Japan Moms

For all the Moms(and Dads) with a Sailor in Japan

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  • JDMK-NavyMom

    Thank you so much Anti M for the info. I had a feeling this wasn’t the first time he didn’t make weight and/or measurement. He has always had a weight issue (our whole family does.)  Prior to boot camp, while in delayed entry, he didn’t make weight.  But he would pass the tape measurement. I believe the only time his weight was not a problem was in boot camp.  He sounded so distraught when he gave me the news. I believe he had just gone through weigh in.  He said he missed the measurement by less than an inch. I will definitely encourage him to go to medical and get a thorough check up.

    He has been in the navy for 6 years now and would have been up for re-enlistment in September 2018. He is a newlywed (married 3 months) and was not planning to re-enlist. Our new daughter-in-law just left active duty (navy) this past June. She just enlisted as active reserves and I think he was hoping to do the same. So he is just getting out a few months early, and moving on to the next phase of life a bit sooner and a little differently than expected. Hey, who knows, just maybe things move smoothly and perhaps I could be joining the grandma club soon. hahaha

    I am so thankful to Navy for Moms; this site has been so helpful to me the past 6 years. It has gotten me through all the phases of a Navy Mom’s life. It has seen me through boot camp, a failed attempt at nuke school, IT school, 3 years in Japan, and now separation. I will stick around for a while and help other moms when I can. Thank you Pan Moms you are a wonderful group.

  • Wheatonpup

    Hi Moms,    My son has been in Japan since August 2016. He mentioned that he put in for leave in early January. I hope he gets it. I'm wondering how he will go about getting a plane ticket and how long they will grant him. Does anyone know how this works? We don't get to talk much since he is ongoing quite a lot.

  • JDMK-NavyMom

    Wheatonpup if I remember correctly each leave period is two weeks long, so that is the maximum time and travel time has to be figure in that as well. I believe we had 10 days with our son the other days were used to allow for travel because of the time difference between US and Japan.

  • Wheatonpup

    Thanks Navyfan & JDMK,  I'm wondering if the Navy has some sort of help for the guys to make their travel plans.  Or do they just go online to Priceline or one of those sites themselves?

  • Sasysweet

    Thank you Anti M. As of right now I think he's going to Atsugi but my son has heard rumblings that his squadron may be moving to MC base in iwakuni. Not sure of hell be on a shiprught away? Although again he's heard that his squadron may be deployed soon as well. Is it best to send a sleeping bag with him? Or have him pick one up there?
  • Anti M

    @Sasysweet, he should try to pick one up before he leaves, or have you mail one to him.  They're hard to come by in Japan.

  • Anti M

    As for leave, they all earn 30 days a year.  Each command sets the policy for how long they can take leave, two weeks is simply the most common amount.  There are other variables such as who else can do their job.  The New Guy has a lower priority than those who have been at the command who have not been able to take leave, as those days can expire after a couple years.   They book and pay for their own airfare, although MWR does have a travel agency on every base if they care to compare prices.  

  • maggs

    Well, its been over a week since daughter got married. She was worried nothing was going to get finished, but it did. I took an old ring bearer pillow, sailor had at his godmother wedding, and revamped it for daughter. "something old". I took an old wire basket, and made it into a flower girl basket.

  • Sasysweet

    Thanks again Anti M. Do you know what sort of sleeping bag is recommended for ease of travel/packing? And what weight? So much to do before he leaves in 2 weeks... So little time! Lol
  • JDMK-NavyMom

    wheatonpup, my son was in Japan 3 years and came home twice. He used priceline to book his flights. I was amazed at how well he handled shopping for the best rates, booking, and the hassle of air travel. The USO is also very helpful if there is a long lay over.

  • Beachmomblue

    Hi Everyone,  Just wanted to stop in and thank everyone for just being there.  Knowing that you guys are out there is a great comfort.

    Judy

  • Chanel

    Agreed thank you for all that you all do

  • T-Lynn

    HI

     Finally I got back in!

    Must be ghost playing around in teh computer again.

    Maggs- how beautiful and  how creative you are. Hope the wedding was all she hoped for. Share some more pics if you can. How did Angel like the wedding?

    New Moms - I been here for a long while and I still am learning things. Anti M and Kim are awesome ladies.

    One thing for new sailors going over - put their cell phone on hold with their service. Most services do when they are aware of military service. Purchase a cell in Japan and one of their plans - cheaper and works great. Yes, to sleeping bag and long johns if they are stationed at a base that has cold weather.

