I agree with Sweetpea... do not take no for an answer ANYONE!!
Jack... yea the recruitment kit is a pain.. but must needs be so.... I know that when the time is exactly right for him... boom ... he will be signed and have a date... I honestly believe in right time, right place, right reason... and I know MANY a parent here who will say the same... what might seem a delay or a set back... and I mean through the WHOLE Pipeline... can just be a direction in the right way and time....
Bird... hahaha... heck I STILL have questions.... we all do and will forever in this pipeline and then after that... thats what I love about this site.... we are all still learning.. and here for each other.... I plan on staying around for a long time paying it forward and also seeking answers as well!!!!....
Cali... how are you?? whats the latest on your boy??
Gosh I noticed that there are so many not checking in these days... of course my mind is blaaaaaaaaa .... sorry if you did and I did not see you.. I have been MIA a bit this past month....
But
AIRR; Westcoast; navywife; avasmooch; MammaB; bsmom; Navymom93; navymomGG; jbmom; laurak; momof5; wendy pcola mom; ochaos; Rmom; jajajo; leslieCR; wendyJ; johunton; Im sorry if I left anyone out... the mind is a terrible thing to lose hahahah.... justsayin!!!
Good Afternoon ladies. Just checking in. I finally got my first letter from my SR. It wasn't very long but it also wasn't as bad as I expected. He's sore and doesn't get much sleep but he's also gained weight so he must be eating good. His PIR is August 31 and I can hardly wait.
Jodi-Glad you got to hear from your recruit. You must be so excited. When my son was in boot camp, he would writer letters on Sunday and I would receive on Thursday. How I used to look forward Thursday!! I imagine the same will be true for you.
Lydia-my boy is doing great. Recently he was in part of a team of guys squadron that competed in the Toughest Responder Crossfit Competition. His squadron entered 3 teams and they took 1st, 2nd & 3rd in the competition. He said he had so much fun competing. Right now I am going through a tough period of missing him. I miss him so much my chest feels hollow, especially if I let myself think about how long it will be before I get to hug him again.
Cali - I know what you mean and mine is still in Pcola. Hang in there.
Jodi - So glad you got a ltr. I used to rush to the mailbox ea week and carry my ltrs around until the next one came. PIR just couldn't come soon enough but once I got him in my arms that day OMG did the tears flow!!
BTW, Cali, Really loved the comments about the competition. Sounds just like something mine would love to do.
CaliMom, great to hear how well your son's squadron did. How cool. Sorry you are missing him and it will be a long time until you see him again. I can't wait until PIR. We are taking his girlfriend and his best friend with us so I will have to share him but it will be worth it. As far as the letters, I made my husband wait until I got home from work to open them and that will hold true until he graduates! It used to be I looked forward to Wednesdays because it was payday but now it will be because its letter day.
Hey, everyone. Sounds like things are moving along for lots of you.
My son started his A school this week. A funny conversation with his dad recently. My husband is a runner and always tried to get our son to run with him as a way to keep in shape. Our son did football, boys volleyball, and wrestling in high school and was never interested in running with his dad. Now he tells us that he is going to compete in a Marathon in November and has joined a running club SOML (So Others May Live) at the suggestion of one of his RSS instructors. Interesting how their motivation and thought processes change through this experience.
Hey Everyone.... okay mention to your super athletic boys ( and gals ) about Tough Mudder. It is an incredibly tough relay race that they usually run in teams. It raises money for the Wounded Worriers. Many WW participate in them as well. They have them in almost every state in the country at least one time a year. My Bman did it a few months ago and Bman is ultra in shape.. even he puked hahaha..... you can Google it and get info.. great cause super hard and challenging.. super fun also.
Yea for BC letter, PIRs, A schools AND new squadrons!!!!
