GROTON, CT. SUBSCHOOL & "A" SCHOOL MOMS

hi
My Son is currently in Groton, Ct. for Submarine School then "A" School.
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  • Annette

    So Awesome, MOM C! NavyMom26, you're welcome. My niece is awesome, has a big, open heart and open arms. I am so thankful that my son is in Groton near family right now. I know he and his friends are very grateful for the good company and food today!

     

  • Annette

    Our sailor called this afternoon after he was back on base.. We talked nearly an hour, as hubby and I were still getting dinner ready. So great to talk to him! He had a wonderful day, was stuffed  to the gills. His cousin Kristen sent him home with slices of every pie (lemon meringue, pecan, pumpkin, apple, etc), plus other leftovers (he said his fridge in barracks is stuffed!). Plus he is house sitting for them for the next couple weeks, and is expected to take care of all the Thanksgiving leftovers! ;) Ending the day feeling a little better than I started, but the eyes are still misty.

  • Eaglefan

    Mom C, my son said his meal was soooo good! It made me cry happy tears to know he was getting home cooked comfort food! It made having duty on Thanksgiving not so bad for him. I can't say thanks enough. He was very grateful!
  • ProudNavyMom#1

    MomC you are awesome! God bless you!

  • Kevsmom93

    Hi Mom's been a while since I've been on here. Took the time to read all the posts to catch up on your news. Happy to read all of your stories and good news and wonderful stories about Thanksgiving. Our son did not come home for Thanksgiving he actually ate alone in the galley because he was SIQ Monday and Tuesday and is suffering from pneumonia. He is currently LLD until December 10th. His plan was to go to the Submarine Vets dinner put on there in Groton but of course he couldn't handle it physically and didn't want to risk passing any germs to others.

    But no worries, I know it sounds sad that he was alone but he did say the food in the galley was excellent and all made from scratch. He enjoyed it all.

    Nick's Mom a big thank you to your son for working so hard in the galley on Thanksgiving! I know my son appreciated it and he made sure to tell them thank you. 

    On a happier note a bit of news that I haven't shared. We actually got to see our Sailor back in October from the 17th until the 22nd. He flew in to San Diego where we were staying for his younger brother's graduation from MCRD/Marine Corp Recruit Depot. It was a surprise and his brother had no idea!  As of October 18th we also have a Marine! Very proud parenst we are indeed of our boys. It was a wonderful visit, we drove home together to Paradise from San Diego just under 600 miles. It was an awesome visit those few days and we will treasure them always. Our Marine was home for leave for 10 days and returned 10/29 for 4 more weeks of training. He graduated the second part of training on Tues. 11/26 and is flying to Corry Station Pensacola, Florida as I write this. 

    Our Sailor has informed us he won't be coming home for Christmas because he has already used 7 days of his leave time. I am curious what happens on the base for those weeks when there are only a few of them there? Obviously not all are able to leave. I guess it will be pretty quiet. 
    We won't have either of our boys this Christmas going to be a huge change. It was difficult enough on Thanksgiving. But I guess it's just something I might as well start betting used to. Thankfully I have all of you for support. Even when I don't post I'm reading all your news and it always lifts me up. 

  • ProudNavyMom#1

    Hi Kevsmom93! So good to see your post. Your heart is heavy, and the good thing is that you are here and not alone. We are here for you! For each other.

    I am so proud for you and your Marine! Congratulations to all of you! My how time flies. I feel your concern for both your Sailor and Marine. I do hope your Sailor gets over all this mess and gets stronger! Just tell him to tell the evil one to get behind him in the name of Jesus! He is a great and strong young man! And handsome too (as a mother of course :-). Bless his heart. You are learning a lot more about our Navy from another perspective. It does sound like they are taking care of him and he is trying also to get over all this.

    I pray daily for your two and mrsb's and all in our military.  He will get stronger and past all this.

    My Son says he was invited to a home for Thanksgiving but I just have that motherly feeling in my heart that he ate at the galley. I keep wondering if he told me about going to a family to keep me at peace. I just have to trust more in our Lord and know He will take care of all of them.

