Moms of Aviation Rescue Swimmers

Thank you proudmama...it is true, my son has classed up! Yeah!!  :) Here we go.....

Nice update Jodi. Glad he got to fly again and is doing well on his tests. Hope you get to see him sooner rather than later! 

Remind him when he calls and tells you how hard it is that it will be over before he knows it and of course how proud you are of him and what he is trying to do (which I know you are already doing). If he stays focused and works hard he'll make it through.

Travelsalot- YEP!!! Hahaha... see, I'm not the only one...that was exactly my experience!!! that poster is faded and pretty far away from the beach so... I didn't really notice it until on my way back! How were the guards when they approached you??? Worried, mad or amused? Also, those "fireworks" I kept hearing the following day???.... yeah... not so much! It's so pretty there, I kept forgetting I was on a Navy base which.. can be dangerous! haha..

Hi Everyone,  I'm looking into flights to fly my son home for Christmas. Any suggestions for airlines or travel sites with Military Discounts for our Sailors?

  Mary Kay ------        We also wonder what the difference is with the A,B,and C groups in the RSS class up.  Do they each do separate  things?

It is my understanding that the A, B, C groups are only different in who the main teacher is. I think they all do the same thing but I thought my son said that one likes a lot of swimming, another likes a lot of pt and I am not sure about the third one...easy going maybe, I can't really remember but don't swear me to any of this! 

I thought I would update you again...my son classed up yesterday and today he was rolled out due to a sinus infection. :( They found out because he couldn't clear his ears. Thankful they found it out earlier than later. He is really disappointed and frustrated. He now has to wait another 3 weeks for the next class series to begin - I believe he was in class C - but at least that will give him time to get healthy. 

MaryKay-Congrats on your son's graduation! Quite an accomplishment! My son's PIR was 10/11 so he is on hold for Aircrew school and so the waiting continues... I just know that there are so many others who have waited and waited...so I guess he is in good company!

Travelsalot- thanks for the travel advice!!! Sounds like you have traveled a lot??? ok... I'm feeling a bit punchy tonight... haha

Jodi- great news that your son is studying so much, I hope you get those holiday plans finalized with him sometime soon!

NancyNature, so sorry to hear about your son. I know it is a disappointment but like travelsalot says it may be a blessing in disquise. Just tell him not to get discouraged. I think that is the down fall for some of them since this is as much mental as it is physical.

Hello everyone! I had a great trip to Pensacola and the graduation although very brief was great! It was so good to meet everyone in the class. They were gracious enough to invite me to join them the evening after the graduation for a dinner. It was very clear to me that they are all very close and great friends. 

MaryKay--I believe I met your son--if he is from NY he apparently is an excellent swimmer and broke three pool records while there. My son is a very good swimmer as well but he said your son (if he is the one) swims laps around everyone. He and my son are good friends and they do a lot of laughing together.  I can report his is doing well and they all look great.  I did take pictures of each of them as they received their certificates from the CO. If you would like to send me your personal address in a private message I would be very happy to forward some pictures to you.

Congrats MK5Diver on your son's graduation and how fortunate that you were to be able to be there. I know that I enjoyed the video of my son's graduation that was taken by another father and posted on Utube.  I'm sure that the moms of the swimmers that you took pictures of will be so glad you were there and captured those moments!

Thank you Nancy n.Our son said something about swimming, running and medicine.  Your comments seem to confirm this sort of thing.                           By the way does anyone know when the rss class that started this week (10 28 13) will graduate?

Thanksgiving week?????

Nancy n.  It was a good thing,( but what a bummer) that your son's sinus infection was caught before all that increased water exposure.  That would have only made things a LOT worse for him, but time on your hands is no fun.  Good luck and hope he is back on the mend in a flash

Hi Everyone- I don't get to this site as often as I should but I really appreciate all the support and info from moms who have been there and done this.  My son is currently in aircrew school in Pensacola and loves it!  So far, so good.  He will be on hold for RSS school when he finishes this but I do think he will be able to be home for Christmas so that is a blessing.  We thought about driving to Pensacola for Thanksgiving but can't decide if it's a good idea or not.  Anyone ever do that before?  Do they have much liberty time over the Thanksgiving holiday?  I think he will be phase 2 since he just arrived in Pensacola on 10/13/13.  Thanks for your advice!

