I think the first place to start would be with the recruiter... seems to me if he cant get it there, he should be able to tell you how. Hopefully his recruiter is a decent one. My daughters left much to be desired...
Hi everyone my son is in Ship 11 Div 274. Let me start by saying that I am very proud of his decision to join the Navy but there was no way to prepare myself for the emotions I have gone through this past week and a half! I cannot wait to see him on 8/26!!!!
Bronco: I agree with Bev...start with the recruiter. Is this something he disclosed to the recruiter but maybe was told it didn't matter? If so, hoping the recruiter will help with this. Only other thing you can do is call the Public Affairs Office tomorrow and ask them where you send medical info that was requested in an info call from your son. I believe they can supply you with a fax number...worth asking about.
I got my daughters official letter yesterday,,, shes officially ship 11/div276! & pir 8/26/11 ;) happiest moment of my day, even though it was my hubby's bday he pulled over and gave me / the letter ALL his attention! Most of the time He's a great step dad ;) well we are happy with her 4 picks to attend, we were worried but she picked my hubby & I & my parents, her brothers a little butt hurt but will get over it!
Oh at meps they said her pir would be 9/2 i did begin making plans as i have family in chicago, but glad i didn't book flights, ;) until I got her official letter! She left meps on June 29' we got her 20 sec call at 11:37pm here in calif, so 1:37am on June 30th Chicago time....
My son also left the MEPS on June 29th and I received his 20 second (if I was lucky it was that long) phone call at 8:35 PM in AZ which was 10:35 there!! I received my kid in a box on Wednesday 7/6 and his form letter on Friday 7/8 - which I have read a lot also!! I read somewhere on N4M that when they receive their phone call they have to use a calling card - is that true? I did not send my SR with one because we figured he could just call collect. If I need to run out and buy one I will do that but I just want to make sure!!
I can't wait to get the first real letter from him to see how things are going. Until I received his form letter I couldn't stop thinking if he was ok - I knew he was but my mind wouldn't shut off!!
Not sure if he disclosed it as it was in 2006 and only on it for like maybe a month, if that, before they stopped it. I will try both avenues of the recruiter and Publc Affairs Tomorrow. I was able to find obtain a 10 page report from the Dr that says just what I said earlier. Hopefully all will be fixed tomorrow.....Thanks for the info
Welcome, USProudMom/SailorBritty'sMom/kiminaz! Great to have you on this group. Please ask any questions that you may have. I am one of the veterans on here ....hoping to help you all through here. Sharon, your group creator, is also a veteran mom so she has alot of info to offer!
kiminaz: They can buy the phone cards at the NEX, but many ladies on here like to buy them (get one with at least 500 minutes on it....the pay phone connection uses up alot of them), activate it, and mail it to them. That is allowed.
SailroBrittys....: It is very possible that her brothers can attend PIR. Are any of them 12 or under? Those don't count towards her 4 guests. Also, we don't know yet how many divisions are in this group (should know tomorrow), but most of the "extras" get in. They may have to wait a bit in the visitors center...or not--sometimes they are seated earlier. I have seen groups with 14 divisions get extras in. So if possible, I hope her brothers will attend! The Navy will only guarantee the 4, but with proper ID, most others get in.
That is good to know about the guests. I've been confused about whether we are limited to 4 absolutely or whether additional family members can attend. Has anyone here actually experienced this? i.e. had 4 family members listed, but additional family waited in the visitors center and got in?
Her brother's 20! I sent her a letter asking if he should come on standby as I want it to be her choice since she's a big girl now .... But it ll killmy feelings if she says no
Great - thanks for letting me know. We have family and friends that may travel with us and also family that may come (around the lake ;-) ) from the Detroit area. I will let them know!
Thanks for the warm welcome! I'm glad I can say what I want on here because I know I'm not the only one that is going through this. I just feel like I had to "give" my child away - that's what hurts the most!! For people who's kids just move out of the house down the street - they don't get it!! We can't just call them or go visit or ask them to come home for dinner - that's the worst part!!! I know they are all doing something that is so important to all of our freedoms and lives as we know it - I just can't wait for the BC part to be over - then I can call him if I need to hear his voice or he can call us if he needs to! I understand, it gets better - I have to be patient!!
Kiminaz, As Sharon said, civilian families just can not understand what Military families go through. Saying good bye to love ones going to boot camp is not the same as moving your kid into college.
I can say that once your Sailors are in (A)school things get a lot easier. You can at least talk to them via Skype or Cell phone.
