November 2010 Boot Camp

So glad you got the call. They usually don't get sleep for the first 48 hours. After that, my son said their sleep is very important to the Navy. So, if they are able to go to sleep easily, they get a full night's sleep every night, until the end for Battle Stations. They are usually so tired most of the time that they don't have trouble going to sleep. Now you can be on the lookout for the box returning all of his belongings. Plus the letter with all the graduation information.

Hello everyone! I just got back from seeing my son at his swearing in ceremony... I just got a text and he was boarding!! wow this is even his first time on a plane not to mention out of Cali! I have cryed so much but away from him! it was along ride home, my daughter had a Carrie Underwood CD and then my Christian radio!!! Jesus take the wheel !!! now we wait for the call,,, step by step!

I know the anxiety you are feeling. Be ready for the call to be extremely short. I just kept saying I love you, I'm proud of you, I love you, with the hope he could hear me and also so I wouldn't focus on how he sounded. Hang in there. We are all here for all of you.

I noticed your group...I am one of the moms that answers your questions about boot camp and PIR...although I have to say I am the newest member of the "team"...am a little confused because I see you set up a new group so am unsure if you want someone like me to drop in...

My son went to boot camp in September...it was tough to say goodbye...he PIR/d last Friday...it was awesome to say hello again...I am happy to stop by and give you a few hints about what helped my son and I make it through...

My son Jimmy arrived at bootcamp around 11 pm on November 9. I can't wait to see him at graduation.... a completely new man!

My boyfriend (Also JudieK's son) left for boot camp Nov. 9th. Can't wait for graduation either!! anyone else same date?!

Lynne- I want you to drop in! :) Now that your son has graduated, what's next for him? Is he off to "A" school?

My son is in A-school, he got there yesterday. He is in Pensacola and is loving the weather....of course we are from KY...so it is more like home. He saw the blue Angel show today and is getting settled in his room...he had purchased energy drinks and doritos and had done PT...he was so happy. He is in indoctrination which basically means he is learning the rules and has few priveleges...lol...but thanks for asking...oh and most important he has called twice today and said he would call before bed...I love my sailor!!!

My husband left for boot camp Nov.9th. I can't wait to recieve my form letter!

Ash- so did my boyfriend!! Can't wait either. How have you been holding up so far? Did you get the dreaded "box" yet?

NS <3 JS, I am not holding up very well, but being pregnant doesnt help. My emotions are all over the place! I haven't gotten the box yet. unless it was delieverd to my in laws. Did you get the "box" ?

I got the box yesterday.

Getting the box can be emotional...it was for me...I smelled my sons clothes..took out his T-shirt and let our dog sleep with it...be sure you check it well for cell phones and batteries etc. Ash...just let yourself feel...this is the place where you can let go and people will understand...you can't say anything one of hasn't felt or heard before. In a way, boot camp is kind of like pregnancy. The first trimester is the worst, with bc the first three weeks are the worst. You know so little, you feel so out of control or at least I did. You want the box to come and then you hope that maybe they found a way to write a line and stick it in a pocket or something and all you see is an address. So the waiting game begins for week two when the form letter arrives. Like a starving maniac you gaze at these four lines that they have written like water in a desert...lol!! I read them over and over again. I carried that letter everywhere I went. Then the third week...I began to anticipate the first letter or God help me a phone call. By the end of the third week sort of like the first trimester I settled into a rhythm and the next three weeks passed easier. The final two to three weeks fly by in what seems like a minute just like the last few weeks of pregnancy or at least they did for me. I hope my analogy helps. Hang in there...you will do fine..and we will be here to help!!

Ash- No he will be sending that to his mother's house which is more than fine with me. I'm sure it would make me cry all over again. If you need anything let me know it's tough for everyone but it will all be worth it. Promise!

any one else have their loved one leave 11/03?

son left on 11/4 ship

i pray i get mt letter tommorow

My son left on 11/3 - no letter yet so I don't know his address. Hope it comes soon!

My son left 11/8 we already got "THE BOX" on 11/11. Now anxiously awaiting the package letting us know of his ship, division and PIR date. Miss chatting with him daily but proud of his decisions!

Redsmomtx~~~ You in Texas?

Patti ~ Yes we are in Texas and you?

redsmomtx - Georgetown ~~~ you?

Well, here it is...we take Justin to the recruiter today and tomorrow he ships to GL...I can not believe this day is here already....

Lynne, I just love to follow what you write, it is so comforting. Hi Ladies well wishes to all. I think alot of you will be in the PIR 1-7-11 group right? Can't wait to meet you all. Love your heading NS - "We are never apart where ever in the world you are..." So true

wishin every1 a blessed day especially SR-RLS @ BC and many more to come!

Patti ~ Houston (Jersey Village area). Hopefully are SRs will have the same PIR and possibly the same ship/division. Will keep you posted and let you know once the 'letter' arrives.

