Had to let you all know that my son's CO called him into the office to find out if they needed to make arrangements to send him home to help bail out Colorado! Really though, his CO was just checking to make sure that none of his family was in harms way from the flooding. Nice to know the Navy is keeping its eye on our guys and their families.
As it happens, the flooding is all north and west of where we lived, so even if I was still there, I wouldn't have been in danger.
Hope you are all having a great week and hearing from your Sailors!
Melissa- that was a wonderful gesture by your son's CO. How awesome...
Hey everybody- how did you handle packing up your sailor's belongings after he/she graduated from boot camp?...what did you send to him/her at A school? How much did you send? My son would like his fins, mask, and his clothes..but then I found out that they don't really have any room to bring anything extra other than electronics with them to A school and once at A school, they don't have much storage space. Any advice regarding this issue?
My son had me ship him his Xbox, TV and clothes. He didn't want his fins or mask. I think they are issued those but I might be wrong. The funny thing about the clothes is that when he left for bc he told me to just get rid of all his clothes, that he would just get new ones down there. I, however, am a tight wad and couldn't see getting rid of his clothes so I kept the nicer ones. After he went out shopping and saw the prices of clothes (I'm not sure what planet he was on before that he didn't know how EXPENSIVE clothes were) he asked me to send clothes down.
proudmama - my son wanted his fins and mask also but he was told they were not allowed to have them in their rooms. When he got to phase 2 and we visited him we brought them along so he could use them in the YMCA pool and the ocean - I think he kept them in his car. Now that he has moved to a new barracks he said he has even less room than he had before. I am sure that the heat in the car is not good for the rubber.... He does have the Navy issued fins and mask so the ones from home are just for extra workouts now.
Once my son got to Pensacola he asked me to ship him some of his clothes and shoes - and he picked up other things while there. There isn't much room, so I would suggest waiting until he is there and then letting him tell you what he really needs/wants. They find that a lot of the things they thought they couldn't live without are things that they really don't need.
Clothes are expensive, yes, but remember your son now has a job and an income and very few expenses - plus as a grown up, he needs to begin making some of these things his responsibility, not yours. Though as Mom's we always want to help out. Heaven knows, I just spent a fortune sending my son new towels, beach towels, and swim suits because he asked. =)
My son really did not want anything sent down. He said they do not have alot of room and if they get rooms switched, it stinks to haul of the stuff to the next barracks (or the next state). I didn't have to worry about sending clothes. My son was very skinny when he went in and now a year later he has put on about 20 pounds of muscle, so needless to say, none of his old clothes really fit. When I went down to visit him, we did go on a little shopping spree for some clothes(:
dbristol that is a great point! My son also put on about 10 pounds of muscle so far, he has a way to go yet, and some of the clothes we had brought him didn't even fit! Just recently he had asked for some 'dress' clothes(he was invited to a wedding) and I had to remind him that they wouldn't probably fit and he should just buy some instead. He was a bit disappointed for there were a few things he had just bought not that long ago.
Sorry I haven't been on lately--life has been crazy and weather is quickly getting cold here in the North East. My son is now in finishing his second week RSS and doing really well. He's happy to be training again.
For those of you who have sailors heading to Pensacola--they typically will be in hold pattern for a while prior to their first phase of training and their liberty is limited and restricted when they first get there. My son has not been able to receive any care packages at all so far. He says he will be able to receive care packages again once he moves over to the other side of the base and starts "A" school.
I'm happy to hear all of your sailors are doing so well and wish all of them the best of luck.
dbristol and Nancyn- Great points. I will keep them in mind.
MK5Diver- Congrats on your son doing well in RSS! How proud you must be!
I have a question for you all.. when you sons/daughters PIR'd.. did they leave straight from the graduation hall out with you or did they go back to their barracks and pack and join you later? Trying to figure out if we should drive or take the shuttle. I ask all of you because all of your sailors went to P'cola ...so I thought would ask people who made the journey that my son will soon make.
proudmama- My son PIR'd this past February and he was able to leave with us for the day. They flew out Sunday (early) like 3 or 4am. So we had Friday and Saturday with him. We drove and it worked out for us. Arrive early that morning.