Hello, ladies. I'm another regular veteran mom helping out on here. I have been away for the last week and just recovering from a move across the country. It will take me a few days to get back into the swing of things on here. Just wanted to introduce myself to you, because like some of the other experienced moms on here, I will also be here to help. Welcome to the emotional roller coaster of boot camp moms. :)
Got a call from my SR today! I was at work when someone came and got me to go take a call! She sounded a lot happier then the last call on the 4th of July and alot more confident in her choice. Also said they get to start running tomorrow, a good thing for her! She loves to run!
Wow.... How long has she been there brit left June 29 I haven't gotten a call...she said it'd be about 3-4 weeks till is hear from her.... Got the official letter yesterday that gave 8/26 pir
Shes out of processing now LaLa. Most of the rest got there later that day. I am thinking the ones that arrived with her were a little more "local" like her. We are only about 2 hours away from GL. I got my form letter last thursday.. the 7th. ( P days = processing days... right? lol)
I'm so jealous that you got a call today Bev! I am holding out hope that my SR will get to call today! I know they say it'll be 3 weeks... but some get to call one the second week... let's just say my phone is attatched to me as we speak lol. He got there on the 27th... but I know that not one SR's experience is like the others...
Ladies, some of you may even get some bonus phone calls if your SR is going in a rate that requires a security clearance. Some SR's will have to call for information on family/friends. So, if you know that your SR is getting a security clearance, have that information handy because those calls are usually short ones and unexpected.
my phone is with me all the time too... but had to have it on vibrate at work, so i missed the call to my cell... so she called the store. May not always like my job... but this time walmart is supporting me good.
yes, p-days are processing days. Glad that is over for all of them. My Sailor said P-days are the worst part of boot camp. She says P-days were He** days lol.
Bev, keeping the phone in the bra might keep you from missing more calls. Ok, so it doesn't do much for the "bust line" and when it vibrates, you may get some strange looks from those around you as you "dig it out," ...but you won't miss the call!
Kid in a box was hard! The last clothes you see them in just thrown in an everyday box...memories.
PIR huge exciting day....right now it seems a lifetime away...it will come...on a bright note my experience was my son has three bros and me and my husband which makes 5. His youngest brother was the "expendable crewman"...then I found out the am of PIR that he could go in as an extra....he got in line with us they checked us off and let him in. He could sit with us...his new sailor bro did not know that extras were allowed in. Take whoever along with ID, they may not get to sit by you and I suppose there is the possibility that they may not get in, but sad but true not every SRs family is able to be there.
Bev, Vibrating bra tooo funny! You will be sooo excited, Dancing around trying to get at that phone!!!! You may cause a little excitement at Walmart!
I also keep my phone in my bra, but I started that before my son left for BC. I was aways losing it or didn't hear it! lol
I also am hoping my extras can get in....I am divorced and remarried and have Jake's 3 sisters and his GF is on the list. So trying to get me, my husband, 3 girls all in. When I got his papers....he had list me, my x, x's gf, his own gf...that left out my husband and his 3 sisters......and I do not want to spend a weekend without my girls and my husband.
Just got my Form letter this weekend!! My SR is Dive 11/274 - looks like he goofed on his letter and put graduation as Aug 6...From everything I see it's Aug 26.
I noticed on an earlier posting there is a FB page..could someone let me know the title..thanks
Hi Kimberley - my SR is also in Ship 11/Div 274!! Good to see someone else with someone in my son's group!! My son's letter has the graduation date as Aug 26th.
I thought I saw a couple of others but couldn't remember who they were! I'm concerned about missing a phone call from my son since I didn't send him with a calling card but plan on mailing one today - I just know it will take a few days to get there!
I saw some at Walmart but because I have never used a calling card I know nothing about them and a guy there told me that you could buy them cheaper at the 99 cent only store but didn't have time to go. I plan on going to Target today!
Ladies in 274...one of you may want to start a discussion group for your division up above. You can get to know each other there, but be sure to stay on this main page too for info!
I am not surprised about the power outages...I live 3 hrs NE of the windy city and we got slammed 2x this morning. Nice to see more moms joining. Kid in a box, form letters..... Now you will start stalking the mailman for those precious letters from your SR! Patience just seems to go right out the door lol.
Make sure you activate the calling cards before you send them.. it cuts into the time the SR has to talk to you! It takes a few minutes but well worth it to get those extra few with your loved one! Make sure you get a calling card and not one that refills a phone ( like tracfone) Walmart should have them back in electronics. And I know walgreen has them to... we forgot ours and had to grab another before we left her!
