Hi all! I wish all the new moms on here a sense of peace and calm. Know that your boys/daughters are in great hands! Jodi and the other veteran moms are right - your recruits will be well and once they start working together they can accomplish great things! Great lesson to learn from the Navy!
Empty nest is tough, but cleaning their room for the first time is one of the hardest things I had to do. Took me 2 weeks before I could even start and then that only lasted a few hours. I had to ask my husband to help me the next day. It is much better now and I'll be honest, my heart aches each time I go in his room but the tears aren't there anymore. Knowing that he is where he wants to be and is happy and enjoying his time there makes it so much easier to accept him being gone.
Proudmama - hope you are doing well today. Praying for you(and all the other new moms) for I know how hard it is today and will be until you hear his voice again. Stay strong, positive and start writing your letters!
I've been taking classes all of this week and this is the first time I have been able to check out NFM's. It is so cool how supportive you all are for each other. I know the emotions of dropping off someone to head off to BC as a father. I know it was more difficult for my wife because she had never experienced the military life other than a short period while I was servicing in Desert Storm. The advice I would give is the drill instructors are there to get them all to stop being individuals and to start thinking and acting as a team in the Navy. As long as they are listening and doing everything they can to do as well as they can, they will be fine. You will definately notice a difference when you get together with them at PIR. We knew our son would change but we did not expect him to change so quickly.
As for my son--we he was told they are putting a hold on RSS for up to six weeks to help eleviate the bottle necks in the other levels of training. He is disappointed that he will have to wait but understands why. He spends his time after his workouts with all of his buddies and they seem to be having fun despite the waiting.
I wish you all the best! Your son's and daughters are in the greatest and strongest Navy in the world.
HI MK..... always great for you to pop in and say HI!!!!!! We love our Navy Dads!!! Yes though my son is finished with this pipeline... I have heard that things are changing, slowing and my son has even seen early outs in many rates ... though they made their life hell in BC he learned to respect and even admired his COs, yup team work which I know you know.... learning to work as a team... which one day in the long run can save lives!! Oh and thank you for your service MK...
Here is a link that most of your BC mammas prob already have but just in case
Okay Im heading out at 3am to head to Colorado to see my son and daughter... Ill try to check in while Im gone... hang in there everyone!!!!! =) And stay right here... we are here for each other!!!!! xoxoxoxoxox
Thank you to everybody for your kind words, words of advice and experience... they were all appreciated! I survived the send off to bootcamp because of all of you! Your words of advice and encouragement meant the world to me!
Nancy Nature met me for lunch...and I must say... it was wonderful! So much fun and heart warming!
NancyN- you helped me cope with my day and turn it from a sad day to a much brighter one ! I can't even thank you enough! Thank you for your friendship! BTW- your son is very handsome and by the look of his pics... is doing just what he should be doing! Congrats!!!
Travelsalot... Your post echoed my feelings... the finality of leaving for bc...he's not coming back when bc is over... he is going forward, moving on, and making his way in the world. I'm so glad that he is ready and willing to make his way in the world...but I am going to miss him something terribly!
Sweetpea- about your 5 dogs...:) We have one dog who is about the size of 5 dogs...and in the midst of sending my son to bc...our dog was hit by a car. I was devastated! He had gotten loose and was crossing the street when someone hit him and left him for dead. He ended up being fine...and has fully recovered, but we were all so upset and this happened just a day or so before we left for MEPS. our dog is fine now and I am sure he misses my son as well!
Jodi-I appreciated that although you miss your son terribly, you are enjoying your time with your husband ...that is what we are beginning to embrace. We love to go on bike rides and go bowling.. and we have a grand daughter who visits us on weekends so... I know I need to look on the bright side and embrace my new normal... just haven't been in the mood to do that this week!
Melissa- thanks for the research on the vision "issue"! So kind of you!!
Jaxietwo, Rattown, Sofora, and Kim... (hope I haven't left anyone out!) I'm sending out my prayers your way! Our kids will meet and according to the veteran moms...they will do great!
Melissa- Bravo Zulu to your son for completing SERE. Your son lost 20lbs during that class? I watched a documentary regarding that type of training... I can't even imagine... but way to go! That must be a relief! Hmmm now that I think about it... wonder if I could sign up for SERE? lol
Lydia- Have a great trip! May your travels be smooth and the memories that you have with your kids for this week last a lifetime!
ProudMama, stay strong it gets better! My heart fell when you stated you dog got hit, gezz glad he will be okay the family didn't need that! I will get to see my RSS soon. My and DIN are making a short visit home to visit a dying Grandmother would appreciate the prayers!
Sweetpea... I am so sorry to hear about the grandmother. Is it your mom or your husband's mother? I am sure you will enjoy having your son and DIL home..wish it could be on a happier note though. Hugs to you and prayers for your family for safe travels and a blessed visit.
Proudmama - {{HUGS}} and truly enjoyed our time together!