    Wish I had some gossip - grandson is doing fine  and loving his day care. He calls it school. He loves cooking class. But no gossip from my sailor and no - I am not going to be a grandma again. OH well, just keep spoiling the one I have

    Wish all a good evening  hugs.

  • Kim

    I need some advice.

    I just found out that my sisters husband is going to die in the next few days, maybe 2 weeks. My son is deployed. My brother-in-law has cancer and underwent a bone marrow transplant last spring. My son knows that this was possible, but it will still upset him.

    I considered contacting the Ombudsman to see if someone could tell him in person instead of me sending an email. I am worried that they will scare him because I have breast cancer and his youngest brother has brain cancer and he'll think this is about us.

    I also considered sending an email telling him that we are fine, but his uncle is back in the hospital and then have them tell him at the death.

    I am hoping that if I go through the ombudsman that they will help him make a phone call to his aunt and cousins in Canada whenever possible.

  • maggs

    I would contact the Ombudsman, they can give you advice, and help him through this.  Or help you tell him what is going on. That is what they are there for. You are all going through a lot right now, and Navy advice will put your mind at ease. :) Best of luck Kim.

  • maggs

    As you all need cheering up, I witnessed a Ménage à trois in my back yard..

  • Chanel

    OMG, have a blessed weekend

  • Anti M

    If you go through the Red Cross, they will have someone contact him in person, usually a chaplain or someone in his leadership.  

  • T-Lynn

    HI

     Agree with Anti M - go through Red Cross.

    Sorry Kim to hear that you have so much on your plate to deal with. I know you are so strong , but I am wishing for you to have some sunny days of fun.  Gentle hugs.

    Gee- Maggs - in your back yard?  They do make a lovely couple thought - only thing - did you stay around for the feast? She does have great meal - him! Hows Angel?

    Sorry, my thoughts are going a mile minute here.

    Halloween for so busy with treaters and Riker loved handing out the treats. But he did want to go trick or treating too. He KNOWS know you get candy. WE had so MANT  treaters too - in the cold damp night . The did not stop them at all.

    We have had rain for the last week! Only one day of sun - yesterday. And it is back to rain today. That lovely cold damp feeling too.

    Right now - I things here are stressful . My husband's brother passed away on November 1, 2017. That brain tumor that was removed last November came back with revenge. At least my hubby was able to be with his brother when he left. Funeral is this coming Tuesday.  He is no longer in pain.

    Hey - need to split all I am wishing for sunny days for all here and for something wonderful to happen - JUST for you hugs

  • maggs

    Not much chatter right now... I would like to thank everyone who is the Mother of a veteran. No one knows what we go through except other mothers of veterans.  Hugs all around.

  • Chanel

    And thank you all for this Support Group.  God Bless and Keep all Safe

  • maggs

    Just want to pass on, that hubby has some pain right now.. Never had pain before. He had a ct scan, will keep you updated.

  • Anti M

    Sending healing energy, maggs.  And hugs.

  • Chanel

    Hello All,

    Question my Sailor is stationed in Japan since Oct 2017.  His ship is the USS John McCain.  He is living on base until the ship is repaired.  I asked him if I could send him a box of goodies for Christmas and he said he really doesn't have an address and that he kinda does but it's complicated and he doesn't think I can send food.  The thought of him not opening something on Christmas makes me sad.  Any thoughts?

    Thank you and God Bless

  • kimberlya

    My son is on the McCain.  Who is your son?  WE also have a FB group for McCain families.  Are you on FB?  I have mailed several packages to my son who is living in TPU.

  • Chanel

    Hi,  How can I get on that one.  I've joined so many.  My head is spinning.  I'm on FB.  He is Sodano in Yokosuka Japan.  How long has your son been on the McCain?

  • Chanel

    Forgot to ask what is your son's name

  • scully_the_skeptic

    my son is in Yokosuka - on the Chancellsorville.  Just send to the address for his ship.  He's been there for 2 years now and gets everything we send, whether he's at sea or on base when they're docked.  Hugs to you guys!

  • Chanel

    Yea, I'm waiting for him to give me that.  He's not very informative.  Thank you

  • scully_the_skeptic

    Chanel - my son didn't give it to me either - I finally had to locate on the navy.mil website.  Crazy kid.  :)

  • Chanel

    Good to know thank you

  • kimberlya

    I think  you and I have texted before.  Send me a text to 2145499974,anad we can get you taken care of on FB.

