Tiffany, your son will be joining mine as he is at JAX right now. He has been flying for a few weeks and loves it. I missed A-School graduation but we have told him we will be there for FRAC. He says it's a short ceremony but we do want to make at least one. We were going to go down for Thanksgiving but he had already make plans with his roommate. I guess he's growing up, sigh. But he will be home for Christmas and we can't wait!
Lydia, you are in our thoughts during this holiday season especially when it will be your first without your son. What a sweet message he put up on FB. You have every reason to be proud of the young man you raised! I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving.
My son graduated from A School today also - so sorry we couldn't make it either. He told me there would be no one there to take pictures. Oh well ...I'm so proud of the boys - they've worked hard to get this far!
Congrats Airmom10 and Travelsalot and Heartstrings...what a fantastic achievement! !
Heartstrings....I felt your joy for your son and his accomplishment and the sorrow that you couldn't be there to see him graduate... when I wasn't able to go see my son in Florida after graduating from aircrew school, I told him that if I didn't get multiple pictures from him, I would fly right down there... and ask all his friends to pose for pictures and instead of saying telling the guys to say "cheese" I would tell them to say "I love Z's mom!". That was enough of a "threat" that I suddenly had about 6 pics sent to me of aircrew school graduation! haha. Of course, I will continue that effective strategy to make sure I get plenty of graduation pics.
To all of you who have had sons or daughters recently graduate from RSS and further down the pipeline... could you tell me when your son/daughter began the journey to rescue swimmer... and what was the attrition rate in RSS and A school? I'm just wondering since my son is at the beginning of the pipeline (graduated aircrew and won't start starboard d until after the holidays).
Proudmama, my son left for bc on 7/3/12 and arrived in Pensacola Labor Day weekend. He classed up fairly quickly for all classes. When he started RSS there were 38 sailors in his class but they were down to 20 the first day. By the time he graduated I think his class was around 11 with 3 of those from previous roll backs. The attrition rate is very high but if your son is willing to work really hard he should be fine. I haven't heard my son say anything about anyone leaving A School so I think once they make it through RSS they are likely to stay a rescue swimmer. The schooling is still difficult . He will have a lot to study for especially if he becomes a Romeo as their schooling is longer.
Jodi- thanks for the timeline review...do you feel that the pipeline was impacted by the shut down? Has your son's training slowed down? Has he finished all of his training?
SoupMom-Congrats on finishing FRS! Is that the same thing as finishing A School? I have heard that Japan is a great place to be stationed! How does your son feel about that?
SoupMom, congrats to your son on receiving his orders. It sounds like it would be a cool place to be.
Proudmama, his training has slowed down a little bit I think. He was supposed to graduate sometime in Feb but he told us the other day it may be set back. Since we plan on going down for the graduation I hope I get some idea of when it will be so I can make some tentative plans but I realize that probably won't happen.
ALNavyMom, my son told me that they worked out until a bunch dropped out due to exhaustion or injury. Those that dropped out were rolled back into later classes. They work them hard but they need to make sure they can handle the work and stress. That's why Lydia tells you to tell your sailor to use any spare time they can find to train and prepare for RSS because the attrition rate is very high.
I just want to congratulate all the new graduates! May they continue to be as successful as they have been so far. May they always be protected from harm so that they can do the job they have been trained to do.
I want to wish all those new sailors coming aboard in this pipeline success in their training and good health.
All of you moms I give you lots of hugs and thank you veteran moms for your insights and help.
It is my time to move on from this group as my son has been medically dropped. We had hoped for a dry contract instead of wet but that did not get approved for my son. I wish all of you the best always. God's speed.
NancyNature..... Thank you for the kindest, most heartfelt wishes for our sons, graduates and for the moms.. I am sorry to hear your son was dropped after everything he (and you) have been through..
I wish you and your sailor the very best life has to offer.. and remember when one door closes, another door opens.... I hope he has his health...
NancyNature- I pray for your son and his new adventure...whatever it will be... to be fulfilling and inspiring. I treasure your friendship which has transcended the AIRR program... I am hoping we can arrange another lunch date soon!