    Thanksgiving day I broke down on my older daughter's shoulder after she hugged me. She always knows when I need one of "those" hugs. I couldn't stop myself. But then, i did what we are not supposed to do, swept my feelings under the rug; and tried to enjoy the day with my other three kids and family.

    I am trying to be cool and take one day at a time as far as Christmas. For whatever reason, if my Sailor does not come home, I don't know what I will do. Probably book a flight to Groton without thinking it through.  I know you don't like to fly, mercy. I'm not good at this. I can't fix this, so I will just leave it alone. I validate your feelings. They are real. Please know that I really care for you and your beautiful family and you are all in my prayers.

    I will pray for you and for our Lord to give you the graces you need at this time and through this Christmas Season.  BIG HUG

  • Eaglefan

    I need some advice. My son would love to go snowboarding to a place called Mohawk which is less than an hour from base. He is only 19, so car rental is not an option. He said that they are not doing the shuttles to the ski areas anymore. What would be the best way for him to get there and back?
  • OklahomaMama

    Hi Eaglefan! How have you been?? My son said he would take him.
  • Eaglefan

    OklahomaMama, that is awesome! He will be so excited!I wonder if they know each other. I will PM you his info. So they can get in touch:-)
  • mrsb

    MomC, I can't thank you enough!!  My son said his meal was delicious!!!  May God Bless you and your husband for opening your home to Sailors so far from home.  My son couldn't make it to your house but his meal was one of the 5 taken back to the base.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and  his too!

  • mrsb

    Kevsmom, so nice to see you again!!!  So proud of both of your sons!!  Lord, one in the Navy and one in the Marines!!!  I did read that epic post you sent me-must have taken an hour or more just to type it!!!  I'm so happy for all of you!  I really missed my son at Thanksgiving; my older son, daughter and son-in-law were here so it was pretty quiet.  They took most of the leftovers home though, so that was good!  Just so you know, you and your husband are always welcome here at Christmas-I know it's quite a drive but we are 15 minutes from Ontario Airport and we can always make room!!!

    ProudNavyMom, I know how you feel-I felt like breaking down myself, just thinking about my son in the barracks.  He had duty all day but did get a home made meal delivered from MomC-Bless Her Heart!!!  Well, she made it, other Sailors delivered it.  We skyped for about an hour on Thanksgiving day-he is so ready to come home and I SOOO can't wait!!!  We need to all trust in the Lord to bring them home safely, and return them safely as well.  Hang in there ProudNavyMom, you and all of us are Navy Mom Strong!  Love you all!!

  • FATHOMOM

    KevsMom93- A big hugg to YOU - Wow, a son in the NAVY and another son in MARINES. God bless them both for their service! And to YOU the parents too! It is not our choice, but we are proud.  I am so happy for you that you spent time in October with both boys. Continue to keep those memories in your mind and heart. I truly don't think it will ever be easy for us NAVY MOMMA'S to not have our children home for the holidays - we will just have to grab time with them whenever we can. Christmas or Thanksgiving in April.....that works! Our son had mentioned that he wanted to be careful with his leave time too. They want to keep a certain amount on the books incase of an emergency and transfer time. When our sailors complete training in Groton and transfer off to their new base their saved time is what they use if they choose to come home first. This what I understand. It still does not make it easier....big hugg. I hope your NAVY son heals carefully, it has been so very cold in Groton. Be sure to send a few boxes your sailors way filled with awesome Christmas items. If you think he would like, we can send a card/note his way. I understand some of our young men are really not as bothered by it as much as a Momma is! Your son will not be alone, you are right, not everyone comes home at that time. I am sure the Groton base will provide something for the sailors that will be there. Did you get the site for the Dolphin News? A few pages back the website was posted. It is a neat way to stay in touch with what goes on on base. We joined, it comes right to our e-mail. Perhaps we can put the word out and the very same families can open their doors for Groton sailors for Christmas? 

    OklahomaMama - good for your son - I love it when they help eachother too! It can get clicky there on base, if our sailors only looked around and included other sailors. Yeah, nag nag, i must let it go, they will figure it our on their own. God bless ALL of them!

