How is everyone doing? I was going to post this a couple days ago, but was not able to log in. It took 27 days, but on that day (I guess it was Monday) I finally made it an entire day without tears!
It seems better now that we are in the same calendar month as PIR :) August 26 can't get here quick enough. I should have a letter in tomorrow's mail. Hope you are all doing well.
caylex, i can relate completely i have tears for NO reason.... well its cause i want to text her to tell her i got a new phone - or that there is another deer eatting figs in the backyard....if she was at college i could text here....:(
I'm hoping for another letter on friday. I haven't had any calls yet. I keep wondering if he got a calling card at the NEX....he got some really nice Navy stationary :0) just like he said he would. I miss his voice....
Somewhere I had read from someone about gifts that are helpful to send you SR. I remember Tide pen, but there were a couple other things and I can't find that discussion now. Can someone fill me in on this? My SR is in ship 07, DIV 272. Graduates 8/26/2011. Things are getting tougher for them but he is working hard. His name is Travis. I know Doreen as a son with the same ship and Div. #. Anyone else?
caylex- I still tear up and my daughter has been in for over a year. Songs make me cry, TV shows make me cry, heck even commercials make me cry lol. I don't think it will ever stop.
pproud- I don't know that anyone has ever sent those kinds of things to them while they are in bootcamp but I would get some and take it with you and if you are meeting him at the airport put some in the backpack. Shout wipes work so much better than the Tide stick, especially on the Dress White uniform. They are kind of hard to find. I found some at Target, where they have all the travel size items. You can also get them at the NEX when you are there with your Sailor.
HvnlySno: They pass out Navy stationery there...but I understand that there is a limited supply of it. That is what my son wrote home on. I had sent him some paper/stamped envelopes, and he didn't use them because he had the Navy stationery.
I write my SR every day, but have only received 2 short letters so far. I know she is very busy and probably exhausted! PIRis coming quickly and will be here before we know it!! Can't wait to see my baby girl!
My son too was very sick last week, I could hardly hear him on the phone. I feel so helpless & scared for him that he has to be doing all that as sick as he is… I haven’t heard from him this weekL I hope he’s better & this didn’t set him back…
My son also writes on little Navy stationary as opposed to the standard 8x10 sheets of paper. I read somewhere that they may not even get enough time to read the mail… He said last week that he has only received mail from his GF, I don’t know why he isn’t getting ours. I hope he has by now, Gosh I need a letter from him…
Are we allowed to send paper & stamps?
Kira’s mom I know how you feelL.
Sandi that’s good to know, I was wondering if I was sending too much…
Oh one thing my son mentioned in his letter to his little cousins was to have their parents write their letters for them because “they” were very particular about the handwriting the SR’s are getting… I wonder if he just meant the outside of the envelope.
That may be; the stationary, not a big deal really...I'm just glad I got a letter! I have sent him a photo collage, Dodger scores, cards, letters, made my own stationary, etc...even an invatation to an evening on my deck :) just trying to be creative. Some he'll probably laugh out loud! I have kids, so I've been writing about them a little so he gets to know them. And that I'm very proud of him and all he is doing! Hope everyone gets a letter!
I have mailed stamps, and paper. He got them both, with no apparent problems. I used one of the USPS flat rate envelopes for the paper. Worked great. I am sending envelopes today.
It's been very hard with out my goofy son around to give me a hard time, or stand tall and tower over me and think he is funny. He has such great humor and he always made me laugh. I try to think of the positive things but that can make you cry too. I have redone his room. It is very nice. Looks like a sailors room. Anyone else have a son in ship 07 Div 272?
I recieved a letter from my son. He has some questions and I am wondering if anyone can help me (him). Once in A school, how soon after are you allowed to get a phone? He would also like to know how long each phase is in A school? He is going to Pensacola FL to study for IT.
@Proudmom - you might google the Pensacola base I think they should have that info...that's what I did too (My SR is going to Connecticut for Sub training)
Thanks guys I think I will send him some paper, stamps, & envelopes too…
Sharon I’m sorry to hear about all the family drama but those kids are really going to appreciate what you’re doing for them. Too bad more kids don’t have an aunt like you in their lives…
Sharon: Oh my...what a mess! Bless you all for taking over for these kids! I hope that your sister can get the help that she needs once she turns up again. Hope all goes well with the legal process.
pproudmom: Most of them are allowed cell phones, from what I have seen, after PIR. You can also go on the Pensacola group on here and the IT group and ask this, but I don't think it will be a problem. I would take his phone to PIR with you. My son didn't ask for his, so I mailed it the next week...not a problem. It was there in 2 days (priority mail).