Great picture, Lydia. He has grown up so much in just a few years, hasn't he? I will be thinking of you during this holiday season but I know that even though he is far away he will always be close to you in your heart.
MKDiver - hey sista... I did not see an answer to your question about the length of A school for Sierra.... If I remember correctly for Sierra which my Bman was... it was about 2 months... Don't hold me to that exactly... I'm going by memory.. of course Romeo is twice that...
Soupmom... one of my sons Best Life Friends is in Japan and LOVES it...
ALNAVYmom - the instructors immediately try to weed out the kids who just don't have the heart or stamina for Spec Ops.. same in Spec Forces... they beat them up and beat them down - 1000 times worse than Boot Camp... they want the kids gone and out who they don't think can make the cut. The first week and a half to two weeks is miserable for the kids... HOWEVER those who have the stamina, the mental can survive it. Remember - and I know this is sooooo hard..... Spec Ops and Forces are the deepest heartbeat of the Navy's military.. one wrong move, one disobedience and someone might die... so they don't do it to be mean, they do it to save lives. A lot of the kids find out that they are not water bugs...(comfortable in deep water in extreme conditions) some kids get sick of being yelled at and made fun of... they can not look past the mental and see the light at the end of the tunnel... so they DOR and there is no shame in either....some kids get sick ... just a number of reasons.. fortunately in a fail situation (NOT DOR) they will as Jodi said... roll them backl one time... med rolls are tough... depending on what the Sailor has they can roll them back or not..... Hence, Godspeed our NancyNature's boy.... I know where ever God puts him , he will be stellar!!!! So other than medical - you either have it or not... but that by no means means that he or she is not awesome in their own way... what ever way that is that God has set for them ... some just don't find it out until they are in the midst of the pain and chaos.... The attrition is about as high here as it is for Buds / SEALs... hold times are crucial for their success... they have to beef up big time after boot camp...
Nancy - you are always our friend... please come back and tell us how he is doing... you will see - he will be great... just takes a bit of time to re-acclimate himself
Jodi - thank you sista!!!! I removed the picture... Just did not seem right.. he is not in regulation... so just in case hahaha doubt any in his command will be on our page but one never knows does one hahahaha
I haven't posted in awhile. My Son is still training waiting on those wings! The training is brutally SLOW!!! Not sure when to expect the wings going on 11/2 in his squadron!
Hello fellow Navy Parents! I have been out of touch for a bit - had lots of family in for the holiday (though not my favorite Navy guy) though he will be home in 12 days for Christmas. Not that I'm counting or anything. =)
Nancy - so sorry to hear about your son, though I am sure that once he finds his land legs he will be awesome. On the plus side, you will probably get to see him more often now.
Congratulations to all of you with sons graduating A School - that is quite an accomplishment and I know they, and you, are proud. As are we!
BTW - not sure how it works, but when my son graduated, there were two Instructors with cameras taking pictures of each of the graduates (it was quite a production, making sure that each of the Navy cameras, plus each of the family cameras got pictures of certificates and ranks being handed out) if I remember correctly, the pictures were emailed to my son and he forwarded them to me. Ask your son about whether or not the instructors took pictures and whether or not they have received an email with them.
Hi yall....... okay so I got a message from Karen, Pastors wife of the church I always tell yall about here... in San Diego... one of your boys first initial D and his buddy went last Sunday... Said that his mom was on a navy site and Lydia told them about the church hehehehehehehe awesome..... wonder whose boy that was shout it out mamma!!!
BJ Im sooo excited, I hope he enjoyed it.... there are a busy active bunch of folks there.... they just did the street parade and hot coco tent ... something going on every month with those young people... My boy is gone right now darn it or they could have met - but there are several that go... Steve and Karen are awesome and they try to attend each ones FRS graduation... they are just really kewl people... they practice what they preach believe me... xoxoxox
New here so missed the name of the San Diego church. Is it The Rock? If so, I went there with my family over Thanksgiving when we came to visit my son. He has been going there and loves it.