My son had to go back to the barracks to move everything over to another part of the base because he was heading over to Pre-BUDS but I believe those who are heading out to another base or unit after PIR can leave with their parents right afterward.
Prepare yourself for PIR--truly one of the most impressive ceremonies I have ever attended. The Navy really knows how to do it right--it's a very emotional time and it is so good to see your sailor again after such a long period away as well as experience the metamorphisis they all seem to complete in BC.
Howdy everyone!!!!! Was reading to catch up seems the questions are mostly about food and etc in Pcola...... well, my son took his phone which I gave him at the airport... I had taken civ clothes for him to wear while we were out and about after PIR but basically DON'T send them anything until they Phase up... until at least Phase 2.... or 3 as they are not allowed to wear civ clothing until they are phased up...... go up to the discussion forum and read about Phases that will help yall a lot................ My son said that the boxes I sent initially when he was just a newbie were mostly gone through by the COs who took a lot of the goodies.... the rest he was able to eat out at the tables out side the barracks... NO care packs inside was the rule..... remember they do have a Nex right there and are able to go there from time to time to get clothing, computers, etc etc..... He asked me to NOT send him anything because they got razzed a lot in the beginning for getting boxes from mommie!!! Later after he phased up and passed NACCS I was comfortable with sending him stuff... still no food in the barracks and if the sneak it in and get caught there is hell to pay for all!! Ummm you can ship their laptops after they phase up.. but my son bought a new one at the NEX instead. They are issued Navy Fins and Mask etc... but they can buy as my son did some there at the NEX to practice in while on hold.... and that is a good idea!!!!!! so thats all I can tell yall...
My son just left the Philippine Islands (public knowledge so no OPSEC there) just in time to miss the MEGA Typhoon that just hit them! sheeeeeesh!
Speaking of Mega Typhoon.... let's keep our military members that are stationed in that part of the world in our prayers. The people who are stationed in Guam are having a hard time of it right now!
proudmama, if I'm reading your question right, you want to know if your sailor can leave right after the ceremony or not. In the case of both my son and his friend whose graduation I also went to, they both had to return to the barracks after the ceremony. We rode the shuttle both times from the hotel. With my son we waited for him (can't remember how long but it was a while) and then we all rode the shuttle back to the hotel. I think we made it back to catch the last run of the day. For his friend, we went back to the hotel and then he called us to come pick him up-he thought he was staying at GL for additional classes but ended up shipping out the next day so we drove back after an hour or so and picked him up.
My son had to return to his barracks following PIR - but then was able to join us after about an hour; we spent that time at the NEX, looking around the Great Lakes base and chatting with other 800 families also waiting on their sons. We got to spend most of the afternoon and evening with him and then he flew out the next morning. His flight was not until 10, but he left for the airport around 2am - the Navy loads everyone onto a bus and takes then to the airport in time for the earliest flight and the rest of the guys are stuck hanging around the airport until their flight leaves. The USO is there though, so they have somewhere to go and can eat and hang out. We did go to the airport and had breakfast with him and then chatted until his plane left.
MamaD's son had to stand watch the afternoon of PIR - so check with your son to be sure he is not on that roster before you begin making plans. It is best to leave your options open as it is most likely that your Sailor will not know until then just what his plans are.
Proudmama - my son could leave right after PIR although he did go back to the barracks but only to drop off some stuff. We ended up meeting him in the parking lot by the chapel. We did not go to the NEX - it was stupid crazy busy! Instead we went to lunch and then the hotel so he could give himself a 'proper' haircut and take a real shower and so I could ice my knee. We ended up going back a few hours later, around 2 or 3 and everyone was gone! It was great timing on our part. He hadn't ordered the Keel so we did that also (right next door) - no lines there either but we cut that one a bit close to them closing.
We had our car there and I'm glad we did - it just gave us such flexibility especially not knowing what our son could or couldn't do.