Betsy can probably better answer the question about time in phasing up. You can also ask that on the Pensacola or IT groups.
I should clarify: There are NO cell phones allowed back at RTC, so what I mean "after PIR" is once they are at the airport to fly out or have moved over to GL A School base.
Oh Sharon--I'm so sorry for what you are going through, but God bless you for being there for your niece and nephew. You have many blessings coming your way!!
We had our SRs cell phone in our car so as soon as he was allowed to leave the base he could use it. Well we did have to make a stop at Sprint to get it reactivated. He used it until he got back to RTC. Then when we met him at the airport he could take it with him to Groton.
It appeared that most of the then sailors had phones or were allowed to have them. But your SR needs to check and may know before you come.
Sharon: Those kids really need you.God bless you for taking them in. I am sorry that your sister made poor choices. I will pray for her and you!!!
Moms...I need a shoulder, advice, something...we received mail today and our SR states he failed Marlinspike, but we haven't received any calls-that was a week ago. In every letter, I am upbeat and try to encourage him. If this delayed grad, wouldn't he have called?
I received a letter from our SR today and she said she desperately needed deodorant and soap. What is supplied to them is breaking her out terribly. Does anyone know if i can send her these items??
I know she does not want to bring attention to herself. She said she is covered in a rash, but does not want to go to medic, because she does not want them to try and use that as an excuse to send her home. I told her i did not think they would, but she has chosen to ride it out i guess. Thanks again for all your knowledge and advice...there is so much information that we need to consume. Confused SR Mom
Doreen- I just called my Sailors and they said that Marlinspike is usually failed as a group not really individuals and they never heard of anyone having to repeat it and never heard of anyone getting setback because of it. My daughters DIV failed it by 7 points and they of course got yelled at and told they failed and probably IT but they still graduated on time. You have a certain amount of time to do different things and if you don't do in that time you get "hits" for it. I am sure your soon to be Sailor is just fine and on schedule as expected. :-)
Got two letters today!!! Whoo hoo!! We were all excited...had to sit at the table and read the letters out loud. Her little brother loves listening to me read them...it's so sweet!
That is also the 4th week of training which is the turnaround week...they have accomplished alot by now and see that NAVY CAP very close in their futures!
I got a letter from my SR today & needless to say I am so happy to hear from him, his letter was so full of positive news. he said that although he was sick he was determined to stay the course and not allow this to set him back. He said it was thru this experience that he recognized that it was all mind of matter. That if he stayed strong mentally he could do anything, although he had heard it all his life he felt it was the first time he truly experienced it. They were just IT’d for 2 hours and one SR quit after a hour, stood up and said I didn’t sign up for this BS, I wanna go home. He didn’t mentioned what happened to the SR because it was already TAPS for them.
He said even thou he has been sick for a while he still feels strong, he quoted the movie “Causalities of War” - “I’m an armored plated mofo”, He asked that I pardon his language but that he was in the Navy after all…
I take this to be a sign of that wonderful growth that he was suppose to get from being in the Navy and standing on his own 2 feet.
He also said that he stands watch on the quarter deck and he got to see the senior DIV after graduation, that it was really cool seeing those SAILORS in their dress whites & seabags on their backs.
he asked me for stamps and said he was sure he would be out before they get to go to NEX again.
He said he will do A school in GL and may be grad & go:(
Blufire~ great information! Thanks for sharing! my SR usually just asks questions of me about family etc.. never any info from him LOL...Question, what is IT'd??
Blufire: All that term means is that he will move over to GL A School base right after PIR (some may have until about noon with family on RTC before moving). After 3-5 hours of settling in, he will call you for some PIR before returning to A School base. Then he most likely will have daytime liberty over the weekend, so you are actually in a great place with him getting lots of time with you!
