Aster- my son's PIR was 8/31/12 dvi 818. He is Sierra, so he left Pensacola after RSS the first weekend of March and did SERE right away, he just classed up for FRAC 5/20. - have a wonderful drive out to SD! (JEALOUS).
Nancy - He is doing extremely well for having the teeth pulled yesterday. Eating oatmeal and soup and following the instructions - just hard for me to not be able to check on him.
GMom, hope your son is doing better by now. I haven't been on here much this week. I spent the week I had planned on visiting my son in Pensacola doing housework and lawn work instead. He started SERE on Thursday so I'm hoping to hear from him early next week. This past year has flown by hasn't it? It wasn't too long ago that we were watching our boys take their oath and load up on the bus for Great Lakes and now less than a year later they are rescue swimmers! What an exciting year this has been.
Aster, have a safe trip out to see your son. My son is also a Romeo.
Yes, G is doing fine, thanks. Jodi is he in SD? Sorry you didnt get to Pensacola:(. My son and I are already starting to talk about the Holidays. He "thinks" that after Frac is done (November-ish) he will be able to take leave and maybe tack that on to Holidays closures. A long visit is what he is aiming for and we excited at the thought of it! Have a wonderful weekend ladies!
Jodi -- =( Im sorry!!! Well, he will be steller and you should get that call on a Thursday afternoon (unless they have changed up the SERE days...)
GMom And Aster...... woooooow that's what I call a LONG drive.. lots to see and do along the way.. Im with GMom... JEALOUS (in a good way!) be careful gf.. You are not making that drive alone I pray????
HI Soheart and Nancy.... how are yall??
Well, my son put in for leave over July 4th weekend but was denied.. so he put in for August (as he will deploy in Sept/Oct) so fingerscrossed and praying they approve it... I will fly to Colorado (where sister lives) and we will be together for the last time this year. Early Thankxgiving and Christmas I guess you might say.... so prayer for his leave please!!!! The nice thing about the Bases is that most all of them go on Stand Down so most of the kids will get Christmas either just before or just after... and that is really just around the corner!!!!
My son graduated BC 5-17-2013 and was put on a medical hold because his iron is low. He is a little frustrated and concerned because he has been tested twice and it is around 37-40 and apparently should be somewhere in the 60's. They started him on iron tablets and he goes again tomorrow to see the doctor. He found out yesterday that his buddy who is on hold for the same reason got his air rescue contract taken away and was offered an EOD contract and then they withdrew that because of the iron also and now he is going to ship out and be scrubbing the decks on a ship. I am very concerend about his future and would love to hear anyone else's suggestions, experiences, etc...with this issue. It is so hard to be out of the loop and not be able to speak to anyone there or ask questions. He is so young and I am afraid he is going to get put somewhere and be miserable for 6 years because he has his heart set on Rescue Swimmer. Can anyone offer any advice?
Hi Montana Mom-Congrats on your son's recent graduation from bc!
I'm such a newbie... I can't give any good advice... however, I'm sure that the more experienced moms on this N4M site will be able to give you wonderful expert advice regarding what to expect and how to support your son through this trying time...
What I can add to the conversation is that I have a daughter who experienced severely low iron levels when she was a sophmore in high school. The iron tablets were helpful - but we also changed her diet. If your son can get out to a store to get Kale, cucumber and green apples (maybe at the local grocery store on base?)- that really helps very quickly build up your iron levels-I am not a nutritionist... but it worked for my daughter-as recommended by her dr. Or if he can go to a juice bar or health food store and drink several tall Kale, cucumber, apple drinks- that could really help him. It worked for my daughter. It is really not bad tasting, if you can get over drinking a green drink! From what I have been told - nutrients are absorbed much quicker into your systems when it comes from food rather than from tablets. My daughter recovered quickly and returned to her sport (cross country running) very quickly after we implemented that plan.
Thanks for the advice proudmama. I am not as worried about getting his levels back up as I am about the process. He is taking an iron supplement that they gave him and trying to add lots of leafy greens and red meat so I think that will help. He loves juice bars so I will definitely recommend those things you discussed. Have a great day.
Sorry to hear about your son's low iron level. Just a few thing about iron that you should know or find out: was he low before BC, did he eat/drink a lot of dairy products with the exclusion of meat/ green vegies ( diet may be a problem), has he been bleeding from anywhere, has he been ( or is he) anemic,
is there a family history of anemia,has he had any inflammatory conditions,diarrhea, or intestinal parasites (travel to foreign countries). All of the above could contribute to the low iron by lack of adequate intake, loss from the body, or inability to utilize what he has taken in. Iron tablets will help to increase his levels, but it would be nice to know what the docs think the cause was. I'm sure things will work out as in general kids diets aren't always the greatest. Sorry, our SR is still in BC, so don't know anything about " the process".
