Moms of "A" school Sailors

son started A school this Sunday.  What kind of liberty do they have at the start?  He is in Pensicola?

its hard ar first but prayers and knowing this is what they wanted to do makes it easier I have been there are teared up last night and my son has been gone over a year, when they visit spend as much time as you can with them and make sure the email you as offten as they can God will get us all through this

Stay strong -  . 

Has anyone heard that song by Carrie Underwood - Till I see You Again.

Listen to that one.That is my song!  By the way crying is OK- it let's out frustration.  Believe it or not, the sailors are pretty happy and it feels good to them that among all the turmoil going on in the world, they have a constant.  A disciplined, regimined,, safe harbor.  They are being paid when alot are not, getting fed and medical attention and education. It's all good! according to my son - Carry On!  Mom's cry - that is what we do, so don't feel bad.  God takes control when we can't be with our sons and daughters.  Pray for Peace - that always helps.  I don't do much for Halloween but I went out to the grocery and while I was there, I picked out a Thanksgiving Card to send to my son.  There was a lady there working, filling out the card racks and I laughedat some of the cards, and then I started crying uncontrollably when I read the cards that said, I wish we could be together.  She came running over to me and asked if I was alright and hugged me.  We cried together and I bought a funny card that had a Turkey laying in the cooking pan laying there saying " so, I wait here for the rubdown, then I go into the Sauna?  Sweet - You gotta laugh!!!!

this is the best webb site next to praying it really helps we are all in this together

My chest feels heavy with all the emotions!  I still remember days when I wish he would " just grow up already!"  Now he has.............

Doreen - Ok that song made me cry.  Good Stuff.  Thanks

hello, all... i am wondering.... awhile back there was talk of someone in or near goose creek, sc that makes cakes. my son's bday is 11/23 and i was hoping someone here would know how to contact the "cakemaker" would love to surprise my son with a homemade cake!

Just checking in, our SR missed his 9/6 PIR due to not passing the run. He has been waiting for his A school in GL to start.  It sure seems like a long wait.  Welcome to hurry up and wait.

does anyone know if the Great Lakes A school has time  off at Christmas.

My Sailor is in Pensacola waiting for A school to start.

Hello everyone after 7 months by son will finally be coming home tomorrow.  Am so EXCITED!!!! =)

so happy for you

Millie Div 224 So happy for you and your family....My son went to bc in feb, we went to PIR in April and  i drove his car to GC end of may, AND he came home TWICE in July and I am now going thru withdrawl already......HOW excited you must be!!!  ENJOY every minute! I'll be smiling with you!

My son is in GL for "A" school, PIR 10/11 Div 380 still waiting for class to start.  Any information Mom's on a timeline for this?  He is so eager to get started.

My daughter is also in Meridian, Mississippi.  She has been there since Nov. 2. 

Hello Everyone!  I hope you are having a great Veteran's Day.  I went to Dunedin High School where we have a bagpipe and drum band complete with kilts.  Breakfast was at 8 am.  We had the kids in the ROTC outside in the stadium and alot of veterans.  We talked about a local boy killed in the line of duty - Zack Shannon - I had joined his funeral procession - he was killed in action last year.

Everyone - please thank a Veteran today for their service.  Some don't make it home, and the ones that do - especially need to here thank you out loud today.

I cried when they played taps and a twenty one gun salute, they did a PIR on the field and because I had my Navy Mom tee shirt on, I was asked to come out to the center of the field and sit.  I have never been more proud.  What a great day!

Thank You Veterans for your service.  My son is carrying a fallen submarine flag in a parade today.  He called me early this morning to talk to me.  I Love You and Respect you immensely, Son, for what you are doing for America.  Thank YOU for serving!

I have gotten my son a few of the challenge coins.  I found them on the Northwest Territory mint.  They cost $10 - $15. I just pick one that makes sense for where he currently is.  So the last one was for San Diego Naval Base.  I gave him one for Great Lakes after PIR, etc.  Also, they are small since they really don't have room for much.

http://custom.nwtmint.com/products_coins.php

A gas card in a mushy congrats son card or if he does not have a car a visa prepaid card - nobody doesn't like money$$$$$ Challenge coins are good too.

I actually got my son a pure silver Navy silver coin - it costs more than a challenge coin - can be personalized - although I didn't engrave his - it was about 37.50 I think.

I got it at a coin shop. It takes a while to find one sometimes.

  On E Bay - I found another one but it's $59.00 now

I wish my son would class up already, he's in Pensacola waiting since 10/26. He's an AD. 

I am curious.  My son's PIR was 1/24/14 & his A school starts Feb. 12.  Is there anything I can send him in a care package?  It's great getting to text & talk to him. He's been a bit homesick & is afraid of doing something wrong & getting into trouble. It's all new & he's still figuring things out, waiting for A school to start.  As a mama, I am concerned about him staying warm in those frigid weather conditions.  He says he gets cold at night.  Can we buy them an extra blanket?  If so, where do we or they get one?  He says he sleeps in his sweats & they only get one blanket.  He even sleeps in his beenie.  Just wondering if anyone else feels the same as I do?!  This is tougher than I imagined!