Thanks!! I write it at the end of every letter I've written him so far! =] It's something he said to me before he left for RTC!

new horizonsship - doing OK ~ just got a phone call from my son, he got a reward for doning a good job last night such a great surprise!

My husband went to GL on 11/9/10, but that doesnt actually mean his 9 weeks starts from that day right? Could his PIR be moved back due to the holiday's? and could he be waiting for his division to fill? He's only been gone 5 days, so I should expect his form letter this upcoming week? or next? and should his paycheck get deposited Dec.1st or 15th? Help )=

PIR date shouldn't be moved back. They don't get the full day off for the Holidays. I believe they just get 5 hours off in the morning (as they do on Sundays as well) and get a nice meal. Not 100% sure on that but I know they do not get the day off... they train everyday while they are there. Can anyone clarify what goes on at RTC on Thanksgiving, Christmas and also New Years? I doubt they get anything special for New Years but who knows. My boyfriend will be there for all three holidays but can't wait til PIR!

Patti ~ so glad you got a call from your son.. Kuddos to him for job well done! I am anxiously waiting for a phone call from my SR but would love to get the package with all the info especially his mailing address.

Redsmomtx - call the recruiter. He gets it a couple of days after they leave, much earlier than the letter.

My son also left yesterday and is at MEPS today from Columbia, SC. I thought it would be easier the second time, but it wasn't. I was so depressed all day and so thank God that I could be back at work today. I think Willie is ready though. It doesn't help he is the last one to cause an empty nest. We went to Mass together before taking him and sat with his arm around me. I didn't want it to end. Keeping all of you on my mind and in my prayers.

Ash...It takes a little bit for the paycheck to catch up with them...the first bank statement I saw had the great big balance of zero...lol, but then it did catch up and remember there is a lot of things that come out at first, they get a clothing allowance, but that does NOT cover the full cost of what they need, they also are given a 300.00 advance to the NEX to cover toiletries and other things they may need...so the first paycheck is rather ugly if I may say so...lol!!

Yayy!!! Got my letter today with his PIR info & his address!!! He wrote a little message on it too. Soo happy I started to cry when I saw his last name on the envelope sticking out the top of my mailbox! =] =]

My son's girlfriend (NS <3 JS) just called me with his address and PIR date. AND I got the box today with all his stuff. His PIR is 1/14/10.... Ship 12, Division 042. Time to send the letters!

Well Ms. Judie..you may be up...check and see if there is a PIR group started if not...get to getting...start one...and we will help you....Jessica, Diane , and I...you wil have a ball...lol

Oops... i meant 1/14/11!

Well another day has come & gone and still no letter. I did email my son's recruiter who said he will contact me tomorrow and hopefully will have his mailing address. Ready to send these letters to give SR-RLS a little piece of home!

NS <3 JS ~ glad you received your SR letter with his info :-)

Judie...have you joined bootcamp for moms...please do so

Redsmom...when did your son go to bootcamp

NS you can start the group as well...okay ladies hop to it...one of you start the group and as soon as you do...jessica, dianne, and I will join and help you get it going....it is fun...or do it together and be co admin....I bet when I wake up int he morning yo will have done it right...right....huh huh huh...lol!!!

I did it already.. a couple days ago I had a lucky guess at when his PIR would be! There are a few people who have joined but not many!

My son started bootcamp 11/04/2010 and I still have not heard anything on him. I think he is in Div 039...are there any other parents from that Div here?

Hi everyone. My son us flying out of Minneapolis for GL today. He just called, saying there might be a problem with his retainer and needed contact info on the orthodontist! It was great to hear his voice, even though we saw him at 5 pm last night.

kate and tony what ship? you have not recvd his box? I would call the recruiter

I received his box, got some info from his recruitor. Did not receive the letter giving information on him.

Kate, From what I have heard, I think it comes seperately in a letter a few days after the box.

My son is on his way to GL from NY today...Don't know much more than that. I have a knot in my stomach. Hope I can get a call and that I dont miss it.. I am walking around with my cell on high volume. I gave him a great big hug yesterday afternoon but just now hope I can hear his wonderful voice soon...

Cat, he should be able to call you while waiting at the airport. Hope you get to hear his voice. The final call will be very quick and sound staged - just keep talking to him. He can hear you. Our final call came in at 10:10 last night.

Tamme, I hope he does. He has a calling card on him. Everyone says No news is good news.....so I am keeping that in my head. Thats really all I can keep in there right now. Can't seem to get much work done today.

Cat I agree with Tamme, I received the final call last night at 10:15pm from GL...it is definately a quick call but I was able to get in the last I love you before he hung up. Justin sounded exhausted but it was great to hear his voice!

Justinsmom, where are you from? Willie was with a Justin last night out of Columbia, SC.