Montana mom, my prayers are with you and your son...
On my road trip!!! yes alone and enjoying it! Spent the first day in Orlando with my sister and her youngest in the Magic Kingdom, had a great time. She and I avoided the rough rides - gave our Fast Passes to her son and his friend and the boys loved it! Such a happy day! Saturday stalked their bus to Baton Rouge and my sister's husband and 2 other children made her a wonderful birthday dinner with homemade everything! Sunday afternoon drove to Sugarland TX. Met one of my cousins I hadn't seen in 20 years, my mom made Coq au Vin in the crockpot had a wonderful time with great conversations! Yesterday drove to Van Horn TX, still at the Hampton Inn, leaving later today to head to Tuscan AZ. Drove through the hill country of Texas! Beautiful! Would not want to live there though, love my trees. I am so pumped, am loving this trip! Can't wait to see my sailor on the 5th! And found out this week is the 71st anniversary of the USS Midway..and will get a personal tour from my sailor (he doesn't know yet, that I want a tour of the ship). One of my teacher friends, her dad was on the ship in the 50s and he has lots of pics and films of the ships and the planes taking off and landing on the ship!
Montana Mom......fingers and toes crossed for you boy!!!!! BUT please know that if they send him Un-designated that does not mean he will be scrubbing or painting (as moms have said) the deck of a ship... yes he will be at the mercy of the Navy's needs... and alot of time it will depend on his original ASVAB scores as to where or what RATE they may put him in that might be open.. I can say this... I know a LOT of moms whose kids failed RSS and went un-designated and are super happy still... disappointing at first yes they were... but they remained determined and are steller now happy and still making a good paycheck... now having said that - my son ALMOST had the same happen because he was found to have scoliosis - they passed him on through because it was so minor.... (not like his mom whose back looks like the Great Wall of ?China haha) uggg and he is done with this pipeline and doing great...... I have remained friends with many of the moms whose kids did not make the RSS pipeline and they are doing super great... it is soooo dang frustrating tho!! Im sure hoping and praying that this will not prevent him from moving forward in this RATE..but I have always thought in my heart... that what ever the reason.. there is a path for each of our children... God knows??. meanwhile I suggest you just remind him that he is a Sailor and will do awesome always and make a good paycheck with awesome benefits... (I know... easier said then done) just keep him pumped up!!! Please let us know what the docs say!! Being a mother of military is the hardest job in the world I think... no offense dads but its true!~!
Aster - woooow kewl... Texas!!!! Dang girl Im in Houston.. but thats not near where you went... drive safe
Hi Proud, Jodi, BJ
OMG CHRISAMO you been MiA for a few years okay months hehe I think... hey gal... how is that boy doing!!??? Sounds like he is doing great...!!!!!!
Hi ladies! I hate to be so dumb, but will someone help me understand the difference between "A" School and "C" School? My son is leaving for Bootcamp on September 23, and I'm trying to understand what will happen after his PIR. If I understand correctly, the Aviation Rescue Swimmers go to C School first, and then A School; however, I don't really know what that means. Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Montana mom - hope and pray all is well with you and your sailor.
ESWest23-read everything on the link MaryKay sent you. It is very informative and ask questions here for clarifications. A school for rescue swimmers is RSS school, then after graduation it is determined whether your sailor will be Sierra or Romeo (helicopters). Tell your son to work out all of the time! Start eating healthy now... :)
In SD! Staying at the Navy Lodge with a view of the pool and Pacific Ocean! How good can it get? Tucson is HOT HOT HOT! Stayed in Hampton Inn on Grant Street, clean and friendly and walked next door for a Mexican dinner with a huge Sangria! Ole! The only hairy part of the drive was driving through El Paso...it was an adventure avoiding a collision! Drive from AZ to CA through the desert mountains was stunning! Wide, smooth clear roads, sang to DANGER ZONE! Love that iPod! Base is gorgeous, went to La Jolla late yesterday afternoon to see the seals, you can smell then before you see them. Lots of little ones! Walked around LaJolla, loved the works by Peter Lik photographer, can not afford his work, but beautiful photography of scenery from all over the world.
Take care....love SD! LOVE being escorted by a handsome sailor!
Aster- Small world! I'm pretty sure that my family (very pregnant daughter who was medivacd to SD) is staying where you are! If you see a very pregnant woman with son in tow... that is my daughter! If your son has to work and is suddenly occupied...I'm sure she would love to talk to you! I sent a private message- I can give you her name!
Montanamom, Hope that your sailor is well and his iron level came up. Were the docs able to tell him/her on what might have been going on. It is so hard not to be with them during times like this.