Sweetpea... I will be saying prayers for your visit home to visit grandma..I am glad though that you will be traveling with your DIL and really glad that you will see your son. I pray for a peaceful visit...and thank you for sharing my pain regarding my dog, Tank. He's a sweet dog but a bit too adventurous for his own good; on occasion.
proudmama and nancynature, it is my din grandmother she is 90 and my din is very attached to her grandmother. This the only Grandma she has known. Very sweet lady. The kids needed to see her one last time! Thanks for all the prayers never easy watching a love one slip away!
sweetpea, prayers to your daughter-in-law and all family members, it is so sad to lose someone we love so much, it is good that everyone can be together to support each other at this sad time. hugs to all
First step out of the way ladies. Start writing those letters! I wrote my son every day. When his best friend left (he lived with us after the death of his father) I thought I would write him once a week or so but found out it didn't feel right not to write to him everyday. Dollar General or one of the dollar stores are great places to buy cheap cards-you will eventually run out of things to say, lol. Also I would copy pictures of things from home and then write on the back. That way they had pictures from home that could be folded up small since there isn't alot of storage space and I had the original safe at home. It wouldn't hurt to send a self addressed stamped envelope every once in a while. I know my son ran out of stamps towards the end. Count Fridays instead of days, it just seems quicker.
Sofora, Bayswan, Jaxietwo, Bayswan, Kim72- am I leaving anybody out? I hope not! I received the letter stating that the PIR date is 10/11.
Jodi- yep! I have definitely been writing letters. So far, I have 17 completed... But that is because I had a party in which group of guests wrote notes to my son, and I kept the notes in a box. I'm going to send a few of them a day. Also, I am going to adopt a few sailors...maybe from the Molly adopt a sailor program. Is that the best way to go about it?
proudmama, that was a nice idea to have guests write letters. I don't know about Molly's program though I think Lydia is involved with that. I do the pillowcase thing with the Heads At Ease but that isn't bootcamp related. I enjoy sewing (not overly talented at it though) and a pillowcase is an easy thing to make.
I joined the pillowcase group too...but haven't done anything yet because I was gone on vacation and then ran around like a crazy woman preparing the anchor's aweigh party along with the final send off! Phew! I need another vacation! As things settle down, I would like to do the pillowcases and send out a few letters because I am so grateful for all the support I have received... I would like to pay it forward!
Excellant idea Jodi, My son asked me to buy roses for his girlfriend every Thursday - 8 the first week, 7 the next and so on - it does make the time seem to go faster. Sent him his first letter today.
Luckily I live close enough that I can drive to PIR.
That's a cool idea to give his girlfriend flowers. Hope he gave you the cash to buy them lol. Just keep sending letters. They live for mail call. I remember someone saying they were like kids in a candy store when it was time to get mail. It's hard to believe that some of them don't ever get mail. I can't imagine not having someone to support me. I think that's why I like the pillowcase program. The letters some of them send back are touching-how some of the guys never get mail while deployed etc. and how nice it is that strangers are thinking of them.
Jodi - where is Heads at Ease? Is that a N4Ms thing or something else?
Proudmama - I am guessing that the Molly adopt a sailor is a N4Ms group? I meant to ask you that before. 17 letters! All those will keep him busy and upbeat each and every day. :)
October 11th! Seems so far away....but it is only 8 Fridays away! On Friday #9 you all will be together again! Did you all look into getting your PIR ribbons yet? There is also a really cool challenge coin specific to the specops ship that they are in.
Jaxietwo - You said you were close enough to drive, that is nice! Less than 8 hours? That would be even nicer!
NancyN- Heads at Ease is a N4M site... it is for those who want to make pillowcases for deployed military. The gal that runs that site and organizes this stuff is amazing! I have contacted her...but alas... I have yet to sew a single pillowcase... hoping to start that project in the next few weeks! Molly adopt a sailor is also a N4M site where you send letters to those who aren't receiving any. I want to start participating in that... but haven't yet. Oh my ... all the things I want to do... and yet this thing called A JOB...keeps getting in my way! hahaha
I have no idea what people are talking about when they mention coins and ribbons. My son was awarded a coin from the recruiter when he was awarded future sailor of the quarter...but I thought those coins came from other military people...any information from anyone would be greatly appreciated!
Nancy, yes I am just 4 hours away - good for bc but not good for Pensacola! Please more info on the PIR ribbons and challenge coin specific to the specops ship that they are in.
jaxietwo, look up lala ribbon queen under find friends (or google it and it will take you there also). She makes PIR ribbons and they are very nice. I didn't order them but I wish I would have. They help identify other members of the same PIR group, such as special ops-there ribbon is black-if you go to any of the meet and greets the night before PIR. Sarge has a really nice one.