Thanks for the Congrats Melissa, Proudmama & Jodi,
I was very happy that Travelsalot was able to make it over to Pensacola before our boys left (actually she took both our boys to the airport) and sent me a picture.
Jodi and Lydia as always thank you for your support and guidance. Our boys are now in Maine for SERE, tonight is the last time we can talk to them until next week. My son left for BC on 12/13/12. That was the hardest thing I have ever done.
I hope you all are doing well and getting ready for the Holidays. I am keeping my fingers crossed to see my boy after SERE.
HI Tiff... Heart!!! awesome of Traves... SERE they will do stellar... come out with a new out look on life and service.... yes I know what you mean gf.... hardest thing for me now is NOT seeing my boy for the first holiday in 22 years... we have always been together... but he is happy happy and doing what he loves ... and we are never far from their hearts
MOB24 no it is this one..... but hey any church is great mostly... as long as they have active youth... B my sons church has lots of RSS there... and Steve and Karen go to all the FRS graduations to support them..... here is the link I know Steve and Karen... I went to Bible College with Steve and low and behold all these years later my son goes to my bff from 30 years ago church.. crazy awesome..... they have so many ministries for the youth too... always busy... surf ministries, skate park and beach clean ups, street fair booths with face painting... I have photos of these BIG Rescue Swimmers painting the faces of little children hahaha awesome... anyway... glad yall found a good church.. check this one out too... lots of RSS kids and SEALs (when they are home)
So happy to have found the encouragement and support of other moms of sons in the Navy. I feel like such a rookie. My son just left for boot camp on Monday and I already miss him so much.
My SR just started BC this week and will travel to P'cola for the next phase of his journey as a Rescue Swimmer candidate. I am looking forward to following along here to see what comes next. Thanks to those that have come before me and willingly share!
Shirley and Ridgegirl, Welcome. We are all here to support you.It's hard not being able to talk to them but you will get through it. If you haven't already, join Bootcamp Moms and then join the 800 division group when you get your PIR date. Just a reminder that the 800 division works extra hard at bc and sometimes can't write as often as the other groups with your PIR date. I can remember not getting a letter when everyone else was saying they were. I was worried until I checked with other moms on the 800 division and they weren't getting any letters either. You will be amazed at the young men you meet at graduation. Make plans to go if at all possible. It is not something you want to miss. Good luck!!
To all the new Moms, girl friends a word of advise. Remain flexible this is a tough journey. Be as supportive as possible your sailor will need it. RSS is a beat down and extremely difficult. Be strong and ask questions to relieve any anxiety that you may have. I developed shingles when my Son went through SERE's! The stress got to me. This is a great support group and will be a Hugh help through the process. Please remember loose lips sinks ships! !
Thank you for the welcome. I do realize that he will be busy and I tol him that I was ok not receiving letters. Id prefer he send those to his girlfriend as she is the one who is primarily waiting for him. These groups have been very helpful and have helped to put my mind at ease. Thank you for sharing.
Welcome to Anthony's Mom and Ridgegirl - you have embarked on an exciting journey with your sons; there are great things in the works for them and for you.
Tiffany - good luck to your son with SERE; I am sure he will come through with flying colors, but it is a tough time for us Moms as we know what they will be going through and we want to protect them like they are still our little boys. My thoughts are with you through this week and always. Please let us know when he is finished.
Thanks everyone... I feel guilty in my bed all comfy warm and cozy while my son and several others are out there in single digit weather... I think surviving the cold is the better alternative.. if you know what I mean.. (heartstrings_)
New Moms welcome. It's a bumpy ride but you are in the right place.
Travelsalot - OMG! I have been having those same thoughts and feelings. I know that God has them in the palm of his hand. I cried my entire drive into work this morning. Todat is One year that he left for B/C.
If you have tried to text me this week; my cell phone crashed Monday and I just got my replacement late yesterday. (I haven't been ignoring you).
I will check in with you this weekend.
