DEP-Leavin' for bootcamp in May

@Linda B  -  Have you received anything from your daughter yet?  Just wondering if you received her form letter yet?  I understand about the airport. My son flew out of St. Louis with a few other sailors, but he had to spend the night over there and then goto MEPS most of the day. I didn't get to see him off either. I'm sure your daughter understands.  God love them.  I think they are doing better than the parents. :o}

Donna.. my son arrived at bootcamp on a Tuesday evening around 5. I got my first phone call at 11 pm from him.. good thing I took my phone to bed! Then this past Tuesdy (1 week later) I got the box from him with nothing in it.. but that same day my form letter arrived too. It was sooo nice hearing from him finally!

It has been two weeks since my SR left for BC. My husband called me in O'Hare while waiting for the bus to take them to GL. After that I missed the official "I'm here" call . A week later received his box with his clothes,shoes and a small note on the back of a McDonald's receipt. This last Sunday, day 10 i got a call from him and we talked for 5-6 minutes. He informed me that it took a while before his division filled in. He sounds good and excited. His PIR is 07/08. I got tons of letters for him ready to be mailed and i asked him for his address, he instructed me to wait for his form letter which I don't have yet.

Anyway I've been bugging the recruiter almost every day for Joel's address, he finally called yesterday. I'm sending a trial  letter now just because I don't want him not to have any letters from me while the other SR's start to received theirs.

Donna and sailorwife: we are here to support each one another. Hang in there!

My son has been in for almost 2 and 1/2 years. With time it will get better. My son is on the USS Tortuga. After boot camp Skype will be your best friend. It is free and you can get it on any computer. You get to see  your sailor while speaking to them. This group has help me a lot. It is nice to know that your not alone.

@ Linda, When I received my husband's box (day6)  same thing, rolled up jeans, shoes and socks, inside out t-shirt and sweatshirt -which I wear when I miss him (nope. not washing it).Love that I could smell him in that. I got a note on the back of a McDonalds  receipt too!

Joel left 05/12. PIR is 07/08/2011 ship12/div224

I just got the form letter today, day 15! Hooyah!

*doing the monkey dance

A  MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE!

In 1996, a humanitarian organization based in Washington, D.C., known as 'No Greater Love' conducted a survey on children and asked them why do they think there is a holiday on Memorial Day. It was agonizing to hear their remarks that were all associated with barbecues and extended weekend parties and celebration, while they hadn't the vaguest idea about the sacrifices of the soldiers in whose honor it is celebrated. One of the children was even quoted as saying that this was the day when swimming pools open!

Thus, the organization came up with the idea of 'National Moment of Remembrance' to remind and especially, let the future generations know about the real meaning of the holiday. The idea clicked with the President and Congress and since 1997, it became a standard American tradition. National Moment of Remembrance requires everybody to keep silent for a minute, exactly at 3.00 pm (local time) when 'Taps' is played and reflect on the glory of those who have shed blood for us. The federal government hopes to raise public awareness about the heroes and their valor by introducing this moment.

Just remember what this upcoming weekend is about...
The American flag does not fly because the wind moves past it. The American
flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died protecting it.
Please remember that freedom is not free. Remember and pray for them and their families this Memorial Day weekend and every day following...till they all come home ♥ God Bless Our Troops! ♥

oops, not do start it but start it