I love hearing your advice and stories. My Daughter leaves 8/7. I am starting to really feel that anxiety feeling when I think of her leaving. I am excited for her Herat the same time. I think what they are doing is just amazing! She has already became so strong with her workouts and preparation. My biggest concern is nutrition. she is a small girl will lose weight fast. Good luckto all
Kim- there are a few really smart ladies on this site who know quite a bit about nutrition. I think the one issue that some of the guys have had is anemia. My one advice... eats tons of vegetables and fruit... if she can. My oldest daughter served in the Army. She had a hard time eating in bc at the speed that they wanted her to eat. Good luck to your daughter! I've been there..with my daughter. She said it was the best decision she ever made!
Oops! Correction- did I just say "a few", sorry about that! I didn't mean that. I meant that there are many smart ladies on this site. And some ladies on this site that gave very specific nutritional advice before. I don't remember specifically who they were-but I remember the advice was wonderful!
Enjoy these next few days with your kids. The next few days are going to fly by and you will wonder where the time went. Remember to join the discussion group (800) on the bootcamp moms site: you will get a lot of support from the other moms there. You will be able to get information from them also. I remember when my son was at bc and I was waiting for that first letter I would read about all the other division moms getting letters and I wasn't. I found out on the 818 discussion group that no one was getting letters, which eased my mind a lot. Found out that while the other divisions at GL were getting to write letters our division was "moving things" since their group wasn't working together well enough to please the instructors. Without the ladies in our group to talk to I would have been a basket case waiting for that first letter. I also would get the heads up on incoming phone calls because the first mom to get a call would alert everyone that calls were coming in. My son knew to call my cell phone which I made sure never left my side. It wouldn't hurt to write all the numbers down on a small piece of paper for your recruit to take with them. Take care ladies, you will get through this!
HELLO GIRLS----------My son said the food at BC was excellent.... of course hi calorie too so Kim I think your daughter will be fine. My son said the beefy kids lose alot including muscle and the smaller kids tend to gain weight... BUT the upside to that is that once the get done and get to Pcola they will go on HOLD for a while before classing up for their first School... Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS) so they will have LOTs of opportunity to gain back weight and muscle by preparing for what is to come... after NACCS they will hold again and once again have to to continue that preparation and hone in on their best weight and muscle...
Definitely try to find your PIR Group on here if there is not a site yet, start one... that is what a few of us gals whose boys were going at the same time did... and from off of that... we even started an offshoot for just spec ops and forces.. happened also to be 818 but it will be some 800 number. You will make life long friends doing that.... Im still in touch with many and last year we had a two year reunion. They are having on again this year but Im unable to attend it. OH also BC moms, keep you phone with you at all times for that phone call.. first one as you prob know when be upon their arrival in GL I missed it as I fell asleep and did not hear the phone ring... The second one was a lot later... about 4 weeks later... I missed that one also.... arrrrrrrr but I did get and third and the Im a Sailor after Battlestations call. I wrote so many letters he said he did not have time to read them all but he loved them anyway. He wrote about one a week... I got the first one on week 3 I believe it was. I kept them in a scrap book for him. Well, yall have a GREAT day....
Morning ladies! For those of you whose kids are leaving in the next week, spend as much time with them as you can without "stalking" them. :)
Try to go to MEPS with them, I was allowed to go in and video the swearing in, we didn't think we would be able to before hand, so I did it on my phone. They are busy and sitting going in and out and reviewing and double checking everything before they ship out to BC. My son did not want me to go to the airport, but I did spend almost all day with him before he left out of Miami.
The time in BC seems to go on forever, until the last 10 days or so, and then time zooms! I booked flights with Southwest so if at the last minute I would need to change flights there wouldn't be penalties, Southwest flies into Midway.
Yes, my son said the same thing, food is plentiful and excellent in BC, better than P'cola.
Lydia, the bootcamp site had changed things a little as far as setting up a 800 discussion group. When J went there in July, I started it because no one else had and all the other groups were already up and running. However, by the time Luke left in September the moderator,FireTeamLeadersWife, was the one that set up the groups. I guess there was a problem with moms starting several groups for the same division, or something like that. I haven't been on that site for a while so I don't know if it's still that way but it was as of September 2012. But either way, it's a great way to connect with other moms going through the same things you are going through.
As far as the food my skinny kid gained like 20 pounds while he was there!
Thanks to all of the veteran moms for the advice and encouragement. My son also ships 8/7 to BC. He is excited and I am excited for him but can't quite imagine not having him at home. Will be a tough week. The advice really does help and makes me think I might make it through-
Yes during BC, they seem to gain quite abit of weight. My son was very skinny going in and he put on about 20 pounds. He said the food was pretty good.
Here is a piece of advice from my son... He said he ate a banana every day. Especially during RSS. He said it help keep away leg cramps and such.
Now something I would like to mention for the moms with kids going to BC. The hardest thing I had to deal with in my sons journey so far was seeing him at BC graduation. I have to say, they are alot different, so be prepared. What I mean by this, is my son normally is kind of a goof ball. He jokes and really loves to make people smile. The hardest thing, was the couple days we spent with him after BC, he was so jumpy and very nervous. (I have heard this is normal.) He was consistently checking his uniform, adjusting it, wanted to be back on the base like 1 1/2 hours early to "make sure" nothing would prevent him from being back in time. I seriously thought for a bit that my son had completely changed and I did not like it. I shed alot of tears thinking all the "life" had left my son. Well I can say, that next time I seen him, he was my same old boy. Just knowing that there is time for fun, but as he says "I'm a squared away sailor. I know what is right and I am not doing anything to mess this up." He has really turned from a great kid to a remarkable young man this past year.
I just wanted to throw that out there, because that first time seeing them may be hard. They do act different and I heard that it is common for them to be very jumpy and nervous. Don't worry mama's, they are ok and they do start relaxing. They still are your same child, just more grown up.
dbristol, I agree with you on the way they acted while still at GL. My son kept looking at his watch and, just like your son, wanted to be back early (and if you were like me, you wanted to keep him with you as long as possible). My son graduated Labor Day weekend and there was also a hurricane warning in Pensacola so he didn't leave until Sunday Morning. We dropped him off late on Saturday and drove home with his girlfriend in the back seat hugging the Build-A-Bear Sailor bear and crying. Broke my heart!
