Moms of "A" school Sailors

Well I'm not ashamed to say I cried. I cried evrytime he called and I saw the number come up on the caller ID, I cried again when he got ready to say good by, I cried during PIR and I cried when I gave him that long awaited hug after the ceremony. Did I mention that I cried every once in a while? I still cry when I have to leave him or he has to leave me. This last time was almost as bad as when I took him to the recruiting office. This time my baby was driving 6 1/2 hrs alone, late at night in his old Turtle Van. I felt so sorry for him and I was scared for him. It was such a relief when he called at 3:20am and said, "You can go to bed now, the car is in park and I'm across from barracks".
What are we going to do the first time they have to go out on ship for a week or two? Oh-my-gosh! I think they should just build a great big simulator at each base and let them practise their ship skills on land! Think we could talk the Navy into that one?
Congrats to the graduates!! I know there are a lot of happy moms that they will soon get to see their sons and daughters!

That's it Judy, we are a big can of nuts and somebody opened the can! No I don't beieve he is going to come home this weekend after all. Hopefully this once taught him to plan a bit more carefully. Another sailor backed into his car in the parking lot and he went after classes yesterday to get two estimates for repairs. I think this weekend he will use a part of Saturday trying to make arrangements to get it fixed. I told him to hold off on the headlight because I can buy a replacement and put it on for him and save about $120 on that. He will have to get a shop to replace the front piece around the grill and headlight as that would be a whole weekend project for just two or three to do. I think I can do his headlight in about an hour, 45 mins to figure out what I'm doing and 15 mins to do it! Oh and the 10 mins of thinking, "Why did I say I would do this?"

It really wasn't a big deal but my son is so blonde that he didn't bother to look at that piece of paper under his wiper. He didn't even know he'd gotten hit until he was home last weekend and I wanted to see his pass in the window. I found the piece of paper with the girl's name and number on it! I asked him if he knew someone hit him. He called her and said it happened in the parking lot on the base. He's gone over to talk to her right now about settling. He will pay a portion of it since those lines in the middle of the parking lot are hardly visible, he said he might have pulled through too far.
She must have a truck that sits up high. She didn't do anything to the bumper or grill but it looks like she ran right up over the top of the headlight. His car does not sit low either. I think he's going to pay to get the front piece painted and just get the whole car sprayed but have her to pay for the parts. It all works out in the end.

Hey Marlo, are you getting the cold wind that we are getting tonight? It's been chilly all day but it's just danged cold now!

Yeah Marlo, The good thick stuff. lol I'll help you ship some of this cold back over to him. How much do you think we can squash into a flat rate box? Marlo, Chris is at Dam Neck, VA just a little SE of Norfolk.

Carol, I agree. I did the same thing once when I was in high school. I backed into someone leaving choir practise one evening. I left a note with my number and the guy called and was very nice about it and he only charged me about half of his estimate (I don't think he got his fixed). Chris will have to get the headlight fixed so he does not get rain into it and short out the light or rust the socket.

Well, you girls sure have been quiet today. Especially for a Friday! Judy must been laid back on the sofa watching TMNT. Bernadette she is sooo close now. Does she have to stay at GL while she waits an assignment? If so then hopefully either the weather will warm up soon or she will get her assignment to warmer climates!

Oh too cool Carol F., Chris had considered that as a possibility for college a few years ago. He is in Va. at Dam Neck for IS school. Do you think your son will eventually end up in Fla. and work with the Navy and NOA flying into hurricanes? i would imagine that would be down the road a ways but maybe...?

Judy, how is the pup? I don't mean your Chris, I mean the little dog. My Chris is busy keeping the roads hot again. He's back in NC to see a friend. At leat this time he kept his travel time down to about 5 hours each way. He will never have money to go do stuff where he is stationed if he keeps coming back home or almost home all the time. Boys!!