Aster, glad your travels were safe and you are now with your son. Sounds like you will have a very nice escort for the time you are there. Enjoy! :)
Montanamom - I too was wondering how your sailor was doing?
By the way ESWest123 - I don't think that there is ever a dumb question asked on here. We all are/were newbies at some point! I say ask away!!!! How else can we all learn? :)
To all the moms whose sons/ daughters are rescue swimmers- is your child happy with his/her decision to become a rescue swimmer? Is it a satisfying career in the Navy? Do many rescue swimmers re-enlist or do they transfer to the civilian world? is there a civilian equivalent for this job? It is such a challenge to become a rescue swimmer, I wanted to know what the realities are for the rescue swimmer. Is there room for advancement within the rate?
I just wanted to know what the future looks like for a Navy Rescue Swimmer.
Any information you could give regarding this topic would be greatly appreciated.
I don't mean to sound negative and hope I am not sounding like a Debbie Downer... just wanted to know what the future holds for my son, if he accomplishes his dream of becoming a rescue swimmer.
ChrisAmo, thank you for answering that question. It also has been on my mind about life after the Navy since I can't imagine there is much of a demand for sonar sub chasers which is what my son is going to be doing in addition to the rescue swimmer. J's best friend is also in the Navy and he is learning things that will transfer well to the civilian world when and if he gets out but I wasn't sure about J's prospects.
J just called last night from Maine. He finished his SERE training and will be headed to JAX tomorrow. He facetimed his dad but I wasn't home so I missed "seeing" him. He called briefly before they headed out to eat to talk to me but I didn't get any info except he made it through. So glad that is done!!!!
Jodi - congratulations to your son(and to you). One more thing crossed off the list of things to accomplish and one less thing to worry about, for the time being. Sorry you missed 'seeing' him though.
Proudmama - thanks for asking that question! I too had been wondering...
ChrisAmo - Glad to hear about your son and what he has done even if he hasn't had to save anyone yet. I would say that is a good thing but I am a mom not a rescue swimmer. :) Good to know about the EMT and PO2.
Aster - it is good to know that after a year your son is still enjoying it! To me that means it was the right thing for him to do! Yeah!
ChrisAmo- Thank you so much for answering my question. I'm glad your son was able to see the world... that is one of my son's goals. I agree with NancyNature- as a mom, I'm glad he hasn't had to save anybody so that he isn't traumatized, but it must be a bit frustrating for him to be qualified for a job that isn't used for that purpose? I am happy for him that he reached his goals and is preparing to transition to new ones in the civilian world...Thanks for sharing your wisdom and insights!
Proud mama. You rock. I just got email last night that they got them and were so thankful. My son is doing well. They I get more than the usual "proof of life" emails from him. Ill send you pictures.
ESWest.... hi there and welcome!!! please go up to the Discussion Form up above this box and click on Path of the Rescue Swimmer it will help you ALOT in Fact ALL NEW MAMMAS please feel free to go up and read...
Okay... First of all when they get out of BC they will go to Pcola and go on hold to class up for NACCS Naval Aircrew Candidate School, if they pass the will go on hold and class u for RSS.. Rescue Swimmer School then if they pass they will go to A school eighter Romeo or Sierra... see info up in that discussion forum... I agree there are no dumb question for sure ... this pipeline is long and hard and can be confusing for sure!!! Technically I suppose you could say that RSS is like a C school but not... rememeber NACCS, RSS, A-school, then off to their destination for more training for their squadron... that is FRS or some refer to it as FRAC my son said it is technically FRS Fleet Replacement Squadron training... then after that they will graduate and be assigned to their helo squadron... hope this helps the New mammas!!!!!!
ChrisAmo.... so great to have you back in here!!!! Congrats on that boy of yours!!!
Hi everyone... much love to you all!
Montanamom.... what has happened with your sons iron ??? etc???
Vitamama- my adopted sailors received their care pkgs too? I am glad your son is doing well and of course, I would love to see the pics! More care pkgs are going to be sent as some of my friends purchased small amts of treats and had their kids draw pics and write thank you notes to the sailors. I thought I would post a few of the drawings on this site as they are so precious!
proud and vita.... Im THRILLED to see yall sending care packages!!! People just dont know what they can mean to a soldier. At the VFW Post where I am a Ladies Auxiliary, they call me the Care Package Queen.... we ship to hundreds of soldiers every month!!! We raise a lot of money because you know how much just one box can cost, but the entire Post dives in and helps me! It is awesome and I get back amazing emails from the soldiers. Most all of them are over in Afghan and boy does it make their deployment more tolerable to get a box and know they are loved!!!! So kudos girls keep em going!!!!!! If yall are on Face Book, please feel free to LIKE my page.... "For Our Troops" I post lots of the guys' emails and photos and troop awareness. Id love to have you "Like" the page.