I have not been on in a while. But today I have to say. My heart, love and prayers go out to HSC 6! To the families, friends, loved ones, and HSC brotherhood, my heart aches.
I am so saddened by this tragedy as my husband and I just returned from my son's FRS graduation in San Diego. Our happiness for his accomplishments quickly turned to sadness for these fellow sailors who have been lost.
Hi yall, soooo sorry to be MIA... the news of the bird going down hit me real hard. A young gal friend of mine and my son (she attends his church in SD) her boyfriend is out and is an HSC 6.... we waited anxiously to hear if he was on that bird. He was not.. but of course we now know that the two pilots are dead deep in the sea. I am broken hearted and speechless.. imagine that! This is always the fear of a Rescue Swimmer's mamma (and dad)...
Hi everyone...
aster, kev323, kkrHoosier, nancynature, soupmom, AIRR hi sis Im here thank you!!, Proud, Jodi, Any... welcome back sis, HI EVERYONE... I wrote a poem about this... writing is my way of dealing with life.... would yall like for me to copy it here??????????????????
you know me the untimely poet... I must share... the only way I can console my heart is to write and write I will...... it is my release...
Guardian of the Sea
The sky so blue so clear today... not even a cloud in the horizon to be scene, with my brothers at my side in our chopper, all is okay. The sun rising, her peek so vibrant and high... rays of stunning colors reflect in our eyes. Up we go from the ships sturdy side... men guiding us up up as we wave Godspeed and good bye. Soon airborne we find ourselves high, nothing between us God and the sky. The buzz of the microphones the whirr of the blades we think of how long it has been since seeing our family -too many days. Still we fly on for our country and kin.. praying to see and hug them again. We silently look at our brothers with a grin..- no words needed... the drive to protect our family within.... Suddenly at dawns beautiful clear blue sky, we hear the sound of something gone terribly awry.. something that would change the destiny of our flight – going down so fast day turned into night..... we scrambled to call for help in our desperate plight...from the sky we fell fast so deep into the oceans we sank into dark night into the abyss there was no time to weep only our prayers of love and for day light we seek.. as we scrambled to rise to the top of the sea.... I soon realized my untimely destiny would forever be for my brothers yet to be... I was called by God to be a watchman, an Angel, a Guardian of the Sea.......
Thank you Lydia for your beautiful words. We Skyped with our son last night and he said some of the RSS instructors served with some that went down. My son said it was a very sad day at the base. Times like this sadly remind us all that every moment of every day there are military service members who go out and risk everything to assist those in need and help protect our great nation. They leave their ships and bases with never a second thought or hesitation that they may not return. We owe so much to those who sacrifice it all so that we can live the way we live in this crazy world.
I hope and pray for them all every day--and I pray for all of those families who also ride along with every mission; often not knowing what their loved ones do--where they go--or if they will return. Bless you all for your never ending encouragement and support for all of our troops.
MK5 and Sweetpea..... thankx.... we are all in mourning... but there is always a rainbow at the end of every storm... I keep telling my self this... and then i smile again... especially when i am here or on Face Book with my friends!!! Love you all tons!!!!! And YES MK always remember to say I love you each day to as many family and friends as you can.... LOVE YALL =) thankx for letting me ramble on
Happy Saturday yall...... and thank you Im glad you like it!!! I did find out from my son exactly what happened.... here is what he said
they landed on a destroyer in the red sea. small ship.. the three crewman got out to deliver a vaccine to the ship. the boat was turning as a rouge wave hit the helo separating the tail pylon which made the front half spin out of control into the water.
Anyway.... just in case yall were not sure as the media has printed 10 different stories.......
Well, hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!!!! xoxoxoxoxox
Hi i was just wondering if there was any wives and or moms with married sons that had husbands or sons in the AIRR program i would love to talk to you and get some questions answered thanks!!
iloveroxy, what questions are you looking to have answered. My son (he's not married but two of his good friends are) is a rescue swimmer in Jacksonville right now. All of the ladies on this site would be glad to answer your questions, just ask away.