Here are 2 links for the ribbons(general and then specific) The ribbons are for the family to wear at the PIR or the Meet and Greets!(Sarge's M&G is supposed to be the best) Now the ribbons are part of his scrapbook. :)
Proudmama - yes typically the military share them between themselves but there are other ones available for just the general public, for lack of a better term. They even make some nice religious ones. We got our son the Burke challenge coin because it isn't something he could really get from another sailor and it is so specific to where they are at BC. We gave him his after PIR. My son has a collection of them already from being in ROTC. I think his first one from a military personnel was from a pilot on the USS Carl Vinson and I have no idea which one he gave the pilot! They do trade them.
Jaxietwo - 4 hours isn't bad! Yah, that whole P'scola distance thing is bad. We took 2 full days to drive down there and back. I am just not into those 17+ hour drives in one day anymore. :) I get antsy after 10, I would be loony if we added 7 more to that! lol
Proudmama - why can't we all just quit our jobs and just work on helping all these sailors? To bad we can't get paid to do that! I will be checking out that pillowcase site. I haven't sewn for awhile, did it all the time when the kids were little, and I think it would be good therapy with being an empty-nester now. Besides it helps others! I'm always up for that! I would do the letters but I already know that I am not disciplined enough for that. We adopt a platoon or two every year and I need to write letters to those soldiers and I have a terrible time keeping up with that!
I ordered the ribbons for our son's PIR and they were great, I purchased some extras for our son's aunt and grandmothers and then put them into a frame with one of the pictures that were taken in bc and gave it to them. Everybody loves them. I added a patriotic background and a Navy sticker. They turned out really nice.
Our son has completed RSS and his graduation is on Friday, unfortunately, we are unable to go. Has anybody else's sailor finished RSS and graduating on Friday and are you going to the graduation? We would really like some pictures, I am putting a scrapbook together and would love to add them to it.
Sorry I havent been on much, but I do read all the comments everyday.
Hang in there, those that have sons or daughters at bc, it will go by faster than you think. Keep sending letters, they just love to receive them. We had a going away party for our sailor, I put out some note cards out and all his friends and family wrote him a little something, I stated sending them as soon as I received his address, plus letters from his dad, sisters and I, he was getting mail everyday. At one point he told me to slow down, because some of the other recruits were giving him a hard time, I did cut down on the notes from the party, but our letters kept going out to him.
My son landed in Great Lakes exactly One year ago today to begin his journey as a Rescue Swimmer. It is amazing what he has accomplished in one year. He is currently in FRS.
Here is another Pillow idea for the Moms beginning the Journey.
Our young daughter was having a difficult time adjusting to our son leaving so we took one of his favorite shirts (with his permission) and made a pillow out of it for her. It gave her a lot of comfort. She still sleeps with it everynight.
SoupMom what a touching idea, it made me tear up. What a beautiful idea.
Oneproudmomca - Congratulations!!!!!!!! I am so excited for you and your son. Wish I was there to take pictures for you! Maybe with your son's class graduating another will start up and my son and those waiting will no longer be on hold. Let's hope!
NancyN- thanks for providing the links to the ribbons! I really had no clue as to what people were talking about when they referred to ribbons... and as far as coins.. I didn't realize that civilians could give them out! Hmmm I learn new things everyday on this site! Thank you!!! You mentioned that your son is on hold... how is that going? Any news about when he is to class up?
Soupmom- wow! Good luck to your son in FRS:)
Proudmomca- congrats on your son's graduation from RSS! I do hope there is someone who can take his picture! What a major milestone! I bet you are PROUD!
NancyN thanks for the link to the ribbons! I've ordered the coin - what a cool idea! I'll give it to him at PIR. I'm going to order ribbons for the four guests that he has invited - love that idea!
Congrats to SoupMo and Oneproudmomca on your boys sucess - can't wait for that for my boy!
SoupMom, what a clever idea. It's cool she still sleeps with it. What a testiment to the love the two of them shared!
My son classed up for FRS on Monday. He did stay a Bravo after all. He facetimed us Monday so we got to see the new puppy (or at least his butt because my son was on the floor facing his ipad and the puppy was chewing on his hand which put his butt towards the camera lol).
Jodi- Best wishes to your son as he begins FRS! (I'm going to have to look that up again!). Is glad that he stayed with Bravo? If I remember correctly, the Navy places people where they see fit but that each person has their own preference. Congrats to your son! It is amazing what he has accomplished during the past year or so... I know not many make it - so I'm thrilled for him!
Thanks, proudmama. Yes, he is happy to stay a Bravo. I am also amazed at how much he and the others in his group have accomplished.
How are you holding up with your son gone? I checked the links that NancyNature put up for the challenge coins. They were really nice looking. I'll have to check into getting some for my two sailors.
Jaxietwo - you are welcome! I thought the coin for the 'ship' they are on is really nice. It is as nice as all the other ones my son has been given by fellow sailors.I am sure you will be happy with it.