Lydia - I too looked for it; same ones came up as Proudmama listed. Would love to see it! I am a current supporter of AdoptaPlatoon and have been for the last 8 years. I too know how much these soldiers/sailors appreciate the boxes and letters! It's a great thing you and the VFW Post are doing! Please let me know what the facebook page is.
We got a call last Wednesday night that his iron levels are up and he is going to be put through without a waiver. Huge relief and he just needs one more signature and will hopefully leave for Pensacola in the next few days. That was Wednesday night and I haven't heard from him since. He was calling us every night from the THU and now no communication at all. I'm not sure what's going on but I'm clinging to the NO NEWS is GOOD NEWS theory. Thanks for everyone's advice, concern and prayers.
Montana Mom- Phew! So glad to hear that his levels are up! It was a good reminder to me to make sure I don't skip on the veggie juicing!
Jodi- So glad that your son graduated SERE! That must be a huge relief! Sorry you didn't get to speak with him directly, but so glad his dad was available for that all important phone call!
SaltyOcean-you sound very knowledgeable about medical conditions! Are you in the medical field? Thanks for your responses the information you provided to Montana Mom were helpful to me!
Proudmama, yes it is a BIG relief to have that over and done with. I think the week was the slowest I've been through in a long time. I knew he could handle it but there is always that doubt in the back of your mind. I'm just very glad it's over.
My son arrived in Jacksonville late Saturday and is already loving the place. He's already been to the gym and out running so he's happy.
Montana Mom, congrats on your son getting through without needing a waiver. Hopefully he will soon be on his way to Pensacola to begin the next leg of his journey.
Travelsalot and Soheartstrings-Does that mean that your sons passed NCAAS and is ready to go to rescue swimmer school or does that mean that they passed rescue swimmer school? Just checking... either way... Congrats!!
proudmama - this means they made it through NACCS and passed. They were on hold for another month and now are starting RSS. It all takes time. (mostly hold times) However they are working hard while on hold. My son PIR'd on 02/08/13 if that helps you any. Hang in there it is an emotional rollercoaster.
Congratulations Travelsalot and SoHeartstrings to you and your sailors! Great news! I'm hoping my son classes up soon for NACCS so he can get going on this rollercoaster ride! God's speed to them both!
Question.....anyone know more about what will happen after FRC? Son in San Diego and should finish up this part Oct or Nov and he says,"I will be assigned to a helo squadron" - where could that be?? Any clue....anyone?
Hi Everyone...My son began SERE yesterday. I'll will be holding my breath and saying lots of prayers for the next two weeks. Anyone else have someone at SERE now?
Gmom- my son (ROMEO) is waiting to class up for FRAC - starts in Aug. Is your son SIERRA or ROMEO...here now visiting my son in SD....lots of helos flying yesterday, both SIERRA and ROMEO. My son all the ROMEOs are grouped together in the barracks. They might know each other.
SoupMom, congratulations on this next step in the pipeline. My son went through it, he said it went fast...and he was very hungry when he got out. He and his buddies went out for Mexican when they graduated, ate an appetizer each, then a dinner. Went back and slept and the next day they went out for mani-pedis at Ocean Beach (cheaper there than SD), as their cuticles were really "messed up"...didn't want to know why...But he is very proud of completing it. :)
GMom
Aster- my son's PIR was 8/31/12 dvi 818. He is Sierra, so he left Pensacola after RSS the first weekend of March and did SERE right away, he just classed up for FRAC 5/20. - have a wonderful drive out to SD! (JEALOUS).
Nancy - He is doing extremely well for having the teeth pulled yesterday. Eating oatmeal and soup and following the instructions - just hard for me to not be able to check on him.
Thanks Ladies!
May 30, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
GMom, hope your son is doing better by now. I haven't been on here much this week. I spent the week I had planned on visiting my son in Pensacola doing housework and lawn work instead. He started SERE on Thursday so I'm hoping to hear from him early next week. This past year has flown by hasn't it? It wasn't too long ago that we were watching our boys take their oath and load up on the bus for Great Lakes and now less than a year later they are rescue swimmers! What an exciting year this has been.
Aster, have a safe trip out to see your son. My son is also a Romeo.
Jun 1, 2013
GMom
Jun 1, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Jodi -- =( Im sorry!!! Well, he will be steller and you should get that call on a Thursday afternoon (unless they have changed up the SERE days...)
GMom And Aster...... woooooow that's what I call a LONG drive.. lots to see and do along the way.. Im with GMom... JEALOUS (in a good way!) be careful gf.. You are not making that drive alone I pray????