It was the same when I went to his best friend's PIR. Luke was always the funny goofy kid but when his brother and best friend tried to get him to rough house and all he told them no. He was so serious too. But like you said they are remarkable young men today (well, they always were great kids!!) and I am so proud of both of them!
My son didn't lose or gain weight at boot camp - he was a solid, muscular 200 lbs when he left and was still there at the end, but it was certainly rearrange, leaner through the hips and wider through the chest. He said the food was coded, green, yellow, and red - and that they encouraged the recruits to eat a lot of the green foods (vegs, pasta, lean meats) and to steer clear of the red ones (desserts).
I think boot camp is a bit different for the 800's though, but mostly because most of them train very hard prior to boot camp and so have very little in the way of 'extra' on them to begin with. Not that I am implying that non-800's are out of shape, just that the training my son did prior to boot camp (with SPECWAR trainers to meet the SPECOP requirements) and the amount of swimming he did regularly had him in good shape to meet the boot camp requirements over and above what a regular recruit expects to do.
Does anyone know what the vision requirements are for AIRR? My son went to get a pair of glasses today (he generally wears contacts) and they said he needed a strong prescription. He is still mild- but wondered if this was placing his AIRR contract in jeopardy. Anyone have any experience with this?
Proudmama - while looking for something totally unrelated, I ran across this on the Navy website. Hope it answers your question.
To qualify for Rescue Swimmer Training, both men and women must:
Meet specific eyesight requirements: uncorrected vision no worse than 20/100; correctable to 20/20 in both eyes with normal depth and color perception.
Yes I think it was dbristol who talked about the bananna... my son did as well in BC AND he even took some over the counter potassium while in training for RSS.... as he was in Pcola during the hot summer... and ran A TON..even with drinking replenishment drinks they were not enough.. he started cramping so he would take a little a few times a week (not too many tho) and ate a bananna also and it helped him alot.. so don't be surprised if your kids talk about leg and foot cramping in Pcola during their PT..
Proudmama - I know that when I was at the airport with my son before he flew away from BC to Pcola, one of his buddies in 818 failed the eye COLOR part of this test and they dropped his contract... He went IT instead which is also a GREAT rate and he is happy now but he was devastated when we were at the airport... so I do know that they will eye test them during boot camp... I would surely think his recruiter and the MEPS guys would require that as part of their various test to even GET that contract... ???? Don't know. Perhaps a call to a recruiter might help... or even a random recruiter that does not know your son.. ???
Melissa posted a good site down there!!!!
sweetpea.... awesome for your son...
Jodi - are you son and his gf still together?? That is a heart breaker... sniff!
Lydia- my son passed his initial vision test when he went to meps in January, but because he wears contacts and not glasses- we were advised to get him a pair of glasses prior to bc. It is when we did that this week that we were informed that his prescription needed to be a bit stronger. He is fine with color and depth perception. Looking at the info that Melissa linked me to- it looks like it should be fine. Last minute jitters....about last minute details... And everything that goes along with this journey!
You know, now that I think about it - don't they issue the recruit a pair of glasses at boot camp. You know, those black plastic framed ones? My son doesn't wear glasses so I don't know how that works, but it seems like my son-in-law was issued the military pair at boot camp. Of course, he is Air Force (or as my son calls it "Chair Force" - hee!, they gotta rag on each other) so regs might be different for the different branches.
Proud.... I know how you are feeling.... EVERYTHING is nerve wracking and you are trying all you can to be sure he gets on that bus and plane!!!! I was also thinking that Melissa might be correct... he will need to take his glasses with him but I think that they will eye exam him along with all the others shots and tests that they give them those first 3/5 days after they arrive and they will give him those ugly ones hahahahahahah...... he won't have to wear them forever so tell him not to worry....
REMEMBER the first 3/5 days are filled with tests, shots and more shots, and exams..... they don't even GET to the Ship for several days.... my son HATED that part the most of the whole BC torture experience as he called it at that time.. hahaha.....
Thanks to you all for your advice, last minute suggestions, and words of encouragement...these last few "hiccups" that we have encountered here are driving me crazy... Guess that I need to step back, pray and breathe! Thanks Ladies!
Well, okay, I know we got some recruits heading out tomorrow.... so far... In my three years... I have not heard of but one kid who did not make it through BC they are all stellar... sooo just know that your kids will do great... hard, frustrating... they will go through so many emotions at first..they make the first 3 days sooooo hard on them.... BUT after about a month to 5 weeks.... they settle in and start working as a team and things do get better.... I have my sons letters and so many of them were depressed, sad, lonely, questioning....... a few were up..... and now look where he is.... saying that to say..... DONT worry, they will be fine... just keep writing them and keep your phone handy... first call will be upon arrival.... nothing again for a month.....unless there is a medical question or what not....... Watch for the Kid In The Box, (depending on the phone... look for the battery in the box somewhere) then the form letter with their info and address (Please keep this form letter!!!!!!!!! ) and a short paragraph at the end.... then you wont hear much for several weeks... as they get settled into this new life.... most letters start about week 3/4... remember there are lots of kids and it takes time to get them into the mail System.... but start your letters today!!!!!!!!! God Bless and God speed..... us old planks are here for yall..... laugh cry vent .... we are here!!!!! Through all aspects of this pipelline
Good luck to all the recruits and their families. It will be hard, but they - and you - will be better, stronger, and tougher for having gone through it. As my son said, boot camp is 85% mental. Keep your mind strong and the body follows.
Speaking of keeping your mind strong - my son completed SERE on Friday! Despite losing nearly 20 pounds, he came through with good spirits and much success. He makes me more proud than I ever though I could be each and every day.
We have a couple of other boys from Division 822 who will begin SERE shortly - please keep them in your thoughts as well. Hooyah Sailors!
In a couple of hours we are off to MEPS - it seems like when we started counting, that the time was going so slowly and now here we are. It was sad going through his room - keep this, get rid of that, etc. His attitude is "I'm going to get yelled at and then yelled at some more!"
Thank you all for your advice and kind words and encouragement - the next two months will be stressful but after reading all you wonderful ladies have posted, I believe he will do fine.
I watched a PIR from 2012 just to see what happens and bawled even though I do not know any of these sailors. I will be a mess at graduation!
And a mess when I watch him swear in again tomorrow and get on the bus for GL.