Anthony's Mom and Ridgegirl- my son is fairly early on in the pipeline. He began bc in August, graduated Aircrew school about a month or so ago and is currently in P'cola waiting to begin Starboard D. training. Have you ever head that Patience is a virtue??? Well, for the AIRR program- I think it is a requirement! You are in the right place! These Ladies are phenomenal!!!!!!! I don't know what I would have done without their guidance and reassurance!
Travelsalot- I will keep your boy in my prayers.... and you and your family too!! What a tough school....for the student and mama! I think about how far your son has come on his journey to become a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer! He will have stories for sure. I will light my Navy Candle for you!
Thanks Proudmama.. The candle will keep them warm, Thank You!!! If they are a good team, they will keep each other warm.
Heartstrings, My son has had quite the journey..He started May 16, 2012.. I know he will be fine .. Uncomfortable and cold, but he will be fine..I wonder if our boys are on the same team...Cant say too much about it ...
proudmama: Thanks for the encouraging words. Looking forward to sharing in his successes !I am a flight nurse and cannot wait until he starts aircrew school. So excited for him.
Son comes home in 9 days! He graduated FRC 12/6 and will be stationed in San Diego, but he's coming home to sunny Florida (HOME!) for three weeks. Hubby and I cannot wait. I believe he is more excited than we are and that's hard to measure. He's done so well. I remember all those feelings and worry all along his journey, stay calm, have faith and be very supportive. If they don't mature and learn patience in this pipeline they won't ever! My son had become the most patient and steady young man I've ever known for his age. It's all part of the process and we cannot wait for the Holidays with our Rescue Swimmer! Hoping everyone gets to the point we are at in this and gets to feel all the rewards of all the concern and hard work they put in to their training. Happy Holidays all you Mom's!
going well for you. My son comes home next Saturday. It's hard to believe it has been a year since my son has been home.Thank goodness for Facetime but it doesn't take the place of having him home. I agree with you on how much they have grown up in a year and a half. My son is supposed to graduate in Feb or March and will probably head for San Diego too so the boys may be together again soon. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas holiday with your son.
Hi, Tiffany and Travelsalot - My son graduated and left Pensacola for SERE last week and is out in the cold right now also. I'm with you as far as feeling sick and worried about his being out in this cold, but I'm sure they were prepared and will handle it well. Can't stand the waiting, though. It's been one year also since he went to boot camp, so maybe he's been with your sons all along! Best of luck to all those going through SERE right now. They'll be ready for a great Christmas holiday! Hopefully we'll get to see them.
Hi airmom10 I actually have met your son. He's with my husband now.
I feel bad about them being in the cold as well but I am sure they are well prepared.
Keke!!! Nice to hear from you again! It's been awhile since you've been on - my son goes to San Diego after this - how about your husband? Hope you'll be together for the holidays - my son's happy to have SERE done before the holidays so he can relax and fatten back up afterwards.
Jodi - yes, we both have our son's back on the same day! How cool is that? Maybe the 818, will reunite next year in San Diego. Have a great holiday with your sailor and yes, they are much different then the young men that were sent off to Great Lakes. SERE Mom's, don't fret like we did. They all do just fine and will never discuss it with you anyway, hahaha.....it was just the "worst week" of their lives and soon over with because they move on to much bigger and better things. I worried way too much! Good luck all.
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Tiffany, your son will be joining mine as he is at JAX right now. He has been flying for a few weeks and loves it. I missed A-School graduation but we have told him we will be there for FRAC. He says it's a short ceremony but we do want to make at least one. We were going to go down for Thanksgiving but he had already make plans with his roommate. I guess he's growing up, sigh. But he will be home for Christmas and we can't wait!
Lydia, you are in our thoughts during this holiday season especially when it will be your first without your son. What a sweet message he put up on FB. You have every reason to be proud of the young man you raised! I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Nov 26, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Hope you all had a wonderful day!
Nov 28, 2013
Tiffany
Dec 3, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Tiffany, hopefully there will be someone there to take pictures for you. Congratulations to your son (and you for surviving all of this lol).
Dec 3, 2013
MK5Diver
Congratulations to those of you who's sailors graduated from "A" School! Such a long journey. My son starts "A" School this week.