Cali.... all I can say is Im totally empty wth both my babies gone. One in FL and one in CA and me here inthe middle in TX missing them both so much. im having a very very hard time dealing with this but I am trying. I have not succeeded yet but I am trying. Not sure I will ever succeed in finding a balance missing them.. I fill that void with busy-ness but at the end of the day... Im still empty... It never goes away. Sooo dont feel alone sister... we are in the same hurt boat... =)
Cali and Lydia - my nest is empty also. Son in Pensacola and our daughter has been in Africa where the electricity is iffy and phone calls few and far between. She returns in a few weeks though until the next time :)
JackFlash-I am totally sharing in your frustration with whatever happened to your son's first scheduled PST, so yesterday I was supposed to have mine at 6:30pm ...that time rolls around and my recruiter is no where to be found...called him, "Oh my bad, I told you we'd do it today? I'm out of town"....It was my brithday yesterday, I planned my whole day around that stupid PST and it didnt' happen. So for the third time now..it will be next Wednesday, August 1. I made him swear and promise 100% that it was happening, he owes me a beer and told him I hated him. haha good thing we're friends. What really irritates me is that it's not so much of a big deal for the guys to do this test, but for me it's one of the biggest tests of my life so for him to just write it off made me the most upset. vent over.
anywayssss
Lydia-I'm doing a tough mudder Sept 8 in DC with some Naval Officers from the Pentagon!! I can't wait :)
teamnavy - ugggggg.... he owes you a six pack!!!!!!! happy birthday baby! Dont blame you for being upset...! tell him girl!!!!
Kewl for the Tough Mudders.... I could only wish I could do one... but instead... I raise money for the Wounded Worriers along with Care Packages... hahaha - I know Im whimpy... okay how bout oldish and a tidge over weight?? =)
Lydia- hahaha I'll take that 6-pack on my stomach please!! thank you for the bday wishes :) I went into the main recruiting office today...turns out he's not out of towna and the other recruiters are going to give it to him tomorrow when they see him at their training...so this was not a Navy thing, but an a**hole thing.
Raising money for WWP and care packages are far more important than a race, so you are definitely making more of an impact there and thank you for doing it!!
teamnavy-sorry for your experience. You totally got blown off, and that is just not right (not just for you as a girl, but for anyone. Keep your commitments recuiter! Remember the Navy motto "Honor, Courage, COMMITMENT". Glad you are over your vent, because, this too shall pass. Keep on plugging along...you will get your turn! (Oh, and happy birthday)
I know K would love to do a tough mudder relay, but I don't think they have them in Guam. I will mention to him though. Forgot to mention in how he is doing over there that he has involved himself in a couple of volunteer opportunities. He was never super interested or excited to volunteer work when he was growing up (and I am talking about more than just volunteering to take out the garbage, cuz that never happened either...LOL) Kind of like kkhosier said, you never know what is going to motivate them when they get older and have experiences on their own.
Teamnavy - That is sooo not right!! Glad you caught him on it. And Happy Birthday to you!! Hooyah!!
My hubby is a SWAT guy and his team just did a tough mudder and they're planning another soon. They had a blast!! Love the whole concept!! My niece works for WW and my nephew is a purple heart vet so we take that stuff serious around here and appreciate all the support, esp the care packages and the fundraising!!
Cali - Isn't it amazing to see how they transition after they get out on their own?
Sweetpea - You are so right. Patience and flexibility is crucial!!
Kkr - Looks like we're all in the same boat together!!! LOL Hang in there!!
Hey Birthday Buddy! You got burned and I feel for you. When my boy was all set-- the guy forgot his phone, so he couldn't get hold of him to get through the Gate. Then when they finally got someone else, the guy came out to pick him up, but had forgot his ID, so they couldn't get back in....
I was just shaking my head. Honestly, sometimes it seems like the 3 Stooges are running recruitment, but you are exactly right. It's a big deal to the potential candidate, but not much of a big deal to everyone else. Have to keeep that in perspective I guess, as frustrating as it can be. One day you'll be here in San Diego for your training and I'll take you for that beer to Stone Brewery--- a local micro. Hold me to it and we'll do it.