A lot going on! Those of you whose recruits are heading to Boot Camp, the roller coaster of emotions begins...but you also will make it through...growing pains...Lydia knows :)
jaxietwo ~ it is all of part of being a mom ~ we have all been there, and still are sad and cry and each time we leave our children until we see them again. hang on!
jaxietwo-stay strong. You will survive this and graduation. Soon you will be hugging a proud Sailor. Remember you have us to use as a shoulder to cry on. As aster says, we have all been there so if you need us we are there for you.
Lydia, I think my son and his girlfriend as still together. They split up for a while but she was down there this weekend to see him so I'm not sure what the story is. She is a sweetie and I was sad when they split even though I know that it will be hard for them to make it with his schedule and hers being what they are. Time will tell.
I just dropped my son off at the recruiter's office and he is on his way to MEPs and will be at GL tomorrow. His friends gathered at our home early this morning...took pictures, ate donuts, laughed until they cried... and hugged. Me? I cried until I laughed... lots of emotions... and for a few minutes... lots of donuts! Now... lots of prayers! Thanks my N4M friends. What would I do without you?
HANG in there mammas!!!! Proud, Kim. Jax Rat........and OH goodness, I sooooo remember this day only for me three years ago... I cried and cried.... I worried myself to sleep... and missed that IM HERE mom call at like 1am.... I lived on N4M daily and I wrote letters 2 every day.... it was how I stayed sane... Then came HIS letters to me which we really down and tired... I thought Id surely lose my mind... well, I did not but I did gain some weight.... then came PIR and all was well...... for a while ... anyway.... saying we are here for our BC mammas every day so holler holler and keep us posted... let us know when you get letters etc AND for our SERE kids (Melissa)... whooop whooop awesome!!!!!! and I know the new kids going in will be great!!!!!
Hey Aster and Sweetpea.... yup we know this road!!!! =)
Jodi... yes being in the military and having relationships is hard hard hard... only the tough can make it... yes time will tell!!!!!
Thanks so much everybody for the words of encouragement and empathy...nobody quite "gets it" like my N4M sisters and brother (MKdiver!). Fortunately, NancyNature is going to meet me tomorrow for lunch following my son's swearing in.... Oh how wonderful and comforting to share this moment with her and all of you!
Lydia...I'm sure I gained... and lost 10 lbs today!
Hey ProudMama......My husband and I attended our sons swearing in..We were told to be at least one hour early and we were.. We sat in the waiting room and watched my son carry his file folder from one room to another for photos, prints, paper work and so on.. We watched that file grow into a thick thick thick file... every office he went in to added more paperwork to the file..
Finally, they let all of the observers in the room where they do the Swearing In... Then the Sailor Recruits filed in and stood in a line across the room..Each recruit was asked to tell a little about themselves, the Rate they chose and why they want to be in the Navy..
OHHHH Prior to swearing in, we were told to feel free to move around the room, even behind the podium so that we can get the best photos ever..And boy did I take advantage of that.. After the ceremony ended, we were given just a few minutes to take allllll the photos we wanted with or Sailor Recruits..
Be ready to capture allllll the moments.. I even videoed some of it on my phone..
Afterwards, we said goodbye to our son.. and I held together until we were out of eye and ear shot..then, I had a melt down/// Be prepared.... Be prepared when you get home, if he still lives at home you will find emptiness when you get there. His things are there and he is gone.. Hes not just at a friends or on quick road trip..Hes gone..Its just a weird weird weird feeling... He will be back to visit but he is gone..he has moved out and moved on...Its tough....Try not let the negative get hold of you.. Its all positive..He is growing up, he has a job, a roof over his head, medical, dental and meals.... He will be fine... He will go places and see the world.
I still miss my son and I think of him every day.. Last week he called and asked me to send him some cookies from Paradise Bakery along with Some Spitz brand spicy sun flower seeds.. It cost more to ship the things that it cost to buy them.. But.... In my minds eye, its the small things that mean a lot and not the price...
Anyway// good luck tomorrow.. stiff upper lip.. hold it together... best you can..
Oh... My.. I have not read the posts in a while.. I believe I am behind the 8 ball on this topic (swearing in)...I also did not realize Jax-Proud-Kim and all the other moms and dads.. I didn't mean to leave you out...
Travelsalot, I was fine reading your post until I got to paragraph 3 haha. For some reason that just hit me in the gut! I know that he is gone and will, hopefully, not be back in our life in the same way as before (i.e.-living in his room, leaving his stuff all over the house etc, etc, etc....) but sometimes it does still get to me even after 1 year. He is my baby and now I have an empty nest which sometimes is hard for me since so much of my life revolved around my 2 boys (there is 11 years between them so that was alot of my life lol). I am learning to focus on myself and my husband which is kind of nice actually.
Hi Jodi.... Yes,, it has been just over a year for me as well.Div 4 .816/298...My daughter is still at home, shes a young adult and gone 99.9% of the time... But at least she is still here.. Crazy that she is gone almost as much as my son however, she is still here so that makes it ok.. I didn't see my son again until PIR - July 13.. I rented a suite for the family and my sons best friend at the Residence Inn / Marriott.. It had a full kitchen, sleeper sofa and a bedroom..
My son wanted more than anything, his private time in the bathroom, shower and to sleep on a real bed. Naturally he couldn't stay the night so we all just vegged and napped.. It was a great day.. The next day we went out an about to see Chicago....I was able to bring my son home from Pre Buds during a quick weekend turn around in September..We surprised the entire family and his friends.. His room was an instant disaster and day light was a burning.. he had place to go and people to see.. He Didnt wast a second..
My son came home for Christmas and stayed through New Years (about 10 days)...
My husband and I drove his truck to him in April .. All the way to Pensacola Florida.
I made another trip to Pensacola to watch him graduate from Rescue Swimmer School, oddly enough on July 12.. (PIR was July 13).. He was happy to see me and I brought him some clothes from home. He told me that he put on a t shirt from home and it smelled like home... He said he never slept so good, it was the t shirt smell from home..
I never thought about the little things like smells...he cherished that..
They do miss us, home and their friends... If I had more money I would make more visits.. I hope he gets back to California and with in driving distance..
All of you who are just beginning, write to your sailors everyday, number the envelopes so they know which to open first. Stay here to vent, others "outside" don't understand, it is different from sending a child off to college...