Dec 3, 2013
MK5Diver
Can someone let me know the actual length of A School for Sierra?
Dec 3, 2013
airmom10
My son graduated from A School today also - so sorry we couldn't make it either. He told me there would be no one there to take pictures. Oh well ...I'm so proud of the boys - they've worked hard to get this far!
Dec 3, 2013
airmom10
Travelsalot, congrats to you to! I think he's ready - he's really excited to be moving on from Pensacola.
Dec 3, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Congrats to Airmom10 and Travelsalot to your sailors making it through and now moving on to the next step.
Sorry, I can't help you MK5Diver, my son is a Bravo but I'm sure Lydia will know.
Dec 4, 2013
proudmama
Congrats Airmom10 and Travelsalot and Heartstrings...what a fantastic achievement! !
Heartstrings....I felt your joy for your son and his accomplishment and the sorrow that you couldn't be there to see him graduate... when I wasn't able to go see my son in Florida after graduating from aircrew school, I told him that if I didn't get multiple pictures from him, I would fly right down there... and ask all his friends to pose for pictures and instead of saying telling the guys to say "cheese" I would tell them to say "I love Z's mom!". That was enough of a "threat" that I suddenly had about 6 pics sent to me of aircrew school graduation! haha. Of course, I will continue that effective strategy to make sure I get plenty of graduation pics.
To all of you who have had sons or daughters recently graduate from RSS and further down the pipeline... could you tell me when your son/daughter began the journey to rescue swimmer... and what was the attrition rate in RSS and A school? I'm just wondering since my son is at the beginning of the pipeline (graduated aircrew and won't start starboard d until after the holidays).
Dec 4, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Proudmama, my son left for bc on 7/3/12 and arrived in Pensacola Labor Day weekend. He classed up fairly quickly for all classes. When he started RSS there were 38 sailors in his class but they were down to 20 the first day. By the time he graduated I think his class was around 11 with 3 of those from previous roll backs. The attrition rate is very high but if your son is willing to work really hard he should be fine. I haven't heard my son say anything about anyone leaving A School so I think once they make it through RSS they are likely to stay a rescue swimmer. The schooling is still difficult . He will have a lot to study for especially if he becomes a Romeo as their schooling is longer.
Dec 4, 2013
ALNavyMom
Dec 4, 2013
SoupMom
Hi Everyone,
My son is finishing FRS. He received his orders for Japan. Anyone else going to Japan? Any advice or suggestions?
Dec 4, 2013
proudmama
Jodi- thanks for the timeline review...do you feel that the pipeline was impacted by the shut down? Has your son's training slowed down? Has he finished all of his training?
SoupMom-Congrats on finishing FRS! Is that the same thing as finishing A School? I have heard that Japan is a great place to be stationed! How does your son feel about that?
Dec 4, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
SoupMom, congrats to your son on receiving his orders. It sounds like it would be a cool place to be.
Proudmama, his training has slowed down a little bit I think. He was supposed to graduate sometime in Feb but he told us the other day it may be set back. Since we plan on going down for the graduation I hope I get some idea of when it will be so I can make some tentative plans but I realize that probably won't happen.
ALNavyMom, my son told me that they worked out until a bunch dropped out due to exhaustion or injury. Those that dropped out were rolled back into later classes. They work them hard but they need to make sure they can handle the work and stress. That's why Lydia tells you to tell your sailor to use any spare time they can find to train and prepare for RSS because the attrition rate is very high.
Dec 4, 2013
nancynature
I just want to congratulate all the new graduates! May they continue to be as successful as they have been so far. May they always be protected from harm so that they can do the job they have been trained to do.
I want to wish all those new sailors coming aboard in this pipeline success in their training and good health.
All of you moms I give you lots of hugs and thank you veteran moms for your insights and help.
It is my time to move on from this group as my son has been medically dropped. We had hoped for a dry contract instead of wet but that did not get approved for my son. I wish all of you the best always. God's speed.
Dec 5, 2013
Travelsalot
I wish you and your sailor the very best life has to offer.. and remember when one door closes, another door opens.... I hope he has his health...
