Emotions will be all over the place. If you need anything please ask, I help out on Boot camp for Moms and will get you any info you may need. Stay busy, keep focused because your Son/Daughter are going to need you when time comes. the first call will be hard. please join boot camp for moms.

My son left 2/7 waiting for my box to arrive.

My son left for BC on 2/8. Got the "box" today. It was quite large. He left with a LOT of stuff. LOL. Looking forward to hearing about PIR date. 

Hi moms, I’d like to tell you that I was strong when my sonks box arrived but went a little hay-wire when I didn’t get his first letter, longer than the rest of my moms. I was crying horribly and felt very depressed. 

These great ladies talked me down with a lot of virtual hugs. No matter what, we are here for you. 

Donsmom-

you got This!! We are stronger than we think!!!  I will be doing this next week Monday as well and my little guy loves his older brother and relies on him so much.  It will break my heart as well.  My sister sent me the yesterday and it helped

Wisdom for the day!
Strength is letting go when you want to hold on
Courage is moving forward when your fear what's ahead
Wisdom is listening when you want to be heard

This is a growing point in our children’s lives all of them and as hard as it is for all of us, it prob harder for us moms.  The letting go of our children (but they do come back just as men and women and our babies will finally be grown up).

i will pray for u today! Be strong (as us parents have to be).

Good luck!

Sorry Domsmom!!! Typo on ur name

Ceej0347, 

I absolutely love your wisdom for the day!  It's worth remembering - in case anyone missed her comment below   

Wisdom for the day!
Strength is letting go when you want to hold on
Courage is moving forward when your fear what's ahead
Wisdom is listening when you want to be heard

thank u so much! 

Good Morning Ladies hope all is well this Friday, please let me know if there is anything that I can help you with, any information that you may be needing. if you can please join Boot camp for moms. I help out on that site and you will find much need info. anyway that I can please just ask. Keep your Head up Ladies, this is just the beginning, it can get rough.

Ceej0347 very nice encouragement love it!

I would like to share todays Daily Bread Bible verse.

Proverbs 18:10

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

If your future Sailor has yet to ship, then 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) and then go on to Arrival and What Happens at the RTC. 

I love the wisdom of the day!

My son ships out on 2/20.  My daughter graduated BC 6/2017 so I have been through this before and am so very proud but the Navy will now have both my children. Feeling pretty emotional today as I am gearing up and preparing for a family weekend.  Gotta get all the tears out now and put on my happy face for my family! Hooyah!

SailorMoon Congratulations, you have two in the Navy. well one leaving soon. How is your Daughter doing? Best wishes to the both you must be so proud!

Phoenixmom- that's a loaded question re my daughter! It has been a roller coaster ride!  She has been through a re-rate, injury, surgery, and on a med hold until June 2018 when she will go to her new A school. Still concerned with a med sep but glad that she has a chance to try and get up to PFT standards. Regardless she doesn't regret a thing and loves the Navy!

SailorMoon I am so sorry, didn't realize. She is one tough Cookie if I may say. So happy she has stuck it out, talking about determination she sure has that for sure. Praying for your daughter and  quick recovery, Once in A school it should be a breeze for her. As far as regret, she should be proud of herself for still holding on to her dream.

If my son is leaving next weekend for bootcamp, can I take him for a one night stay out of state this week (next state over) for a mini last family vacation to spend some time with him before leaving? I don't want to violate any rules but need to plan asap if able to and can't ask the recruiter until Monday- but trying to make the plan now so it isn't too late!!

Hello everyone....daughter just left on the 14th for BC...anybody else have a kiddo that left that same day? How is everybody doing?

Jilly- hang tough! I’m right there with you- I just have no  time to cry or think about it (which I’m thankful for!!).  My SR leaves tomorrow - we had six days notice as he was moved up from a June  date.

Anyone else going to Chicago MEPS for swearing in Tuesday??

My SR officially goes on Tuesday 

Jillybean23 my son left on the 14th as well.

anyone have a son or daughter leaving Thursday for BC

Lisa, I have one leaving on Thursday!!

heading to the recruiters office now to drop off my SR

could use some prayers as he asked me not to cry!

hardest day of my life 

he  has his swearing in ceremony Thursday then he leaves. I am very proud of him, but at the same time very emotional. Do you all feel the same

My son leaves a week from today. He's in his room yelling at video games right now and I almost want to record it because I know I'll miss it! He's my oldest and has never been gone for more than a couple weeks for band camp. This is tough!

I4d4wn

enjoy the time. Mine left tonight and I have so many mixed emotions. Spend as much time as u can but also step back and enjoy it and him. 