Thank you Hoppi, I appreciate the corrections. I have deleted my wrong info to try to avoid confusion. I initially was going by what machinists in an industrial environment would do as I worked with many and almost became one myself. Then tried to quickly correct myself after going to militaryabout.com and peeking at what they had to say. Thank you for a much better description.

Hmmm, now? I get on N4M and chat. Before the lay off I was a machine operator, manuals, automatics and CNC's. I've worked in metals for 25 of 30+ years. This is going to be a major change for me as we really don't have any other large metal working plants in the area except a couple that do extrusions and sheet metal. But I'm looking forward to moving on. It's about time I got out of all the heavy lifting and grease and oil.
Hoppi is a pro. I believe a Navy Career Counselor? Hoppi, where are you when I need you? She monitors a lot of these sites and answers questions and corrects us when we are wrong. it's always good when the pros step in. Anyway she is very knowledgable.

Thanks for the info Hoppi! Are there SDCs at all the bases or just GL? Is that who the students report to if they have questions regarding general Navy issues or issues directly involving their course of study? It may tell on that specific page. I'll go check it out. Thanks again Hoppi, you're like Tony the Tiger, you're great!

Lori, did Jake have problems accessing his MyPay account for his W2's? Chris tried here at the house last weekend and he was having the same problem that he said he was having at the base. I thought Dam Neck had all their issues worked out so I'm wondering if this is a "Chris issue". Until I have his W2's I'm not even looking at a form. I've heard it can be really confusing. I have seen a group page set up for tax discussion. I don't know if anyone with real knowledge is there but you can check it out.

Lori, thanks. I know at first Chris said it was there that he was having the problem and some other moms w/kids there said the same but I knew that Chris said they had fixed it. I think he is doing something wrong now trying to access his account. I guess he will have to go over and get someone to show him what he is doing wrong. I think it may also be that he spends way too much time at the bowling alley and shooting range to be bothered. I do know that while he was home weekend before last he did try but couldn't access it.

Judy - son went to MA school in Dam Neck!! I went to the graduation. There are a few pictures on my page, if you want to see.
A REAL small ceremony, but I was glad I went!!
They served cup cakes and kool-aide afterward!!

Bernadette, thanks for sharing that - it was awesome!!
My dad was in the Air Force and did flights similar to that.
He got out when he developed diabetes and had four kids to support.

Judy, Congrats to Chris! Cowabunga! I know you are looking forward to having him home.

Katie graduated A school for Damage Control on Wed, 4/1/09. She'll come home for a visit before leaving for Japan and the USS Essex later in the month.

Saturday evening Yvonne and I and Nic (USS Carl Vinson) enjoyed an all you can eat buffet at Pizza Hut, playing 18 holes of miniature golf at Lynnhaven Golf Park (Virginia Beach), and ice cream at Dairy Queen. Fun evening!

(Saturday May 30, 2009)

Just finished a great evening eating pizza and playing Phase 10 with Brandon and Savannah (NAS Oceana), Trever (USS Gunston Hall), David (USS Harry S. Truman), Brad (USS George Bush). By the end of the Phase 10 game I think we were all a little flaky! It was fun! We laughed a lot!! Check out the photos on our profile page if you like.

Hi my son Daniel is in A school at Groton Ct. Sub school. Last week he advance to Seaman Apprentice E2. So far he's going great. His graduation is surpose to be on Sept 3. Just wanted to say Hi to all N4Ms.

Hi Tracy my son started A school on April 20th. Also his rank is ET/radio. How about your son. How long has he been in the Navy. My son went in August 08. Before that he was in the DEP program for a year when he was a senior in HS.

Great news Marti. Wish your sailor the best!!!!!!!!!

Well we just got a call from our son to tell us that he is 3rd in a class of 23. Also that they were given a list of ports to choose from when they graduate from A school. He pick HAWAII. WOOOOHOOOO. We are so proud of him. When its time for him to go we will miss him but we are glad that he decided on this port. Like I told him go and learn, live, enjoy the world. Have fun and don't have any regrets that he didn't expore the world.