HI iloveroxy... welcome and let us know what we can do to help like Jodi said we are always here for each other, if we don't know the answer we will try to get it for you!!!
So my boyfriend finished bootcamp in August and now we are both in Pensacola and I was curious how long it took your Sailors before they classed up into RSS? or where some of the popular permeate duty stations for those with AIRR contracts are?
Dunmire0217--My son is now in RSS. It took him a while to get classed up--he first went through Basic Airman Qualification school. Anyone going into any Airman jobs have to go through this school. Once your husband graduates from Basic Airman Qualification School, he will go into what is called "Starboard D" (I don't know what it means). It can take a month or two for him to actually start RSS. They only choose twelve airman for each RSS class and it is determined by how long they have been in Starboard D and not by how well he is performing. Tell him he needs to be patient and do everything he can do to be one of the best in his class from the beginning so he will have a better chance of choosing his duty station and the unit he ultimately will end up going to after all is said and done. Please thank him for us for his service and good luck to you both. MK5Diver
He is in Aircrew school right now. Do you know how long it was for your son to go from Aircrew to RSS? They told us 6-12months. That just seemed really long.
That does seem long but with the cut backs it may be the case. The good news is he will be through Aircrew school soon and into Starboard D which my son says is much better than where he was prior to Aircrew school. I believe all they do is keep them is shape for RSS. My son had to wait a couple of months prior to RSS after Aircrew School. I really am suprised how long it is between schools--there seems to be a large backlog. Some will ultimately drop out and go into another field as well. I know my son has had his patience tested alot since arriving in Pensacola.
You should also consider removing your and your boyfriends picture from NFM since he is a Spec Ops candidate. This is monitored and he could get in trouble. Just put a generic picture up and that will be fine. All the best!
She can make her page private so that only friends she invites are able to see any pictures she posts. That what most special forces do.
My son's class actually went through pretty fast. He arrived in Pensacola August 31 2012 and he was done and headed to SERE in Maine around June 2013. He is a Bravo which has longer schooling than Sierras. Some of the guys he graduated bootcamp with are already assigned to squadrons as Sierras.
Hello all! I'm waiting for the "I'm a Sailor" call today....phone is charged, Kleenex is in my purse, wine is in the fridge....I am not taking anything for granted... but am hoping all went well with my son and his division last night....it's gonna be hard to think about work today!
Saltyocean
Thank you Aster, Jodi and Nancy,
The ant situation does make a lot of sense.
Sep 16, 2013
Melissa
Had to let you all know that my son's CO called him into the office to find out if they needed to make arrangements to send him home to help bail out Colorado! Really though, his CO was just checking to make sure that none of his family was in harms way from the flooding. Nice to know the Navy is keeping its eye on our guys and their families.
As it happens, the flooding is all north and west of where we lived, so even if I was still there, I wouldn't have been in danger.
Hope you are all having a great week and hearing from your Sailors!
Sep 17, 2013
proudmama
Melissa- that was a wonderful gesture by your son's CO. How awesome...
Hey everybody- how did you handle packing up your sailor's belongings after he/she graduated from boot camp?...what did you send to him/her at A school? How much did you send? My son would like his fins, mask, and his clothes..but then I found out that they don't really have any room to bring anything extra other than electronics with them to A school and once at A school, they don't have much storage space. Any advice regarding this issue?
Sep 18, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
My son had me ship him his Xbox, TV and clothes. He didn't want his fins or mask. I think they are issued those but I might be wrong. The funny thing about the clothes is that when he left for bc he told me to just get rid of all his clothes, that he would just get new ones down there. I, however, am a tight wad and couldn't see getting rid of his clothes so I kept the nicer ones. After he went out shopping and saw the prices of clothes (I'm not sure what planet he was on before that he didn't know how EXPENSIVE clothes were) he asked me to send clothes down.
Sep 18, 2013
jaxietwo
Jodi that is so funny - my son did the same thing - just get rid of everything - I kept it all, I wonder if he will also ask me to send it all down!
