DEP-Leavin' for bootcamp in June

So I see a few comments out that that their new recruit landed and was finally at BC.  My son texted me "Here" when he got to Chicago as per my request to let me know that he arrived safely.  He is a man of very few words.  Then at 11:40pm he called me from his cell phone said It was him (as if I wouldn't recognize the voice or the fact that he was calling from his phone) and I will write in 3 weeks..  And then hung up.  Is that the infamous call? I thought it would be from a Navy phone line and was surprised it came that late at night.  Now I realize that Chicago is an hour early in time than where I am but was not expecting then. Was expecting a few more words- not just It's me.  I will write in 3 weeks. Then click.  And especially did not expect it to come from his own phone. 

Or was that just a call he made to me before he had to give up his cell phone?  Any one out there - can you tell me what your experience with the call is?  Will I get another but official call?

Jennifer,  Were you surprised that it came from your recruit's own cell phone? 

ok.  Nice to know Black Belt Mom.  Everything I was told previously was to expect a call from the Chicago area and needed to pick up.  But I guess they use their own cell phones now.  Makes sense.  My son's call was brief.  But as soon as he said It's me.  I said I love you.  So I got my words in before he hung up.  :-)  Now we are Officially at BC!!!  Any mom's out there go in this week out of the Philadelphia airport?

I got the call last night, whats weird is that he had his cell phone however the call came from a PA number- why not his cell phone. I was texting with him at the airport so I know it was still working. Anyways yes it was brief with some yelling in the backround. Now I can start counting down the days.

Good morning ladies, I am just finding this forum. While going through the things I am to expect next, I see something about telephone calling cards. I am not sure, but am I supposed to mail one or take it during PIR? From what I see, it should have gone with my child, but alas, already gone 6/27. Please advise, very confused mom. Thank you in advance.

Yes as soon as you get the form letter letting you know his address go get a prepaid calling card that he can use from a phone - make sure its already activated. They should be able to make a call around week 3

I got that call last night, its the call letting you know they made it to BC- right before the phone goes in the box- its a very short call, got mine last night.

Jennifer is referring to the START Guide. A must read, along with the RTC Family Guide.

And by the time you get the Form Letter with a mailing address there is a good chance that your Recruit has already purchased a phone card at the NEX.

Sending a phone card and stamps is not necessary, but its a subtle way of saying that you are expecting calls and letters. :)

No Jennifer, I never saw the magazine. I have a question about direct deposit though, I hope you can help. I see where you said they were supposed to take the direct deposit slip, he had it ready to pack, and I told to. He said he had packed it, but I just found it on the dryer when I went home for lunch. Will I be able to mail it to him, after I get the information from him in the mail? Thank you in advance.

Yes, we sure will Jennifer, and I am so excited for him. I am not sure about which airport to fly into though, people here at the station are saying O'hare is a nightmare. Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

My son got there wednesday as well, hopefully I will get it today.

My son got in on Wednesday too.  Got the call late that night.  Great to know that the boxes from Wednesday's arrivals are getting to their homes today. I am in New Jersey. I'm hoping for the box today as well!!! 

Marybeth, so funny!!!  Your own charger.  Are they all alike???!!!

I am overwhelmed right now.  I do not know what to do.  The box arrived and had my sons clothes & phone but no paper letting me know where/how to write him.  No way for me to know how to make travel plans and what date I should be planning for.  I don't understand how I'm supposed to plan travel.  When will I know? My son arrived at Great Lakes (Chicago area) on 6/28.  I'm just so upset.

Soccermom19 Its ok do not worry, my son left on the 28th as well, I have not gotten the box yet nor the letter but it will come. You should get the letter within the next couple days. I know its hard-I am there with you, I have been emotional today but it will come -