It was a hard day but easier night for me and his brothers.

Today before mine left I set an alarm and hr before we left and took 5mins to just stand back and watch him, soak him in and take a deep breathe and notice  what he is and will become in just 9wks.  If you have a chance step back at some point and do this - ingrain the image of him/her into ur memory.  It’s made today/night just a little easier.

God bless our SR’s. They got this!!

Absolutely feel the same!!  I know he has this but of course I worry.  How will he do on his run and all of the written test.....I have been trying not to cry in front of him but when he got aggravated with me last night for trying to help gather paperwork and such he said Mom I got this.  Yes it upset me and poor thing came to my room and said Mom I'll be ok.  I couldn't help but see this grown man in front of me and just be so proud of him and what he has accomplished.  It will be hard on Thursday but we have to keep going.  Somehow....not sure of that part yet! LOL

Good Morning Ladies hope all is well this Tuesday Morning, Rachel please don't beat yourself up. This is Normal for them to react this way. He want to know for himself that he has this. My son is and was the same way. It did hurt me because I wanted to help, but as he told me "Mom if you continue to do for me, How am I suppose to learn for myself. He loves you and he wants you to know that he will be ok, just stand back and let him figure it out, he will come to you when he needs help, believe me he will. When you see him again OMG you are going to see a whole different person, A grown person with responsibilities. Just spend as much time with him and let him know how much you love him and that you are there for him. I think he knows that already. And believe me it is ok to cry, holding back your emotions will not be good, but all of us have gone thru it. if you need anything please let me know, that goes for all, take one step at a time because it will be overwhelming for a couple of weeks. Have a Great Day!

If there is anything that I can post such information please let me know, the more you know the better.

REQUIRED CHECKLIST

Click the link above to view the REQUIRED items you must bring with you to RTC.

WHAT'S OK TO BRING

Click on the link above to view a list of AUTHORIZED personal items that you may want to bring to training, but are not required. Any unauthorized or unnecessary items (including your civilian clothes) will be boxed up and shipped home at your expense

WHAT NOT TO BRING

My son is on the plane to Chicago as I type this! Here we go! It was a busy, very emotional, but good family weekend.

Ceej0347, Elizabeth, Karik, Lisa and Rachel - we may all have the same PIR date.  :)

PS - Thank you Phoenixmom!  Gosh, I hope my response didn't sound harsh it was more of a "Ha! Get ready for this answer!" ;)

SailorMoon you are welcome, and Glad to have you along. Please keep your phone near this evening, it may be late but you will be receiving I'm here call. It will be a fast scripted call and may bring tears to your eyes. Stay strong. and if you need anything please let me know.

SailorMom - my son is at the airport waiting for your son (lol). Chicago MEPS today was amazing. They let us stay with them until they left on the bus at 12 noon. What a day!! We had a crazy week. Considering we just found out he was leaving today on Valentine’s Day and I was out of town in business..  

Ups and downs I think yesterday was harder for me than today!  I’m ready for this ride, we are all strong and will get through it together.  I’m so grateful to all you ladies and gents and our venteran moms (Phoenixmom, chipmunk, and So many more) too. You are all the reason we will make it through just like our recruits will.  

Ceej0347 - My son should land 8pm your time, so shouldn't have to wait too much longer! (we are in California). Glad you had a good day today!

I’ll tell my son to keep his eyes out for him(lol). 

What’s ur sons rate- mine going into nukes

Just got the ‘I’m here call’.  Early tonight! 

God bless are SR’s.  May they be strong, courageous and learn to work together quickly!

One more day!  

Good Morning Ladies Happy Wednesday!

So I see we received the I'm here call. How were you Ladies feeling after the scripted call? A little Bittersweet, Sad. I remember I could not sleep until I received the call. Wishing your Sons the best in this Journey they will be on. And may they focus and be determined to overcome any Obstacle in their way!

Rachel Congrats to your New SR. (Seaman Recruit) best wishes to him also.

If there is anything that I can post for you Ladies (Information) please feel free to ask or reach out. Have a Great Day!

Rachel- you got this!! Enjoy each minute.

Sailormom - what time did the call come in?

Yes definitely got this! thanks ceej0347.

The call came in at 9pm PST. Was not expecting it that early!

His GF got the call (which was expected) and then she texted us.

When our daughter went through BC last year I think it was around midnight.

Those calls can come from early afternoon to the wee hours of the morning. It all depends on how close they are to the RTC when they leave and when the bus or plane gets in.

Flight delays, which are possible this time of year, can even result in some arriving during daylight hours one or more days after they were sworn in.