  • T-Lynn

    HI

     Maggs ? Update yet? You ok too?  Reiki Energy flowing for him.

    Blondie - you have been quiet - not like you girl friend. Check in.

    You can send food. I have sent home made cookies. You just need to pack them correctly and have the address. Let us know you get an address and he gets his package.

    Not trying to scare you about mailing packages - but - sometimes those packages will take a detour. That appears to have happened with on of our son's. STILL  has not gotten one of the two boxes we sent. I still believe he will get it though. And this doe NOT happen a lot. In all my sailor's 10 years - this is the only wayward package.

    Kim - you doing ok?

    The only new thing of gossip I have is I learned over teh weekend I have diverticultis, not a pulled muscle. OUCH !

    Wish all a good weekend. hugs

  • maggs

    Angel has been released by her surgeon :) She will be getting better by the week, She is still afraid of bubbles, but getting adventurous. She is climbing on back of the couches, playing hid and seek her way.. Hide and hit the walked by's ankles with a paw.  Then run and hide again. She is eating more, but her activity level is keeping her weight down. I am so happy for her to be a normal cat. 

  • maggs

    Hubby's reports are not good!  Will know more on the 21st.

  • Kim

    Good news about Angel.  Prayers for your husband.

    I am doing good.  Finished chemo 3 weeks ago and waiting for my hair to grow back.  I start radiation and estrogen blocking drugs next week.  I will be getting IV Herceptin until next summer every 3rd Monday.

    My sister is coming for Thanksgiving (not Canadian holiday).  My youngest (brain cancer) is coming home, my middle son just bought a house in my neighborhood and we will all take pictures for my deployed son.

    Speaking of pictures...My dil sent me some from Japan.  I will post some here.

  • Kim

  • Anti M

  • momstuy

    My sailor is home and got a notice about an alcohol class or something because of the ban.  Of course, he won't be there when it's going on, does anyone know if he'll have to make it up?  He doesn't think he will.

  • Anti M

    He might not.  Depends on how things are when he returns.

  • Chanel

    Happy Holidays All God Bless

  • Anti M

    May they all be found safe.  3 are missing, 8 have been rescued and are doing well.

    http://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1379141/eight-pe...

    In response the the Naval Aircraft crash in the Philippine Sea, Commander Fleet Activities has established an Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) at its Community Readiness Center. To contact the FLEACT Yokosuka EFAC from the United States dial 011 81 46 816 1728 From Japan on base dial 243 1728. From off base dial 0468 16 1728.

  • NavyMum

    prayers for the missing to be found safely.

  • maggs

    Blue candles 

  • T-Lynn

    HI all,

    Has there been any more news about the missing sailors?  Add my hopes they are found too. Thanks Maggs for the candle.

    Maggs - good to hear that Angel is doing better. I hope for the same with your hubby. Gentle hugs dear friend.

    Kim - good to hear - ok - see your words. All done with treatments and now we can count your healing days :). So good to learn too - that Erin is doing well. And another son moving close. How wonderful. I see some pink flamingoes everyday - so always you are in my thoughts and heart. hugs

    I am doing better. Boy did I loose weight! I am now 161. I was two years ago 187. But that last bought with diverticulitist - well, I just don't have an appetite. That's ok with me .

    Riker now has that Elf on the shelf moving around the house. He named it - TRS - ? But hey - it works!!!! And I proud to say - he is NOT touching that tree!

    OH, the last time I was here - I mentioned I had not heard from my sailor. WELL, he called shortly after I shared that with you all. Maybe I found a way to send a mental message for him to call - tattle to you all. give a try PanMoms!

    Sorry this is choppy. But I just finished two sets of minutes - doing laundry - and hubby just shared our kids are going out to friends for the evening and hubby and I have a date night!

    he is bringing down our frozen pizza dinner. Nothing but the best from him.

    wish all for a dream to come true. Full Moon all

    hugs

  • T-Lynn

    WE went to the Stroll on State Street - Christmas welcoming.

    Riker got to make a toy with Santa's elves. He made his favorite - a Fire truck.

  • T-Lynn

    He told Santa so much !

  • T-Lynn

    Meeting the Queen Elsa and other princess. He was such a flirt!

  • T-Lynn

    He told us lights are so pretty

  • maggs

    Hubby has been in the hospital twice. First after a reaction to a procedure, on Wednesday. He was released on Thursday, had him back in on Friday evening, he is now home this evening, (Sunday).