Check out this story about the challenge coins. I was trying to find the article/video that actually said how you pass it off but could only find this one.
I think it would be cool when those sailors that make it through the pipeline and are out doing their jobs as RS design their own coins specific to their stations/division names.(this is my non-military description :0) Who knows, maybe they do!
I hope the link works... It is very sweet. A tad long but the dog is just tooooooooo happy to have his owner back...If you love dogs, you will love this video..
We skyped with my son this week where he reported that he hopes to class up for RSS on Monday. We are holding our breaths because he was told the same thing a couple of weeks ago then told they were putting everything on hold for what could be a couple of months to eleviate the bottlenecks in the training program. We have our fingers crossed and hope he is able to continue on his journey. He's ready to move out of Starboard D although he has been enjoying the workouts a lot.
Sounds as if everyone else is doing well. Glad to read about the progress and acheivements of everyone.
Travelsalot- please pass the Kleenex! Heartwarming to the core... thanks for sharing that link!
NancyN- Loved the article on the coins! I haven't looked up the ribbons.. will do that over the weekend! Thanks for sharing that! Have you heard from your son as to whether he might class up with MKdiver's son?
Jodi- I'm glad your son is happy with being Bravo and glad he didn't have to change! I just keep thinking about the attrition rate... and to know that he and his friends... at such a young age set out and accomplished the AIRR goal.. it is impressive! I'm doing ok. I have my moments... this is my only son ... and it is hard to not have him around... but I am so glad that he is being productive and has a goal... I just wish I would get a call... but I think that it is too soon for that!
MKDiver... I will send thoughts and prayers to your son!
Hi all... Awwwe I needed kleenex too when I watched that clip... the puppy was sooo happy.. and when the soldier said "did you miss daddy" I melted.. That dog was so happy she cried, she sang and she howled..just too precious...
Mk, my son was on hold for a while as well..He graduated July 13...A little tip for your son.. "If you black out under water, your rolled".. I asked my son if he ever got close to blacking out and he said "every day".... He also said its hard, not as hard as buds but it is definitely a challenge...Stay strong and stay healthy...The "Big Navy" over sees the Navy however BUDS does what they want....So even though the Big Navy monitors the RSS school, the instructors have ways of making the PT very very difficult.. for example, if the RSS instructors say your doing 100 flutter kicks, they count as follows.... one...................................two.............................three...................................four................ etc... you can imagine.....and it can be very challenging...
They also have the best, most awesome training pool.. it makes waves like the ocean,,then water pours down on a huge fan making water spray from a helicopter blade, then they have rescue ropes etc that the lower and raise for rescues.. they have parachutes for water rescue practice etc.. But my son said the best part was the last day when they actually jumped from the helicopter to the ocean and were hoisted back up.. they rode in the helicopter and were shown what it can and cant do.. If you or any other parents have the opportunity to go to graduation,,it is very nice... and you get to tour the training facility...
Travelsalot- thanks for the description of RSS school...wow! I have to apply some bengay... after reading that description of the workout! Also, is that your dog dressed up in the outfit? I laughed the first time I saw the pic... and I have always wanted to ask.! How cute!
saltyocean, My son explained that Bravo is similar to Romeo but just a different helo. The training book is not as thick lol!. From what I understand Bravo is being phased out. My son was the last one assigned to that platform so he wasn't sure if he would stay with that or be transfered back to Romeo. He's called several times this week but unfortunately my mom became really sick and I spent the night with her so I really haven't had a chance to ask him how the classes are.
nancynature
Hi all! I wish all the new moms on here a sense of peace and calm. Know that your boys/daughters are in great hands! Jodi and the other veteran moms are right - your recruits will be well and once they start working together they can accomplish great things! Great lesson to learn from the Navy!
Empty nest is tough, but cleaning their room for the first time is one of the hardest things I had to do. Took me 2 weeks before I could even start and then that only lasted a few hours. I had to ask my husband to help me the next day. It is much better now and I'll be honest, my heart aches each time I go in his room but the tears aren't there anymore. Knowing that he is where he wants to be and is happy and enjoying his time there makes it so much easier to accept him being gone.
Proudmama - hope you are doing well today. Praying for you(and all the other new moms) for I know how hard it is today and will be until you hear his voice again. Stay strong, positive and start writing your letters!
Aug 8, 2013
MK5Diver
I've been taking classes all of this week and this is the first time I have been able to check out NFM's. It is so cool how supportive you all are for each other. I know the emotions of dropping off someone to head off to BC as a father. I know it was more difficult for my wife because she had never experienced the military life other than a short period while I was servicing in Desert Storm. The advice I would give is the drill instructors are there to get them all to stop being individuals and to start thinking and acting as a team in the Navy. As long as they are listening and doing everything they can to do as well as they can, they will be fine. You will definately notice a difference when you get together with them at PIR. We knew our son would change but we did not expect him to change so quickly.