Sandi: They are at the point in training where it does get much better for them. From here on out, their focus is to pass all final tests, BattleStations, and become sailors! The yelling is not so intense now and they have some "success" under their belts!
we recieved a few letters yesterday, everything seems to be going well. he says their div "rocked" the inspections, seemed excited to get ready for hell week and hoping that will make the time go by faster, also was excited for battlestaions becoming closer. ( that means bootcamp is almost over, and can't wait to get to florida!)
Kimberly, IT= Intensive training, but he also included the word punishment at the end (so I guess they got in trouble).
Well his letters were that way too not very informative but my last letter I asked him a bunch of questions. So he started answering them.
Sandi, I’m sorry to hear he missed his phone call. My SR only got a 5 min call but I was thrilled about that… so happy you got a special card thou.
Thanks Dianne, I have been reading a lot about GL A school and Grad & Go. Most say that we will get time but not guaranteed, I hope we do because we are schedule to be there until Monday. I do feel much better about it now thou, thanks for the encouragement.
I would do what Sharon said and write him and ask him to add his name to the list. If the name doesn't get added I would still take him with you and when you get in line to check in tell them there are only 3 names on the list and your son didn't get the message in time to change the list. They are very understanding and chances are they will write the name in on their list. They allowed us to change a name on our list because one person could not come and we brought someone else instead. So I think it will be fine. And even if it isn't he would probably still get in after everyone else is seated just save him a seat. We took 4 extra guests with us and even with 13 DIV graduating they still all got in :-)
I'm hoping to just get in her brother....she choose my parents & hubby & I but I decided to go ahead and bring him.! Even if she only sees him for dinner it'd be cruel to deny her brother the chance to see her.... He said he'd fly in & out on the red eye to be able to hug his sister & be the first to tell her she's officially an American hero! So wish him luck that he gets in please
Your welcome Sharon and Britty's mom that is so sweet. I am sure she will be excited to see her brother. We took my daughters grandfather as a surprise. She had no clue we were bringing him and she was very happy we did.
Thx to all for sharing - I know so many have echoed these same sentiments but it really does help. So sorry to hear that so many SRs are so sick - mine too. The same as all of you so worried for him. Continuing to Pray. . .
pproudmom, sorry I haven't gotten back to you on your questions about Phasing Up in Pensacola. My son was Phase I for 3 weeks, then Phase II for three weeks and then finally was the all wonderful Phase III.
We have our first BattleStations date for this group! Please message them out if you have them or receive them from your SR. You can send "message to group" or send it to me. I will get a schedule together and send it out. We have the date for 269/270, but need dates for 11 more divisions!
Friday's are Letter Day for me!! He sounds so much better! Passed his physical fitness test! He is 39 & is keeping pace with your boys! I think he is pleased! No info to relate to you all, he just asked how my babies were, how I was & how our friends were. Lol! I'm jumping around singing I got a letter! My 15 yr old son laughs & says I'm acting like a love sick school girl! Thats ok...he is seeing his Mom happy...it's been a long time....I miss my SR more than I can say...but this is good for him, good for me, good for us. We are building a solid foundation! :)
Diannep you said you have a BattleStations date for at least one of our divisions, can we keep a running tally of what divisions have been assigned a date (not the specific date mind you because I know we can't publicly post that). :)
My SR did tell me that she has gotten additional writing time now on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Does that mean that she gets mail on those days too or just that she gets to write on those days?
Oh thank you Dianne it means so much to me to know what he is doing. do weekend count?... gosh i know im going to be a wreck when they go thru BS21, waiting on that call is going to drive me crazy.
oh yeah I was suppose to get back to the gym to focus on getting to my “goal” weight too but um yeah that didn’t happen. I told my son that I started back at the gym but things weren’t going so well (mainly cuz I stopped going again) and he said “what do you mean things aren’t going well?” “All it takes is all you got”. That’s the last thing I said to him as he left for GL:D
God Bless the families of the 25 Navy Seals and the soldiers killed in the helicopter crash last night. May the Lord provide these families the comfort that only He can at such a difficult time...as these "heroes" each paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country...
caylex 9/279
How is everyone doing? I was going to post this a couple days ago, but was not able to log in. It took 27 days, but on that day (I guess it was Monday) I finally made it an entire day without tears!
It seems better now that we are in the same calendar month as PIR :) August 26 can't get here quick enough. I should have a letter in tomorrow's mail. Hope you are all doing well.