Sep 18, 2013
nancynature
proudmama - my son wanted his fins and mask also but he was told they were not allowed to have them in their rooms. When he got to phase 2 and we visited him we brought them along so he could use them in the YMCA pool and the ocean - I think he kept them in his car. Now that he has moved to a new barracks he said he has even less room than he had before. I am sure that the heat in the car is not good for the rubber.... He does have the Navy issued fins and mask so the ones from home are just for extra workouts now.
Sep 18, 2013
Melissa
Once my son got to Pensacola he asked me to ship him some of his clothes and shoes - and he picked up other things while there. There isn't much room, so I would suggest waiting until he is there and then letting him tell you what he really needs/wants. They find that a lot of the things they thought they couldn't live without are things that they really don't need.
Clothes are expensive, yes, but remember your son now has a job and an income and very few expenses - plus as a grown up, he needs to begin making some of these things his responsibility, not yours. Though as Mom's we always want to help out. Heaven knows, I just spent a fortune sending my son new towels, beach towels, and swim suits because he asked. =)
Sep 18, 2013
proudmama
Thanks ladies for the advice:) It is really appreciated. Helps me know how to best help my son!
Sep 18, 2013
dbristol
My son really did not want anything sent down. He said they do not have alot of room and if they get rooms switched, it stinks to haul of the stuff to the next barracks (or the next state). I didn't have to worry about sending clothes. My son was very skinny when he went in and now a year later he has put on about 20 pounds of muscle, so needless to say, none of his old clothes really fit. When I went down to visit him, we did go on a little shopping spree for some clothes(:
Sep 19, 2013
nancynature
dbristol that is a great point! My son also put on about 10 pounds of muscle so far, he has a way to go yet, and some of the clothes we had brought him didn't even fit! Just recently he had asked for some 'dress' clothes(he was invited to a wedding) and I had to remind him that they wouldn't probably fit and he should just buy some instead. He was a bit disappointed for there were a few things he had just bought not that long ago.
Sep 19, 2013
MK5Diver
Sorry I haven't been on lately--life has been crazy and weather is quickly getting cold here in the North East. My son is now in finishing his second week RSS and doing really well. He's happy to be training again.
For those of you who have sailors heading to Pensacola--they typically will be in hold pattern for a while prior to their first phase of training and their liberty is limited and restricted when they first get there. My son has not been able to receive any care packages at all so far. He says he will be able to receive care packages again once he moves over to the other side of the base and starts "A" school.
I'm happy to hear all of your sailors are doing so well and wish all of them the best of luck.
MK5Diver
Sep 19, 2013
proudmama
dbristol and Nancyn- Great points. I will keep them in mind.
MK5Diver- Congrats on your son doing well in RSS! How proud you must be!
I have a question for you all.. when you sons/daughters PIR'd.. did they leave straight from the graduation hall out with you or did they go back to their barracks and pack and join you later? Trying to figure out if we should drive or take the shuttle. I ask all of you because all of your sailors went to P'cola ...so I thought would ask people who made the journey that my son will soon make.
Sep 20, 2013
Tiffany
Have a great weekend mama's!
Sep 20, 2013
MK5Diver
My son had to go back to the barracks to move everything over to another part of the base because he was heading over to Pre-BUDS but I believe those who are heading out to another base or unit after PIR can leave with their parents right afterward.
Prepare yourself for PIR--truly one of the most impressive ceremonies I have ever attended. The Navy really knows how to do it right--it's a very emotional time and it is so good to see your sailor again after such a long period away as well as experience the metamorphisis they all seem to complete in BC.
Sep 20, 2013
kkrHoosier
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151927282916810&l=528002...
I'm so glad we were there to witness this moment!