Dec 5, 2013
proudmama
NancyNature- I pray for your son and his new adventure...whatever it will be... to be fulfilling and inspiring. I treasure your friendship which has transcended the AIRR program... I am hoping we can arrange another lunch date soon!
Dec 5, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Great picture, Lydia. He has grown up so much in just a few years, hasn't he? I will be thinking of you during this holiday season but I know that even though he is far away he will always be close to you in your heart.
Dec 5, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
MKDiver - hey sista... I did not see an answer to your question about the length of A school for Sierra.... If I remember correctly for Sierra which my Bman was... it was about 2 months... Don't hold me to that exactly... I'm going by memory.. of course Romeo is twice that...
Soupmom... one of my sons Best Life Friends is in Japan and LOVES it...
ALNAVYmom - the instructors immediately try to weed out the kids who just don't have the heart or stamina for Spec Ops.. same in Spec Forces... they beat them up and beat them down - 1000 times worse than Boot Camp... they want the kids gone and out who they don't think can make the cut. The first week and a half to two weeks is miserable for the kids... HOWEVER those who have the stamina, the mental can survive it. Remember - and I know this is sooooo hard..... Spec Ops and Forces are the deepest heartbeat of the Navy's military.. one wrong move, one disobedience and someone might die... so they don't do it to be mean, they do it to save lives. A lot of the kids find out that they are not water bugs...(comfortable in deep water in extreme conditions) some kids get sick of being yelled at and made fun of... they can not look past the mental and see the light at the end of the tunnel... so they DOR and there is no shame in either....some kids get sick ... just a number of reasons.. fortunately in a fail situation (NOT DOR) they will as Jodi said... roll them backl one time... med rolls are tough... depending on what the Sailor has they can roll them back or not..... Hence, Godspeed our NancyNature's boy.... I know where ever God puts him , he will be stellar!!!! So other than medical - you either have it or not... but that by no means means that he or she is not awesome in their own way... what ever way that is that God has set for them ... some just don't find it out until they are in the midst of the pain and chaos.... The attrition is about as high here as it is for Buds / SEALs... hold times are crucial for their success... they have to beef up big time after boot camp...
Nancy - you are always our friend... please come back and tell us how he is doing... you will see - he will be great... just takes a bit of time to re-acclimate himself
Dec 6, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Jodi - thank you sista!!!! I removed the picture... Just did not seem right.. he is not in regulation... so just in case hahaha doubt any in his command will be on our page but one never knows does one hahahaha
Dec 6, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Ill put the photo on MY Page with all my other photos
Dec 6, 2013
sweetpea4
Nancy, best of luck to your Son! God has a plan and your Son will find his way!! Praying for you and him!! God Bless!
Dec 6, 2013
sweetpea4
I haven't posted in awhile. My Son is still training waiting on those wings! The training is brutally SLOW!!! Not sure when to expect the wings going on 11/2 in his squadron!
Dec 6, 2013
Melissa
Hello fellow Navy Parents! I have been out of touch for a bit - had lots of family in for the holiday (though not my favorite Navy guy) though he will be home in 12 days for Christmas. Not that I'm counting or anything. =)
Nancy - so sorry to hear about your son, though I am sure that once he finds his land legs he will be awesome. On the plus side, you will probably get to see him more often now.
Congratulations to all of you with sons graduating A School - that is quite an accomplishment and I know they, and you, are proud. As are we!
BTW - not sure how it works, but when my son graduated, there were two Instructors with cameras taking pictures of each of the graduates (it was quite a production, making sure that each of the Navy cameras, plus each of the family cameras got pictures of certificates and ranks being handed out) if I remember correctly, the pictures were emailed to my son and he forwarded them to me. Ask your son about whether or not the instructors took pictures and whether or not they have received an email with them.
Dec 8, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Hi yall....... okay so I got a message from Karen, Pastors wife of the church I always tell yall about here... in San Diego... one of your boys first initial D and his buddy went last Sunday... Said that his mom was on a navy site and Lydia told them about the church hehehehehehehe awesome..... wonder whose boy that was shout it out mamma!!!