My son is currently in San Diego doing FRS - and he (finally!) got to fly today - WHOO-HOO!!  He was so nervous, but so excited; he said they were up for 4 hours and flew out over the ocean about 10 feet up.  He can't wait to go up again. 

IIRC, A School began right after RSS - like within a week or so for my son, but again, it just all depends on where they have a need and space for your son's particular skills (meaning wet or dry, etc.).  As for graduation - it really depends on how the class goes.  The instructors will give them a date soon, but if it falls around a holiday, it could change.  My son graduated the week of July 4th, and first they were going to graduate on the 5th, then it got changed to the 8th, but they actually graduated on the 3rd, and got a long weekend.  Good thing we were driving down and so our plans were flexible!

Found out today that my son has leave for Christmas - from the 20th until 6 Jan.  It will be so great to see him.  Come on Christmas!

Meant to mention too regarding graduation date - we didn't actually know the final date of graduation until the week before.  If you are planning to fly I think there is an airline that won't charge for travel changes for military families, but your son might need to make the arrangements using his military ID.  I don't remember the details, but I remember several people talking about it regarding Chicago for PIR - wouldn't hurt to do some checking before booking, just in case. 

hi yall...  my son said the only dif on the Teams is how well they are scoring... my sons Team went from A to B and the at Grad back to A....  I think it might just be a way to encourage competition in scores..... they all have to pass the same tests... A Team B Team....  still same responsibility same tests...

MK5    Im soo happy you got to go

Nancy..... not uncommon at all... they will roll him back in... so hang in there -  it is not like he DOR or failed....  they know that he will do great once he is feeling better...  all good...  he needs to heal and be tip top!!!!  AND Ill bet he will

OMG it is tooo quiet in here...  sorry to be MIA but I caught a parasite bug in my intestines and no not fun at all for 4 days... seems to be better but gosh where are yall, where is everyone... I know good and well, yall are going though some things... hard things... so yall need to be here....  vent, cry, laugh, etc... we are here together for this.....   well, love yall again sooo sorry to be MIA a bit but Im back now.......  hooooooooooahhhhhhhhhhh  

 That sounds like an awful 4 days...Glad to have you back Lydia. :)

My boy is hoping to class up again either this Monday or the following one. I thought originally he had said 3 weeks which would have been the 18th but who knows... At least his sinus infection is getting better and his ears aren't bothering him anymore.

Good morning, ladies.

So sorry that you weren't feeling well Lydia. I hope it's all over with now.

My son just finished up a SAR week last Friday. He has been flying and has done well on his tests. I know he's studying a lot. We were going to go down for Thanksgiving but he had already made plans so I guess we will have to wait until Christmas to see him :(.

Tim McGraw held a free concert last night at JAX for the sailors. I thought it was really cool of him to do that .I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.

Hey everybody... please forgive me if this isn't the place to do this... but have any of you have ever heard of the SEAL Legacy?? It is a fund that has been set up to help families of our SEAL community... They have a fundraiser right now that if you download Bri Bagwell's song, Who You Are..., all the proceeds will be donated to the foundation. Right now, they need 127 more downloads to accomplish their goal. If you ever wanted to donate...but only could afford a few dollars...then this is the way to do it! for $1.29, you can download this song from ITunes and you have helped a good cause...

If this wasn't the forum for this, please forgive me! I just want to badly for this foundation to accomplish their goal! I thought people out there might be sympathetic to this cause! Especially because it is on Veteran's Day!

Have a great night all....

Just purchased it on I-tunes!  Glad I could help!

Aweee!!! You girls just brought a tear to my eye!! Hooyahh!! and NM hugs to all of you out there (())!!!!

Good Thursday ladies!!!!

Sounds like our kids are still moving up the pipeline!!!  So hard and sooo long it is...  I see so many moms missing in here the past couple of months...  hope that is not because anything bad has happened...  

proudmama......  SEAL Legacy sounds great...  My group donated to the SEAL families foundation back when so many of the men went down in the chopper that crashed and were killed...  personally I think anything having to do with our military and their families can be posted here!!!!  I do not have a problem with it and I doubt that N4M will either...   heck there is a lady (most everyone knows her) who sells ribbons to the BC moms for graduation... so surely this is okay to post!!!!  Thank you sista for the info!!!!