HI Soheart and Nancy.... how are yall??
Well, my son put in for leave over July 4th weekend but was denied.. so he put in for August (as he will deploy in Sept/Oct) so fingerscrossed and praying they approve it... I will fly to Colorado (where sister lives) and we will be together for the last time this year. Early Thankxgiving and Christmas I guess you might say.... so prayer for his leave please!!!! The nice thing about the Bases is that most all of them go on Stand Down so most of the kids will get Christmas either just before or just after... and that is really just around the corner!!!!
Jun 1, 2013
Montana Mom
My son graduated BC 5-17-2013 and was put on a medical hold because his iron is low. He is a little frustrated and concerned because he has been tested twice and it is around 37-40 and apparently should be somewhere in the 60's. They started him on iron tablets and he goes again tomorrow to see the doctor. He found out yesterday that his buddy who is on hold for the same reason got his air rescue contract taken away and was offered an EOD contract and then they withdrew that because of the iron also and now he is going to ship out and be scrubbing the decks on a ship. I am very concerend about his future and would love to hear anyone else's suggestions, experiences, etc...with this issue. It is so hard to be out of the loop and not be able to speak to anyone there or ask questions. He is so young and I am afraid he is going to get put somewhere and be miserable for 6 years because he has his heart set on Rescue Swimmer. Can anyone offer any advice?
Jun 3, 2013
proudmama
Hi Montana Mom-Congrats on your son's recent graduation from bc!
I'm such a newbie... I can't give any good advice... however, I'm sure that the more experienced moms on this N4M site will be able to give you wonderful expert advice regarding what to expect and how to support your son through this trying time...
What I can add to the conversation is that I have a daughter who experienced severely low iron levels when she was a sophmore in high school. The iron tablets were helpful - but we also changed her diet. If your son can get out to a store to get Kale, cucumber and green apples (maybe at the local grocery store on base?)- that really helps very quickly build up your iron levels-I am not a nutritionist... but it worked for my daughter-as recommended by her dr. Or if he can go to a juice bar or health food store and drink several tall Kale, cucumber, apple drinks- that could really help him. It worked for my daughter. It is really not bad tasting, if you can get over drinking a green drink! From what I have been told - nutrients are absorbed much quicker into your systems when it comes from food rather than from tablets. My daughter recovered quickly and returned to her sport (cross country running) very quickly after we implemented that plan.
Hang in there! Let us know what happens tomorrow!
Jun 3, 2013
Montana Mom
Thanks for the advice proudmama. I am not as worried about getting his levels back up as I am about the process. He is taking an iron supplement that they gave him and trying to add lots of leafy greens and red meat so I think that will help. He loves juice bars so I will definitely recommend those things you discussed. Have a great day.
Jun 3, 2013
Saltyocean
Hello Montanamom,
Sorry to hear about your son's low iron level. Just a few thing about iron that you should know or find out: was he low before BC, did he eat/drink a lot of dairy products with the exclusion of meat/ green vegies ( diet may be a problem), has he been bleeding from anywhere, has he been ( or is he) anemic,
is there a family history of anemia,has he had any inflammatory conditions,diarrhea, or intestinal parasites (travel to foreign countries). All of the above could contribute to the low iron by lack of adequate intake, loss from the body, or inability to utilize what he has taken in. Iron tablets will help to increase his levels, but it would be nice to know what the docs think the cause was. I'm sure things will work out as in general kids diets aren't always the greatest. Sorry, our SR is still in BC, so don't know anything about " the process".
Hope all gets cleared up for you and your son.
Jun 3, 2013
Montana Mom
BJ Ship 04, Div 822...Thanks for the encouraging words...say a little prayer he will get good news at the dr tomorrow. Thanks again.
Jun 4, 2013
aster
Montana mom, my prayers are with you and your son...
On my road trip!!! yes alone and enjoying it! Spent the first day in Orlando with my sister and her youngest in the Magic Kingdom, had a great time. She and I avoided the rough rides - gave our Fast Passes to her son and his friend and the boys loved it! Such a happy day! Saturday stalked their bus to Baton Rouge and my sister's husband and 2 other children made her a wonderful birthday dinner with homemade everything! Sunday afternoon drove to Sugarland TX. Met one of my cousins I hadn't seen in 20 years, my mom made Coq au Vin in the crockpot had a wonderful time with great conversations! Yesterday drove to Van Horn TX, still at the Hampton Inn, leaving later today to head to Tuscan AZ. Drove through the hill country of Texas! Beautiful! Would not want to live there though, love my trees. I am so pumped, am loving this trip! Can't wait to see my sailor on the 5th! And found out this week is the 71st anniversary of the USS Midway..and will get a personal tour from my sailor (he doesn't know yet, that I want a tour of the ship). One of my teacher friends, her dad was on the ship in the 50s and he has lots of pics and films of the ships and the planes taking off and landing on the ship!