Aug 3, 2011
SailorBrittysMom
Aug 4, 2011
HvnlySno (S11, DIV 276)
Aug 4, 2011
pproudmom
Aug 4, 2011
Doreen(07/272)
Aug 4, 2011
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
caylex- I still tear up and my daughter has been in for over a year. Songs make me cry, TV shows make me cry, heck even commercials make me cry lol. I don't think it will ever stop.
pproud- I don't know that anyone has ever sent those kinds of things to them while they are in bootcamp but I would get some and take it with you and if you are meeting him at the airport put some in the backpack. Shout wipes work so much better than the Tide stick, especially on the Dress White uniform. They are kind of hard to find. I found some at Target, where they have all the travel size items. You can also get them at the NEX when you are there with your Sailor.
I hope you all get letters today :-)
Aug 4, 2011
diannep
Aug 4, 2011
Kira's mom Ship 02 Div 941
Aug 4, 2011
Nancy--> OS.son
My son too was very sick last week, I could hardly hear him on the phone. I feel so helpless & scared for him that he has to be doing all that as sick as he is… I haven’t heard from him this weekL I hope he’s better & this didn’t set him back…
My son also writes on little Navy stationary as opposed to the standard 8x10 sheets of paper. I read somewhere that they may not even get enough time to read the mail… He said last week that he has only received mail from his GF, I don’t know why he isn’t getting ours. I hope he has by now, Gosh I need a letter from him…
Are we allowed to send paper & stamps?
Kira’s mom I know how you feelL.
Sandi that’s good to know, I was wondering if I was sending too much…
Oh one thing my son mentioned in his letter to his little cousins was to have their parents write their letters for them because “they” were very particular about the handwriting the SR’s are getting… I wonder if he just meant the outside of the envelope.
Aug 4, 2011
HvnlySno (S11, DIV 276)
Aug 4, 2011
Mike's Mom
Aug 4, 2011
pproudmom
It's been very hard with out my goofy son around to give me a hard time, or stand tall and tower over me and think he is funny. He has such great humor and he always made me laugh. I try to think of the positive things but that can make you cry too. I have redone his room. It is very nice. Looks like a sailors room. Anyone else have a son in ship 07 Div 272?
Aug 4, 2011
pproudmom
I recieved a letter from my son. He has some questions and I am wondering if anyone can help me (him). Once in A school, how soon after are you allowed to get a phone? He would also like to know how long each phase is in A school? He is going to Pensacola FL to study for IT.
Aug 4, 2011
Kimberley (Dillon's Mom)
Aug 4, 2011
Nancy--> OS.son
Thanks guys I think I will send him some paper, stamps, & envelopes too…
Sharon I’m sorry to hear about all the family drama but those kids are really going to appreciate what you’re doing for them. Too bad more kids don’t have an aunt like you in their lives…
Aug 4, 2011
diannep
Sharon: Oh my...what a mess! Bless you all for taking over for these kids! I hope that your sister can get the help that she needs once she turns up again. Hope all goes well with the legal process.
pproudmom: Most of them are allowed cell phones, from what I have seen, after PIR. You can also go on the Pensacola group on here and the IT group and ask this, but I don't think it will be a problem. I would take his phone to PIR with you. My son didn't ask for his, so I mailed it the next week...not a problem. It was there in 2 days (priority mail).
Betsy can probably better answer the question about time in phasing up. You can also ask that on the Pensacola or IT groups.
Aug 4, 2011
diannep
Aug 4, 2011
Jana
Aug 4, 2011
tysmom
We had our SRs cell phone in our car so as soon as he was allowed to leave the base he could use it. Well we did have to make a stop at Sprint to get it reactivated. He used it until he got back to RTC. Then when we met him at the airport he could take it with him to Groton.
It appeared that most of the then sailors had phones or were allowed to have them. But your SR needs to check and may know before you come.
Sharon: Those kids really need you.God bless you for taking them in. I am sorry that your sister made poor choices. I will pray for her and you!!!
Vet mom of Ty.
Aug 4, 2011
Doreen(07/272)
Aug 4, 2011
trapier
Aug 4, 2011
trapier
Aug 4, 2011
Doreen(07/272)
Aug 4, 2011
trapier
Aug 4, 2011
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
Aug 4, 2011
Doreen(07/272)
Aug 4, 2011
rhonda121199 (Div 269)
Got two letters today!!! Whoo hoo!! We were all excited...had to sit at the table and read the letters out loud. Her little brother loves listening to me read them...it's so sweet!