I MoAngel, MaryKay   Awesome Jodi... he is closer and closer to those precious wings!!!   Nancy keep us posted.... pins and needles!!!!!   

Well, my boy is still over with the 5th Fleet in the Arabian theater somewhere.  I think I know where but who knows and of course OPSEC rules apply...  But he and his Squad have been getting all my care boxes and they are happy guys.  He says they are "cutting holes in the sky" alot!  (tons of flying)  Hey if any of yall do care packages.... the Christmas deadline was day before yesterday so get those boxes out ASAP and they might still hopefully get there....  or if you know ppl who are doing them  let them know.....    well, hugs yall and hope to hear from more mammas in here soon!!!!!

Lydia, glad to hear that your son is doing well and that your care packages are making it over to him. I will keep him in my prayers that he and his shipmates stay safe and healthy.

Glad to hear everyone is doing well. My boy graduated bc in October but has been on hold in GL due to an accident in the pool where he ruptured his ear drum two weeks before graduation.  He went back to the doctor last week and is finally cleared to head to Florida - just waiting on orders.  He has been working with the 800 division instructors and really enjoys it. But really wants to get where it is warm!

jaxietwo, now is definitely the time to get out of GL. My son was complaining it was only 50 in JAX but I had no pity since it was 27 here lol. Glad to hear your son's ear has healed.

Well ladies looks my boy may not class up for RSS until after the Christmas shutdown...still is not feeling 100% and doc put him on some new meds. He was/is SIR yesterday and today and can go back to Starboard D tomorrow but the next RSS starts on Monday so probably would be best if he just waited and got healthy again. Just thought I'd let you know seeing as Lydia was on pins and needles. :D Lydia good to hear he is getting lots of hole cutting! 

jaxietwo - Ouch! That can't feel good at all...He will definitely like it in Florida although I heard it was 38* there the other morning.  Happy to hear he is healing and doing better!

NancyNature, I'm sure your son is disappointed but it will all work out for the best in the end. RSS is tough enough when they are 100% so it is better to wait until he can give it his all. At least he will be enjoying warmer weather while he is on hold.

Great news! We heard last night from my son that he got "Sierra" which was what he wanted.  He is very happy. He's getting ready to move all of his gear to the other side of the base on Monday in preparation to start "A" school when they return from the holiday break.  We are so excited to get him home.  Other than my seeing him at graduation, he hasn't been home since holiday break last year.  I will be cooking up all of his favorites and we definitely will be heading to the slopes of Maine to ski and snowboard.

The waiting these guys have to put up with between schools is so difficult. The hardest part is to stay focused on what they are there for in the first place.  Staying focused on goals hopefully will keep them from doing something that can jeopardize everything. We have seen a few of my sons closest friends lose RSS all together due to doing ridiculous things.  The tolerance level of the command is very low for sailors who don't know how to behave.  Our sailors are special and work too hard to be put out to the fleet because of a brief lapse of judgment on their part.

I hope that all of your son's can make it home for the holidays. If they are deployed--I would be happy to send out a package to them if you can provide an address.  I know what it is like to be deployed for the holidays a long way from home. The commands try to make things easier but it was always hard.  The letters and packages really do help though. It also helps that they can call and Skype--technology we never had when I was in.

All the best to all of you and yours!

Cheers

MK5Diver/Dave

Congrats to your son for getting Sierra. I think we all are anxious to see our sailors home. I saw my son briefly over the fourth of July weekend but he hasn't been home since last Christmas. It will be wonderful to see him back in his old room. I too will be cooking all his favorites. December can't come quick enough!

MK5Diver- Congrats! How exciting when you get your preferred selection! I'm so glad you will get to see him as well! Home cooked food and skiing? Sounds like he will have a fabulous time!

Jodi- I am so glad you are going to see your kiddo soon! December...just around the corner! Home cooked food too?? Sounds Delish!

Lydia- Thanks for letting me "advertise" for SEAL Legacy. They did reach their goal which is really exciting for the families that will benefit from the fund raiser.