Sep 21, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Howdy everyone!!!!! Was reading to catch up seems the questions are mostly about food and etc in Pcola...... well, my son took his phone which I gave him at the airport... I had taken civ clothes for him to wear while we were out and about after PIR but basically DON'T send them anything until they Phase up... until at least Phase 2.... or 3 as they are not allowed to wear civ clothing until they are phased up...... go up to the discussion forum and read about Phases that will help yall a lot................ My son said that the boxes I sent initially when he was just a newbie were mostly gone through by the COs who took a lot of the goodies.... the rest he was able to eat out at the tables out side the barracks... NO care packs inside was the rule..... remember they do have a Nex right there and are able to go there from time to time to get clothing, computers, etc etc..... He asked me to NOT send him anything because they got razzed a lot in the beginning for getting boxes from mommie!!! Later after he phased up and passed NACCS I was comfortable with sending him stuff... still no food in the barracks and if the sneak it in and get caught there is hell to pay for all!! Ummm you can ship their laptops after they phase up.. but my son bought a new one at the NEX instead. They are issued Navy Fins and Mask etc... but they can buy as my son did some there at the NEX to practice in while on hold.... and that is a good idea!!!!!! so thats all I can tell yall...
My son just left the Philippine Islands (public knowledge so no OPSEC there) just in time to miss the MEGA Typhoon that just hit them! sheeeeeesh!
Sep 21, 2013
proudmama
Speaking of Mega Typhoon.... let's keep our military members that are stationed in that part of the world in our prayers. The people who are stationed in Guam are having a hard time of it right now!
Sep 21, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
proudmama, if I'm reading your question right, you want to know if your sailor can leave right after the ceremony or not. In the case of both my son and his friend whose graduation I also went to, they both had to return to the barracks after the ceremony. We rode the shuttle both times from the hotel. With my son we waited for him (can't remember how long but it was a while) and then we all rode the shuttle back to the hotel. I think we made it back to catch the last run of the day. For his friend, we went back to the hotel and then he called us to come pick him up-he thought he was staying at GL for additional classes but ended up shipping out the next day so we drove back after an hour or so and picked him up.
Sep 21, 2013
Melissa
My son had to return to his barracks following PIR - but then was able to join us after about an hour; we spent that time at the NEX, looking around the Great Lakes base and chatting with other 800 families also waiting on their sons. We got to spend most of the afternoon and evening with him and then he flew out the next morning. His flight was not until 10, but he left for the airport around 2am - the Navy loads everyone onto a bus and takes then to the airport in time for the earliest flight and the rest of the guys are stuck hanging around the airport until their flight leaves. The USO is there though, so they have somewhere to go and can eat and hang out. We did go to the airport and had breakfast with him and then chatted until his plane left.
MamaD's son had to stand watch the afternoon of PIR - so check with your son to be sure he is not on that roster before you begin making plans. It is best to leave your options open as it is most likely that your Sailor will not know until then just what his plans are.
Sep 22, 2013
nancynature
Proudmama - my son could leave right after PIR although he did go back to the barracks but only to drop off some stuff. We ended up meeting him in the parking lot by the chapel. We did not go to the NEX - it was stupid crazy busy! Instead we went to lunch and then the hotel so he could give himself a 'proper' haircut and take a real shower and so I could ice my knee. We ended up going back a few hours later, around 2 or 3 and everyone was gone! It was great timing on our part. He hadn't ordered the Keel so we did that also (right next door) - no lines there either but we cut that one a bit close to them closing.
We had our car there and I'm glad we did - it just gave us such flexibility especially not knowing what our son could or couldn't do.
Sep 22, 2013
kkrHoosier
http://www.stripes.com/news/navy/us-navy-helicopter-crashes-in-red-...
Praying for these guys.
Sep 22, 2013
aster
Prayers to the Navy helicopter crew and their families. And let's pray they find the two who are still missing.
Sep 23, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
I agree with you Aster, let's pray that the crew members that were recovered are in good shape and that they have found the other two.
Sep 23, 2013
kev323
Prayers
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76730
Sep 23, 2013
Andysmom
I have not been on in a while. But today I have to say. My heart, love and prayers go out to HSC 6! To the families, friends, loved ones, and HSC brotherhood, my heart aches.
