CC1058, I usually send priority mail since you can stuff a lot of things in a large box for a flat rate plus you can track it. Whichever way you send it you will definitely want to track it. I track the package on line then send my son a text when I see that it has been delivered.
I wouldn't ever bother with the expense of overnight shipping. Even if the package gets to the Air Station overnight, it might be a week or more before it gets sorted out to where ever your son is. Get the military mail priority box from the Post Office - cheapest way to go.
Melissa, I didn't catch her overnight comment but I agree priority mail is the best way to go. I've done UPS also but I tend to cram as much in a care package as I can and the flat rate is the way I go now. I use the game box size priority mail because it seems like I can get more in the box. I'm cheap so I like to get more bang for my buck lol.
Cc1058, my son has been in almost 3 years. He's in San Diego now. They just rotate those numbers at bc. I think it has something to do with the week they arrive there but I might be wrong.
Hello everyone--I haven't been on her for quite some time now. So good to see that all seems to going well for everyone. My son has finally graduated and left SD and is now in Guam. He absolutely loves his job and his new squadron telling us he loves jumping out of helocopters. Hope you all are well and your sailors are making it through alright.
Hell to all--the old and the new members of this group. Haven't checked in for a time, but looks that things are going well for you..
Our "airman" ( thanks Melissa for putting me straight) is in SD in FRAC and said that at graduation they are classified as "grade 1" and there are 6 grades. Can any one in this group tell us more about the levers of the ARRs and what training and tasks are associated with the grades.
Sorry Saltyocean - I can't help you with that one at all. Even asked my son about it and he too is clueless. However, he is a Sierra, so maybe this is a Romeo thing? If so, perhaps Jodi can answer, since her son is a Romeo.
Hope everyone is doing well and staying warm - we hit a high of 7 today. Whoo! And my parents are currently in Arkansas to visit the Clinton Library and snowed in, which doesn't happen in Little Rock - they have one snow plow and the entire city was shut down. I told my very staunchly Republican Father that it was his fault Hell was freezing over because he was visiting that Democrat's Library. He thought maybe there was some truth in that. =)
And lest anyone think I am serious - I was joking with my Dad about Clinton and the unusual weather. My parents are making it one of their retirement missions to visit as many Presidential Libraries as possible, regardless of party affiliation. So far, Regan and Eisenhower are their favorites and most highly recommended, if anyone is interested.
WELL HELLO EVERYONE - yup I have been MIA for what ummm about 6 or so months or more... sheeesh after hubs and I moved from TX to AZ... I just got overwhelmed... BUT I knew yall would be just fine without me with all the mammas who are far along in the pipeline now!!! I can not go back 40 pages to catch up but i did go back a few.. I see so many familiar mammas here helping each other and the newbies! Salty... since Romeo are considered in FRAC training and Rescue Swimmers Sierra are FRS... perhaps therein lies the "grade" thing.. l will post the question to my son and see if he can enlighten me. He is currently out on second deployment... but they have reasonable internet service.. so I see him on FB some times... So my son is at the end of his 6 year contract and has put in a package for EOD =( well, if it makes him happy then mamma is happy I suppose... (not in my secret heart tho!) btw... my heart is heavy for our Aircrew who went down on training at Pendleton in Pcola... ugggggggggg Tragic, sad.. many thoughts love and hope go out for the family members..
Hello to all who have sons/daughters on the MS-60s .Send prayers to those in the Army and Marines who went down in a training mission in Florida and to their parents. There go all of us but for the grace of God. Tell your loved ones that you love them
Hey, Lydia, great to hear from you again. So your son is thinking of re-uping? I'm with you on not being thrilled with his choice-something about working with explosives is a little scary but at least you know that he will be properly trained for it.
HI ladies!!!! ahhh tis good to be back.. .and I promise I will try to get here every day or so!!!!! Congrats Tiffany.. well on his way to those beloved wings!
Jodi - yes re-upping for sure. Well, he is an E5 and said that beyond that in the Rescue Swimmer rate.. there is not much further to go any time soon. Hence the change of Rate. My brother was EOD.. and officer and he loved it.. what is it about guys that they like to blow "Stuff" up hahaha eeeek
So anyway... here is my offering to the lost souls of the downed chopper... love yall!!!!!!
Wow, haven't been on in quite awhile. I am deeply sadden by the lost of the spec opps, this happened in my back yard so to speak and watching the recovery on our shores. I am without words for the emotions that I am experiencing along with all of our brother and sisters in uniform.