Melissa HI sista!
HI Sweetpea
Dec 9, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
BJ Im sooo excited, I hope he enjoyed it.... there are a busy active bunch of folks there.... they just did the street parade and hot coco tent ... something going on every month with those young people... My boy is gone right now darn it or they could have met - but there are several that go... Steve and Karen are awesome and they try to attend each ones FRS graduation... they are just really kewl people... they practice what they preach believe me... xoxoxox
Dec 10, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
OH BJ in they also have a Surfing ministry !!!!
Dec 10, 2013
MOB4
New here so missed the name of the San Diego church. Is it The Rock? If so, I went there with my family over Thanksgiving when we came to visit my son. He has been going there and loves it.
Dec 10, 2013
Tiffany
I was very happy that Travelsalot was able to make it over to Pensacola before our boys left (actually she took both our boys to the airport) and sent me a picture.
Jodi and Lydia as always thank you for your support and guidance. Our boys are now in Maine for SERE, tonight is the last time we can talk to them until next week. My son left for BC on 12/13/12. That was the hardest thing I have ever done.
I hope you all are doing well and getting ready for the Holidays. I am keeping my fingers crossed to see my boy after SERE.
Love you all. XXOOXXOO
Dec 11, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
HI Tiff... Heart!!! awesome of Traves... SERE they will do stellar... come out with a new out look on life and service.... yes I know what you mean gf.... hardest thing for me now is NOT seeing my boy for the first holiday in 22 years... we have always been together... but he is happy happy and doing what he loves ... and we are never far from their hearts
MOB24 no it is this one..... but hey any church is great mostly... as long as they have active youth... B my sons church has lots of RSS there... and Steve and Karen go to all the FRS graduations to support them..... here is the link I know Steve and Karen... I went to Bible College with Steve and low and behold all these years later my son goes to my bff from 30 years ago church.. crazy awesome..... they have so many ministries for the youth too... always busy... surf ministries, skate park and beach clean ups, street fair booths with face painting... I have photos of these BIG Rescue Swimmers painting the faces of little children hahaha awesome... anyway... glad yall found a good church.. check this one out too... lots of RSS kids and SEALs (when they are home)
http://newbreak.org/pacific-beach
Dec 11, 2013
A's Mom
Dec 12, 2013
Ridgegirl
My SR just started BC this week and will travel to P'cola for the next phase of his journey as a Rescue Swimmer candidate. I am looking forward to following along here to see what comes next. Thanks to those that have come before me and willingly share!
Dec 12, 2013
A's Mom
Dec 12, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Shirley and Ridgegirl, Welcome. We are all here to support you.It's hard not being able to talk to them but you will get through it. If you haven't already, join Bootcamp Moms and then join the 800 division group when you get your PIR date. Just a reminder that the 800 division works extra hard at bc and sometimes can't write as often as the other groups with your PIR date. I can remember not getting a letter when everyone else was saying they were. I was worried until I checked with other moms on the 800 division and they weren't getting any letters either. You will be amazed at the young men you meet at graduation. Make plans to go if at all possible. It is not something you want to miss. Good luck!!
Dec 12, 2013
sweetpea4
To all the new Moms, girl friends a word of advise. Remain flexible this is a tough journey. Be as supportive as possible your sailor will need it. RSS is a beat down and extremely difficult. Be strong and ask questions to relieve any anxiety that you may have. I developed shingles when my Son went through SERE's! The stress got to me. This is a great support group and will be a Hugh help through the process. Please remember loose lips sinks ships! !
Dec 12, 2013
A's Mom
Dec 12, 2013
Ridgegirl
Dec 12, 2013
Melissa
Welcome to Anthony's Mom and Ridgegirl - you have embarked on an exciting journey with your sons; there are great things in the works for them and for you.
Tiffany - good luck to your son with SERE; I am sure he will come through with flying colors, but it is a tough time for us Moms as we know what they will be going through and we want to protect them like they are still our little boys. My thoughts are with you through this week and always. Please let us know when he is finished.
Ten days (and counting!) til my boy is home!!