Thank you Brend S. and Linda K. I know what you mean. I told my husband that we would have to make a trip out there. He hates flying but I know I can change his mind.

Hi to all A school moms and love ones just letting you all know about a group for anyone who is in SECF who will be graduating from A school. This group is for ET, FT and STS. Everyone are welcome to join. Have a great day.

Ruth VH my son is in A school in Groton, CT. He's an E2 ET/COM. What is the define datadase?

stupid me I see the navy speak database it seems to only tell you some terms. SECF stands for Submarine Electronics Computer Field.

(Saturday June 13, 2009)

Saturday evening we ate hot dogs and drank root beer floats, then we played Attack Uno! with Savanah and Brandon (NAS Oceana) and Trever (USS Gunston Hall)! Savanah won the game! Then we went into the living room and just talked and visited. Then we shared prayer requests and prayed together. We were really surprised too! We got a telephone call from a former sailor, Sean, who we had not heard from in two years. That was a real treat! We are now friends on Facebook.

(Sunday June 14 2009)

Great Sunday! Enjoyed Sunday School and the Morning Worship service at Azalea Garden Church. Pastor Vicker's sermon was was good, not an easy one to hear, but good. God doesn't always say yes when we pray. Sometimes He says no. I do love our altar services where we can pray and minister to each other after the service!

After church it was on to our house for dinner and fellowship. Trever (USS Gunston Hall) got called back in to work, but Savannah and Brandon (NAS Oceana) came over, and we also invited Erene, Bill, Julie, and Brantley from the Young Adult Group. So we had a really nice group. My daughter Sarah stopped by for a while too.

Hi all,

I just thought I'd let you all know how our weekend went with our adopted sons and daughters.

(Saturday June 20, 2009)

We had a great evening with Savannah (Navy Wife), Brandon (NAS Oceana), Erene, and Trever (USS Gunston Hall). We ate hamburgers, chips, and cream cheese brownies and ice cream. We played RISK (haven't played that in a long time)! Then we closed with sharing prayer requests and taking turns praying for them. We all had FUN! Check out the new pictures on our profile page slide show.

(Sunday June 21, 2009)

Had a great Father's Day! Yvonne was up at 5:45 a.m. making cheesecake and homemade bread dinner today to be celebrated with Sarah (daughter) and Brian (son-in-law), Trevor (USS Gunston Hall), Branden (NAS Oceana) and Savannah (Navy Wife), and Erene (civilian). Sarah and Brian got me a tripod for my camera (that's why I'm in this group photo). We watched "Time Changers" while Yvonne finished fixing dinner. A good Christian movie! Interested in time travel? Dinner included a pork loin roast, peas, and rice, that were great! But then came the cheese cake for dessert! MMMmmmmm! Need I say more?

Happy 4th

Hi everyone,
I haven't posted in awhile, but have good news that Michael classed up for GM A school last Wednesday and is enjoying it very much. He had been on hold for 65 days. I am very excited and happy for him that he is now on his way.

Have a wonderful weekend all.....:D

Hi all,

It's been a while since I gave you an update on our weekend activities. So here is last weekend. We adopt all of the servicemen and women who come to our home as our own "sons" and "daughters" so naturally, when they get married and have children they become our adopted grandchildren. This is the latest - a granddaughter! :)

Saturday Evening (July 18, 2009)

We had Randy (Marine Cpl) and Nikki and little Sarah here visiting us for the weekend from Camp Lejeune North Carolina. It was fun making and eating home made pizzas and playing catch phrase with them and Savannah and Brandon (Oceana), and Trever (USS Gunston Hall). We all shared prayer requests and prayed together. Check out the new pics.