As for my son--we he was told they are putting a hold on RSS for up to six weeks to help eleviate the bottle necks in the other levels of training. He is disappointed that he will have to wait but understands why. He spends his time after his workouts with all of his buddies and they seem to be having fun despite the waiting.
I wish you all the best! Your son's and daughters are in the greatest and strongest Navy in the world.
Cheers
MK5Diver
Aug 8, 2013
nancynature
MK5Diver - I am wondering if our sons know each other....? Mine also said they would be on hold.
Aug 8, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
HI MK..... always great for you to pop in and say HI!!!!!! We love our Navy Dads!!! Yes though my son is finished with this pipeline... I have heard that things are changing, slowing and my son has even seen early outs in many rates ... though they made their life hell in BC he learned to respect and even admired his COs, yup team work which I know you know.... learning to work as a team... which one day in the long run can save lives!! Oh and thank you for your service MK...
Here is a link that most of your BC mammas prob already have but just in case
http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/
Okay Im heading out at 3am to head to Colorado to see my son and daughter... Ill try to check in while Im gone... hang in there everyone!!!!! =) And stay right here... we are here for each other!!!!! xoxoxoxoxox
Aug 9, 2013
nancynature
Safe travels Lydia. Have a great time visiting with your family!
Aug 9, 2013
proudmama
Thank you to everybody for your kind words, words of advice and experience... they were all appreciated! I survived the send off to bootcamp because of all of you! Your words of advice and encouragement meant the world to me!
Nancy Nature met me for lunch...and I must say... it was wonderful! So much fun and heart warming!
NancyN- you helped me cope with my day and turn it from a sad day to a much brighter one ! I can't even thank you enough! Thank you for your friendship! BTW- your son is very handsome and by the look of his pics... is doing just what he should be doing! Congrats!!!
Travelsalot... Your post echoed my feelings... the finality of leaving for bc...he's not coming back when bc is over... he is going forward, moving on, and making his way in the world. I'm so glad that he is ready and willing to make his way in the world...but I am going to miss him something terribly!
Sweetpea- about your 5 dogs...:) We have one dog who is about the size of 5 dogs...and in the midst of sending my son to bc...our dog was hit by a car. I was devastated! He had gotten loose and was crossing the street when someone hit him and left him for dead. He ended up being fine...and has fully recovered, but we were all so upset and this happened just a day or so before we left for MEPS. our dog is fine now and I am sure he misses my son as well!
Jodi-I appreciated that although you miss your son terribly, you are enjoying your time with your husband ...that is what we are beginning to embrace. We love to go on bike rides and go bowling.. and we have a grand daughter who visits us on weekends so... I know I need to look on the bright side and embrace my new normal... just haven't been in the mood to do that this week!
Melissa- thanks for the research on the vision "issue"! So kind of you!!
Jaxietwo, Rattown, Sofora, and Kim... (hope I haven't left anyone out!) I'm sending out my prayers your way! Our kids will meet and according to the veteran moms...they will do great!
Melissa- Bravo Zulu to your son for completing SERE. Your son lost 20lbs during that class? I watched a documentary regarding that type of training... I can't even imagine... but way to go! That must be a relief! Hmmm now that I think about it... wonder if I could sign up for SERE? lol
Lydia- Have a great trip! May your travels be smooth and the memories that you have with your kids for this week last a lifetime!
Aug 10, 2013
sweetpea4
ProudMama, stay strong it gets better! My heart fell when you stated you dog got hit, gezz glad he will be okay the family didn't need that! I will get to see my RSS soon. My and DIN are making a short visit home to visit a dying Grandmother would appreciate the prayers!
Aug 10, 2013
Sofora
Kind words mean So much
Aug 10, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
sweetpea. So sorry to hear about your Grandmother. Our prayers are with you at this sad time. Have a safe trip.
Aug 10, 2013
nancynature
Sweetpea... I am so sorry to hear about the grandmother. Is it your mom or your husband's mother? I am sure you will enjoy having your son and DIL home..wish it could be on a happier note though. Hugs to you and prayers for your family for safe travels and a blessed visit.
Proudmama - {{HUGS}} and
truly enjoyed our time together!
Aug 10, 2013
proudmama
Sweetpea... I will be saying prayers for your visit home to visit grandma..I am glad though that you will be traveling with your DIL and really glad that you will see your son. I pray for a peaceful visit...and thank you for sharing my pain regarding my dog, Tank. He's a sweet dog but a bit too adventurous for his own good; on occasion.
Aug 10, 2013
sweetpea4
proudmama and nancynature, it is my din grandmother she is 90 and my din is very attached to her grandmother. This the only Grandma she has known. Very sweet lady. The kids needed to see her one last time! Thanks for all the prayers never easy watching a love one slip away!
