Alumni of PIR 8/26/11 (13 Divs - 269-280, 941)

A group for folks who had sailors graduate from boot camp on August 26, 2011.
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  • SailorsCupcake Div269

    I hope it's only because of the weather... but I'll tell you what, I can't keep letting myself get my hopes up so much. It hurts too much when I'm let down. I was really hoping to hear from him today. I need it really bad. There's only so much I can do to distract myself... I thought I could just book a flight to fly out there today, just to be closer to him... that's how disappointed I felt. Bad day :(
  • NMsingsShip02Div941

    It is nice to see some familiar ship/div numbers.  Unfortunately all mail/calls have needed to go to my son-in-law so far.  I appreciate that he lets us know when he hears something.  I sent a letter off today and was pleased to at least get a message on the way to my daughter.

  • diannep

    SailorsCupcake.  Remember...bootcamp is a big test for the family members for when they eventually will be deployed.  Although there may be some email contact and a few phone calls, it may not be that often.  So you are kind of in "bootcamp" right now too!  :-)
  • SailorsCupcake Div269

    Lol I know, I'm trying to get used to it... but it certainly is difficult. I know it's making me stronger though. It's only been 2 and a half weeks...so I can only expect to be so strong at this point :)
  • Kira's mom Ship 02 Div 941

    I am surprisingly doing well. My daughter has called me 4 times since she arrived at bootcamp. That is, if you can count the 2 second phonecall on the day she arrived. The call on July 4th was a great surprise, but I was nervous when I heard from her because I wasn't expecting the call and thought something bad had happened. I only received a call today because she needed her sister's contact info for security clearance, but just hearing her voice was wonderful! I have not received any letters yet, but have written a few. I don't think she will have time to read them all :) Hopefully we will all receive letters soon!!
  • Bev Ship 02/Div 941

    Wow!! Our group is growing nicely! I think it should be part of the recruiters job to let moms know about this website!
  • Doreen(07/272)

    We got two real letters today!! Our SR seems to be doing well. He likes his role as APO, and dislikes inspections.
  • Cathy_ProudNavyMom

    I think for some recruiters it is a part of what they do.  The three guys in our local office knew about N4M when I mentioned it.  Last time I was there, a mom and her son were there for him to sign paperwork, he is leaving for boot camp in a year, and she is already concerned.  I mentioned N4M, and the recruiter pulled out a brochure about the site and recommended to her that she get on here now to start learning.  :-)  I was impressed, and have been thankful to have very supportive recruiters here.
  • rhonda121199 (Div 269)

    Doreen...which division is your SR?

     

    Sharon:  why can't N4M be mentioned on the RTC facebook page? 

  • Cathy_ProudNavyMom

    Hang in there, SailorsCupcake.  :-)  I was here several months before my SR left and I understood about the emotional roller coaster before she left.  But.  I didn't REALLY understand until 2.5 weeks ago.  Some days are good, some days are not so good.  Thank goodness we have each other here!
  • rhonda121199 (Div 269)

    Amen cathy.  This site has been a blessing for me.  Sometimes i even feel better just seeing the posts from families that have graduation coming around the corner.  It reminds me that I will survive this crazy ride and what a joyous time it will be come the week of August 26th!!
  • Bev Ship 02/Div 941

    Our recruiter left much to be desired... never told my daughter or her friend that leaves soon about meetings till a day before, and even had someone go to the school one day to get them, with less ten an hours notice!  The principal wouldnt let them go since he couldnt reach me or the other mom. Our experience before bootcamp was pretty miserable
  • Doreen(07/272)

    Our SR is 7/272.
  • Cathy_ProudNavyMom

    I am so sorry that some of you have had recruiters that weren't as supportive as they could have been.  My daughter felt as prepared as she could have been with the amount of time she had before shipping out, and they have been patient, polite and extremely helpful to me every time I've been there.  Of course...my son will be 17 in a few weeks and they know it, and they want him :-)  maybe they are just buttering me up...!
  • diannep

    rhonda/Sharon:  RTC FB can't allow N4M's to be mentioned on there because they have no control over what is posted in this group---not Navy endorsed info.  They can't endorse us because they aren't the ones "speaking' on this group.  The Navy DID start N4Moms back in March 2008, for the purpose that it serves...and we are grateful!  But beyond that, they can't verify info on here. 

     Sometimes they even get their nose a bit out of joint when we say something that may be a little more "correct' than their info is!  :-)  By the way, the ones who run RTC FB are civilians working for the Navy.  So no need for you to salute....hee hee!

  • rhonda121199 (Div 269)

    ...and I must say the info I've gained here has been tremendous!
  • Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor

    I second that, rhonda!  

     

  • Deidra- HM & Nuke Mom

    I am really lost, and need some advice.  On Wed., my mom passed away unexpectedly. The chaplain at the hospital I work at contacted the American Red Cross, and my oldest sailor was able to get his CHIT approved for emergency leave to come home and attend the funeral. However, I don't know if my younger sailor has even been informed of his Nana's death. I was told by the ARC volunteer that the RTC chaplain would tell my sailor and that he would probably get a chance to call home...nothing has happened so far. These two sailors are the only grandchildren, so I'm very upset to think that one may not even know what has happened. I don't expect him to get leave, but his dad and I want to tell him what happened and reassure him that his Nana would want him to stay there.
  • Sandy's_sailor son

    Deidra, I am so very sorry about your Mom. I will pray for you. I just sent you a Friend invite so we can talk.
  • diannep

    Deidra:  Please call the Public Affairs Office today:

    847-688-2405

    See if they can get you in touch with the Chaplain there.  Having lost both my husband and brother to sudden deaths, I know the shock and numbness that you have right now.  I am so so sorry...and realize how important it is that you talk directly with your son.  Hoping that the PAO can get you in touch with a Chaplain today who can make the connection.  He probably cannot attend a service, like you said, since it is usually just siblings/parents' services that they are allowed to attend...but just to talk to to him and encourage him with what his grandmother would have wanted for him is so important.