My son is about ready to graduate from NACCS... tonight he has gone to the mall with his buddies to watch one of his instructors put on some sort of martial arts demonstration or some sort of fighting competition... not sure of the details...my son is a "minimalist" when it comes to details! Go figure! ha ha...

Jaxietwo- Glad to hear your son is better and ready to start the next phase of training! BZ for having patience ,working hard...and staying focused!

Have a good evening all! I'm in the middle of an audit at work...so... late nights until next Friday...Geesh does life ever slow down???

Haven't been on in a while, but keep up with most postings.  My son is about to graduate from FRAC in San Diego this Friday!  So wishing we could be there, but we are in Florida and not possible.  Waiting to hear about his duty station assignment, where and when.  Makes it impossible to plan for the Holidays and a visit home.  He wants to come home, but can't make any plans until the last minute which will cost him ($$ plane ticket wise).  We pray he will be able to tack on some of his leave time to the Holiday shut down and be home for an extended stay soon.  Keeping finger, arms, toes.....crossed.  Miss him, haven't seen him since February before he left Pensacola for SD.  So proud of him, he loves what he is doing...helo fights, jumps, everything.  He loves California, he surfs, goes camping, hiking, etc....... love hearing all your stories.

We have a friend who's son is leaving for BC on Monday, I am glad to help his Mom understand what she is about to go through.  First recommendation, Navy for Moms!!!!!!!

Travelsalot- Thanks for that link... I took time this morning to watch it... sooo touching, and yet so sad. Glad you said "Kleenex Alert" . I didn't watch it before I left for work...good thing... otherwise, I would have been crying at work.

Here is a link that shows a movie trailer for Murph: The Proctector... This is the documentary that depicts the events of the Lone Survivor book tells. The movie, Lone Survivor, will be coming out in a week or so...this is the documentary of the same event. The Seal of Honor foundation is trying to get 100,000 views. A great way to honor these men's lives is to watch this trailer. It is free to watch and only takes a moment of your time...

I pray that none of our kids have to make the ultimate sacrifice...but if they do, I pray that other people will take a moment to honor their sacrifice....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAluSlws7sE

OK... one last thought... I forgot to mention that the Movie Murph... was nominated for 4 Academy  Awards...Just thought I would insert that piece of info...

Hey all - glad to hear the good news about all your Sailors.  Graduations, A-School, getting Sierra, getting healthy - it sounds like everyone is doing what they are supposed too. 

Travelsalot, yes, FRS (FRAC) follows A School.  Your son will probably go to San Diego if he is Sierra (which is where my son is currently).  Depending on how things shake out, he might do SERE before he begins FRS.  Please let us know if he does, so that we can add our prayers to yours while he is there.  SERE is necessary, but nerve-wracking for us parents.

I have been madly Christmas shopping for the past week.  Yes, I said Christmas shopping.  =)  All of my babies and their babies (except for my Navy son) will be here for Thanksgiving, so I am trying to get their Christmas stuff together so as to avoid shipping charges - which seem to cost more than the gifts!  Since I have them for Thanksgiving, they will be at their in-laws for Christmas, so it's do the shopping now or pay for shipping later.

Travelsalot...too bad I didn't know you were here! I would have loved to have met up with you. Yup weather was nasty here but not as bad as IL. I feel so bad for those families affected by the tornadoes.

It is about 45 minutes north of me. 

Will any of you moms be going to next weeks  RSS graduation?  We will not be able to attend.  Just wondering if some one could share some pictures.  It would be  appreciated and thanks in advance.  Just so glad that he will be coming home during Christmas.  If anyone can please request friend status, I guess that's how you do this kind of thing.

My son already graduated last month but I can tell you, if your sailor has a camera or a smart phone, there will probably be other families there that may not be on NFM's that would be happy to take pictures for him.  The instructors are really cool and were happy to do it as well when asked.

It's a very quick and intimate ceremony that is over before you know it.  It was nice to be there when my son graduated but I think being there when they get through FRS (FRAC) and they get their wings will be a much bigger deal.  I look forward to being there for it--saving money now because it will most likely be in San Diego and we're in Maine.