Sep 23, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
thanks kev323 for the update, sad as it is. Prayers to all involved.
Sep 23, 2013
proudmama
My heart aches for them... is there a page or site that we can write on to express our condolences?
Sep 23, 2013
SoupMom
I have a Navy flag that I proudly fly. I will be lowering it to Half Mast to Honor the two air crewmen and their families. Praying for all involved.
Sep 23, 2013
nancynature
SoupMom that is a great idea - wish I had one to lower too. My heart aches for those missing....praying for them all.
Sep 23, 2013
kkrHoosier
I am so saddened by this tragedy as my husband and I just returned from my son's FRS graduation in San Diego. Our happiness for his accomplishments quickly turned to sadness for these fellow sailors who have been lost.
Sep 23, 2013
kev323
From what Ive heard the 3 aircrew rescue swimmers survived the Pilots did not. So sad, huge loss to the whole community.
Sep 23, 2013
aster
I heard the same, the pilots did not survive. Prayers to their loved ones. :'(
Sep 23, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Hi yall, soooo sorry to be MIA... the news of the bird going down hit me real hard. A young gal friend of mine and my son (she attends his church in SD) her boyfriend is out and is an HSC 6.... we waited anxiously to hear if he was on that bird. He was not.. but of course we now know that the two pilots are dead deep in the sea. I am broken hearted and speechless.. imagine that! This is always the fear of a Rescue Swimmer's mamma (and dad)...
Hi everyone...
aster, kev323, kkrHoosier, nancynature, soupmom, AIRR hi sis Im here thank you!!, Proud, Jodi, Any... welcome back sis, HI EVERYONE... I wrote a poem about this... writing is my way of dealing with life.... would yall like for me to copy it here??????????????????
Sep 24, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Well, here is my poem --------------
you know me the untimely poet... I must share... the only way I can console my heart is to write and write I will...... it is my release...
Guardian of the Sea
The sky so blue so clear today... not even a cloud in the horizon to be scene, with my brothers at my side in our chopper, all is okay.
The sun rising, her peek so vibrant and high... rays of stunning colors reflect in our eyes.
Up we go from the ships sturdy side... men guiding us up up as we wave Godspeed and good bye.
Soon airborne we find ourselves high, nothing between us God and the sky.
The buzz of the microphones the whirr of the blades we think of how long it has been since seeing our family -too many days.
Still we fly on for our country and kin.. praying to see and hug them again.
We silently look at our brothers with a grin..- no words needed... the drive to protect our family within....
Suddenly at dawns beautiful clear blue sky, we hear the sound of something gone terribly awry.. something that would change the destiny of our flight – going down so fast day turned into night.....
we scrambled to call for help in our desperate plight...from the sky we fell fast so deep into the oceans we sank into dark night
into the abyss there was no time to weep only our prayers of love and for day light we seek..
as we scrambled to rise to the top of the sea.... I soon realized my untimely destiny would forever be for my brothers yet to be... I was called by God to be a watchman, an Angel, a Guardian of the Sea.......
Sep 24, 2013
sweetpea4
Beautiful Lydia, We all are heart broken and loss for word. Thanks for sharing this, it made me feel better! May God Bless!
Sep 24, 2013
MK5Diver
Thank you Lydia for your beautiful words. We Skyped with our son last night and he said some of the RSS instructors served with some that went down. My son said it was a very sad day at the base. Times like this sadly remind us all that every moment of every day there are military service members who go out and risk everything to assist those in need and help protect our great nation. They leave their ships and bases with never a second thought or hesitation that they may not return. We owe so much to those who sacrifice it all so that we can live the way we live in this crazy world.
I hope and pray for them all every day--and I pray for all of those families who also ride along with every mission; often not knowing what their loved ones do--where they go--or if they will return. Bless you all for your never ending encouragement and support for all of our troops.