Travelslot - well said, I sent homemade cookies yesterday $$ priority mail from FLA to CA...5 pounds of cookies! They still miss home, don't know when I can see him again, definitely going next summer, he starts FRS the 15th of this month, have no idea when he will graduate, need to start saving $$.
Travelsalot, My son classes up for FRS next Monday. He is doing well. He likes the more relaxed atmosphere in JAX and has remained friends with some of the other rescue swimmers. We are hoping to head down there around Labor Day which will be our first visit to see him at a base. I sent him a 6 pound box of cookies UPS to his buddy's apartment that were supposed to arrive on Thursday. I tracked it and UPS said they couldn't find the apartment or some excuse like that. It wasn't delivered until Friday afternoon so I don't know how well the cookies tasted after the delay. I think I will ship the next box USPS since it takes about 2 days less time.
It is a RIDE for sure this life of being a military mom (dads too) I look back from BC to now.... done and deploying and I just can't believe all the changes in his life AND in mine over the three years. I once said that I am sooooooooooo thankful the stress of the pipeline is OVER but then again on the other hand..... now comes an even harder part.... him being GONE out to where ever for up to a year and with only bits of time to communicate and even then only when possible. My son said they work about 16 hours a day mostly flying of course. Soooo, anyway Im happy cause he is happy and that is all that matters.... When my first husband died of Cancer my son was 11 and he became the man of the house... My world centered around him and often still does... I agree with yall - so hard to make this adjustment of them being gone... after all these years I still cry sometimes over it all....
Hi Travels, Proud, Melissa, Jodi and Aster and EVERYONE.... yup keep letters going to BC numbered!! Keep those cookies flowing to our cookie monsters and hang in there... FRS is still a long part of the pipeline with much studying, testing and flying..... BUT at least they are home (base) safe and making a nice paycheck with great benefits.. AND no excuses to not call home !!!! Internet is sketchy on the base in SD, not sure about Va .... but still lots of time to call home!!!! and or go and visit if you can. I too am saving my money for when that USS Boxer gets back home late next year I Will find a way to BE THERE !!! I already have a welcome home banner with his name on it hahahahahahah crazy me
My son is NOT a rescue swimmer or Navy Seal, but I joined the group because I noticed a lot of comments and questions about San Diego. I am born and raised in San Diego and was raised a Navy dependent so I am very familiar with the city.
Question I have seen:
Silver Strand is just that a Strand of land that connects two section of land. It’s manmade. The strand has a small highway that also includes a separate bike lane. The bike ride is nice and easy to do for even someone who is not in perfect shape. My 5 year old use to do with me. The stand contains a state beach with RV hook-ups. You find mostly over night campers there. There is also a nice hotel and houses at the end of the strand. The strand connects Imperial Beach (very affordable to live) and Coronado (very expensive to live). Coronado and North Island are on the same body of land. Anyone stationed on Coronado and North Island has to access the island by Silver Strand (Imperial Beach) it is located in the southern part of San Diego. The Coronado Bridge access is located in (Logan Heights). If you are coming from the airport the Coronado Bridge is your closest access. It is located 10 minutes from the air port. There is no longer a toll cost for the bridge.
San Diego Military Services:
San Diego is a massive military town, so there is just about everything available to them with multiple military bases to go shopping on. You can also purchase tickets for local attractions on base at a cheaper rate. They also have a movie theater on base where all military and dependants can go for free. You name it they have it bowling, fitness centers, shopping and dining. They are not going without that’s for sure.
If there base housing is on Coronado Island and are Navy Seals or Rescue Swimmers they are most likely living in the dorms (or whatever they call them) on the beach. The units are located on Gator Beach. It is still Coronado Beach, but it is the military section of the beach. Not bad.. Beach front units to live in.. The beach also has enmities that can be accessed by military and dependants. The beach has cabanas and a small store. Be careful though the beach in that area tends to have a lot of jelly fish.
Affordable places to live:
Depending on where they are stationed will vary on where they want to live. Because there are so many bases they want to shop around traffic is heaviest from 7:30am-8:30am and 4:00pm-6:00pm so keep that in mind. The housing can be pricey in San Diego we’re paying for the weather. An average 1 bed apartment can cost from $800.00 and up. What area you live in can make a big difference on how much you pay. San Diego county is very large, so there plenty of housing choices.
If they are stationed anywhere in San Diego County they have plenty to do and it's an amazing place to live. Because it is such a large military community; it is very diverse.
If you have any questions about San Diego feel free to contact me.
Good morning all and thanks for the encouragement! He made it to GL ysterday - up until the last minute they were told they would be bused from St. Louis to GL and then they ended up flying! Got my call at 7 p.m. much earlier than I expected. Unfortunately, we had planned that he would call me first (quickly) and then his girlfriend - she didn't get a call :( He was in a group of 5 spec ops - two other swimmers, 1 EOD and 1 diver. I could already tell that he and one of the swimmers have become buddies - now if they can only stay out of trouble together!
Yesterday was tough, I got home and started to clean up his room - did as much as I could stand - plenty of time for that.
I appreciate all of you and your wisdom and kind words! Time to start writing letters!
jaxietwo, glad everything went well. Yes, that cleaning is difficult at first but there is no rush to do it. It will still be there in a few days and/or weeks. We repainted my son's room and put in new carpet, left it alone for a while and I have now turned it into my quilting room (only because it has a TV and the other bedroom doesn't haha).
Hopefully your son's girlfriend isn't too upset she didn't get the call. He probably only had time for one. As far as staying out of trouble, if he just keeps quiet and follows orders he will do fine. My son's first few letters home were about how "some" people didn't know how to shut up and listen, causing them to have extra duties. But they finally got their s**t together and started working together, well enough that they won the Hall of Fame.
RattownMom
Wow its 8/1. Head shavin n leaving party 8/3.. days r flying by.....
Aug 1, 2013
kim_72
I love hearing your advice and stories. My Daughter leaves 8/7. I am starting to really feel that anxiety feeling when I think of her leaving. I am excited for her Herat the same time. I think what they are doing is just amazing! She has already became so strong with her workouts and preparation. My biggest concern is nutrition. she is a small girl will lose weight fast. Good luckto all
Aug 1, 2013
proudmama
Kim- there are a few really smart ladies on this site who know quite a bit about nutrition. I think the one issue that some of the guys have had is anemia. My one advice... eats tons of vegetables and fruit... if she can. My oldest daughter served in the Army. She had a hard time eating in bc at the speed that they wanted her to eat. Good luck to your daughter! I've been there..with my daughter. She said it was the best decision she ever made!