My son finally got to test last week and so all is forgiven. You'll be the same in a week. Chin up girl! No really... and push up, and sit up and run and swim.... (wink)
Happy Sonday everyone!!! Hey I just thought Id show yall this pic.. it came from a marine unit that us Riders support with care packages... speaking of how important support to these kids (our kids) is.... Mazzy the MWD(Military Working Dog) is shown with Cpl Ferral... we shipped 5 boxes of stuff for the canines and the handlers... well, two weeks after this photo was taken Mazzy was Killed in the line of duty... she saved the life of her handler... Love your troops and support them all you can! cards, letters, care packages... they are grateful for anything.. I get so many emails back from these kids you just would not believe.. anyway... God Bless our kids, our troops both two legs and four!!! Sure am proud of all our kids here.doing so great... hanging in there pushing on forward!!! hoooooooyaaaaaaa to them and each of your parents, wives, gfs!!!! xoxoxox
Wendypcolamom, i have been two both. Rss gives you a better understanding of the water training. 20 min ceremony got to tour the pool facility. My Son's FRAC graduation was more formal approx 30 min. It was a special ceremony because his class was the last class to graduate from this squadron before it stood down. Glad i got to go to both!
I love this quote and thought I would share it here.
"Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory." Douglas MacArthur
KKr.. I love that too.. Ill copy that and put it on my sons FB wall! thank you for that!
Wendy... I second sweetpea... I had a sista friend of mine who lives in Pcola video the RSS grad.. it was amazing.. I cried at just the video but I was sorry that my hubbys health would not permit us to go... Now the FRS graduation, my son told me it would be only a 15 min ceremony and not to spend the money on flying out to it cause he would not have any leave to spend with us... so NOW comes his Wing ceremony which he has no idea when it will be.. so Im on pins and needles not knowing if I can go to even that one... He said for me to not come but to wait for his two week leave (he is hoping for) and then meet with him and our family in FL.... I said all that to say this.... If you can afford to go... man oh man Id sure go to any and all..... I was fortunate to get lots of photos and video but its just not the same....
Wendy - About RSS grad, let me add that we loved it. We had to pray for our son from the beginning, to get preg, to stay preg, to survive delivery, to survive several experiences in childhood etc. During the very short informal ceremony the instructor spoke softly and genuinely and said "Your sons and daughters are going to be the answer to someone's prayers." Tears flowed at that moment just like at BC. Never before had the phrase "So Others May Live" meant so much to me. It was a beautiful experience so I say go to everything you can. You won't regret it!!
I have discovered that the quote I like and posted is actually the first stanza of a poem/prayer that Douglas MacArthur wrote to his son. I've copied it in its entirety because it is just beautiful.
Build Me a Son General Douglas A. MacArthur
Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face him self when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.
Build me a son whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be; a son who will know Thee- and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.
Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here, let him learn to stand up in the storm; here, let him team compassion for those who fall.
Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goals will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.
And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously.
Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength.
Then I, his father, will dare to whisper, "I have not lived in vain."
That's fantastic. Thank you for sharing that. In an age of compromise it's far too easy to lose bearings and blow with the wind. Principles are abandoned, forsaken in the name of personal gain that costs everyone else. I love that line- ..."whose wishbone won't be where his backbone should be."
Hey everyone. K texted that he is flying today!! yea!! I enjoy the posts. I've been busy with my grand'belles' and planning a shower tea for another one that is brewing! Appreciate you all!!
I know we're a group that supports Wounded Warriors (some through Tough Mudders) and I saw this on fb today:
Thank you, House of Representatives! Yesterday, they passed legislation to improve long-term care for warriors with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The legislation has already passed the Senate, and is expected to be signed into law by the President. Wounded Warrior Project worked for two years to get Congress to address ambiguities in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) treatments for TBI...
, and we’re relieved that warriors will soon be guaranteed by law to get the care they deserve. Once this legislation becomes law, warriors with TBI will have more comprehensive care plans from VA that can't be cut off prematurely. These veterans will also get the support they need – health services or non-medical assistance – to achieve maximum independence and quality of life. Thank you, Congress, and a big thank you to Congressman Tim Walz for first introducing this legislation in 2011!