Jun 4, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
aster, it sounds like you are going to have a trip of a lifetime. Be safe and enjoy your time with your sailor.
Jun 4, 2013
proudmama
Aster- My thoughts are with you as you travel ! You really are an example of the saying "the joy is in the journey".
Montana Mom-Any word about your son? I pray that his iron levels have risen and that he is ready for the next step!
Lydia- I pray that your son gets the leave he has requested- so that your family will enjoy the combined holidays together before he is deployed:)
Jun 5, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Montana Mom......fingers and toes crossed for you boy!!!!! BUT please know that if they send him Un-designated that does not mean he will be scrubbing or painting (as moms have said) the deck of a ship... yes he will be at the mercy of the Navy's needs... and alot of time it will depend on his original ASVAB scores as to where or what RATE they may put him in that might be open.. I can say this... I know a LOT of moms whose kids failed RSS and went un-designated and are super happy still... disappointing at first yes they were... but they remained determined and are steller now happy and still making a good paycheck... now having said that - my son ALMOST had the same happen because he was found to have scoliosis - they passed him on through because it was so minor.... (not like his mom whose back looks like the Great Wall of ?China haha) uggg and he is done with this pipeline and doing great...... I have remained friends with many of the moms whose kids did not make the RSS pipeline and they are doing super great... it is soooo dang frustrating tho!! Im sure hoping and praying that this will not prevent him from moving forward in this RATE..but I have always thought in my heart... that what ever the reason.. there is a path for each of our children... God knows??. meanwhile I suggest you just remind him that he is a Sailor and will do awesome always and make a good paycheck with awesome benefits... (I know... easier said then done) just keep him pumped up!!! Please let us know what the docs say!! Being a mother of military is the hardest job in the world I think... no offense dads but its true!~!
Aster - woooow kewl... Texas!!!! Dang girl Im in Houston.. but thats not near where you went... drive safe
Hi Proud, Jodi, BJ
OMG CHRISAMO you been MiA for a few years okay months hehe I think... hey gal... how is that boy doing!!??? Sounds like he is doing great...!!!!!!
Jun 5, 2013
ESWest123
Hi ladies! I hate to be so dumb, but will someone help me understand the difference between "A" School and "C" School? My son is leaving for Bootcamp on September 23, and I'm trying to understand what will happen after his PIR. If I understand correctly, the Aviation Rescue Swimmers go to C School first, and then A School; however, I don't really know what that means. Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Jun 5, 2013
aster
Montana mom - hope and pray all is well with you and your sailor.
ESWest23-read everything on the link MaryKay sent you. It is very informative and ask questions here for clarifications. A school for rescue swimmers is RSS school, then after graduation it is determined whether your sailor will be Sierra or Romeo (helicopters). Tell your son to work out all of the time! Start eating healthy now... :)
In SD! Staying at the Navy Lodge with a view of the pool and Pacific Ocean! How good can it get? Tucson is HOT HOT HOT! Stayed in Hampton Inn on Grant Street, clean and friendly and walked next door for a Mexican dinner with a huge Sangria! Ole! The only hairy part of the drive was driving through El Paso...it was an adventure avoiding a collision! Drive from AZ to CA through the desert mountains was stunning! Wide, smooth clear roads, sang to DANGER ZONE! Love that iPod! Base is gorgeous, went to La Jolla late yesterday afternoon to see the seals, you can smell then before you see them. Lots of little ones! Walked around LaJolla, loved the works by Peter Lik photographer, can not afford his work, but beautiful photography of scenery from all over the world.
Take care....love SD! LOVE being escorted by a handsome sailor!
Jun 6, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Aster, glad you arrived safely. I hope you get to spend lots of time with your sailor.
Jun 6, 2013
proudmama
Aster- Small world! I'm pretty sure that my family (very pregnant daughter who was medivacd to SD) is staying where you are! If you see a very pregnant woman with son in tow... that is my daughter! If your son has to work and is suddenly occupied...I'm sure she would love to talk to you! I sent a private message- I can give you her name!
Jun 6, 2013
Saltyocean
Montanamom, Hope that your sailor is well and his iron level came up. Were the docs able to tell him/her on what might have been going on. It is so hard not to be with them during times like this.
Jun 6, 2013
nancynature
Aster, glad your travels were safe and you are now with your son. Sounds like you will have a very nice escort for the time you are there. Enjoy! :)
Montanamom - I too was wondering how your sailor was doing?
