Moms of Aviation Rescue Swimmers

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  • Vitamama

    Jodi -- it was a big swim party so yes, lots in the water.  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=579364628763352&set=a.5...

  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    What a cool picture Vitamama. Is your son a Sierra or a Romeo?

  • Travelsalot

    Vitamama, what a great photo!...
  • Vitamama

    Hey everyone, let me know if you can see ALL the photos on that facebook page link.  You will see the helicopters that they fly in everyday and more life on the ship.    Oh, and Jodi-  my son is a Romeo ( in more ways than one!! )  :)  

  • proudmama

    Vitamama- soooo many cool pics! Thanks for sharing ! I know my son will really enjoy looking at them!

  • Mama~D Ship 4 Div 822

    Vitamama: how long has your Romeo been out of the pipeline?

  • Vitamama

    Mama-D  He graduated this spring and was assigned to his squadron out of VA.  Then  they flew them over to the ship at the end of last month.  While they are just getting used to being deployed, the others on board are all talking about Homecoming.  He flys almost every day and that is good!  

  • Mama~D Ship 4 Div 822

    That is awesome!  At first I checked the photo out on my phone and it only showed me one (which was really awesome to  see) and then just now checked it out on the actual computer, wow, what a great set of photos!!  My son is still in the pipeline, he is starting A school this coming Monday, he is a Sierra.  

  • Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)

    Vita....   I have seen photos of those Steel Beach Partys and they look sooo fun for the kids!!!!!!  Often I know they will also grill out on the flight deck too....  hahah  baaahahahahah  Romeo in more ways than one..  my boy is a Sierra Romeo teeeheheheh

    MamaD...  well, A school you can finally breathe a little now!!!!  wont be long and he will be waaaay down that pipeline!!!!

  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    Graduation Day!!!

  • SoupMom

    Congratulations Jodi-alumni ship 4 div 818 and all others graduating today. My son is also graduating "A"school this morning. Does anyone know how the Navy handles Sailors with cars on base in getting it to their next destination?
  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    Hi, soupmom. I read that they will ship a car but it takes a while. I read the info somewhere on N4M but I'm not sure where. I printed it out for futre reference but my filing system at home is the top of my desk (which right now is pretty full lol).If I remember right there is someone they have to contact but they don't actually tell the sailors about it. If I find it, I'll let you know.

    Where is your son headed after graduation? Is he a Sierra or a Romeo?

  • SoupMom

    He is Sierra. He is still waiting for his orders.
  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    There was a picture on J's FB page of his class on the beach. Good looking group of sailors.

  • Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)

    hi SoupMom...!!!!   My son when he got orders to SD California... he drove his truck.... they give them a nice amount of time and mileage money....  some sell their cars and fly..  I know they will of course pay to fly the Sailor to their destination of course or they give them mileage...  i dont know about the navy paying to ship a vehicle until they are done with their pipeline as they are still considered in training......  maybe Jodi can find something on that...  as far as I know.... they do not, not while they are still in training but I could be wrong...   things change all the time!!!!!  

    Jodi....  wooooohooooo!!!!!!  =)    congrats yall to all who are moving on through!!!!  xoxoxoxoxox

  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    Lydia, you may be right because they are still "in training". J called last night and was saying that although they paid for the airplane ticket to Maine for SERE, he was going to be responsible for a bus ticket and something about taxi fare neither of which were cheap. (where to I don't know because he was mumbling when he was telling me). Luckily he doesn't have much to ship and a friend who heading to JAX is taking his stuff for him.

  • SoupMom

    Lydia and Jodi- thank you both for the feedback about shipping my son's car. I found the information on the forum page at N4M. We heard today that he will be going to Norfolk after SERE.
  • Saltyocean

    Hello Moms,

       My SR has PIR 6-28.  Can anyone give me suggestions on what they could use and bring with them to Florida as an AIRR?   Thanks

  • aster

    Morning Saltyocean!