Aug 11, 2013
aster
sweetpea, prayers to your daughter-in-law and all family members, it is so sad to lose someone we love so much, it is good that everyone can be together to support each other at this sad time. hugs to all
Aug 11, 2013
jaxietwo
Good morning all - I just received the kid in the box! Also his ship, division and graduation date - October 11 can't come soon enough!
Aug 12, 2013
Sofora
Aug 12, 2013
jaxietwo
He got to bc on August 7.
Aug 12, 2013
sweetpea4
jaxietwo, That's the first hurdle, hand in there!!
Aug 12, 2013
Sofora
Mine did too
I already baught tickets !!!
Aug 12, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
First step out of the way ladies. Start writing those letters! I wrote my son every day. When his best friend left (he lived with us after the death of his father) I thought I would write him once a week or so but found out it didn't feel right not to write to him everyday. Dollar General or one of the dollar stores are great places to buy cheap cards-you will eventually run out of things to say, lol. Also I would copy pictures of things from home and then write on the back. That way they had pictures from home that could be folded up small since there isn't alot of storage space and I had the original safe at home. It wouldn't hurt to send a self addressed stamped envelope every once in a while. I know my son ran out of stamps towards the end. Count Fridays instead of days, it just seems quicker.
Aug 12, 2013
proudmama
Sofora, Bayswan, Jaxietwo, Bayswan, Kim72- am I leaving anybody out? I hope not! I received the letter stating that the PIR date is 10/11.
Jodi- yep! I have definitely been writing letters. So far, I have 17 completed... But that is because I had a party in which group of guests wrote notes to my son, and I kept the notes in a box. I'm going to send a few of them a day. Also, I am going to adopt a few sailors...maybe from the Molly adopt a sailor program. Is that the best way to go about it?
Aug 12, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
proudmama, that was a nice idea to have guests write letters. I don't know about Molly's program though I think Lydia is involved with that. I do the pillowcase thing with the Heads At Ease but that isn't bootcamp related. I enjoy sewing (not overly talented at it though) and a pillowcase is an easy thing to make.
Aug 12, 2013
proudmama
I joined the pillowcase group too...but haven't done anything yet because I was gone on vacation and then ran around like a crazy woman preparing the anchor's aweigh party along with the final send off! Phew! I need another vacation! As things settle down, I would like to do the pillowcases and send out a few letters because I am so grateful for all the support I have received... I would like to pay it forward!
Aug 12, 2013
jaxietwo
Excellant idea Jodi, My son asked me to buy roses for his girlfriend every Thursday - 8 the first week, 7 the next and so on - it does make the time seem to go faster. Sent him his first letter today.
Luckily I live close enough that I can drive to PIR.
Aug 12, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
That's a cool idea to give his girlfriend flowers. Hope he gave you the cash to buy them lol. Just keep sending letters. They live for mail call. I remember someone saying they were like kids in a candy store when it was time to get mail. It's hard to believe that some of them don't ever get mail. I can't imagine not having someone to support me. I think that's why I like the pillowcase program. The letters some of them send back are touching-how some of the guys never get mail while deployed etc. and how nice it is that strangers are thinking of them.
Aug 12, 2013
nancynature
Jodi - where is Heads at Ease? Is that a N4Ms thing or something else?
Proudmama - I am guessing that the Molly adopt a sailor is a N4Ms group? I meant to ask you that before. 17 letters! All those will keep him busy and upbeat each and every day. :)
October 11th! Seems so far away....but it is only 8 Fridays away! On Friday #9 you all will be together again! Did you all look into getting your PIR ribbons yet? There is also a really cool challenge coin specific to the specops ship that they are in.
Jaxietwo - You said you were close enough to drive, that is nice! Less than 8 hours? That would be even nicer!
Aug 12, 2013
proudmama
NancyN- Heads at Ease is a N4M site... it is for those who want to make pillowcases for deployed military. The gal that runs that site and organizes this stuff is amazing! I have contacted her...but alas... I have yet to sew a single pillowcase... hoping to start that project in the next few weeks! Molly adopt a sailor is also a N4M site where you send letters to those who aren't receiving any. I want to start participating in that... but haven't yet. Oh my ... all the things I want to do... and yet this thing called A JOB...keeps getting in my way! hahaha
I have no idea what people are talking about when they mention coins and ribbons. My son was awarded a coin from the recruiter when he was awarded future sailor of the quarter...but I thought those coins came from other military people...any information from anyone would be greatly appreciated!
Aug 13, 2013
jaxietwo
Nancy, yes I am just 4 hours away - good for bc but not good for Pensacola! Please more info on the PIR ribbons and challenge coin specific to the specops ship that they are in.
Aug 13, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
jaxietwo, look up lala ribbon queen under find friends (or google it and it will take you there also). She makes PIR ribbons and they are very nice. I didn't order them but I wish I would have. They help identify other members of the same PIR group, such as special ops-there ribbon is black-if you go to any of the meet and greets the night before PIR. Sarge has a really nice one.