Aug 1, 2013
proudmama
Oops! Correction- did I just say "a few", sorry about that! I didn't mean that. I meant that there are many smart ladies on this site. And some ladies on this site that gave very specific nutritional advice before. I don't remember specifically who they were-but I remember the advice was wonderful!
Aug 1, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Enjoy these next few days with your kids. The next few days are going to fly by and you will wonder where the time went. Remember to join the discussion group (800) on the bootcamp moms site: you will get a lot of support from the other moms there. You will be able to get information from them also. I remember when my son was at bc and I was waiting for that first letter I would read about all the other division moms getting letters and I wasn't. I found out on the 818 discussion group that no one was getting letters, which eased my mind a lot. Found out that while the other divisions at GL were getting to write letters our division was "moving things" since their group wasn't working together well enough to please the instructors. Without the ladies in our group to talk to I would have been a basket case waiting for that first letter. I also would get the heads up on incoming phone calls because the first mom to get a call would alert everyone that calls were coming in. My son knew to call my cell phone which I made sure never left my side. It wouldn't hurt to write all the numbers down on a small piece of paper for your recruit to take with them. Take care ladies, you will get through this!
Aug 1, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
HELLO GIRLS----------My son said the food at BC was excellent.... of course hi calorie too so Kim I think your daughter will be fine. My son said the beefy kids lose alot including muscle and the smaller kids tend to gain weight... BUT the upside to that is that once the get done and get to Pcola they will go on HOLD for a while before classing up for their first School... Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS) so they will have LOTs of opportunity to gain back weight and muscle by preparing for what is to come... after NACCS they will hold again and once again have to to continue that preparation and hone in on their best weight and muscle...
Definitely try to find your PIR Group on here if there is not a site yet, start one... that is what a few of us gals whose boys were going at the same time did... and from off of that... we even started an offshoot for just spec ops and forces.. happened also to be 818 but it will be some 800 number. You will make life long friends doing that.... Im still in touch with many and last year we had a two year reunion. They are having on again this year but Im unable to attend it. OH also BC moms, keep you phone with you at all times for that phone call.. first one as you prob know when be upon their arrival in GL I missed it as I fell asleep and did not hear the phone ring... The second one was a lot later... about 4 weeks later... I missed that one also.... arrrrrrrr but I did get and third and the Im a Sailor after Battlestations call. I wrote so many letters he said he did not have time to read them all but he loved them anyway. He wrote about one a week... I got the first one on week 3 I believe it was. I kept them in a scrap book for him. Well, yall have a GREAT day....
Aug 1, 2013
aster
Morning ladies! For those of you whose kids are leaving in the next week, spend as much time with them as you can without "stalking" them. :)
Try to go to MEPS with them, I was allowed to go in and video the swearing in, we didn't think we would be able to before hand, so I did it on my phone. They are busy and sitting going in and out and reviewing and double checking everything before they ship out to BC. My son did not want me to go to the airport, but I did spend almost all day with him before he left out of Miami.
The time in BC seems to go on forever, until the last 10 days or so, and then time zooms! I booked flights with Southwest so if at the last minute I would need to change flights there wouldn't be penalties, Southwest flies into Midway.
Yes, my son said the same thing, food is plentiful and excellent in BC, better than P'cola.
Aug 1, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Lydia, the bootcamp site had changed things a little as far as setting up a 800 discussion group. When J went there in July, I started it because no one else had and all the other groups were already up and running. However, by the time Luke left in September the moderator,FireTeamLeadersWife, was the one that set up the groups. I guess there was a problem with moms starting several groups for the same division, or something like that. I haven't been on that site for a while so I don't know if it's still that way but it was as of September 2012. But either way, it's a great way to connect with other moms going through the same things you are going through.
As far as the food my skinny kid gained like 20 pounds while he was there!
Aug 1, 2013
Bayswan
Thanks to all of the veteran moms for the advice and encouragement. My son also ships 8/7 to BC. He is excited and I am excited for him but can't quite imagine not having him at home. Will be a tough week. The advice really does help and makes me think I might make it through-
Aug 1, 2013
dbristol
Yes during BC, they seem to gain quite abit of weight. My son was very skinny going in and he put on about 20 pounds. He said the food was pretty good.
Here is a piece of advice from my son... He said he ate a banana every day. Especially during RSS. He said it help keep away leg cramps and such.
Now something I would like to mention for the moms with kids going to BC. The hardest thing I had to deal with in my sons journey so far was seeing him at BC graduation. I have to say, they are alot different, so be prepared. What I mean by this, is my son normally is kind of a goof ball. He jokes and really loves to make people smile. The hardest thing, was the couple days we spent with him after BC, he was so jumpy and very nervous. (I have heard this is normal.) He was consistently checking his uniform, adjusting it, wanted to be back on the base like 1 1/2 hours early to "make sure" nothing would prevent him from being back in time. I seriously thought for a bit that my son had completely changed and I did not like it. I shed alot of tears thinking all the "life" had left my son. Well I can say, that next time I seen him, he was my same old boy. Just knowing that there is time for fun, but as he says "I'm a squared away sailor. I know what is right and I am not doing anything to mess this up." He has really turned from a great kid to a remarkable young man this past year.
I just wanted to throw that out there, because that first time seeing them may be hard. They do act different and I heard that it is common for them to be very jumpy and nervous. Don't worry mama's, they are ok and they do start relaxing. They still are your same child, just more grown up.
Aug 1, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
dbristol, I agree with you on the way they acted while still at GL. My son kept looking at his watch and, just like your son, wanted to be back early (and if you were like me, you wanted to keep him with you as long as possible). My son graduated Labor Day weekend and there was also a hurricane warning in Pensacola so he didn't leave until Sunday Morning. We dropped him off late on Saturday and drove home with his girlfriend in the back seat hugging the Build-A-Bear Sailor bear and crying. Broke my heart!
It was the same when I went to his best friend's PIR. Luke was always the funny goofy kid but when his brother and best friend tried to get him to rough house and all he told them no. He was so serious too. But like you said they are remarkable young men today (well, they always were great kids!!) and I am so proud of both of them!
Aug 1, 2013
sweetpea4
One word for this is they are shell shocked!!!!
Aug 1, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
good one sweetpea!