Big changes for my RSS his squadron has been defunded UGH!!!! I am very upset about the defunding of our very special units...... Any way the Navy way is to remind flexible and that is just what is happening. My Son loves the Navy and is going to be making a huge transition. Praying for all our forces
saltyocean, I talked to my son last night about the grades you mentioned. He thinks you may be referring to levels. If I remember correctly all he was telling me, once he graduates FRAC he will become a Level 100 airman. He has 6 months to complete all the testing for that level to become a Level 200 airman and so on. I hope I'm remembering what he told me. Hope this info helps :)
sweetpea4, I'm sorry to hear about your son's squadron. It must be frustrating to him to train so long for something and then have it changed. Is your son also going to try for a different rate like Lydia's?
Sweet Pea... What does that mean that his squadron has been defunded? Anybody who could answer that would be appreciated!
Loved reading the recent posts from you all...I was very sad about the recent accident. My son had just sent me a pic after his flight with a helo hovering in the background... hours before that accident... I totally lost it and cried on and off for the rest of the day. I wish there was something we could do...some way we could reach out to those families-not person to person but maybe from our community to theirs??? Just a thought... and a wish....
Love, love, love my Navy guy, but my daughter and her Air Force husband are coming home today - after two years away. T minus 4 hours until their plane lands!
I am so excited!! Hope you all have a great weekend also. =)
The Reserve Spec Opp squadrons are being defunded due to $$$$ Secret Helo to expensive to fund>>>>>>....... Really disturbed by this!! As all should be!! Drove along the sound and beach today on my way to Pensacola past the crash site and cried like a baby all the way to my destination. My heart just bleeds. This is area loves our military the flowers and the flags along the beach is so very touching!! We are all in a funk!!!
I had to comment today, because I was wondering if any of you other Mother's felt/feel the same way... My guy turns 21 today, which is SUCH a relief to me. He joined the Navy during his Senior year in high school, while he was still 17; left for Boot Camp at 18 and has been through the whole pipeline and joined his Squadron last April right after he turned 20.
Knowing the job they do, the ages of the majority of the people in their Squadron, and what the legal drinking age is in this country - did/does anyone else stress out about their underage son getting caught with a beer and potentially sending their career on a skid? For whatever reason, this is something I focused on more than worries about his jumping out of the helicopter! Maybe I focused on that, so that I wouldn't have to focus on him swimming around in that big, deep ocean, or learning to shoot those big guns.
Oh goodness - I'm in for it now, aren't I, no more little things to worry about, just the big stuff?!
Okay, well at least for today, I will just focus on wishing him the happiest of birthdays and wallowing in the pride I feel for the wonderful young man he has become. =)
Melissa, Happy belated birthday to your son. My son turns 21 next month so our stories are a lot alike. We remind him a lot what would be at stake if he were to get caught with a drink and just hope he pays attention.
Proud to report our son has completed the RS pipeline! We're heading to his graduation in San Diego next week :) He's excited for the next chapter and to actually start working.
He's Sierra. @etripp4, I hope you get to go to your sailor's PIR; it's very impressive and an emotional day for everyone. Rescue swimmer graduation is a small occasion, but a pretty big deal to have made it through, so if you're able, try to make it to that, too. There's 4 others graduating with my son next week, so not sure what to expect, but I'll keep y'all posted!
Just informed that FRAC graduation is coming up soon. Can any of you moms tell me a little about what to expect.. We are excited to go. Thanks in advance.
Saltyocean - FRAC or FRS graduation is not unlike A School graduation in that it is a smaller, less formal affair than BC grad. In San Diego, it is held outside on the patio (weather permitting) across from Coronado Bay. The graduates receive their certificates, if any of them are being promoted that will occur, and then they are symbolically given their wings, and the Sr. student will lead them in the oath.
Following, there was cake and punch, plus the opportunity to meet instructors and friends, then my son was able to give me a tour of the School House, the flight line, and I got to see one of the helo's up close and personal.
The dress was business casual, though make sure you have on comfortable shoes - and bring your camera. During my son's grad, there were two Navy ships, and a 4-masted sailboat that passed in the bay.
It is short, but touching, and worth the effort to be there, but don't beat yourself up about it if you can't go - the guys understand.
Thank you Melissa for the information about the FRS graduation. We were able to see the BC and the AIR Crew graduation. This one will seem to be the light at the end of a long tunnel, with the fork in the road only beginning. Your tips on how to dress are appreciated.
Hello members of Moms of Aviation Rescue Swimmers! I was just wondering if any of you would be interested in becoming an admin for the group. Feel free to message me if you're interested in this role.
Good morning everyone! Some in this group are being deployed in the very near future. Blue candles for them!