Sep 24, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
MK5 and Sweetpea..... thankx.... we are all in mourning... but there is always a rainbow at the end of every storm... I keep telling my self this... and then i smile again... especially when i am here or on Face Book with my friends!!! Love you all tons!!!!! And YES MK always remember to say I love you each day to as many family and friends as you can.... LOVE YALL =) thankx for letting me ramble on
Sep 24, 2013
nancynature
Well said Lydia...
Love ya back!
Sep 26, 2013
Mama~D Ship 4 Div 822
Wow Lydia, that was amazing. Please keep sharing! Loved reading it and rereading it!! You are truly gifted!!
Sep 28, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Happy Saturday yall...... and thank you Im glad you like it!!! I did find out from my son exactly what happened.... here is what he said
they landed on a destroyer in the red sea. small ship.. the three crewman got out to deliver a vaccine to the ship. the boat was turning as a rouge wave hit the helo separating the tail pylon which made the front half spin out of control into the water.
Anyway.... just in case yall were not sure as the media has printed 10 different stories.......
Well, hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!!!! xoxoxoxoxox
Sep 28, 2013
iloveroxy777
Hi i was just wondering if there was any wives and or moms with married sons that had husbands or sons in the AIRR program i would love to talk to you and get some questions answered thanks!!
Sep 28, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
iloveroxy, what questions are you looking to have answered. My son (he's not married but two of his good friends are) is a rescue swimmer in Jacksonville right now. All of the ladies on this site would be glad to answer your questions, just ask away.
Sep 28, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
HI iloveroxy... welcome and let us know what we can do to help like Jodi said we are always here for each other, if we don't know the answer we will try to get it for you!!!
Sep 29, 2013
Dunmire0217
So my boyfriend finished bootcamp in August and now we are both in Pensacola and I was curious how long it took your Sailors before they classed up into RSS? or where some of the popular permeate duty stations for those with AIRR contracts are?
Oct 1, 2013
MK5Diver
Dunmire0217--My son is now in RSS. It took him a while to get classed up--he first went through Basic Airman Qualification school. Anyone going into any Airman jobs have to go through this school. Once your husband graduates from Basic Airman Qualification School, he will go into what is called "Starboard D" (I don't know what it means). It can take a month or two for him to actually start RSS. They only choose twelve airman for each RSS class and it is determined by how long they have been in Starboard D and not by how well he is performing. Tell him he needs to be patient and do everything he can do to be one of the best in his class from the beginning so he will have a better chance of choosing his duty station and the unit he ultimately will end up going to after all is said and done. Please thank him for us for his service and good luck to you both. MK5Diver
Oct 1, 2013
Dunmire0217
He is in Aircrew school right now. Do you know how long it was for your son to go from Aircrew to RSS? They told us 6-12months. That just seemed really long.
Oct 1, 2013
MK5Diver
That does seem long but with the cut backs it may be the case. The good news is he will be through Aircrew school soon and into Starboard D which my son says is much better than where he was prior to Aircrew school. I believe all they do is keep them is shape for RSS. My son had to wait a couple of months prior to RSS after Aircrew School. I really am suprised how long it is between schools--there seems to be a large backlog. Some will ultimately drop out and go into another field as well. I know my son has had his patience tested alot since arriving in Pensacola.
Oct 1, 2013
MK5Diver
You should also consider removing your and your boyfriends picture from NFM since he is a Spec Ops candidate. This is monitored and he could get in trouble. Just put a generic picture up and that will be fine. All the best!
Oct 1, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
She can make her page private so that only friends she invites are able to see any pictures she posts. That what most special forces do.
My son's class actually went through pretty fast. He arrived in Pensacola August 31 2012 and he was done and headed to SERE in Maine around June 2013. He is a Bravo which has longer schooling than Sierras. Some of the guys he graduated bootcamp with are already assigned to squadrons as Sierras.
Oct 2, 2013
proudmama
Hello all! I'm waiting for the "I'm a Sailor" call today....phone is charged, Kleenex is in my purse, wine is in the fridge....I am not taking anything for granted... but am hoping all went well with my son and his division last night....it's gonna be hard to think about work today!
Oct 4, 2013