     

  • Kellyd

    Ok. I remember reading on here about getting a birthday cookie delivered to Sailors. My son will celebrate his 20th birthday on 12/8. I want to send him a giant cookie.
    Can anyone help me with this info?
  • Annette

    Keelyd, it is my niece who does the baking. Cookies, cake, pie, whatever you want. One Mom sent her her family recipe for popcorn balls and she delivered those as well! She has base access and lives about 5 minutes from base.  Unfortunately, she is out of town for the next 2 weeks with her family. I know she will be happy to help you out when she returns. You can find info on the Loved ones of Groton fb page, or send me a friend request here and a message, I can get you her info.

  • stylist613

    Welcome
  • navymom2013

    CMS76 - Congrats to you and your son.  I have a plaque that says "Navy Mom - Toughest Job in the Navy" It's true but we are here to help you - just ask.

    My son is in Groton and it is cold - real cold.  I hope your son knows cold - mine doesn't - he is a Florida cracker and he saw his first snow, there.

  • mrsb

    Welcome CMS76!!!  We're pretty sure your son will love it in Groton!  They all do-a lot more freedom than bootcamp.  Have a great time at PIR!!!  Hooyah!! and Congratulations!!!!

  • ProudNavyMom#1

    CMS76, CONGRATULATIONS!!!  I am so excited for you and your family!!! Try to remember everything!!! This is a once in a lifetime experience!!! Yes, your journey has just begun, we are all learning so much as we go. Come here to this site anytime for anything! Everyone is very supporting and caring. I am so happy for you!!!!! I bet tomorrow can't come soon enough! hahaha  well, we all experience different feelings so you just go with yours! Get as many hugs as you can, you will cherish them while he is away. Your Sailor will really enjoy Groton. I'll let you and him learn about all the other good stuff as you go along. I don't want to blow it for you :-) God bless, BIG {{NMH}}

  • Kevsmom93

    In regard to my post a week ago thank you for the kind words and offers of support they were very much appreciated. The good news so far is our son is feeling better. God bless you for your prayers Diane!

    Congratulations and welcome aboard CMS76 :-) My son has been in Groton since June and so far has adapted to East coast living. He's from Northern Ca. and is used to some cold. Right now we have 5 inches of snow on the ground. But he loves Mass. especially Boston. I think it's exciting for them to go to a new place and explore. Tonight he went to Boston with two other buddies for a Blue Man Group show. Not a lot happening in the area where he grew up so it's nice that he has all these exciting and interesting places to go and visit.

    Your son will earn his different stages of liberty as he goes along just as all of our Sailors. It will all come together, no worries. 

    FATHOMOM: Thank you! Yes, I did see that post and am signed up for the emails. Pretty cool way to be a part of their lives there at New London :-)

  • ProudNavyMom#1

    Hi Kevsmom93! So good to hear your Son is feeling better and getting to go places!

    I'm excited for your 5" of snow as we never get any here in Houston. But also hope you are all doing well as I can't imagine how everything can go on with 5" of snow! HAHAHA  it is 36 degrees and wet but no snow. we'll prob get a freeze but no snow. Too dangerous to drive in. I am sitting here with two layers of clothing (top and bottom) AND the heat on. Too cooooold!!! :-)  I hope my Sailor is getting to go places too.  I will ask him tomorrow. Well, hope you have an awesome night! I just realized you are three hours earlier than me! I keep forgetting. Mrsb has to remind me hahaha I hope you have an awesome week! God bless you and your beautiful family!!! (your hubby, Sailor and Marine) <3

  • doubletrouble

    Brrrrr it's cold outside! We are in Texas & it's been at or below freezing for three days with freezing rain &sleet. Yuck. I work for Meals on Wheels & we closed for only the second time in our 40 yr history!
    I have twins that graduated boot camp 10/11/13, one is in Groton & the other is in Great Lakes for A school. I don't think they believed me about learning what a real winter is,but they do now especially the one in GL!
    My submariner, he corrects me if I call him a sailor, graduates BESS Friday 12/13! We are so excited for him, but cant make it to the graduation. If anyone is going can you take pics & share them with me?! I told him if there is anyone there to ask them to take pics of him &send them to me.
    Kevsmom, I feel them same way about our boys getting to experience new places & things. Mine in Groton got to go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade! I was so excited for him, that was his second time in New York. He sent pics of Rockefeller Center, the ice skating rink there & Time Square, so neat.
    Hope everyone has a great rest of their weekend.
  • Eaglefan