My son is Romeo so it feels like A school just keeps going and going and going....my son's group (squadron?) is to graduate in August. How do you book a hotel room at the Navy lodge when they book up so far in advance? I can book a room now based on my son's projected graduation date, but it is likely to be moved by a week or two...or so I have heard... Any advice?
Salty Ocean- How was your son's graduation? Were you able to book a room fairly easily?
proudmama - it's my understanding that your son has to do the booking at the Navy Lodge, and that he should do it as far in advance as he possibly can. He should be able to ask them about changing the booking based on graduation dates.
My son passed his boards!! One more flight to go and then those gold wings are all his. Can't wait to see him with those pinned on his chest.
Happy Mother's Day to all of you! Thanks to all the wonderful Vet moms who guide us throughout this pipeline and share this journey for those of us who are not as far in the pipeline!
Cc1058
Feb 25, 2015
Cc1058
Feb 25, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
CC1058, I usually send priority mail since you can stuff a lot of things in a large box for a flat rate plus you can track it. Whichever way you send it you will definitely want to track it. I track the package on line then send my son a text when I see that it has been delivered.
Feb 25, 2015
Cc1058
Feb 25, 2015
Melissa
I wouldn't ever bother with the expense of overnight shipping. Even if the package gets to the Air Station overnight, it might be a week or more before it gets sorted out to where ever your son is. Get the military mail priority box from the Post Office - cheapest way to go.
Feb 25, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Melissa, I didn't catch her overnight comment but I agree priority mail is the best way to go. I've done UPS also but I tend to cram as much in a care package as I can and the flat rate is the way I go now. I use the game box size priority mail because it seems like I can get more in the box. I'm cheap so I like to get more bang for my buck lol.
Cc1058, my son has been in almost 3 years. He's in San Diego now. They just rotate those numbers at bc. I think it has something to do with the week they arrive there but I might be wrong.
Feb 26, 2015
Melissa
Did anyone see this? http://news.usni.org/2015/02/14/love-air-mh-60s-delivers-surprise-e...
So glad she said yes!
Mar 4, 2015
proudmama
Melissa- so glad you shared that! Very cool!
Mar 4, 2015
SOTS
Really great video!!!
Mar 4, 2015
Cc1058
Mar 4, 2015
Asilomar
This rescue swimmer is near and dear to my heart and he proposed in a big way! This is my daughter's proposal.
Mar 4, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Two great videos ladies. Congrats to the swimmers!
Mar 4, 2015
MK5Diver
Hello everyone--I haven't been on her for quite some time now. So good to see that all seems to going well for everyone. My son has finally graduated and left SD and is now in Guam. He absolutely loves his job and his new squadron telling us he loves jumping out of helocopters. Hope you all are well and your sailors are making it through alright.
Mar 4, 2015
Saltyocean
Hell to all--the old and the new members of this group. Haven't checked in for a time, but looks that things are going well for you..
Our "airman" ( thanks Melissa for putting me straight) is in SD in FRAC and said that at graduation they are classified as "grade 1" and there are 6 grades. Can any one in this group tell us more about the levers of the ARRs and what training and tasks are associated with the grades.
Thanks for any help on this question.
Mar 5, 2015
Saltyocean
That should have read HELLO
Mar 5, 2015
Melissa
Sorry Saltyocean - I can't help you with that one at all. Even asked my son about it and he too is clueless. However, he is a Sierra, so maybe this is a Romeo thing? If so, perhaps Jodi can answer, since her son is a Romeo.
Hope everyone is doing well and staying warm - we hit a high of 7 today. Whoo! And my parents are currently in Arkansas to visit the Clinton Library and snowed in, which doesn't happen in Little Rock - they have one snow plow and the entire city was shut down. I told my very staunchly Republican Father that it was his fault Hell was freezing over because he was visiting that Democrat's Library. He thought maybe there was some truth in that. =)
And lest anyone think I am serious - I was joking with my Dad about Clinton and the unusual weather. My parents are making it one of their retirement missions to visit as many Presidential Libraries as possible, regardless of party affiliation. So far, Regan and Eisenhower are their favorites and most highly recommended, if anyone is interested.
Mar 6, 2015
Saltyocean
Thank you Melissa for your response. Yes he is a Romeo so that may make a difference. Ship 4 Div 814
Mar 6, 2015
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
WELL HELLO EVERYONE - yup I have been MIA for what ummm about 6 or so months or more... sheeesh after hubs and I moved from TX to AZ... I just got overwhelmed... BUT I knew yall would be just fine without me with all the mammas who are far along in the pipeline now!!! I can not go back 40 pages to catch up but i did go back a few.. I see so many familiar mammas here helping each other and the newbies! Salty... since Romeo are considered in FRAC training and Rescue Swimmers Sierra are FRS... perhaps therein lies the "grade" thing.. l will post the question to my son and see if he can enlighten me. He is currently out on second deployment... but they have reasonable internet service.. so I see him on FB some times... So my son is at the end of his 6 year contract and has put in a package for EOD =( well, if it makes him happy then mamma is happy I suppose... (not in my secret heart tho!) btw... my heart is heavy for our Aircrew who went down on training at Pendleton in Pcola... ugggggggggg Tragic, sad.. many thoughts love and hope go out for the family members..