    My sailor graduated July 2012, we brought a bag of clothing and items he packed before he left for GL. He came to our room to take a shower after graduation and went through the bag and took out the items he was told he could bring to P'Cola. His cellphone and cell battery and charger; laptop, iPod/charger. They can not wear civilian clothes the first week in P'Cola as they go through indoctrination and are in Phase 1. He texted his address the 1st day he got there and texted a list of items we could ship (clothes). No food was allowed at first at that time due to an ant invasion issue in the barracks he was in. Bake cookies and treats, if you are staying for the weekend, follow the buses to the airport, my sailor flew out of Midway early Sunday morning. I baked about 6 dozen cookies and he shared them with the other sailors at the airport. Also, Saturday. Saturday when they had to return to BC he told a lot of his friends we would go to the airport, many brought their phones and laptops and we put them in the trunk of the car and we gave them to them at the airport as many families had already left or were unable to go the airport in the middle of the night. They were NOT allowed to bring the cell phones into the barracks that night.

  • aster

    Soupmom. my son is Romeo. When he graduated from "A" school on Friday, he flew out Saturday afternoon and then started SERE on Monday. The Navy would not pay to transport his car. My husband drove his car home from P'Cola. I am a teacher, when school gets out, I am taking a "roadtrip" and driving his car from Florida to San Diego, then spending a week in San Diego and staying in the Navy Lodge on North Island.

  • sweetpea4

     When traveling through Texas AVOID El Paso for an evening stop! Was robbed there!!!! Lost $25,000.00  in belongings!!!

  • aster

    Sweetpea, thank you for the information. Google shows three routes. Think I'll go to AAA and see what they recommend for the safest route!

  • Vitamama

    Yea!  I was talking to a friend and an unknown call came in from VA.  I just knew it must be my K and sure enough it was... calling from out in the ocean blue fromthe ship.  Just good to hear his voice. :)  

  • aster

    Awesome! Is it the ship phone they use? or Satellite phones? Congratulations, must have been great!

     

  • nancynature

    Vitamama, Jodi-alumni - do either of you know if once the Sailors go through security at either of the airports can they come back out to meet us to get the gate pass from the airline counter and then take us back through so we can hang ouut with them? I know OHare just doesn't have any place to hang out until after you go through security, am not sure about Midway, and I don't know where the USO is - before or after security. ....trying to figure out the best time to get to the airport on Saturday. Any insight would be helpful.

  • Saltyocean

    Thank you Aster alumni for the info regarding what they can take, what to bring and how the whole thing works. Just hope le leaves from O'Hare as that where we will be flying out from.  Oh, one more question.. how do you fine the bus that you follow?

  • Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)

    nancynature.... yes they can....  they will check in at the USO and they will take care of the details...   my boy went Midway and USO is past security.. you go to the ticket counter and notify them about your situation, they should contact the person at the USO office and they will get him out there to get you....  its really super easy..(He will give you a paper at PIR that will have his airport, flight number and depart time)  That way you will know which counter to go to..  you just need to kinda let him know about what time you will be there...  OHare I understand the USO is before security but not sure... one way or another... the USO is the key, they take care of the kids and provide a nice place for them to hang out until their flights...  at Midway there are lots of shops and restaurants and my son was starving for civilian food...  we had a blast, best day of my life!!!  I actually got to the airport about half hour before their buses arrived  (1am)  so I was there when they marched in...  the USO rep was there and helped each of them get organized and check in.......and I spent the ENTIRE day with him and his buddies until he left 12 hours later.....  

  • nancynature

    Thanks Lydia! That really helps a lot. ...So on the paper he gave you, it told you approximately when he should arrive at the airport? That would be helpful! I sure am looking forward to being able to spend time with him. It will be worth every minute I can get!

  • nancynature

    Oh, where is the best place to park at Midway - just in case that is where he leaves from? I injured my knee yesterday (super rotten timing!) and am on crutches so the least amount of walking will be awesome!