By the way ESWest123 - I don't think that there is ever a dumb question asked on here. We all are/were newbies at some point! I say ask away!!!! How else can we all learn? :)
Jun 6, 2013
proudmama
To all the moms whose sons/ daughters are rescue swimmers- is your child happy with his/her decision to become a rescue swimmer? Is it a satisfying career in the Navy? Do many rescue swimmers re-enlist or do they transfer to the civilian world? is there a civilian equivalent for this job? It is such a challenge to become a rescue swimmer, I wanted to know what the realities are for the rescue swimmer. Is there room for advancement within the rate?
I just wanted to know what the future looks like for a Navy Rescue Swimmer.
Any information you could give regarding this topic would be greatly appreciated.
I don't mean to sound negative and hope I am not sounding like a Debbie Downer... just wanted to know what the future holds for my son, if he accomplishes his dream of becoming a rescue swimmer.
Jun 6, 2013
aster
My son just celebrated his first year, so he still is in training, and he LOVES it...
Jun 7, 2013
aster
proudmama I accepted your friend request, just got back to my room :)
Jun 7, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
ChrisAmo, thank you for answering that question. It also has been on my mind about life after the Navy since I can't imagine there is much of a demand for sonar sub chasers which is what my son is going to be doing in addition to the rescue swimmer. J's best friend is also in the Navy and he is learning things that will transfer well to the civilian world when and if he gets out but I wasn't sure about J's prospects.
J just called last night from Maine. He finished his SERE training and will be headed to JAX tomorrow. He facetimed his dad but I wasn't home so I missed "seeing" him. He called briefly before they headed out to eat to talk to me but I didn't get any info except he made it through. So glad that is done!!!!
Jun 7, 2013
nancynature
Jodi - congratulations to your son(and to you). One more thing crossed off the list of things to accomplish and one less thing to worry about, for the time being. Sorry you missed 'seeing' him though.
Proudmama - thanks for asking that question! I too had been wondering...
ChrisAmo - Glad to hear about your son and what he has done even if he hasn't had to save anyone yet. I would say that is a good thing but I am a mom not a rescue swimmer. :) Good to know about the EMT and PO2.
Aster - it is good to know that after a year your son is still enjoying it! To me that means it was the right thing for him to do! Yeah!
Jun 7, 2013
proudmama
ChrisAmo- Thank you so much for answering my question. I'm glad your son was able to see the world... that is one of my son's goals. I agree with NancyNature- as a mom, I'm glad he hasn't had to save anybody so that he isn't traumatized, but it must be a bit frustrating for him to be qualified for a job that isn't used for that purpose? I am happy for him that he reached his goals and is preparing to transition to new ones in the civilian world...Thanks for sharing your wisdom and insights!
Jun 8, 2013
proudmama
Vitamama-has your son received his care pkg from home yet? Is there a predictable mail schedule when you are on a ship? How is your sailor doing?
Jun 8, 2013
Vitamama
Jun 8, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
ESWest.... hi there and welcome!!! please go up to the Discussion Form up above this box and click on Path of the Rescue Swimmer it will help you ALOT in Fact ALL NEW MAMMAS please feel free to go up and read...
Okay... First of all when they get out of BC they will go to Pcola and go on hold to class up for NACCS Naval Aircrew Candidate School, if they pass the will go on hold and class u for RSS.. Rescue Swimmer School then if they pass they will go to A school eighter Romeo or Sierra... see info up in that discussion forum... I agree there are no dumb question for sure ... this pipeline is long and hard and can be confusing for sure!!! Technically I suppose you could say that RSS is like a C school but not... rememeber NACCS, RSS, A-school, then off to their destination for more training for their squadron... that is FRS or some refer to it as FRAC my son said it is technically FRS Fleet Replacement Squadron training... then after that they will graduate and be assigned to their helo squadron... hope this helps the New mammas!!!!!!
ChrisAmo.... so great to have you back in here!!!! Congrats on that boy of yours!!!
Hi everyone... much love to you all!
Montanamom.... what has happened with your sons iron ??? etc???
Jun 8, 2013
proudmama
Vitamama- my adopted sailors received their care pkgs too? I am glad your son is doing well and of course, I would love to see the pics! More care pkgs are going to be sent as some of my friends purchased small amts of treats and had their kids draw pics and write thank you notes to the sailors. I thought I would post a few of the drawings on this site as they are so precious!