Holy Cow! Flights are expensive! I am flying from San Francisco to Green Bay with my daughter and we're looking at at least $500 for the 2 of us...I found some cheaper, but was worried about the $125 fee(AKA extortion/rip off!) for changing flights...I have no reason to think he won't graduate on time...but that's a big gamble...
I found flights into Milwaukee (rather than Chicago) from Boise Idaho were $100 cheaper...you might try that??? worth a shot although, I'd would have thought that flights out of SF would be cheaper than Boise since it is Main airline HUB...
yeah foight from SF are cheaper than Oakland, and I'm flying into Greenbay 'cause I have a friend who lives there who we are staying with and is going to the grad with us...
I would fly into Milwaukee if it were me flying. The traffic is way better then Chicago traffic, and if you happen to be there during rush hour, the time out of the city is still way less then getting out of Chicago!
Bev Ship 02/Div 941
Jul 9, 2011
kiminaz (ship 11/div 274)
Jul 10, 2011
HM Wife! Ship11 Div273
Jul 10, 2011
diannep
Bronco: I agree with Bev...start with the recruiter. Is this something he disclosed to the recruiter but maybe was told it didn't matter? If so, hoping the recruiter will help with this. Only other thing you can do is call the Public Affairs Office tomorrow and ask them where you send medical info that was requested in an info call from your son. I believe they can supply you with a fax number...worth asking about.
847-688-2405
Jul 10, 2011
USNproudMom
Jul 10, 2011
USNproudMom
Jul 10, 2011
SailorBrittysMom
Jul 10, 2011
SailorBrittysMom
Jul 10, 2011
kiminaz (ship 11/div 274)
My son also left the MEPS on June 29th and I received his 20 second (if I was lucky it was that long) phone call at 8:35 PM in AZ which was 10:35 there!! I received my kid in a box on Wednesday 7/6 and his form letter on Friday 7/8 - which I have read a lot also!! I read somewhere on N4M that when they receive their phone call they have to use a calling card - is that true? I did not send my SR with one because we figured he could just call collect. If I need to run out and buy one I will do that but I just want to make sure!!
I can't wait to get the first real letter from him to see how things are going. Until I received his form letter I couldn't stop thinking if he was ok - I knew he was but my mind wouldn't shut off!!
Jul 10, 2011
broncosailor
Jul 10, 2011
diannep
Welcome, USProudMom/SailorBritty'sMom/kiminaz! Great to have you on this group. Please ask any questions that you may have. I am one of the veterans on here ....hoping to help you all through here. Sharon, your group creator, is also a veteran mom so she has alot of info to offer!
kiminaz: They can buy the phone cards at the NEX, but many ladies on here like to buy them (get one with at least 500 minutes on it....the pay phone connection uses up alot of them), activate it, and mail it to them. That is allowed.
SailroBrittys....: It is very possible that her brothers can attend PIR. Are any of them 12 or under? Those don't count towards her 4 guests. Also, we don't know yet how many divisions are in this group (should know tomorrow), but most of the "extras" get in. They may have to wait a bit in the visitors center...or not--sometimes they are seated earlier. I have seen groups with 14 divisions get extras in. So if possible, I hope her brothers will attend! The Navy will only guarantee the 4, but with proper ID, most others get in.
Jul 10, 2011
diannep
Jul 10, 2011
Cathy_ProudNavyMom
That is good to know about the guests. I've been confused about whether we are limited to 4 absolutely or whether additional family members can attend. Has anyone here actually experienced this? i.e. had 4 family members listed, but additional family waited in the visitors center and got in?
Were you able to sit together? (save them seats)
Are friends able to go?
Do you need to give anyone any kind of notice?
Thanks!
Jul 10, 2011
SailorBrittysMom
Jul 10, 2011
diannep
Cathy: Many have experienced that....on every PIR group that I have been on. It is always a good idea to take the extras.
Friends can be included.
I have heard both...sometimes they get to sit with you, sometimes not, but are there.
No notice to give...just have them with your group when you arrive at PIR and make sure they have ID.
Jul 10, 2011
diannep
Jul 10, 2011
Cathy_ProudNavyMom
Jul 10, 2011
kiminaz (ship 11/div 274)
Thanks for the warm welcome! I'm glad I can say what I want on here because I know I'm not the only one that is going through this. I just feel like I had to "give" my child away - that's what hurts the most!! For people who's kids just move out of the house down the street - they don't get it!! We can't just call them or go visit or ask them to come home for dinner - that's the worst part!!! I know they are all doing something that is so important to all of our freedoms and lives as we know it - I just can't wait for the BC part to be over - then I can call him if I need to hear his voice or he can call us if he needs to! I understand, it gets better - I have to be patient!!