Dec 13, 2013
Travelsalot
Dec 13, 2013
Tiffany
New Moms welcome. It's a bumpy ride but you are in the right place.
Travelsalot - OMG! I have been having those same thoughts and feelings. I know that God has them in the palm of his hand. I cried my entire drive into work this morning. Todat is One year that he left for B/C.
If you have tried to text me this week; my cell phone crashed Monday and I just got my replacement late yesterday. (I haven't been ignoring you).
I will check in with you this weekend.
Have a great weekend ladies. Love y'all :)
Dec 13, 2013
proudmama
Anthony's Mom and Ridgegirl- my son is fairly early on in the pipeline. He began bc in August, graduated Aircrew school about a month or so ago and is currently in P'cola waiting to begin Starboard D. training. Have you ever head that Patience is a virtue??? Well, for the AIRR program- I think it is a requirement! You are in the right place! These Ladies are phenomenal!!!!!!! I don't know what I would have done without their guidance and reassurance!
Travelsalot- I will keep your boy in my prayers.... and you and your family too!! What a tough school....for the student and mama! I think about how far your son has come on his journey to become a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer! He will have stories for sure. I will light my Navy Candle for you!
Dec 13, 2013
Travelsalot
Heartstrings, My son has had quite the journey..He started May 16, 2012.. I know he will be fine .. Uncomfortable and cold, but he will be fine..I wonder if our boys are on the same team...Cant say too much about it ...
Dec 13, 2013
Ridgegirl
proudmama: Thanks for the encouraging words. Looking forward to sharing in his successes !I am a flight nurse and cannot wait until he starts aircrew school. So excited for him.
Dec 13, 2013
GMom
Son comes home in 9 days! He graduated FRC 12/6 and will be stationed in San Diego, but he's coming home to sunny Florida (HOME!) for three weeks. Hubby and I cannot wait. I believe he is more excited than we are and that's hard to measure. He's done so well. I remember all those feelings and worry all along his journey, stay calm, have faith and be very supportive. If they don't mature and learn patience in this pipeline they won't ever! My son had become the most patient and steady young man I've ever known for his age. It's all part of the process and we cannot wait for the Holidays with our Rescue Swimmer! Hoping everyone gets to the point we are at in this and gets to feel all the rewards of all the concern and hard work they put in to their training. Happy Holidays all you Mom's!
Dec 13, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Hi, GMom, it's been a while. Hope things are d
going well for you. My son comes home next Saturday. It's hard to believe it has been a year since my son has been home.Thank goodness for Facetime but it doesn't take the place of having him home. I agree with you on how much they have grown up in a year and a half. My son is supposed to graduate in Feb or March and will probably head for San Diego too so the boys may be together again soon. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas holiday with your son.
Dec 13, 2013
airmom10
Hi, Tiffany and Travelsalot - My son graduated and left Pensacola for SERE last week and is out in the cold right now also. I'm with you as far as feeling sick and worried about his being out in this cold, but I'm sure they were prepared and will handle it well. Can't stand the waiting, though. It's been one year also since he went to boot camp, so maybe he's been with your sons all along! Best of luck to all those going through SERE right now. They'll be ready for a great Christmas holiday! Hopefully we'll get to see them.
Dec 14, 2013
Keke
I feel bad about them being in the cold as well but I am sure they are well prepared.
Dec 14, 2013
airmom10
Keke!!! Nice to hear from you again! It's been awhile since you've been on - my son goes to San Diego after this - how about your husband? Hope you'll be together for the holidays - my son's happy to have SERE done before the holidays so he can relax and fatten back up afterwards.
Dec 14, 2013
GMom
Jodi - yes, we both have our son's back on the same day! How cool is that? Maybe the 818, will reunite next year in San Diego. Have a great holiday with your sailor and yes, they are much different then the young men that were sent off to Great Lakes. SERE Mom's, don't fret like we did. They all do just fine and will never discuss it with you anyway, hahaha.....it was just the "worst week" of their lives and soon over with because they move on to much bigger and better things. I worried way too much! Good luck all.
Dec 14, 2013