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/marines-soldiers-missing-helicop...
HUGS sistas!!!!
Mar 11, 2015
Saltyocean
Hello to all who have sons/daughters on the MS-60s .Send prayers to those in the Army and Marines who went down in a training mission in Florida and to their parents. There go all of us but for the grace of God. Tell your loved ones that you love them
Mar 11, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Hey, Lydia, great to hear from you again. So your son is thinking of re-uping? I'm with you on not being thrilled with his choice-something about working with explosives is a little scary but at least you know that he will be properly trained for it.
Mar 12, 2015
Tiffany
Good Morning!
Lydia glad to hear you are ok. We missed you.
Tomorrow my son finally graduates FRS. These 26 months went by in a blur. He loves what he is doing though and that makes me proud.
Mar 12, 2015
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
HI ladies!!!! ahhh tis good to be back.. .and I promise I will try to get here every day or so!!!!! Congrats Tiffany.. well on his way to those beloved wings!
Jodi - yes re-upping for sure. Well, he is an E5 and said that beyond that in the Rescue Swimmer rate.. there is not much further to go any time soon. Hence the change of Rate. My brother was EOD.. and officer and he loved it.. what is it about guys that they like to blow "Stuff" up hahaha eeeek
So anyway... here is my offering to the lost souls of the downed chopper... love yall!!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-lmj2kuoAU
Mar 12, 2015
sweetpea4
Wow, haven't been on in quite awhile. I am deeply sadden by the lost of the spec opps, this happened in my back yard so to speak and watching the recovery on our shores. I am without words for the emotions that I am experiencing along with all of our brother and sisters in uniform.
Big changes for my RSS his squadron has been defunded UGH!!!! I am very upset about the defunding of our very special units...... Any way the Navy way is to remind flexible and that is just what is happening. My Son loves the Navy and is going to be making a huge transition. Praying for all our forces
Mar 12, 2015
sweetpea4
Lydia, if your Son gets EOD his training will be a few miles from me!
Mar 12, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
saltyocean, I talked to my son last night about the grades you mentioned. He thinks you may be referring to levels. If I remember correctly all he was telling me, once he graduates FRAC he will become a Level 100 airman. He has 6 months to complete all the testing for that level to become a Level 200 airman and so on. I hope I'm remembering what he told me. Hope this info helps :)
Mar 13, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
sweetpea4, I'm sorry to hear about your son's squadron. It must be frustrating to him to train so long for something and then have it changed. Is your son also going to try for a different rate like Lydia's?
Mar 13, 2015
proudmama
Sweet Pea... What does that mean that his squadron has been defunded? Anybody who could answer that would be appreciated!
Loved reading the recent posts from you all...I was very sad about the recent accident. My son had just sent me a pic after his flight with a helo hovering in the background... hours before that accident... I totally lost it and cried on and off for the rest of the day. I wish there was something we could do...some way we could reach out to those families-not person to person but maybe from our community to theirs??? Just a thought... and a wish....
Have a good weekend everybody!
Mar 13, 2015
Melissa
Love, love, love my Navy guy, but my daughter and her Air Force husband are coming home today - after two years away. T minus 4 hours until their plane lands!
I am so excited!! Hope you all have a great weekend also. =)
Mar 14, 2015
sweetpea4
The Reserve Spec Opp squadrons are being defunded due to $$$$ Secret Helo to expensive to fund>>>>>>....... Really disturbed by this!! As all should be!! Drove along the sound and beach today on my way to Pensacola past the crash site and cried like a baby all the way to my destination. My heart just bleeds. This is area loves our military the flowers and the flags along the beach is so very touching!! We are all in a funk!!!
Mar 14, 2015
Saltyocean
Thank you Jodi for checking with your son on the "levels". Now have the terminology but do you know what each level does?
Mar 17, 2015
Melissa
Hello to everyone!
I had to comment today, because I was wondering if any of you other Mother's felt/feel the same way... My guy turns 21 today, which is SUCH a relief to me. He joined the Navy during his Senior year in high school, while he was still 17; left for Boot Camp at 18 and has been through the whole pipeline and joined his Squadron last April right after he turned 20.