    Doubletrouble, we are experiencing the same thing here in Oklahoma. We have not left our house since Thusday. The roads are still covered with ice and snow! I have been missing my son so much because we have such amazing memories of all the times we got snowed in together! He called me last night, and we reminisced about those times. It was really special:-). My mom and I are flying to Groton on the 19th, and we get to spend 3 days with him!!! I am counting down the hours. I hope you find someone to take pics of your son at BESS. I found a pic of my son in the background of someone else!s bess pic on the facebook page. I was so excited. Even those small glimpses make us moms happy! Hope you're staying warm and we all get some warmer temperatures soon. My too younger kids are ready to go back to school lol. Well, they're ready to get out of the house at least:-).
  • Annette

    I couldn't stand reading the posts here and on fb about sailors coming home. I gave up hope (though secretly still hoped he was going to surprise us). But. BUT!!!! HE IS COMING HOME!!!! Arrives on the 20th, will surprise his sisters. Oh, I am so happy!

     

  • mrsb

    Annette so happy for you!!!  That's great news, especially the part about surprising his sisters!!

  • shirl

    Kristen congrats on ur son getting to Groton. When he gets his mail address u can send him pretty much whatever he wants. He will have a address for letters and one for packages. Hope this helps, the school closes down for christmas will he be coming home?

    My son finally left Groton a few weeks ago he is in GA for another short school, then we do not know where yet. All my family is in the south so he is enjoying being near cousins.
  • ProudNavyMom#1

    HAHAHAHA  Annette, I am SO happy for you and your family!!!!! I can feel you from where ever you are!!! So much love!!! I bet you can't wait to hug your Sailor!!!!! God bless you!! Such good news!!!

  • mrsb

    So Annette, is he really coming home?  I'm confused with the facebook post...help me!!!!

  • Annette

    Sandy, he really is coming home! My dear hubby has been helping me try to get used to the idea he wouldn't be home with some sweet little fibs. But they decided they should tell me. I posted that fb status to perpetuate the myth for the sisters. They will have a nice surprise!

  • mrsb

    OMG I would probably have to smack my husband if he did that to me!!!  I'm so glad Dennis is coming home!!!  Is he flying in to LAX? If so when?  My son comes in at 11:36 pm (well, we'll see) on the 20th-it would be cool to see you there!!!  So, so happy for you!!!

  • Annette

    It's all good Sandy. Dennis wanted to surprise me as well, hubs convinced him I might need to be apprised to help surprise girls and get him home from airport! I was too happy to be mad! ;;)

  • ProudNavyMom#1

    Annette, so happy for you!!!!

    mrsb, at this point, as I blew my Sailor's surprise for me of his homecoming; and knowing he will be home for Christmas, I am not going to push for a date. Let him surprise me after all! HAHAHAHA  As long as he is home Christmas day for breakfast and presents!!!!

    Oh, just reminded myself to buy our "Paneton"! It is the tall bread with mixed fruits in it, not quite a fruit cake. Really yummy with butter on it and hot cocoa! I'm making myself hungry!

  • Annette

    He has a 6:30 am flight out of either Hartford or Providence, I don't know which. I imagine he will get in early afternoon. And I will no doubt be working, but hubs can pick him up after his company festive holiday luncheon.

     

  • Annette

    ProudNavyMom#1, I need to try Pannetone. I always see it advertised from Trader Joe's or Cost Plus. I miss my mother's fruit cake, I know so many people pan fruit cake, but I liked it!

     

  • mrsb

    ProudNavyMom, that sounds pretty good!  I may have to try it as well!!!

  • mrsb

    I want to send a big shout out to Fathommom's son who is so graciously driving my son to the Boston airport so he can come home for Christmas!!  Hooyah Mackenzie!!!!

  • FATHOMOM

    Hooyah! What awesome news from all of you NAVY MOM'S! I know not all of our Sailors can make it home for Christmas, my heart aches for you as a Momma. I keep ALL of our Sailors and families in prayer for the health and well being of mind, body and souls!! 