I think it's a step in the right direction!! Hooyah!!
thank you everyone!! I tested..and failed. Rocked everything, but missed it by ONE PULL-UP. ughhh. Beat all the guys, but one in the pool though :) lots of work to do in the next two weeks before my next one, my spec war recruiter and SEAL mentor were very impressed, so I guess that's what counts most. Here are my scores:
Hey-- it was a major win just to get that first PST under your belt. It's all good from here. Work on I,proving your score week by week-- I tell my son the same thing. You can do it! You're soooo close!
Afternoon everyone. Thought I'd check in. My SR only has 4 more Fridays until he graduates bc. The first few letters were sort of depressing (he missed us, his bed and his life lol) but the last few letters are so much more positive. Their unit is working together finally and he sounds so much happier. I can't wait until PIR to see him.
Jodi... Im getting goose bumps for you... yes their letters are up and down. it is to be expected dont worry... the two weeks before PIR they are STOKED like crazy... week 5 - 6 they work together as a team... which is what will get them through Battle stations... you just hang in ther and it will all be GREAT... whooooop!!! Gosh hard to believe that I was having moms telling me this two years ago... woooooow how time flies!
Jack - - yes right... many more PSTs to go... so i say breathe breathe persevear... kick butt.... thts wht I told my B.. yall WILL do this!!!!
Team navy.... hoooooooooooyaaaaaaaaaaaa Do it GF...!!!!! You got this!
Jodi - I, too, am counting down w you!! So exciting!! Teamnavy - Very impressive scores!! I know you'll get it soon. You're working so hard. I'm so proud of you!!
Have a great night everyone!!
Go USA and Hooyah!!
Ann - So good to hear good news about your sailor and also good news to hear you are getting to see him soon. I know you will be relieved once you get your eyes and hands on him. :-) We can all relate!! Take care!!
Oh, btw, they found several cysts on my daughter's thyroid so we are in a "wait and see" mode for her (funny, sounds like the Navy). Frustrating but relieving at the same time! Thanks for the prayers!! Hugs!!
Ann - bless his and your heart... glad he is improving and healing up! SOO glad you get to go and see him!!!
Bird - Oh bless her heart and yours! hate that hurry up and wait game but most of life seems to be that way huh!!! Well, prayers for Ann and you kids!!!!
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
I agree with Sweetpea... do not take no for an answer ANYONE!!
Jack... yea the recruitment kit is a pain.. but must needs be so.... I know that when the time is exactly right for him... boom ... he will be signed and have a date... I honestly believe in right time, right place, right reason... and I know MANY a parent here who will say the same... what might seem a delay or a set back... and I mean through the WHOLE Pipeline... can just be a direction in the right way and time....
Bird... hahaha... heck I STILL have questions.... we all do and will forever in this pipeline and then after that... thats what I love about this site.... we are all still learning.. and here for each other.... I plan on staying around for a long time paying it forward and also seeking answers as well!!!!....
Cali... how are you?? whats the latest on your boy??
Gosh I noticed that there are so many not checking in these days... of course my mind is blaaaaaaaaa .... sorry if you did and I did not see you.. I have been MIA a bit this past month....
But
AIRR; Westcoast; navywife; avasmooch; MammaB; bsmom; Navymom93; navymomGG; jbmom; laurak; momof5; wendy pcola mom; ochaos; Rmom; jajajo; leslieCR; wendyJ; johunton; Im sorry if I left anyone out... the mind is a terrible thing to lose hahahah.... justsayin!!!
Okay HUGS yall!!!!!
Jul 25, 2012
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Good Afternoon ladies. Just checking in. I finally got my first letter from my SR. It wasn't very long but it also wasn't as bad as I expected. He's sore and doesn't get much sleep but he's also gained weight so he must be eating good. His PIR is August 31 and I can hardly wait.
Jul 25, 2012
CaliMom (Maryann)
Jodi-Glad you got to hear from your recruit. You must be so excited. When my son was in boot camp, he would writer letters on Sunday and I would receive on Thursday. How I used to look forward Thursday!! I imagine the same will be true for you.