Jun 8, 2013
Vitamama
Jun 8, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
proud and vita.... Im THRILLED to see yall sending care packages!!! People just dont know what they can mean to a soldier. At the VFW Post where I am a Ladies Auxiliary, they call me the Care Package Queen.... we ship to hundreds of soldiers every month!!! We raise a lot of money because you know how much just one box can cost, but the entire Post dives in and helps me! It is awesome and I get back amazing emails from the soldiers. Most all of them are over in Afghan and boy does it make their deployment more tolerable to get a box and know they are loved!!!! So kudos girls keep em going!!!!!! If yall are on Face Book, please feel free to LIKE my page.... "For Our Troops" I post lots of the guys' emails and photos and troop awareness. Id love to have you "Like" the page.
Happy Sonday everyone =)
Jun 9, 2013
proudmama
Lydia- I tried to find it... is it Care for our troops or pray for our troops? or is it exactly For our troops?
Jun 9, 2013
nancynature
Lydia - I too looked for it; same ones came up as Proudmama listed. Would love to see it! I am a current supporter of AdoptaPlatoon and have been for the last 8 years. I too know how much these soldiers/sailors appreciate the boxes and letters! It's a great thing you and the VFW Post are doing! Please let me know what the facebook page is.
Jun 9, 2013
Montana Mom
We got a call last Wednesday night that his iron levels are up and he is going to be put through without a waiver. Huge relief and he just needs one more signature and will hopefully leave for Pensacola in the next few days. That was Wednesday night and I haven't heard from him since. He was calling us every night from the THU and now no communication at all. I'm not sure what's going on but I'm clinging to the NO NEWS is GOOD NEWS theory. Thanks for everyone's advice, concern and prayers.
Jun 10, 2013
proudmama
Montana Mom- Phew! So glad to hear that his levels are up! It was a good reminder to me to make sure I don't skip on the veggie juicing!
Jodi- So glad that your son graduated SERE! That must be a huge relief! Sorry you didn't get to speak with him directly, but so glad his dad was available for that all important phone call!
SaltyOcean-you sound very knowledgeable about medical conditions! Are you in the medical field? Thanks for your responses the information you provided to Montana Mom were helpful to me!
Jun 10, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Proudmama, yes it is a BIG relief to have that over and done with. I think the week was the slowest I've been through in a long time. I knew he could handle it but there is always that doubt in the back of your mind. I'm just very glad it's over.
My son arrived in Jacksonville late Saturday and is already loving the place. He's already been to the gym and out running so he's happy.
Montana Mom, congrats on your son getting through without needing a waiver. Hopefully he will soon be on his way to Pensacola to begin the next leg of his journey.
Jun 10, 2013
proudmama
Aster- I'm sending you hugs for visiting my daughter today! You are a blessing!
Jun 10, 2013
Travelsalot
Jun 10, 2013
Tiffany
Jun 11, 2013
proudmama
Travelsalot and Soheartstrings-Does that mean that your sons passed NCAAS and is ready to go to rescue swimmer school or does that mean that they passed rescue swimmer school? Just checking... either way... Congrats!!
Jun 11, 2013
Tiffany
Jun 11, 2013
nancynature
Congratulations Travelsalot and SoHeartstrings to you and your sailors! Great news! I'm hoping my son classes up soon for NACCS so he can get going on this rollercoaster ride! God's speed to them both!
Jun 11, 2013
GMom
Question.....anyone know more about what will happen after FRC? Son in San Diego and should finish up this part Oct or Nov and he says,"I will be assigned to a helo squadron" - where could that be?? Any clue....anyone?
Jun 11, 2013
SoupMom
Hi Everyone...My son began SERE yesterday. I'll will be holding my breath and saying lots of prayers for the next two weeks. Anyone else have someone at SERE now?
Jun 11, 2013
aster
Travelsalot - congratulations on your sailor classing up for RSS!
Jun 11, 2013
aster
DoHeartstrings-congratulations!
Jun 11, 2013
Tiffany
SoupMom - I will be saying prayers for you & your son.
Jun 11, 2013
aster
Gmom- my son (ROMEO) is waiting to class up for FRAC - starts in Aug. Is your son SIERRA or ROMEO...here now visiting my son in SD....lots of helos flying yesterday, both SIERRA and ROMEO. My son all the ROMEOs are grouped together in the barracks. They might know each other.
Jun 11, 2013
aster
SoupMom, congratulations on this next step in the pipeline. My son went through it, he said it went fast...and he was very hungry when he got out. He and his buddies went out for Mexican when they graduated, ate an appetizer each, then a dinner. Went back and slept and the next day they went out for mani-pedis at Ocean Beach (cheaper there than SD), as their cuticles were really "messed up"...didn't want to know why...But he is very proud of completing it. :)
Jun 11, 2013
SoupMom
Thank you all for your encouraging words and Prayers!
BJ - Our sons were together in Ship 04 Div 822. Good to see you on here. My son is Sierra.
Aster - that is a good idea about the mani-peds.
Jun 11, 2013