Aug 4, 2011
1DYBUGs Mom/Dana - S9/D280
Aug 4, 2011
diannep
Aug 4, 2011
diannep
Aug 4, 2011
Nancy--> OS.son
I got a letter from my SR today & needless to say I am so happy to hear from him, his letter was so full of positive news. he said that although he was sick he was determined to stay the course and not allow this to set him back. He said it was thru this experience that he recognized that it was all mind of matter. That if he stayed strong mentally he could do anything, although he had heard it all his life he felt it was the first time he truly experienced it. They were just IT’d for 2 hours and one SR quit after a hour, stood up and said I didn’t sign up for this BS, I wanna go home. He didn’t mentioned what happened to the SR because it was already TAPS for them.
He said even thou he has been sick for a while he still feels strong, he quoted the movie “Causalities of War” - “I’m an armored plated mofo”, He asked that I pardon his language but that he was in the Navy after all…
I take this to be a sign of that wonderful growth that he was suppose to get from being in the Navy and standing on his own 2 feet.
He also said that he stands watch on the quarter deck and he got to see the senior DIV after graduation, that it was really cool seeing those SAILORS in their dress whites & seabags on their backs.
he asked me for stamps and said he was sure he would be out before they get to go to NEX again.
He said he will do A school in GL and may be grad & go:(
Aug 4, 2011
Kimberley (Dillon's Mom)
Aug 5, 2011
diannep
Aug 5, 2011
diannep
Kimberley: IT=Intensive Training
It is used as punishment and can go on for a very long time! Lots of exercising!
Aug 5, 2011
diannep
Aug 5, 2011
atc.mom(7/272)
Aug 5, 2011
Nancy--> OS.son
Kimberly, IT= Intensive training, but he also included the word punishment at the end (so I guess they got in trouble).
Well his letters were that way too not very informative but my last letter I asked him a bunch of questions. So he started answering them.
Sandi, I’m sorry to hear he missed his phone call. My SR only got a 5 min call but I was thrilled about that… so happy you got a special card thou.
Thanks Dianne, I have been reading a lot about GL A school and Grad & Go. Most say that we will get time but not guaranteed, I hope we do because we are schedule to be there until Monday. I do feel much better about it now thou, thanks for the encouragement.
My SR also said on 7/28/11 he was 3-3…
Aug 5, 2011
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
Aug 5, 2011
diannep
Aug 5, 2011
SailorBrittysMom
Aug 5, 2011
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
Aug 5, 2011
SailorBrittysMom
My hubby has list 15 pounds & gave up bread for the month of July as he promised our Sr :) I just wanna lose 10 lbs
Aug 5, 2011
Leann
Aug 5, 2011
Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor
Aug 5, 2011
diannep
Aug 5, 2011
HvnlySno (S11, DIV 276)
Aug 5, 2011
HvnlySno (S11, DIV 276)
Aug 5, 2011
1DYBUGs Mom/Dana - S9/D280
Diannep you said you have a BattleStations date for at least one of our divisions, can we keep a running tally of what divisions have been assigned a date (not the specific date mind you because I know we can't publicly post that). :)
My SR did tell me that she has gotten additional writing time now on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Does that mean that she gets mail on those days too or just that she gets to write on those days?
Aug 5, 2011
Nancy--> OS.son
Oh thank you Dianne it means so much to me to know what he is doing. do weekend count?... gosh i know im going to be a wreck when they go thru BS21, waiting on that call is going to drive me crazy.
oh yeah I was suppose to get back to the gym to focus on getting to my “goal” weight too but um yeah that didn’t happen. I told my son that I started back at the gym but things weren’t going so well (mainly cuz I stopped going again) and he said “what do you mean things aren’t going well?” “All it takes is all you got”. That’s the last thing I said to him as he left for GL:D
Aug 6, 2011
diannep
God Bless the families of the 25 Navy Seals and the soldiers killed in the helicopter crash last night. May the Lord provide these families the comfort that only He can at such a difficult time...as these "heroes" each paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country...
Aug 6, 2011