Sunday (July 19, 2009)

Had a great day today! Sunday school was good, the lesson was about about faith. Worship was excellent. Pastor Rodney preached about Satan wanting to sift us as wheat - don't let him! Then Savannah and Brandon (Oceana), Brian and Sarah (my daughter and son-in-law), and Randy (Marine – Camp Lejeune, NC) and Nikki and Sarah Mayzak enjoyed a pot roast, potatoes and carrots, followed with apple crisp and ice cream for dinner at our house. We watched two chapters of the book of Matthew on video. Then prayed for Randy and Nikki before they left for home.

All in all, a very good weekend! Thank you Lord!

Blessings on all of you,

John

Hello and goodbye to this group. My son just graduated from A school. Its been great being here. Bye all :)

Hi all,

I haven't been on here in a long time! I've missed being here, but have been really busy. I am now the Senior Adult Pastor and Pastoral Care Director at our church which keeps me going.

My daughter and her husband have made Yvonne and me new grandparents for the first time - a grandson who they named Jacob Benjamin. Fortunately they live about half an hour from us so Yvonne makes sure we go up to see him every week.

Our ministry to the military also continues every weekend in Virginia Beach. We're actually waiting for some of our sailors to come over this evening. Praise God, isn't life fun! :)

And, oh, by the way, we are also babysitting a green parrot for a neighbor friend of ours. What a hoot that is! If we walk out of the room he says "Come here." We're trying to teach him how to say "praise the Lord." If we walk out of the room he will sqwak litke crazy! Yvonne will put the towel over his cage and you hear this little voice say "oh oh." Then, as we walk away he'll say in a tiny voice "Heeelp. Heeelp." Then he quiets right down.

Hi A school Moms,
My name is Vicky. My Navy girl is Chrissy. She is in A school at GL. She is in AECF, which stands for Advanced Electronic Computer Field. Any other Moms have a son or daughter at this school? ~ Vicky

Correction: Chrissy called me yesterday her school is called ATT, (technical training) her rate is AECF.

Comment by Stacy Williams removed due to a violation of Community Guidelines: Don’t Solicit for Products, Services, etc.

Elle

Hi A school Moms,
I'll say something, too! I am liking A school, it is much better than BC! And she gets Christms leave. I am counting down the days until she lands in Californa.
Navy Hugss ~ Vicky

Hi All;
I just joined this group, my son just PIR'd on Dec 4 and will be moving over to G/L A school later this week, His rating is GSM.

GSM is a Gas Turbine Service Mechanic

Merry Christmas to all fromn Central California

Merry Christmas from Mississippi!

My son was suppose to start A-School, today, but there's not enough instructors. Some of been waiting months to start their AG classes. Right now, he's doing crap jobs

April: I told me hubby the same thing.......atleast he's getting paid. It doesn't surprise me this happened......His BC date was moved from July to Dec, due to too many AGs

What did your son go to A School for.

There is a lot to learn in a short time in "A" school. It can all feel very overwhelming at times. When you're just out of high school where there are spring breaks and summer vacations Navy "A" schools can be a shock. But be assured your sons and daughters can make it through it if they apply themselves. April is right that the incentive of being high in his/her class standing helps a lot when it comes time to pick orders.

What is best way to get my son his cell phone at A School in Meridian? Insured Mail? Fed Ex? He has been there for a week and wants his phone...tired of using his phone cards. Any info on this?

Thanks, Connie. I have a pretty small box...had to put a few other things in it as well. I'm afraid the padded envelope would still get crushed. They don't make the phones as durable as they used to be! Mine is 4.5 years old, and still like a rock
(after being dropped, stepped on, squished, etc). :-)

Thanks everyone for the "mailing the box" info. Sounds like the flat rate box is the way to go.

Lee4kis: Still waiting! Maybe in another week or two for my son. Is he happy with this duty station? Good luck to him on his next adventure in the Navy!

Debbie--
My son spends a lot of his off duty hours in the gym. He told me he swims, rides a bike (stationary?) and runs. Does your son like to work out?
Gen