Also, I haven't heard much about A school graduation.  Is it an actual graduation that we can attend or not a big deal?  I know it's early, but just wondering.

We didn't go to my son's A school graduation because it conflicted with a college visit for my daughter.  It was a short ceremony but someone did take some pictures and I got some.

I crocheted my son a blanket before BC and he took it with him to A school.  As far as I know he still uses it.  I think they try to get them used to the real ship and how cold it is at night.

For care packages, we have sent him his favorite snacks, gift cards for restaurants on base.  Since he is on hold he is probably bored.  Maybe send him some books or games to keep him busy.  Is he at Great Lakes?  It has been so cold here.  I can't wait for Spring.  They have such a great view of Lake Michigan there, but they can't enjoy it now.

Thanks Doreen!  Yes, he's in GL, but they've been busy so far.  What restaurants are on base?  (Subway, McDonalds, Pizza Hut?)  He said last night he could have a blanket & I'm going to send him one!  I hate that it's so cold there.  We are from Texas, so it's extra cold in GL!

My Airman has moved on to JAX in January. C school in Jun. Thnx for letting my 'lurk' and learn from you all.

I am wondering about A school graduation. My son just finished ATT and started A school last week. Is graduation a big deal? Can family attend? He is at GL.

Thanks!

My son graduated from Gunner's Mate A school. He said it was a short ceremony, but some family was there.  It conflicted with something and we picked him up right afterward.  He was home for 2 weeks before going to C School.

Thanks, Doreen! I'm hoping ours will get some time after A school. I didn't think he was going to have to do C school. Now that's something I'll have to ask him!

I'm pretty sure that at least my husband and I will go for his graduation. Maybe not the whole family, though.

My son is just starting A School GL.  How can I get his address to send him mail? 

Hi everyone, my was told that he was no longer able to be an AO due to his vision. I was all set for him to go to Pensacola…Im not sure what job he'll we be given now. I haven't heard from him. I was just wondering what other locations A schools are located. Thanks.

 Hi! My Sailor is at Ft. Sam Houston, we plan to go for graduation. Is there anywhere I can find more info about graduation, where to stay and what airport we should fly in to??? My Sailor seems to know little to nothing about all this... no change there..lol

my daughter is in c school in pensacola now she said she should graduate on aug 19th do you think we should book plane tickets now or do they change the date's alot they are cheap now too

jean-jack - that graduation could change but I went ahead and booked while it was inexpensive and if it didn't work out to be graduation - I hoped I would still get to enjoy some time together.  He graduated on time and my tickets were cheap and non -refundable.  If you leave them open to a refund or change they cost so much more.  I love Pensacola just to visit anytime,  anyway!  We have a bed and breakfast that we always go to it's called Pensacola Victorian Bed and Breakfast - reasonable and so cool and don't forget to go to Fort Pickens State Park - out on the beach - you will love, love, love it. 

Which type ship is best to put on the list of preference?  Looks like a carrier is best as far as sea sickness goes & getting mail quickest, but it's not the best for liberty or ports of call or food.  The destroyers & cruisers are best for ports of call & liberty & better food, but not so much the motion of the sea. I know the Navy will put my son where he's needed; just wondering.  He ranks top of his class, & from what I've read, he will get first pick of the orders available to his class.  Is that right?

Is it common to attend A school graduation as with Boot Camp?

Good Morning!

My son just PIR on 6/13/14.  He is now at A school in Texas for Corpsman.  Would love to connect with any mom's that son/daughter just went to Texas.

My son is now in San Antonio.  Says the weather is extremely humid much different than Great Lakes.  His new room looks great and he said he spent too much money at the NEX getting supplies and clothing. Much better with cell communication.  Can sleep at night now knowing I can call him.

Thank you for the invitation to this group.  My son's PIR was 6/27/14, but he didn't get to move onto "A" school yet do to medical issues.  He's still on base where they had BC, but not in those ships.  He was very upset that they told him this "after" he graduated.  I did stay an extra day to give him some time off base and I think that has helped.  I feel so helpless about all this as a mom, since I can't go yell at someone to take care of him.  The only way we hear from him is when he calls us, but at least he can do that when he wants instead of what it was like during BC.  Please keep him in your prayers that he will get to move on after his appointment with the Dr on the 18th.

Eric's mom, Sorry to hear the news about your son.  I hope he will be okay. I know its hard to say but try to think positive thoughts that all will be well on the 18th.  You are in my prayers, Mom. :)

Dear Eric's Mom - I feel in my heart that your son will be OK. My son is out of BC and A-school - he has moved to Hawaii and will go out on a sub but the anxiety that we have as Mom's never goes away. We want to help them get thru whatever they may face that is hard to understand, and sometimes they just need us to talk with. Mom's are very important and whatever happens you will be there for him.
Our sons and daughters never outgrow our love and compassion. Be sure to let us know how this temporary setback goes. I will think of you and pray for a speedy resolve to this dilemma.

Thank you Mitchmom & navymom2013 for your kind words.  He's trying to take the situation in stride, but hasn't gotten to get into medical so he can get better yet.  Hopefully they will see him this week.  At least he gets to call us whenever he wants to, unlike BC.