Aug 1, 2013
Melissa
My son didn't lose or gain weight at boot camp - he was a solid, muscular 200 lbs when he left and was still there at the end, but it was certainly rearrange, leaner through the hips and wider through the chest. He said the food was coded, green, yellow, and red - and that they encouraged the recruits to eat a lot of the green foods (vegs, pasta, lean meats) and to steer clear of the red ones (desserts).
I think boot camp is a bit different for the 800's though, but mostly because most of them train very hard prior to boot camp and so have very little in the way of 'extra' on them to begin with. Not that I am implying that non-800's are out of shape, just that the training my son did prior to boot camp (with SPECWAR trainers to meet the SPECOP requirements) and the amount of swimming he did regularly had him in good shape to meet the boot camp requirements over and above what a regular recruit expects to do.
Aug 1, 2013
proudmama
Does anyone know what the vision requirements are for AIRR? My son went to get a pair of glasses today (he generally wears contacts) and they said he needed a strong prescription. He is still mild- but wondered if this was placing his AIRR contract in jeopardy. Anyone have any experience with this?
Aug 1, 2013
proudmama
sorry-they said he needed a stronger.. prescription- Not strong.
Aug 1, 2013
sweetpea4
Aug 1, 2013
Melissa
Proudmama - while looking for something totally unrelated, I ran across this on the Navy website. Hope it answers your question.
To qualify for Rescue Swimmer Training, both men and women must:
Aug 2, 2013
Melissa
For new AIRR moms - this site has a lot of answers and information.
http://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations/air-rescue.html
Aug 2, 2013
proudmama
Thanks Melissa!
Aug 2, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Good morning everyone.... Happy Saturday
Yes I think it was dbristol who talked about the bananna... my son did as well in BC AND he even took some over the counter potassium while in training for RSS.... as he was in Pcola during the hot summer... and ran A TON..even with drinking replenishment drinks they were not enough.. he started cramping so he would take a little a few times a week (not too many tho) and ate a bananna also and it helped him alot.. so don't be surprised if your kids talk about leg and foot cramping in Pcola during their PT..
Proudmama - I know that when I was at the airport with my son before he flew away from BC to Pcola, one of his buddies in 818 failed the eye COLOR part of this test and they dropped his contract... He went IT instead which is also a GREAT rate and he is happy now but he was devastated when we were at the airport... so I do know that they will eye test them during boot camp... I would surely think his recruiter and the MEPS guys would require that as part of their various test to even GET that contract... ???? Don't know. Perhaps a call to a recruiter might help... or even a random recruiter that does not know your son.. ???
Melissa posted a good site down there!!!!
sweetpea.... awesome for your son...
Jodi - are you son and his gf still together?? That is a heart breaker... sniff!
Aug 3, 2013
proudmama
Aug 3, 2013
Melissa
You know, now that I think about it - don't they issue the recruit a pair of glasses at boot camp. You know, those black plastic framed ones? My son doesn't wear glasses so I don't know how that works, but it seems like my son-in-law was issued the military pair at boot camp. Of course, he is Air Force (or as my son calls it "Chair Force" - hee!, they gotta rag on each other) so regs might be different for the different branches.
Aug 4, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Proud.... I know how you are feeling.... EVERYTHING is nerve wracking and you are trying all you can to be sure he gets on that bus and plane!!!! I was also thinking that Melissa might be correct... he will need to take his glasses with him but I think that they will eye exam him along with all the others shots and tests that they give them those first 3/5 days after they arrive and they will give him those ugly ones hahahahahahah...... he won't have to wear them forever so tell him not to worry....
REMEMBER the first 3/5 days are filled with tests, shots and more shots, and exams..... they don't even GET to the Ship for several days.... my son HATED that part the most of the whole BC torture experience as he called it at that time.. hahaha.....
Aug 4, 2013
proudmama
Thanks to you all for your advice, last minute suggestions, and words of encouragement...these last few "hiccups" that we have encountered here are driving me crazy... Guess that I need to step back, pray and breathe! Thanks Ladies!
Aug 4, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Well, okay, I know we got some recruits heading out tomorrow.... so far... In my three years... I have not heard of but one kid who did not make it through BC they are all stellar... sooo just know that your kids will do great... hard, frustrating... they will go through so many emotions at first..they make the first 3 days sooooo hard on them.... BUT after about a month to 5 weeks.... they settle in and start working as a team and things do get better.... I have my sons letters and so many of them were depressed, sad, lonely, questioning....... a few were up..... and now look where he is.... saying that to say..... DONT worry, they will be fine... just keep writing them and keep your phone handy... first call will be upon arrival.... nothing again for a month.....unless there is a medical question or what not....... Watch for the Kid In The Box, (depending on the phone... look for the battery in the box somewhere) then the form letter with their info and address (Please keep this form letter!!!!!!!!! ) and a short paragraph at the end.... then you wont hear much for several weeks... as they get settled into this new life.... most letters start about week 3/4... remember there are lots of kids and it takes time to get them into the mail System.... but start your letters today!!!!!!!!! God Bless and God speed..... us old planks are here for yall..... laugh cry vent .... we are here!!!!! Through all aspects of this pipelline
Aug 5, 2013
Melissa
Good luck to all the recruits and their families. It will be hard, but they - and you - will be better, stronger, and tougher for having gone through it. As my son said, boot camp is 85% mental. Keep your mind strong and the body follows.
Speaking of keeping your mind strong - my son completed SERE on Friday! Despite losing nearly 20 pounds, he came through with good spirits and much success. He makes me more proud than I ever though I could be each and every day.
We have a couple of other boys from Division 822 who will begin SERE shortly - please keep them in your thoughts as well. Hooyah Sailors!
Aug 5, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Congrats to your son, Melissa. Where does he go from there?
Aug 6, 2013
jaxietwo
In a couple of hours we are off to MEPS - it seems like when we started counting, that the time was going so slowly and now here we are. It was sad going through his room - keep this, get rid of that, etc. His attitude is "I'm going to get yelled at and then yelled at some more!"
Thank you all for your advice and kind words and encouragement - the next two months will be stressful but after reading all you wonderful ladies have posted, I believe he will do fine.
I watched a PIR from 2012 just to see what happens and bawled even though I do not know any of these sailors. I will be a mess at graduation!
And a mess when I watch him swear in again tomorrow and get on the bus for GL.