  • proudmama

    My son graduated from high school yesterday and is going to bc in August. When the recruiter presented his award from the Navy- he received a standing ovation from his peers (600 in graduating class). It made me cry. I know that we have only begun to put our big toe into the RS pipeline... still it was a nice start and a beautiful tribute to my son and his life time goals.

     

    Nancynature- Oh no! I am so sorry about your knee- maybe you could tell your son that you were "feeling his pain"? haha. When I broke my foot a few years ago, I was able to get an extra wheel chair - I'm thinking it was at the airport- not truly sure if I am remembering correclty- but maybe you could ask for one- It might be easier and faster if you use that for today. Best wishes for you and your family as you spend some time with your son!

    Saltyocean- I hope you have a great time with your son today! Please let us know how that worked out with the USO today!

    Vitamama- Yay!!!!! that you heard from your son!

    Sweetpea- WOW! you were robbed? I am so sorry- whether it was recent or long time ago, that type of violation stays with you.  Good tip about avoiding El Paso.

     

  • nancynature

    Congratulations Proudmama! So cool that he got an award and got the standing ovation! I am sure this is just the beginning of many proud days. :)

    I may use the wheelchair to get around during the morning/day on base. We''ll see. I am pretty good with crutches...seem to be needing them once a year lately. lol

     

  • sweetpea4

    Proud mama we were making a self move back to SD 15 years ago. El Paso is a very dangerous City and would not recommend stoping for an over night stay> I am sure it is even worse now1 

  • aster

    Saltyocean,

    Attend Sarge's Meet and Greet-he will give you all of the information you will need. He told us where to go-so that we were able to follow the buses. My sailor flew out of Midway.

  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    Vitamama, congrats on the phone call from your son. To hear his voice is great isn't it?  J arrived in Maine yesterday and starts SERE tomorrow. My other "son" Luke, left today to drive to Norfolk to report for sub duty there.

    Proudmama, congrats on your son's award and graduating high school. I asked Luke and his buddy when they came for breakfast today if it seemed like it's been a year since graduation and they both said No. Time sure flies and they grow up too fast. Enjoy these last few months with your son. J wasn't supposed to leave until September but they bumped it up to July 3. We didn't get to do any of the things we had planned for our last summer together.

  • Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)

    proudmama.... that is awesome and Im soooo happy for you and for him....   and yes  as Jodi said... many more proud moments for you and him for sure!!!

    Jodi....  he will do stellar...  he will!!!!  i promise he will be fine!!!  just hang in there mamma!!!!!

    nancy... this is why I loved Midway... its a much smaller airport !   at 1 am in the morning... I had my choice of parking so i parked on the check in level...  but its a nice airport..  YES your Sailor should provide you with a paper that will give you those details.. just ask him .. in the excitement, he might forget..  i was determined to stay up all night and get to the airport before he they got there... usually around 1 am    

    hummmmmm   aster, what is sarges Meet and Greet??  this I have never heard of??  kewl is this something new?????    my son meet with us after PIR and gave us his pictures and his flight info and then we spent the day with him and took him back to base that evening.. did some NEX shopping..      we had a Meet and Greet at the hotel the night before PIR...  maybe something new is going on ... awesome!!!!!

    I concur with Sweetpea....  El Paso is not a great place to stop...  I live in north east TX and we all know that that is not a great place to stop...  anyhoooo  love yall sistas!!!!!

  • aster

    Saltyocean- info on Sarge's Meet and Greet

    PIR 06/28/2013 SARGE'S MEET AND GREET

            

    June 27, 2013 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm – SUNDANCE SALOON WAUKEGAN 300 LAKEHURST ROAD WAUKEGAN SARGE'S MEET AND GREET WELCOME NAVY MOMS-DADS-FRIENDS-FAMILY Please join my wife and I for our FREE MEET AND GREET at the Sundance Saloon every Thursday from 5:30PM - 9:00PM when there is a P.I.R. FOrganized by OldSarge | Type: meet and greet

    Lydia-I'm driving my son's car by myself from Florida to San Diego. 1st night in Baton Rouge with my sister and her family. Next night in Sugar Land TX with my parents. What route do you suggest and where should I stay - planning to take 3 days.