Aug 13, 2013
proudmama
Jodi- are they for the parents or the sailors?
Aug 13, 2013
nancynature
Good morning ladies!
Here are 2 links for the ribbons(general and then specific) The ribbons are for the family to wear at the PIR or the Meet and Greets!(Sarge's M&G is supposed to be the best) Now the ribbons are part of his scrapbook. :)
http://www.uniquememorymakers.com/PIR-Graduation-Ribbons_c4.htm
http://www.uniquememorymakers.com/Navy-PIR-Ribbon-for-Special-Ops-D...
Here are the two links for the challenge coins(again general and specific)
http://www.ebay.com/sch/pirgifts/m.html
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USS-Burke-Ship-4-Spec-OPS-800s-div-Navy-Rec...
Proudmama - yes typically the military share them between themselves but there are other ones available for just the general public, for lack of a better term. They even make some nice religious ones. We got our son the Burke challenge coin because it isn't something he could really get from another sailor and it is so specific to where they are at BC. We gave him his after PIR. My son has a collection of them already from being in ROTC. I think his first one from a military personnel was from a pilot on the USS Carl Vinson and I have no idea which one he gave the pilot! They do trade them.
Aug 13, 2013
nancynature
Jaxietwo - 4 hours isn't bad! Yah, that whole P'scola distance thing is bad. We took 2 full days to drive down there and back. I am just not into those 17+ hour drives in one day anymore. :) I get antsy after 10, I would be loony if we added 7 more to that! lol
Aug 13, 2013
nancynature
Proudmama - why can't we all just quit our jobs and just work on helping all these sailors? To bad we can't get paid to do that! I will be checking out that pillowcase site. I haven't sewn for awhile, did it all the time when the kids were little, and I think it would be good therapy with being an empty-nester now. Besides it helps others! I'm always up for that! I would do the letters but I already know that I am not disciplined enough for that. We adopt a platoon or two every year and I need to write letters to those soldiers and I have a terrible time keeping up with that!
Aug 13, 2013
oneproudmomca
Our son has completed RSS and his graduation is on Friday, unfortunately, we are unable to go. Has anybody else's sailor finished RSS and graduating on Friday and are you going to the graduation? We would really like some pictures, I am putting a scrapbook together and would love to add them to it.
Sorry I havent been on much, but I do read all the comments everyday.
Hang in there, those that have sons or daughters at bc, it will go by faster than you think. Keep sending letters, they just love to receive them. We had a going away party for our sailor, I put out some note cards out and all his friends and family wrote him a little something, I stated sending them as soon as I received his address, plus letters from his dad, sisters and I, he was getting mail everyday. At one point he told me to slow down, because some of the other recruits were giving him a hard time, I did cut down on the notes from the party, but our letters kept going out to him.
Have a great day!
Aug 13, 2013
SoupMom
My son landed in Great Lakes exactly One year ago today to begin his journey as a Rescue Swimmer. It is amazing what he has accomplished in one year. He is currently in FRS.
Here is another Pillow idea for the Moms beginning the Journey.
Our young daughter was having a difficult time adjusting to our son leaving so we took one of his favorite shirts (with his permission) and made a pillow out of it for her. It gave her a lot of comfort. She still sleeps with it everynight.
Aug 13, 2013
nancynature
SoupMom what a touching idea, it made me tear up. What a beautiful idea.
Oneproudmomca - Congratulations!!!!!!!! I am so excited for you and your son. Wish I was there to take pictures for you! Maybe with your son's class graduating another will start up and my son and those waiting will no longer be on hold. Let's hope!
Aug 13, 2013
proudmama
NancyN- thanks for providing the links to the ribbons! I really had no clue as to what people were talking about when they referred to ribbons... and as far as coins.. I didn't realize that civilians could give them out! Hmmm I learn new things everyday on this site! Thank you!!! You mentioned that your son is on hold... how is that going? Any news about when he is to class up?
Soupmom- wow! Good luck to your son in FRS:)
Proudmomca- congrats on your son's graduation from RSS! I do hope there is someone who can take his picture! What a major milestone! I bet you are PROUD!
Aug 14, 2013
jaxietwo
NancyN thanks for the link to the ribbons! I've ordered the coin - what a cool idea! I'll give it to him at PIR. I'm going to order ribbons for the four guests that he has invited - love that idea!
Congrats to SoupMo and Oneproudmomca on your boys sucess - can't wait for that for my boy!
Aug 14, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
SoupMom, what a clever idea. It's cool she still sleeps with it. What a testiment to the love the two of them shared!
My son classed up for FRS on Monday. He did stay a Bravo after all. He facetimed us Monday so we got to see the new puppy (or at least his butt because my son was on the floor facing his ipad and the puppy was chewing on his hand which put his butt towards the camera lol).