    I am so so sorry and I extend my deepest condolences to you all...hoping you get to talk to him today.

  • Bev Ship 02/Div 941

    theres a live stream video of the USS Enterprise coming home if anyone is interested http://www.livestream.com/USNavy hope that is the right link!
  • tysmom

    Deidra: You have my sympathy. I hope they allow you to talk to your SR today.
  • Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor

    Deirdra, my thoughts and prayers go out to your family.  ((Hugs))
  • Brenda72

    Deidra,

    I am sorry to hear of your loss....my heart goes out to you! I will be praying for you and your family.....my prayers for your son that he remain strong and now push on for his grandma.

  • ReallyRed

    Deidra, My deepest sympathy to you and your family.  I lift prayers for strength and comfort.  I also hope that everything works out that both of your children get leave.
  • diannep

    Welcome, ReallyRed!
  • ReallyRed

    Thank you Dianne!  It sure was a great feeling last night when I found you all!
  • SailorBrittysMom

    When I post a comment I don't seem to have an image button just add comment...
  • Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons

    Atte you posting from your phone? If so that would be why.
  • SailorBrittysMom

    OK it was because i was on my ipad that i didnt have all the buttons/options - :) i am waiting on a price from the printer we use for our business...i know the more we do the cheaper they will be....  but i am hoping for them to be around $2-3 only - and i will do the name tags as a gift for everyone with your user name & icon if you want to help find those you really appreciate at the meet & greet :)
  • SailorBrittysMom

    i was saving these lanyard photos & came across a photo shoot i did with my daughter last year - and i looked at them & started to cry...only because i am so amazed & proud of her - i never would have guessed my baby girl would be traveling the world and defending our country!  the photo shoot was her jr prom dress - and playing in the pond, called it "TRASH the DRESS" we laughed & she had so much fun ruining that expensive dress - but as we all know they never wear them again anyways so glad i didnt tell her NO!
  • Brenda72

    Sailorbrittysmom,

    She is a beautifu girl! I ove the pics of her.....aways good and fun to see their personality in their pictures.

    I like the lanyard too....I thought I had seen a photo of it or one real similar before.

  • Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons

    Very pretty pics, I wish my sailor was on this vacation with us. She is trying to pass quals today and she is too short to complete the requirement. Keep your fingers crossed and add her to your prayers. Thanks
  • Sandy's_sailor son

    Deidra, I totally agree with diannep. I think you should speak to someone in Public Affairs Office. Tell them the situation. They should be able to put you in touch with the Chaplain. The Chaplain needs to be aware of the situation so that he can help your son.  What ever you do. Please don't tell him in a letter. I think to hear about his Nanna that way would be so hard on him.

    I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

  • atc.mom(7/272)

    i received my first letter from my SR!!!!!. (ship 07 div 272) he says he is doing well and things are going good. now i can worry a little less. i just feel  bad because he hasn't received any letters yet and ive written every day and mailed alot of letters, so hopefully this sunday he will get most of them.
  • Sandy's_sailor son

    atc.mom. don't worry about your son not getting any of your letters yet. It usually takes them 3 weeks before they get any mail at first.
  • Sandy's_sailor son

    atc.mom. When did your son arrive at boot camp??
  • atc.mom(7/272)

    sandy's sailor son--my son arrived at GL june 28, PIR august 26

    i rec. his box 7/5 w/his form letter

     

     

    g

  • Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor

    atc.mom, if I could elaborate on what Sandy's sailor son said;  The reason they hold their mail for a few weeks is because each division has to train their own mail person and that does take some time.  

    Also, to put your mind at ease, my son's recruiter had even given me an incorrect address for him, but my son even received those letters too.     

  • atc.mom(7/272)

    great to know, my son mentioned taking a test for mail po, he and another SR got all the answers correct, he said hopefully he will get the job and it would be nice to have some letters for himself
  • Sandy's_sailor son

    atc.mom. I bet your son will get all your letters this week.
  • atc.mom(7/272)

    i hope so, i had dated mine and written something eveyday to keep him updated on whats been going on at home. i had also enclosed a picture or two in every letter.
  • SailorsCupcake Div269

    Praying that everyone's day is wonderful and goes by quickly!
  • Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons

    And since his letter was probably written on Sunday he haas probably received some of your letters :}
  • SailorsCupcake Div269

    Very exciting! I've decided to drive... although I know it's going to take a lot longer to get there and I'm going to be sooo anxious... I don't want to have to worry about his PIR date changing for any reason. So no matter what, I can change just like that... plus it will keep the cost down so I can have more freedom to buy his pictures, take him out to eat and take a large amount of graduation gifts lol...
  • Brenda72

    That's what I am doing...I can't afford to fly and rent a car and then eat out.

    I will be driving 15 hrs or so....so it will be a trip and go thru places I haven't been before.

  • SailorsCupcake Div269

    It'll be an adventure within an adventure lol... I know exactly what you mean. I'll be sharing the driving with my mom for the 20 hours or so we'll be on the road. TX is a loooong way from IL lol
  • Brenda72

    Yess it is...Iol.....we are not far from each other so we will almost traveling together...lol

  • SailorsCupcake Div269

    Maybe we'll see each other on the road!! :P lol I think anyone who is driving to PIR should have a small flag somewhere on their car so we know. We'll honk at each other haha
  • SailorsCupcake Div269

    Sharon - I don't blame you! If you have someone to share the driving with, it's not so bad. I don't know how long a non-stop trip would be for you. Flying would definitely be easier though, so do what you gotta do! :)