Camp Pendleton Corpsmen Moms

docsmom...what kind of socks are best?  I will get some and send them to him when the time comes.  He had shin splints (not fractures) when he ran track in high school but didn't have issues with them in BC.  He was in amazing shape when he first got to A school when he had time to work out all the time, but I don't think he's had time with the studying he's been doing there.  I have to admit, I am more of a private Benjamin type.  I couldn't do much of any of what they are doing. 

I don't know what particular socks he liked but it seems like the Marine fuzzy brown ones are the ones that were in the laundry the most often.  Gosh, he was so lucky I was there taking care of my granddaughter and he didn't have to do his own laundry.  Spoiled.

I am pretty sure they were issued those socks when they got their Marine cammies but I saw them for sale in the hospital exchange, too. 

I think the students coming from A school were still in pretty good shape because they are still doing PT in A school (well, 8 years ago they were) but my son was not keeping up with PT during IDC school and was older than a lot of the FMTB students.  He paid for his lack of exercising with his injuries!  Said he was never going to stop running and get out of shape.  That was before the shin fractures showed up on scans.  I hope he is going to get back to running, especially since he and wife just bought a jogging stroller.   

Corpsmanwifeschu and Aaronswife quick question my son is graduating in March, do you know of any hotels that offer a shuttle from the airport that are close to Pendelton?

There are two hotels on base.. One is at Del Mar right by the graduation. I visited for Thanksgving and stayed at the other one. It was very nice and affordable. My son will be graduating in March. I plan to stay at the one at Del Mar.

Do you have to be military to stay at the one on base?  Do you know the phone number?

Do we know what day they graduate in March?

Thank you.  Found out the Ramada will give you a 15% discount if you state you are there for Graduation.  They were great at PIR so will continue to support them

My son is the 22nd of March also. Here is a link for on base lodging. http://www.pcs-lodging.com/base/Camp-Pendleton.aspx

I stayed at Ward for Thanksgiving. I called and made the reservations, but my son had to show military ID for check in.

Unlike PIR and Great Lakes, you can get on base at Camp Pendleton with a valid ID (i.e., drivers license). To stay at one of the lodges/hotels on base, you do not have to "be" military, but you do need your family member to show their military ID in order for you to check in. 

There are a wealth of off-base hotels nearby the gate closest to FMTB grad. Look on the map for hotels near the 5 and 76 (both highways) or the 5 and Mission (the next exit south).

Can't wait to see my son.  Thank you for all of the information

Rena, I just went to my facebook page and found it.  There isn't really anything there and never was as I remember but my memory is one of those things I can't find. 

This is the url:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Fmtb-West/122278551157764

They probably didn't have a website master to monitor it.  Really too bad since we family members enjoy any link available to our loved ones. 

docsmom thanks, I guess I was finding it and I just wasnt seeing what I had hoped was there... I was hoping for a small glimpse of his face... oh well I guess it will make it all the more special when I see him at graduation...                                       

3 weeks today ladies!!!! I am counting down the days!!!!

Oh, I love this memory that comes and goes.  Yes, there were photos on the Facebook page and I was able to pick out my son in a couple of them.  I wonder if they are going to wait until the end of class and post them again. 

Rena, sent you a message.

Time is getting closer to seeing my son.  Can't wait

My son graduates from corpsman school Tuesday and will be heading to Camp Pendleton at the end of the month.  He gets to come home for a week before going there.  He is so excited...this is really why he joined the Navy! 

My son graduates next week on the 22nd. I am not able to get a hold of him this week. Does anyone know if they are in the field again??

does any one know what time the graduation actually is at?

I'm ready for it to be next week. Is it Wednesday yet?

It does start at 1000, promptly.  I highly recommend you get there early to get good parking, seating, pick of the souvenirs, and to also try to pick yourloved one out in the formation.  I think we arrived at 0930 and got front row seats on the side where I could best see my son.  

Your loved one will know which platoon they are in and where they will be standing in formation so picked your seat based on that.  Gloria and I were on opposite ends of the bleachers unfortunately.

Best wishes to all of you and congrats to our FMTB Sailors. .

RuthVH...we didn't get to go to the graduation; too far to drive and we couldn't afford to fly.  He said it was okay and didn't have a problem with it.  I would like to make the one from Camp Pendleton, but it is just a few weeks before my older son's wedding, so finances will not line up for it yet again.  Yes, he is going to FMTB and then onto Okinawa.  He is home this week! 

It is my understandingthat is it is outsidse and guest sit on bleachers so, if the bleachers are full I guess they could stand

Hi, there TX Nvy Mom & Aaron's wife!

You can bring as many folk as you like - no tickets or "accounting" like at boot camp. It's outside, but not too far from the main gate (a bit tricky--has your corpsman sent directions once you go through the gate?). There are bleachers, and they seem to be full, but not so much a few more couldn't fit.

I brought flowers and gave them to ALL the moms, wives, grandmas etc., when it was my son's turn. Met several N4Ms there. Enjoy the ceremony!

On directions my son said to turn left at the first light after entering base and head towards Doc something we had a bad call connection last night.  What all is required to get on base?  We will be driving a rental.  Any and all information is appreciated