Lydia-my boy is doing great. Recently he was in part of a team of guys squadron that competed in the Toughest Responder Crossfit Competition. His squadron entered 3 teams and they took 1st, 2nd & 3rd in the competition. He said he had so much fun competing. Right now I am going through a tough period of missing him. I miss him so much my chest feels hollow, especially if I let myself think about how long it will be before I get to hug him again.
Jul 25, 2012
Birdiejr
Cali - I know what you mean and mine is still in Pcola. Hang in there.
Jodi - So glad you got a ltr. I used to rush to the mailbox ea week and carry my ltrs around until the next one came. PIR just couldn't come soon enough but once I got him in my arms that day OMG did the tears flow!!
BTW, Cali, Really loved the comments about the competition. Sounds just like something mine would love to do.
Jul 25, 2012
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
CaliMom, great to hear how well your son's squadron did. How cool. Sorry you are missing him and it will be a long time until you see him again. I can't wait until PIR. We are taking his girlfriend and his best friend with us so I will have to share him but it will be worth it. As far as the letters, I made my husband wait until I got home from work to open them and that will hold true until he graduates! It used to be I looked forward to Wednesdays because it was payday but now it will be because its letter day.
Jul 26, 2012
sweetpea4
Cali Mom hang in there we all know the over whelming feeling all too well! We are right there with ya!!!
Mine starts his new squadon tomorrow!!!
Prayers for all our Sailors!
Jul 26, 2012
kkrHoosier
Hey, everyone. Sounds like things are moving along for lots of you.
My son started his A school this week. A funny conversation with his dad recently. My husband is a runner and always tried to get our son to run with him as a way to keep in shape. Our son did football, boys volleyball, and wrestling in high school and was never interested in running with his dad. Now he tells us that he is going to compete in a Marathon in November and has joined a running club SOML (So Others May Live) at the suggestion of one of his RSS instructors. Interesting how their motivation and thought processes change through this experience.
Jul 26, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Hey Everyone.... okay mention to your super athletic boys ( and gals ) about Tough Mudder. It is an incredibly tough relay race that they usually run in teams. It raises money for the Wounded Worriers. Many WW participate in them as well. They have them in almost every state in the country at least one time a year. My Bman did it a few months ago and Bman is ultra in shape.. even he puked hahaha..... you can Google it and get info.. great cause super hard and challenging.. super fun also.
Yea for BC letter, PIRs, A schools AND new squadrons!!!!
Cali.... all I can say is Im totally empty wth both my babies gone. One in FL and one in CA and me here inthe middle in TX missing them both so much. im having a very very hard time dealing with this but I am trying. I have not succeeded yet but I am trying. Not sure I will ever succeed in finding a balance missing them.. I fill that void with busy-ness but at the end of the day... Im still empty... It never goes away. Sooo dont feel alone sister... we are in the same hurt boat... =)
Jul 26, 2012
sweetpea4
My Son and Daughter in law just did a tough Mudder! They had a blast doing it together! She passed out in the shock trough! funny now!
Jul 26, 2012
sweetpea4
Hey Lydia!!!
Jul 26, 2012
kkrHoosier
Cali and Lydia - my nest is empty also. Son in Pensacola and our daughter has been in Africa where the electricity is iffy and phone calls few and far between. She returns in a few weeks though until the next time :)
Jul 26, 2012
teamnavy
JackFlash-I am totally sharing in your frustration with whatever happened to your son's first scheduled PST, so yesterday I was supposed to have mine at 6:30pm ...that time rolls around and my recruiter is no where to be found...called him, "Oh my bad, I told you we'd do it today? I'm out of town"....It was my brithday yesterday, I planned my whole day around that stupid PST and it didnt' happen. So for the third time now..it will be next Wednesday, August 1. I made him swear and promise 100% that it was happening, he owes me a beer and told him I hated him. haha good thing we're friends. What really irritates me is that it's not so much of a big deal for the guys to do this test, but for me it's one of the biggest tests of my life so for him to just write it off made me the most upset. vent over.
anywayssss
Lydia-I'm doing a tough mudder Sept 8 in DC with some Naval Officers from the Pentagon!! I can't wait :)
Jul 26, 2012
sweetpea4
Team Navy, things ususally do not go as planned this is all to common!!! Patience and remain flexilble! This is part of the test!!!!