  • aster

    Proudmama congratulations to you, your family and your son!

  • aster

    nancynature

    PIR 05/31/2013 SARGE'S MEET AND GREET

    May 30, 2013 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm – SUNDANCE SALOON WAUKEGAN 300 LAKEHURST ROAD WAUKEGAN

    if your son flies out of Midway, maybe someone can drop you off where the sailors are, and park your car...

     

  • nancynature

    OMG! 24 hours to go!!!

    Thanks Aster.

  • proudmama

    NancyNature- Hope you are feeling better in time for your reunion with your son! If not, I'm sure your joy in seeing your son will numb your pain... at least temporarily!

     

    Jodi- It's crazy that only one short year ago you were in my shoes with a recent high school grad.. who was beginning his adult life with ambitious goals! I am so happy for you and your son that he has progressed so nicely through the pipeline! I will keep him in my prayers as he begins SERE.

    Aster- Be careful on your trip to SD. If you go through phoenix, I know some people there if you need any support! My cousin also lives in Las Vegas (she's a teacher) Just so you know if you need a helping hand... I can get you in touch with someone..

    Lydia-Thanks for your kind words about my son, and for all of your helpful information. Thank you for sharing your time and energy to help all of us newbies find our way through the Navy! I love all of your information and words of wisdom! They really help!

    Aster-thanks for your for your kind words and graduation info as I will soon be trying to figure out what NancyNature and Saltyocean are trying to understand now...

     

    Everyone-Have a great evening ladies! You are all the most supportive group of ladies that I have encountered in a long time. You are the best! I'm so grateful that I found you!

  • aster

    you're welcome!

    have a great time and give your sailor a BIG hug!

  • aster

    proudmama-thank you for the information. I was quite excited to take the trip, I have many people (from work also) about taking the trip by myself. I am planning to do all the driving during daylight hours. I am going to AAA Thursday morning, and have them print TripTikits for me...instead of just relying on Google map. Anyone here anything good or bad about spending the night around Carlsbad Caverns?

  • nancynature

    I am a proud Mom of a Navy Sailor!!! Hooyah!

  • aster

    nancynature

    Congratulations to your sailor and to you!   

  • Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)

    congrats to EVERYONE whose Sailors are just beginning their journey and for those half way through and for those all the way through...  every day, week, month and year is a milestone for them (and more grey hair for us)  !!!!  =)

  • Tiffany

    Congratulations on your new Sailor Nancy Nature!
  • GMom

    My son is in FRAC in SD and had to have his lower wisdom teeth removed yesterday, he's doing fine and his instructor was really good about him taking some time out of class and said that he would help him make it up.  He's doing great in SD and really loves it out there. He is starting to think about the holidays and coming home which is great because we can't make it out there this year.  If he gets stationed out there, we will attempt to get out there from Florida in the new year. Congrats to all the new Sailors, it's coming up on a year since my son went to BC, it's been quite a year!  All good.

  • aster

    Gmom, the instructors do everything they can to help our sailors be successful, I am sure your son will be fine. I also live in FLA, heading out this afternoon for Orlando, slowly driving to SD where my son is waiting to class up for FRAC. My son is ROMEO.

  • aster

    Gmom-our sons probably know each other, mine son's PIR was 7/27 div 817

  • nancynature

    Thanks all of you. I'm looking forward to giving my new Sailor a huge hug!

    GMom - I hope your son feels better soon. Having wisdom teeth pulled can really be uncomfortable. So glad that his instructor is going to work with him to catch up. That is awesome to hear! Best of luck to him as he continues to move along.

    Be back on Saturday! :D