Aug 6, 2013
aster
A lot going on! Those of you whose recruits are heading to Boot Camp, the roller coaster of emotions begins...but you also will make it through...growing pains...Lydia knows :)
Melissa - congratulations on SERE being over!
Aug 6, 2013
aster
jaxietwo ~ it is all of part of being a mom ~ we have all been there, and still are sad and cry and each time we leave our children until we see them again. hang on!
Aug 6, 2013
sweetpea4
Jaxietwo, just remember its the making of men and strong women!!!! Good luck to all it is a life changing experience!! ( For the Good)!!!
Aug 6, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
jaxietwo-stay strong. You will survive this and graduation. Soon you will be hugging a proud Sailor. Remember you have us to use as a shoulder to cry on. As aster says, we have all been there so if you need us we are there for you.
Lydia, I think my son and his girlfriend as still together. They split up for a while but she was down there this weekend to see him so I'm not sure what the story is. She is a sweetie and I was sad when they split even though I know that it will be hard for them to make it with his schedule and hers being what they are. Time will tell.
Aug 6, 2013
proudmama
I just dropped my son off at the recruiter's office and he is on his way to MEPs and will be at GL tomorrow. His friends gathered at our home early this morning...took pictures, ate donuts, laughed until they cried... and hugged. Me? I cried until I laughed... lots of emotions... and for a few minutes... lots of donuts! Now... lots of prayers! Thanks my N4M friends. What would I do without you?
Aug 6, 2013
sweetpea4
Proudmama, praying for you and your Son. He will be just fine. It's harder on the family because of the unknown! hang in there!!
Aug 6, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
HANG in there mammas!!!! Proud, Kim. Jax Rat........and OH goodness, I sooooo remember this day only for me three years ago... I cried and cried.... I worried myself to sleep... and missed that IM HERE mom call at like 1am.... I lived on N4M daily and I wrote letters 2 every day.... it was how I stayed sane... Then came HIS letters to me which we really down and tired... I thought Id surely lose my mind... well, I did not but I did gain some weight.... then came PIR and all was well...... for a while ... anyway.... saying we are here for our BC mammas every day so holler holler and keep us posted... let us know when you get letters etc AND for our SERE kids (Melissa)... whooop whooop awesome!!!!!! and I know the new kids going in will be great!!!!!
Hey Aster and Sweetpea.... yup we know this road!!!! =)
Jodi... yes being in the military and having relationships is hard hard hard... only the tough can make it... yes time will tell!!!!!
Proud... love the donuts and the hugs!!!!!!
Love all yall!!!!!! WE ARE HERE
Aug 6, 2013
proudmama
Thanks so much everybody for the words of encouragement and empathy...nobody quite "gets it" like my N4M sisters and brother (MKdiver!). Fortunately, NancyNature is going to meet me tomorrow for lunch following my son's swearing in.... Oh how wonderful and comforting to share this moment with her and all of you!
Lydia...I'm sure I gained... and lost 10 lbs today!
Aug 6, 2013
Melissa
Jodi - my son is in San Diego; he is currently on hold, but should begin FRS soon(ish). Right now he is hanging out on the beach and eating - a lot!
Aug 6, 2013
Travelsalot
Finally, they let all of the observers in the room where they do the Swearing In... Then the Sailor Recruits filed in and stood in a line across the room..Each recruit was asked to tell a little about themselves, the Rate they chose and why they want to be in the Navy..
OHHHH Prior to swearing in, we were told to feel free to move around the room, even behind the podium so that we can get the best photos ever..And boy did I take advantage of that.. After the ceremony ended, we were given just a few minutes to take allllll the photos we wanted with or Sailor Recruits..
Be ready to capture allllll the moments.. I even videoed some of it on my phone..
Afterwards, we said goodbye to our son.. and I held together until we were out of eye and ear shot..then, I had a melt down/// Be prepared.... Be prepared when you get home, if he still lives at home you will find emptiness when you get there. His things are there and he is gone.. Hes not just at a friends or on quick road trip..Hes gone..Its just a weird weird weird feeling... He will be back to visit but he is gone..he has moved out and moved on...Its tough....Try not let the negative get hold of you.. Its all positive..He is growing up, he has a job, a roof over his head, medical, dental and meals.... He will be fine... He will go places and see the world.
I still miss my son and I think of him every day.. Last week he called and asked me to send him some cookies from Paradise Bakery along with Some Spitz brand spicy sun flower seeds.. It cost more to ship the things that it cost to buy them.. But.... In my minds eye, its the small things that mean a lot and not the price...
Anyway// good luck tomorrow.. stiff upper lip.. hold it together... best you can..
Kudos to you NancyNature!!!!!
Aug 7, 2013
Travelsalot
Good luck to all
Aug 7, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Travelsalot, I was fine reading your post until I got to paragraph 3 haha. For some reason that just hit me in the gut! I know that he is gone and will, hopefully, not be back in our life in the same way as before (i.e.-living in his room, leaving his stuff all over the house etc, etc, etc....) but sometimes it does still get to me even after 1 year. He is my baby and now I have an empty nest which sometimes is hard for me since so much of my life revolved around my 2 boys (there is 11 years between them so that was alot of my life lol). I am learning to focus on myself and my husband which is kind of nice actually.
Aug 7, 2013
Travelsalot
My son wanted more than anything, his private time in the bathroom, shower and to sleep on a real bed. Naturally he couldn't stay the night so we all just vegged and napped.. It was a great day.. The next day we went out an about to see Chicago....I was able to bring my son home from Pre Buds during a quick weekend turn around in September..We surprised the entire family and his friends.. His room was an instant disaster and day light was a burning.. he had place to go and people to see.. He Didnt wast a second..
My son came home for Christmas and stayed through New Years (about 10 days)...
My husband and I drove his truck to him in April .. All the way to Pensacola Florida.
I made another trip to Pensacola to watch him graduate from Rescue Swimmer School, oddly enough on July 12.. (PIR was July 13).. He was happy to see me and I brought him some clothes from home. He told me that he put on a t shirt from home and it smelled like home... He said he never slept so good, it was the t shirt smell from home..
I never thought about the little things like smells...he cherished that..
They do miss us, home and their friends... If I had more money I would make more visits.. I hope he gets back to California and with in driving distance..
How is your son doing???