Jul 26, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
teamnavy - ugggggg.... he owes you a six pack!!!!!!! happy birthday baby! Dont blame you for being upset...! tell him girl!!!!
Kewl for the Tough Mudders.... I could only wish I could do one... but instead... I raise money for the Wounded Worriers along with Care Packages... hahaha - I know Im whimpy... okay how bout oldish and a tidge over weight?? =)
Jul 26, 2012
teamnavy
Lydia- hahaha I'll take that 6-pack on my stomach please!! thank you for the bday wishes :) I went into the main recruiting office today...turns out he's not out of towna and the other recruiters are going to give it to him tomorrow when they see him at their training...so this was not a Navy thing, but an a**hole thing.
Raising money for WWP and care packages are far more important than a race, so you are definitely making more of an impact there and thank you for doing it!!
Jul 26, 2012
CaliMom (Maryann)
teamnavy-sorry for your experience. You totally got blown off, and that is just not right (not just for you as a girl, but for anyone. Keep your commitments recuiter! Remember the Navy motto "Honor, Courage, COMMITMENT". Glad you are over your vent, because, this too shall pass. Keep on plugging along...you will get your turn! (Oh, and happy birthday)
I know K would love to do a tough mudder relay, but I don't think they have them in Guam. I will mention to him though. Forgot to mention in how he is doing over there that he has involved himself in a couple of volunteer opportunities. He was never super interested or excited to volunteer work when he was growing up (and I am talking about more than just volunteering to take out the garbage, cuz that never happened either...LOL) Kind of like kkhosier said, you never know what is going to motivate them when they get older and have experiences on their own.
Jul 26, 2012
Birdiejr
Teamnavy - That is sooo not right!! Glad you caught him on it. And Happy Birthday to you!! Hooyah!!
My hubby is a SWAT guy and his team just did a tough mudder and they're planning another soon. They had a blast!! Love the whole concept!! My niece works for WW and my nephew is a purple heart vet so we take that stuff serious around here and appreciate all the support, esp the care packages and the fundraising!!
Cali - Isn't it amazing to see how they transition after they get out on their own?
Sweetpea - You are so right. Patience and flexibility is crucial!!
Kkr - Looks like we're all in the same boat together!!! LOL Hang in there!!
Hugs everyone and have a good weekend!!
Jul 26, 2012
JackFlash
Hey Birthday Buddy! You got burned and I feel for you. When my boy was all set-- the guy forgot his phone, so he couldn't get hold of him to get through the Gate. Then when they finally got someone else, the guy came out to pick him up, but had forgot his ID, so they couldn't get back in....
I was just shaking my head. Honestly, sometimes it seems like the 3 Stooges are running recruitment, but you are exactly right. It's a big deal to the potential candidate, but not much of a big deal to everyone else. Have to keeep that in perspective I guess, as frustrating as it can be. One day you'll be here in San Diego for your training and I'll take you for that beer to Stone Brewery--- a local micro. Hold me to it and we'll do it.
My son finally got to test last week and so all is forgiven. You'll be the same in a week. Chin up girl! No really... and push up, and sit up and run and swim.... (wink)
Jul 26, 2012
JackFlash
Hey-- all you tough mudders. We are wanting to put together some Father'Son teams... Father/Daughter? Mother Mudders???
Anyone up for it? My son is keen and I'm game.
I go often out to the Wounded Warrior Center at Pendleton. Great bunch. Thank you to Lydia and all others who support a great cause.
Jul 26, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
TGIF everyone =)
HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEH =P
Jul 27, 2012
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
so cute, Lydia.