Knowing the job they do, the ages of the majority of the people in their Squadron, and what the legal drinking age is in this country - did/does anyone else stress out about their underage son getting caught with a beer and potentially sending their career on a skid? For whatever reason, this is something I focused on more than worries about his jumping out of the helicopter! Maybe I focused on that, so that I wouldn't have to focus on him swimming around in that big, deep ocean, or learning to shoot those big guns.
Oh goodness - I'm in for it now, aren't I, no more little things to worry about, just the big stuff?!
Okay, well at least for today, I will just focus on wishing him the happiest of birthdays and wallowing in the pride I feel for the wonderful young man he has become. =)
Mar 29, 2015
SOTS
Melissa, Glad it's one less thing for you to worry about - and Happy 21st Birthday to your son!!!
Mar 29, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Melissa, Happy belated birthday to your son. My son turns 21 next month so our stories are a lot alike. We remind him a lot what would be at stake if he were to get caught with a drink and just hope he pays attention.
Mar 31, 2015
TXmom
Apr 1, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Congrats TXmom!!! Is he a Sierra or a Romeo?
Apr 2, 2015
etripp4
Congrats TXmom, from another TX mom. My son is still an SR and hoping to get that "I'm a sailor" call any day. PIR is next week!!
Apr 2, 2015
TXmom
Apr 2, 2015
mtnestr
Aren't those families placed front and center?
Apr 4, 2015
Saltyocean
Just informed that FRAC graduation is coming up soon. Can any of you moms tell me a little about what to expect.. We are excited to go. Thanks in advance.
Apr 6, 2015
Melissa
Saltyocean - FRAC or FRS graduation is not unlike A School graduation in that it is a smaller, less formal affair than BC grad. In San Diego, it is held outside on the patio (weather permitting) across from Coronado Bay. The graduates receive their certificates, if any of them are being promoted that will occur, and then they are symbolically given their wings, and the Sr. student will lead them in the oath.
Following, there was cake and punch, plus the opportunity to meet instructors and friends, then my son was able to give me a tour of the School House, the flight line, and I got to see one of the helo's up close and personal.
The dress was business casual, though make sure you have on comfortable shoes - and bring your camera. During my son's grad, there were two Navy ships, and a 4-masted sailboat that passed in the bay.
It is short, but touching, and worth the effort to be there, but don't beat yourself up about it if you can't go - the guys understand.
Apr 8, 2015
Saltyocean
Thank you Melissa for the information about the FRS graduation. We were able to see the BC and the AIR Crew graduation. This one will seem to be the light at the end of a long tunnel, with the fork in the road only beginning. Your tips on how to dress are appreciated.
Apr 10, 2015
Navy for Moms Admin
Hello members of Moms of Aviation Rescue Swimmers! I was just wondering if any of you would be interested in becoming an admin for the group. Feel free to message me if you're interested in this role.
Thanks,
Tiffany (N4M Admin)
Apr 28, 2015
Grace
Son's graduation is this Friday and I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. Ack!
Heading out to Pensacola tomorrow from Texas and wanted to wish other Moms heading there a safe trip. Look forward to meeting you Friday.
So grateful for the info on this site!
Apr 29, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Congrats Grace on your son's graduation. Safe travels!
Apr 29, 2015
SOTS
Congratulations Grace! Where in Texas are you traveling from?
Apr 29, 2015
Melissa
Congratulations to you and your son Grace. Travel safely and enjoy your visit!
Apr 30, 2015
proudmama
Good morning everyone! Some in this group are being deployed in the very near future. Blue candles for them!
My son is Romeo so it feels like A school just keeps going and going and going....my son's group (squadron?) is to graduate in August. How do you book a hotel room at the Navy lodge when they book up so far in advance? I can book a room now based on my son's projected graduation date, but it is likely to be moved by a week or two...or so I have heard... Any advice?
Salty Ocean- How was your son's graduation? Were you able to book a room fairly easily?
May 9, 2015
Melissa
proudmama - it's my understanding that your son has to do the booking at the Navy Lodge, and that he should do it as far in advance as he possibly can. He should be able to ask them about changing the booking based on graduation dates.
My son passed his boards!! One more flight to go and then those gold wings are all his. Can't wait to see him with those pinned on his chest.
May 9, 2015
proudmama
Thanks Melissa! I truly appreciate the info! Congrats to your son! I am excited for you!
May 10, 2015
proudmama
Happy Mother's Day to all of you! Thanks to all the wonderful Vet moms who guide us throughout this pipeline and share this journey for those of us who are not as far in the pipeline!
May 10, 2015