Jul 10, 2011
Sandy's_sailor son
Kiminaz, As Sharon said, civilian families just can not understand what Military families go through. Saying good bye to love ones going to boot camp is not the same as moving your kid into college.
I can say that once your Sailors are in (A)school things get a lot easier. You can at least talk to them via Skype or Cell phone.
Jul 10, 2011
Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor
Jul 10, 2011
Bev Ship 02/Div 941
Jul 10, 2011
SailorBrittysMom
Jul 10, 2011
Bev Ship 02/Div 941
Jul 10, 2011
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
Jul 10, 2011
SailorsCupcake Div269
Who else has an SR in Div 269?
Jul 10, 2011
Bev Ship 02/Div 941
Jul 10, 2011
SailorsCupcake Div269
Jul 10, 2011
Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor
Jul 10, 2011
Bev Ship 02/Div 941
Jul 10, 2011
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
yes, p-days are processing days. Glad that is over for all of them. My Sailor said P-days are the worst part of boot camp. She says P-days were He** days lol.
Keep those phones handy :-)
Jul 10, 2011
diannep
Bev, keeping the phone in the bra might keep you from missing more calls. Ok, so it doesn't do much for the "bust line" and when it vibrates, you may get some strange looks from those around you as you "dig it out," ...but you won't miss the call!
HOOYAH!
Jul 10, 2011
Bev Ship 02/Div 941
Jul 10, 2011
tysmom
Kid in a box was hard! The last clothes you see them in just thrown in an everyday box...memories.
PIR huge exciting day....right now it seems a lifetime away...it will come...on a bright note my experience was my son has three bros and me and my husband which makes 5. His youngest brother was the "expendable crewman"...then I found out the am of PIR that he could go in as an extra....he got in line with us they checked us off and let him in. He could sit with us...his new sailor bro did not know that extras were allowed in. Take whoever along with ID, they may not get to sit by you and I suppose there is the possibility that they may not get in, but sad but true not every SRs family is able to be there.
Bev, Vibrating bra tooo funny! You will be sooo excited, Dancing around trying to get at that phone!!!! You may cause a little excitement at Walmart!
Jul 10, 2011
Doreen(07/272)
Jul 10, 2011
Brenda72
I also keep my phone in my bra, but I started that before my son left for BC. I was aways losing it or didn't hear it! lol
I also am hoping my extras can get in....I am divorced and remarried and have Jake's 3 sisters and his GF is on the list. So trying to get me, my husband, 3 girls all in. When I got his papers....he had list me, my x, x's gf, his own gf...that left out my husband and his 3 sisters......and I do not want to spend a weekend without my girls and my husband.
Jul 11, 2011
Kimberley (Dillon's Mom)
Just got my Form letter this weekend!! My SR is Dive 11/274 - looks like he goofed on his letter and put graduation as Aug 6...From everything I see it's Aug 26.
I noticed on an earlier posting there is a FB page..could someone let me know the title..thanks
Jul 11, 2011
kiminaz (ship 11/div 274)
Hi Kimberley - my SR is also in Ship 11/Div 274!! Good to see someone else with someone in my son's group!! My son's letter has the graduation date as Aug 26th.
Jul 11, 2011
Brenda72
Jul 11, 2011
kiminaz (ship 11/div 274)
Jul 11, 2011
Brenda72
Jul 11, 2011
kiminaz (ship 11/div 274)
Jul 11, 2011
diannep
Jul 11, 2011
diannep
Our grocery stores and drug stores down in FL have the phone cards too. Walmart should as well.
Jul 11, 2011
tysmom
Jul 11, 2011
Bev Ship 02/Div 941
Jul 11, 2011
Jana
Jul 11, 2011
Kimberley (Dillon's Mom)
Jul 11, 2011
Reggie_Ship11/Div274
I found flights into Milwaukee (rather than Chicago) from Boise Idaho were $100 cheaper...you might try that??? worth a shot although, I'd would have thought that flights out of SF would be cheaper than Boise since it is Main airline HUB...
Jul 11, 2011
Kimberley (Dillon's Mom)
Jul 11, 2011
Bev Ship 02/Div 941
Jul 12, 2011