Jul 27, 2012
kkrHoosier
I found this video for moms/dads/family members just going through the boot camp experience with their sailors.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMUHFQnj7uI&feature=related
Jul 28, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Happy Sonday everyone!!! Hey I just thought Id show yall this pic.. it came from a marine unit that us Riders support with care packages... speaking of how important support to these kids (our kids) is.... Mazzy the MWD(Military Working Dog) is shown with Cpl Ferral... we shipped 5 boxes of stuff for the canines and the handlers... well, two weeks after this photo was taken Mazzy was Killed in the line of duty... she saved the life of her handler... Love your troops and support them all you can! cards, letters, care packages... they are grateful for anything.. I get so many emails back from these kids you just would not believe.. anyway... God Bless our kids, our troops both two legs and four!!! Sure am proud of all our kids here.doing so great... hanging in there pushing on forward!!! hoooooooyaaaaaaa to them and each of your parents, wives, gfs!!!! xoxoxox
Jul 29, 2012
wendypcolamom
Has anyone been to both the RSS graduation in Pensacola and the FRAC graduation in San Diego? If so - are they about the same as far as size/caliber?
Jul 30, 2012
sweetpea4
Wendypcolamom, i have been two both. Rss gives you a better understanding of the water training. 20 min ceremony got to tour the pool facility. My Son's FRAC graduation was more formal approx 30 min. It was a special ceremony because his class was the last class to graduate from this squadron before it stood down. Glad i got to go to both!
Jul 30, 2012
sweetpea4
Wendy FRAC graduation was in SD.
Jul 30, 2012
kkrHoosier
I love this quote and thought I would share it here.
"Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory." Douglas MacArthur
Jul 30, 2012
sweetpea4
kkrHoosier, love that quote!
Jul 30, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
KKr.. I love that too.. Ill copy that and put it on my sons FB wall! thank you for that!
Wendy... I second sweetpea... I had a sista friend of mine who lives in Pcola video the RSS grad.. it was amazing.. I cried at just the video but I was sorry that my hubbys health would not permit us to go... Now the FRS graduation, my son told me it would be only a 15 min ceremony and not to spend the money on flying out to it cause he would not have any leave to spend with us... so NOW comes his Wing ceremony which he has no idea when it will be.. so Im on pins and needles not knowing if I can go to even that one... He said for me to not come but to wait for his two week leave (he is hoping for) and then meet with him and our family in FL.... I said all that to say this.... If you can afford to go... man oh man Id sure go to any and all..... I was fortunate to get lots of photos and video but its just not the same....
Jul 31, 2012
Birdiejr
Kkr - Going on my son's wall too!! Love it!!
Wendy - About RSS grad, let me add that we loved it. We had to pray for our son from the beginning, to get preg, to stay preg, to survive delivery, to survive several experiences in childhood etc. During the very short informal ceremony the instructor spoke softly and genuinely and said "Your sons and daughters are going to be the answer to someone's prayers." Tears flowed at that moment just like at BC. Never before had the phrase "So Others May Live" meant so much to me. It was a beautiful experience so I say go to everything you can. You won't regret it!!
Jul 31, 2012
kkrHoosier
I have discovered that the quote I like and posted is actually the first stanza of a poem/prayer that Douglas MacArthur wrote to his son. I've copied it in its entirety because it is just beautiful.
Build Me a Son
General Douglas A. MacArthur
Build me a son, O Lord,
who will be strong enough to know when he is weak,
and brave enough to face him self when he is afraid;
one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat,
and humble and gentle in victory.
Build me a son whose wishbone will not be
where his backbone should be;
a son who will know Thee- and that
to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.
Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort,
but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge.
Here, let him learn to stand up in the storm;
here, let him team compassion for those who fall.
Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goals will be high;
a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men;
one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep;
one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.
And after all these things are his,
add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor,
so that he may always be serious,
yet never take himself too seriously.
Give him humility, so that he may always remember
the simplicity of true greatness,
the open mind of true wisdom,
the meekness of true strength.
Then I, his father, will dare to whisper,
"I have not lived in vain."
