Camp Pendleton Corpsmen Moms

It's been a while since I have been on here but I am going as well. Can't wait!!

NormaH...KathyProudCorpsmanmom said it all! I was driving a rental car so my rental agreement was my proof of insurance and registration.  Definitely get there early because the parking lot fills up quickly and then you have to park in the overflow area.  I was in a walking boot so we actually parked really close 'cause we got there early.  Don't forget the tissues! Also they will have a DVD (among other things) on sale.  The DVD is all about their training....saw my son in a couple of the pics.  Enjoy!!!! It is such an amazing experience when the Company marches in. I get all teary just thinkin' about it.  ;-)

Is anyone else going to be at the March 22nd graduation? 

Yes i will drive down to  Oceanside and bring my son home after the ceremony!!!

My family will be there on March 22nd as well. Very excited to see our son. He is in platoon 2. Anyone else in the same platoon?

NormaH...Wasn't it amazing!!!

Kajmam,

You can go to FMTB W on Facebook and see pictures of the 03/22/13 graduation.

My son leaves next Fri. for Camp Pendleton for FMTB, what can I expect. Before this he was stationed in Guam @ the Naval Hospital. When he is finished with training, he will be stationed in Hawaii. What kind of things should I send in care packages, what kind of communication will I have w/him, etc? Any info. would be appreciated.  I look forward to being an active member of this group:)

Thank you for the info. My son arrived there yesterday & is all checked in & ready to start his FMTB training. Sending him off this time seemed so much harder this time than it has in the past. I just hate not knowing when I'll see him again:( Thank God for Skype & cell phones!

My son has been at 29 Palms for almost 8 months.  It is in the middle of nowhere, high desert, very windy...hot hot hot except for a couple of months in the Winter when it is in the 20's at night.  He has been learning a lot. I know he will pick other orders next Jan.  He does love working with his patients, though.  He was one of only 3 Corpsman to pass some ALS tests. He also just completed TCCC (Tactical Combat Critical Care) training.  Very proud of him.

Jacque...check out www.mccscp.com/tlf-lodging‎. They have all kinds of information.  You will need to make the reservations.  Just let your son know when you will be there.  My son came to the lodge the next day because he wasn't done with Field Day.  They are understanding about those sorts of things.

NormaH...I will remember that for the next time! I love street fairs.

I am heading to San Jose to go to a meet and greet with the N4M bay area group on the 1st!  Can't wait!  My Sailor comes home as I am leaving but I am only gone until Sunday and he will be home for 14 days!!!

My son is graduating tomorrow and it breaks my heart that I can't be there. I was not able to go to his A school graduation either. He will be going directly to Hawaii for his next duty station. Not sure when we'll get to see him again. So, if anyone is going to graduation, please take pictures & share.

I missed my sons A-school graduation but really don't have to worry about FMTB since it will happen within driving distance. Luck of the draw, I guess. So sorry for you Devin's Mom. That is really tough. I pray that someone can get you some photos.

My son graduates on Sept 26 then reports to the San Diego base.  Does anyone have a good hotel recommendation in San Diego. My son says anywhere near the zoo is good, but he also told me he graduates on the 27th so don't completely trust him LOL.  And if any other Moms had a son go from Pendleton to San Diego, do you know how much time the may have to spend with family over the weekend.  I know nothing is for sure just was wondering what other sailors experienced.  Thanks

rsv227,

Is there a FB page similar to the METC one? They have class grad photos on the METC FB page.

Thanks RuthVH, I booked a hotel but it's so hard to know what they are like or if the location is good. I wouldn't care much if it was just me but the grandparents are trusting my judgement, always puts a bit of pressure on, Oh well I won't really care once I get to see my Sailor, haha.  As for Graduation date, just in case other moms who have grads that day, I went on the Camp Pendleton website and found an official looking doc listing the dates of graduation.  2 were on fridays and 2 listed as thursday dates. 26 Sep 13 is the next one,  so hopefully this is the correct date, if anyone hears any other date please post.  

lisah, I'm assuming your son is classing up next week, July 28th I believe? Mine is and he said they will graduate on Sept. 26th. I'm from San Diego, the North County part as we call it, but not currently living there. Where did you book your hotel, maybe I can help with the area? Are you going to graduation or just wanting to visit in SD after it is over? CP is about 30 to 40 min (depends on traffic) North of downtown.

Louilou, yes he is classing up on the 28th.  I booked at the Handerly Hotel in San Diego,  I am going to graduation and then staying in SD till Sunday(we live in Central CA and we haven't been that far south yet) and didn't want to move hotels.  Handerley seemed the cheapest without doing a super 8 type hotel and had a pool.  I don't need highend but would like something clean, cozy and close enough to the Zoo and the Base.  I have a car and so does my Sailor and everything looked pretty close on the maps so I should probably not stress, LOL Thanks for your help and confirm on the date.  Are you going to make it to the Graduation?

I'm from Orange County (north side of the Camp). I would suggest also looking in San Clemente. Its an easy drive through CP down the 5 fwy. There is no rush hour traffic to deal with.

CHN-By, Bobbo and Louilou, thanks for all the great advice.  I revised my reservations and will stay in Oceanside on Wed night and switched San Diego hotels, found a really interesting one called the Lafayette Hotel. 

That's good lisah, I was going to suggest staying closer to CP like the others for graduation, because San Diego traffic is a nightmare, especially rush hour's. And the Navy Lodge also in SD, but it sounds like you got it set. The Lafayette (if I'm looking at the correct one) is in the Mission Valley area and that will put you a little inland, but you are close to the freeway and the Zoo won't be too far.

As a longtime resident I know this area.This is where a bit of local knowledge helps immensely. Rush hour is very basic here and doesn't change day-to-day. Because of the border south of SD, and that all the nice areas are to the north and east of SD, the 5 FWY has a distinct, simple rush hour pattern. Morning rush hour is only southbound and begins south of Oceanside/Pendleton. The 5 is wide open going north in the morning and also going south if you stay in San Clemente, which border the base to the north. In the afternoon, the 5 is a disaster going north. And there is some traffic on the southbound side too.

I hope this helps.

Ok, I have another question I hope someone can answer.  My mom is going to come to the graduation ceremony and has MS.  She has difficulty walking but also a stubborn streak that will not allow her to use a cane or wheelchair.  Does anyone know if there is a long walk from the parking area to the seating area?  Should she get there extra early?  I tried to find something on the Pendleton website but couldn't find any info regarding handicap access for graduation.