Aug 7, 2013
aster
All of you who are just beginning, write to your sailors everyday, number the envelopes so they know which to open first. Stay here to vent, others "outside" don't understand, it is different from sending a child off to college...
Travelslot - well said, I sent homemade cookies yesterday $$ priority mail from FLA to CA...5 pounds of cookies! They still miss home, don't know when I can see him again, definitely going next summer, he starts FRS the 15th of this month, have no idea when he will graduate, need to start saving $$.
Aug 7, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Travelsalot, My son classes up for FRS next Monday. He is doing well. He likes the more relaxed atmosphere in JAX and has remained friends with some of the other rescue swimmers. We are hoping to head down there around Labor Day which will be our first visit to see him at a base. I sent him a 6 pound box of cookies UPS to his buddy's apartment that were supposed to arrive on Thursday. I tracked it and UPS said they couldn't find the apartment or some excuse like that. It wasn't delivered until Friday afternoon so I don't know how well the cookies tasted after the delay. I think I will ship the next box USPS since it takes about 2 days less time.
Aug 7, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Happy Hump Day yall !!!!
It is a RIDE for sure this life of being a military mom (dads too) I look back from BC to now.... done and deploying and I just can't believe all the changes in his life AND in mine over the three years. I once said that I am sooooooooooo thankful the stress of the pipeline is OVER but then again on the other hand..... now comes an even harder part.... him being GONE out to where ever for up to a year and with only bits of time to communicate and even then only when possible. My son said they work about 16 hours a day mostly flying of course. Soooo, anyway Im happy cause he is happy and that is all that matters.... When my first husband died of Cancer my son was 11 and he became the man of the house... My world centered around him and often still does... I agree with yall - so hard to make this adjustment of them being gone... after all these years I still cry sometimes over it all....
Hi Travels, Proud, Melissa, Jodi and Aster and EVERYONE.... yup keep letters going to BC numbered!! Keep those cookies flowing to our cookie monsters and hang in there... FRS is still a long part of the pipeline with much studying, testing and flying..... BUT at least they are home (base) safe and making a nice paycheck with great benefits.. AND no excuses to not call home !!!! Internet is sketchy on the base in SD, not sure about Va .... but still lots of time to call home!!!! and or go and visit if you can. I too am saving my money for when that USS Boxer gets back home late next year I Will find a way to BE THERE !!! I already have a welcome home banner with his name on it hahahahahahah crazy me
Aug 7, 2013
sweetpea4
Ahh the next phase of life! My only child, boy did I have empty nest that's how I ended up with 5 dogs!! LOL
Aug 7, 2013
latinnative
Hi Everyone,
My son is NOT a rescue swimmer or Navy Seal, but I joined the group because I noticed a lot of comments and questions about San Diego. I am born and raised in San Diego and was raised a Navy dependent so I am very familiar with the city.
Question I have seen:
Silver Strand is just that a Strand of land that connects two section of land. It’s manmade. The strand has a small highway that also includes a separate bike lane. The bike ride is nice and easy to do for even someone who is not in perfect shape. My 5 year old use to do with me. The stand contains a state beach with RV hook-ups. You find mostly over night campers there. There is also a nice hotel and houses at the end of the strand. The strand connects Imperial Beach (very affordable to live) and Coronado (very expensive to live). Coronado and North Island are on the same body of land. Anyone stationed on Coronado and North Island has to access the island by Silver Strand (Imperial Beach) it is located in the southern part of San Diego. The Coronado Bridge access is located in (Logan Heights). If you are coming from the airport the Coronado Bridge is your closest access. It is located 10 minutes from the air port. There is no longer a toll cost for the bridge.
San Diego Military Services:
San Diego is a massive military town, so there is just about everything available to them with multiple military bases to go shopping on. You can also purchase tickets for local attractions on base at a cheaper rate. They also have a movie theater on base where all military and dependants can go for free. You name it they have it bowling, fitness centers, shopping and dining. They are not going without that’s for sure.
If there base housing is on Coronado Island and are Navy Seals or Rescue Swimmers they are most likely living in the dorms (or whatever they call them) on the beach. The units are located on Gator Beach. It is still Coronado Beach, but it is the military section of the beach. Not bad.. Beach front units to live in.. The beach also has enmities that can be accessed by military and dependants. The beach has cabanas and a small store. Be careful though the beach in that area tends to have a lot of jelly fish.
Affordable places to live:
Depending on where they are stationed will vary on where they want to live. Because there are so many bases they want to shop around traffic is heaviest from 7:30am-8:30am and 4:00pm-6:00pm so keep that in mind. The housing can be pricey in San Diego we’re paying for the weather. An average 1 bed apartment can cost from $800.00 and up. What area you live in can make a big difference on how much you pay. San Diego county is very large, so there plenty of housing choices.
If they are stationed anywhere in San Diego County they have plenty to do and it's an amazing place to live. Because it is such a large military community; it is very diverse.
If you have any questions about San Diego feel free to contact me.
Aug 7, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
sweetpea hahahahahaha and they are just adorable dem Bullies and fun!!!!
latinnative.... thank you so much for the information
Aug 7, 2013
jaxietwo
Good morning all and thanks for the encouragement! He made it to GL ysterday - up until the last minute they were told they would be bused from St. Louis to GL and then they ended up flying! Got my call at 7 p.m. much earlier than I expected. Unfortunately, we had planned that he would call me first (quickly) and then his girlfriend - she didn't get a call :( He was in a group of 5 spec ops - two other swimmers, 1 EOD and 1 diver. I could already tell that he and one of the swimmers have become buddies - now if they can only stay out of trouble together!
Yesterday was tough, I got home and started to clean up his room - did as much as I could stand - plenty of time for that.
I appreciate all of you and your wisdom and kind words! Time to start writing letters!
Aug 8, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
jaxietwo, glad everything went well. Yes, that cleaning is difficult at first but there is no rush to do it. It will still be there in a few days and/or weeks. We repainted my son's room and put in new carpet, left it alone for a while and I have now turned it into my quilting room (only because it has a TV and the other bedroom doesn't haha).
Hopefully your son's girlfriend isn't too upset she didn't get the call. He probably only had time for one. As far as staying out of trouble, if he just keeps quiet and follows orders he will do fine. My son's first few letters home were about how "some" people didn't know how to shut up and listen, causing them to have extra duties. But they finally got their s**t together and started working together, well enough that they won the Hall of Fame.
Aug 8, 2013