Jul 31, 2012
JackFlash
Jul 31, 2012
avasmooch
kkrHoosier- Thank you. I have 3 sons military bound and this hits the spot
Jul 31, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
HI Avasmooch... have missed you!
Jackflash... so true!
Jul 31, 2012
Vitamama
Hey everyone. K texted that he is flying today!! yea!! I enjoy the posts. I've been busy with my grand'belles' and planning a shower tea for another one that is brewing! Appreciate you all!!
Jul 31, 2012
JackFlash
Aug 1, 2012
sweetpea4
Goodluck Teamnavy!
Aug 1, 2012
Birdiejr
Yay, Vitamama!! And Good luck, Teamnavy!!
I know we're a group that supports Wounded Warriors (some through Tough Mudders) and I saw this on fb today:
Wounded Warrior Project worked for two years to get Congress to address ambiguities in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) treatments for TBI...
Thank you, Congress, and a big thank you to Congressman Tim Walz for first introducing this legislation in 2011!
Aug 1, 2012
Dan
My son said they were joined by Div 817.
He also said they were very glad to divide duty up with more people ;)
Aug 1, 2012
Dan
Aug 1, 2012
teamnavy
thank you everyone!! I tested..and failed. Rocked everything, but missed it by ONE PULL-UP. ughhh. Beat all the guys, but one in the pool though :) lots of work to do in the next two weeks before my next one, my spec war recruiter and SEAL mentor were very impressed, so I guess that's what counts most. Here are my scores:
500yd swim: 7:59, 42 push-ups, 63 sit-ups, 3 pull-ups (need 4), 11:17 1.5mi run
Aug 1, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
teamnavy... persevear little sista! You will get it!!! GREAT scores too!!! GO GIRL
Dan... hahah funny!
YEA for Vitas K The fun begins!
Birdie - thank you for that. Still the govt has a long way to go BUT someone up in Washington is noticing! Thats good.
HUGS for everyone.... thinking about all our kids!
Aug 2, 2012
sweetpea4
teamnavy, keep pushing you will get there!!!
Aug 2, 2012
JackFlash
Aug 3, 2012
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Afternoon everyone. Thought I'd check in. My SR only has 4 more Fridays until he graduates bc. The first few letters were sort of depressing (he missed us, his bed and his life lol) but the last few letters are so much more positive. Their unit is working together finally and he sounds so much happier. I can't wait until PIR to see him.
Aug 3, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Jodi... Im getting goose bumps for you... yes their letters are up and down. it is to be expected dont worry... the two weeks before PIR they are STOKED like crazy... week 5 - 6 they work together as a team... which is what will get them through Battle stations... you just hang in ther and it will all be GREAT... whooooop!!! Gosh hard to believe that I was having moms telling me this two years ago... woooooow how time flies!
Jack - - yes right... many more PSTs to go... so i say breathe breathe persevear... kick butt.... thts wht I told my B.. yall WILL do this!!!!
Team navy.... hoooooooooooyaaaaaaaaaaaa Do it GF...!!!!! You got this!
Aug 3, 2012
Birdiejr
Jodi - I, too, am counting down w you!! So exciting!!
Teamnavy - Very impressive scores!! I know you'll get it soon. You're working so hard. I'm so proud of you!!
Have a great night everyone!!
Go USA and Hooyah!!
Aug 4, 2012
Birdiejr
Ann - So good to hear good news about your sailor and also good news to hear you are getting to see him soon. I know you will be relieved once you get your eyes and hands on him. :-) We can all relate!! Take care!!
Aug 5, 2012
Birdiejr
Oh, btw, they found several cysts on my daughter's thyroid so we are in a "wait and see" mode for her (funny, sounds like the Navy). Frustrating but relieving at the same time! Thanks for the prayers!! Hugs!!
Aug 5, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Ann - bless his and your heart... glad he is improving and healing up! SOO glad you get to go and see him!!!
Bird - Oh bless her heart and yours! hate that hurry up and wait game but most of life seems to be that way huh!!! Well, prayers for Ann and you kids!!!!
Hope everyone has a Happy "SONday" =)
Aug 5, 2012