BIG DAY! Son graduated from FRAC in SD. There were 4 in his class!  We couldn't be there, but he just called and said others took some pictures. I will be waiting for those. His orders came and he is staying in San Diego and he's fine with this. (YEAH, we get to go to Calif. for vacation next year!)  He is also coming home to Florida for Xmas and New Years.  He even made his plane reservations.  We are THRILLED beyond belief, as we haven't seen him in person since February.  He is excited to come home and see his friends and be back with us for a spell.  Although we won't be together for Thanksgiving....we are all looking forward to December.

That's wonderful, GMom. It's great to have those plane reservations too. My son got his last week and already the price has gone up over $ 150.00. Last year he didn't get permission to leave until late and it cost us over $400.00 more than it should have so I am really glad this year is different. Enjoy your time with your sailor!

ALNavy Mom....   welcome welcome.....  hey, go up to the discussion forum just above the comment box here....  click on Vew All and read The Path of the Rescue Swimmer and also Phases .....   great info there that will answer alot of questions!!! Lots of mammas here to help you.   Please never hesitate to holler sista....  my son has been out of this pipeline now for several years..  he is Sierra, attached to the Black Jacks HSC-21 on the USS Boxer...  and many other moms here who are new, in the middle or near or at the end of this pipeline that can sure help you!!!!!   But start out up there in the discussion forum if you have not already...  xoxoxoxo    

HI yall, yea... lots of great posts!!!!  so many congrats are in order...  we have Sierra's, FRS grads, A school move ups, Boot Camp PIRs,    AND then old planks like me whose kid is out and about .... as he says....  burning holes in the sky (lots of flying) somewhere with the 5th fleet....  OH speaking of...  be sure to refresh yourselves from time to time on OPSEC rules... up in forum...  there are things that are more strick on the Spec Forces and Ops kids...  and on ALL of them...  I never repeat anything about my son, that is not posted by the Ombudsman FB site for the Boxer or the Black Jack site....  official sites that is!   Anyhoooo...  so great to see yall on here....  OH and the Pcola base as most all of the bases will go on what is called   "Stand Down"  the bases do not actually close but only minimum personal are left during Christmas... most of the kids that are in training all get to go home.   They will have to submit a flight itinerary and put in a Chit or request ....   DONT worry the COs will tell them but does not hurt moms to go ahead and get those itineraries worked up ...  the kids will know shortly what those dates actually are... some already do know..  I cant remember... but it is about 10 days I think....  so be thinking about that... now the kids that are in the FRS prob will get leave also...  just need to get their dates as they will be different from the kids in Pcola early training.  Hope that helps......      my son messaged me on FB a few days ago, he is doing fine but they are all sick....  when one gets it they all get it as he mentioned hahaha... ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww..... other wise all is well.  B man has decided to put in his "Package" for BUDs/SEALs.... so he is working toward that and will work fast and furious on it once back stateside in SD Cali....  he already has his sponsors lined up (letters of Recommendation to the SEAL Command from officers etc)  but it will be a LONG task...  much to do....  well, I pray you all have a happy happy happy Thanksgiving...   OHHHHHHHHHHHHH  btw -  please remember that the Pcola base has a USO near the NEX and they provide Thanksgiving for the kids if they want....  hahahahaha my silly kid and his bros went to Denny's???  Don't ask me why!  hahahaha......  so AL Navy Mom and yall Pcola mammas remember to tell your kids although they will tell them also!!!     Happy Happy Weekend yall!!!!  

Well, once again it is quiet in here... but happens over the holidays...  I love and pray for yall and your families and your kids at what ever point they are in this tough Pipeline.  I know you all pray for our soldiers and think of them mightily over the Holiday Season... so far from home they are.....    and just saying that made my heart swell up as this will be the FIRST holiday season that I will NOT see my boy...  "Mamma I love you more than you know, but Duty Calls and I must Answer"   that is what he put in my FB message a few days ago.  such a good boy/man  =)   he has brought me to tears many times with his gentle but TOUGH spirit...  Okay then love yall..... always here for you..... AND Have a Blessed Holiday....  So much to be thankful for!!!

Travels....... thank you for that awesome link....  !!!!!!!!!