Aug 14, 2013
proudmama
Jodi- Best wishes to your son as he begins FRS! (I'm going to have to look that up again!). Is glad that he stayed with Bravo? If I remember correctly, the Navy places people where they see fit but that each person has their own preference. Congrats to your son! It is amazing what he has accomplished during the past year or so... I know not many make it - so I'm thrilled for him!
Aug 14, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Thanks, proudmama. Yes, he is happy to stay a Bravo. I am also amazed at how much he and the others in his group have accomplished.
How are you holding up with your son gone? I checked the links that NancyNature put up for the challenge coins. They were really nice looking. I'll have to check into getting some for my two sailors.
Aug 14, 2013
nancynature
Hey ladies! I also found these specific coins for once our boys graduate RSS, they look like cool coins to pass on:
http://www.sealteamstore.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=coin-29...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004HCG9OI/ref=mw_dp_img_z?is=l (this one looks cool!)
Aug 14, 2013
nancynature
Jaxietwo - you are welcome! I thought the coin for the 'ship' they are on is really nice. It is as nice as all the other ones my son has been given by fellow sailors.I am sure you will be happy with it.
Check out this story about the challenge coins. I was trying to find the article/video that actually said how you pass it off but could only find this one.
http://blogs.reuters.com/photographers-blog/2012/06/11/the-secret-h...
I think it would be cool when those sailors that make it through the pipeline and are out doing their jobs as RS design their own coins specific to their stations/division names.(this is my non-military description :0) Who knows, maybe they do!
Aug 14, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Great research NancyNature. They are nice looking. I really like the bc one.
Aug 14, 2013
Travelsalot
I hope the link works... It is very sweet. A tad long but the dog is just tooooooooo happy to have his owner back...If you love dogs, you will love this video..
Aug 14, 2013
MK5Diver
We skyped with my son this week where he reported that he hopes to class up for RSS on Monday. We are holding our breaths because he was told the same thing a couple of weeks ago then told they were putting everything on hold for what could be a couple of months to eleviate the bottlenecks in the training program. We have our fingers crossed and hope he is able to continue on his journey. He's ready to move out of Starboard D although he has been enjoying the workouts a lot.
Sounds as if everyone else is doing well. Glad to read about the progress and acheivements of everyone.
Wish you all well
Cheers!
MK5/Diver
Aug 14, 2013
proudmama
Travelsalot- please pass the Kleenex! Heartwarming to the core... thanks for sharing that link!
NancyN- Loved the article on the coins! I haven't looked up the ribbons.. will do that over the weekend! Thanks for sharing that! Have you heard from your son as to whether he might class up with MKdiver's son?
Jodi- I'm glad your son is happy with being Bravo and glad he didn't have to change! I just keep thinking about the attrition rate... and to know that he and his friends... at such a young age set out and accomplished the AIRR goal.. it is impressive! I'm doing ok. I have my moments... this is my only son ... and it is hard to not have him around... but I am so glad that he is being productive and has a goal... I just wish I would get a call... but I think that it is too soon for that!
MKDiver... I will send thoughts and prayers to your son!
Aug 14, 2013
Saltyocean
Can someone please tell me what Bravo is. I know Siera and Romeo
Aug 15, 2013
Travelsalot
Mk, my son was on hold for a while as well..He graduated July 13...A little tip for your son.. "If you black out under water, your rolled".. I asked my son if he ever got close to blacking out and he said "every day".... He also said its hard, not as hard as buds but it is definitely a challenge...Stay strong and stay healthy...The "Big Navy" over sees the Navy however BUDS does what they want....So even though the Big Navy monitors the RSS school, the instructors have ways of making the PT very very difficult.. for example, if the RSS instructors say your doing 100 flutter kicks, they count as follows.... one...................................two.............................three...................................four................ etc... you can imagine.....and it can be very challenging...
They also have the best, most awesome training pool.. it makes waves like the ocean,,then water pours down on a huge fan making water spray from a helicopter blade, then they have rescue ropes etc that the lower and raise for rescues.. they have parachutes for water rescue practice etc.. But my son said the best part was the last day when they actually jumped from the helicopter to the ocean and were hoisted back up.. they rode in the helicopter and were shown what it can and cant do.. If you or any other parents have the opportunity to go to graduation,,it is very nice... and you get to tour the training facility...
Aug 15, 2013
proudmama
Travelsalot- thanks for the description of RSS school...wow! I have to apply some bengay... after reading that description of the workout! Also, is that your dog dressed up in the outfit? I laughed the first time I saw the pic... and I have always wanted to ask.! How cute!
Aug 15, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
saltyocean, My son explained that Bravo is similar to Romeo but just a different helo. The training book is not as thick lol!. From what I understand Bravo is being phased out. My son was the last one assigned to that platform so he wasn't sure if he would stay with that or be transfered back to Romeo. He's called several times this week but unfortunately my mom became really sick and I spent the night with her so I really haven't had a chance to ask him how the classes are.
Aug 15, 2013