    DoubleTrouble -Congratulations to your son for completion of BESS. Isn't amazing the extent of training/education the submariner must complete?Take good care of you. stay safe and  warm in Texas!

    EagleFan - Oh my, you too - stay safe and warm in Oklahoma. So happy that you will get your Sailor hug. Enjoy your 3 days with him - safe travel!!

    Annette - BIG HUGG & a HOOYAH - Sailor Son is coming home!!!!! I totally understand the whole surprise thing......but I am so very happy that your hubby told you!!!! I cannot imagine how you were feeling reading about all of the other homecomings. I friended you so I can find out your son's last name (you may have told me before and I have forgotten....old brain!) I can mention to my son, since many of them seem to be heading to the same airport. Let's see if he has a little more room in his truck. 

    Well, mrsb - I am happy that our son is helping! I sure like it when they help out each other! Hooyah!

  • FATHOMOM

    KKristenShip - Congratulations and welcome to Groton, CT. Our Sailor has been there since 5/25/13 - arrived the day after P.I.R. He is very happy in Groton. It will be quite different than Great Lakes!! Your Sailor will be very busy at first - allot of things,places to learn. Allot of cleaning and qualifications to meet. He will be eager to earn his privilege cards (yellow, blue). He will be able to relax a little bit too. Groton Sailors eat very well - yay!! Send his phone and text whenever you want - he will get back to you when he has a chance. Try not to worry, he will be busy at first. We are here for you - check in anytime!! Hooyah!!

  • Ginger Matt's Mom

    Hi Ladies, My son will have his PIR on Jan. 10, and then??? Will he go to Groton or Florida. We were told Groton first then florida, but now i'm hearing different. He is in IT and had to sign up for 6yrs because of all the schooling. Any help would be appriciated.

  • mrsb

    Welcome Ginger Matt's Mom!  I don't know the answer but maybe another mom on here whose Sailor is in IT can answer that.  Just wanted to welcome you to the group!

  • shirl

    I do not where in fl maybe Jacksonville. , my son was an ET and he was at Groton for a year now he has moved to GA for a Three month school. Then we will find out soon where he will be after that. He signed up for 5 years because of all the schooling also. If your son is subs then he will go to Groton first for BESS Basic Enlisted Sub School, maybe a few other schools there and then on to where his speciality school is. Hope that helps some. You wait a lot for info. Be patient. Ur son will love being in Groton .
  • sasharanger

    My son just joined Groton on Dec. 7th straight from Great Lakes boot camp.  I am glad to meet everyone here!  I was able to make a few friends on the boot camp site and was so grateful for all of their advise and support and am sure I will find the same here!

  • ProudNavyMom#1

    sasharanger.div36.ship9, WELCOME!!!! You will enjoyit here! God bless

  • mrsb

    Welcome sasharanger!!!

  • KKristen

    Thanks for the info FATHOMOM.
    I'm anxiously waiting a call with his address. :0)
    Sasharanger - I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you at PIR. I hope you'll tell us how your son is doing right? So we can "compare notes." LOL do you have his address yet?
  • sasharanger

    Thank you for the warm welcome!  It was such a treat to be able to text and talk to my son "freely" the past few days.  You don't know how much you take for granted until it's taken away from you.  He said he is doing very well, likes his roommates, and was able to order pizza and visit with a high school friend who has been at Groton since August.  It feels like a weight has been taken off of me knowing that he has his freedom back (and his phone!).  I am still anxiously waiting to hear about Christmas leave but am so happy that we are able to talk whenever we need.

  • mrsb

    sasharanger, it sure is a different world in Groton compared to BC!!!  So glad to hear that he's settling in!!!

  • KKristen

    I talked to my son yesterday and he told me that today (I think) he will be doing a "scavenger hunt" type thing on the sub (?) I guess its to see if they really want to do this. Does that make sense to anyone?

  • mrsb

    Hi KKristen!!  I haven't heard of that but it sounds like fun!!

  • shirl

    It sounds like one of his Quals.
  • Kristy

    So glad to have joined this group. My son Kolten graduated from bootcamp November 22 and is now in "A" school in Groton. I have talked to him often and I am comfortable knowing he is very well taken care of.