Ditto to NFAO's comments--we are enjoying a visit with our DS in Pensacola now. So good to see him! Many of the kids moved into Austinwood apartments and seem to be having a good experience.
Leslie, it seems my son has not stopped studying since he left for OCS. Primary was heavy duty and Intermediate is no cake walk. Only now, it is all much more interesting than when he was in school.
I have been thinking of all of you Moms and Dads all day!! I heard this news as I was working in my classroom this morning and I could not even catch my breath for a few minutes. My visit to Lemoore was wonderful, but my son and I did have the conversation about all the risks involved this career. We put our loved ones in God's hands - apparently He was with all those involved today as there are no known fatalities or serious injuries. I couldn't wait to get home and check out this site, praying that all of your sons/daughters were safe today. Thankfully, all seems to be well.
Kathy, you are right, we are so fortunate that there were no known fatalities. That could be my son someday. It certainly has given me something to think about. My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.
Ditto NurseNavyMom. Thanks be to God for no fatalities. It makes your heart stop when you realize there has been a crash and you see those tail fins in the first picture on the news. Adult children are all gone here also but the Navy family is all around and in each other's thoughts and prayers as evidenced by all the traffic in our group today. None of us is alone. A blessed Easter to all, He has risen.
Thanks to all of you for the updates yesterday. I think that NI could take some pointers from this group! I got my first email on my phone half an hour before I could find anything on the news. My DS was in VB up to December and, of course, flew out of Oceania all the time. The worst thing about deployment to the far East is that you are dealing with not only the 16 hr. time difference, but a day change, too. I just wanted to call and hear his voice!
Thank God for the presence of mind to jettison the fuel before the crash. Am praying for the pilots and civilians, too.
On another note, any tips out there for travel to Japan? We are hoping to go over around Christmas. I know the weather will stink, but all I really want is to see my guy.
Hope you all have a blessed Easter, or Passover. God bless.
Us too for the empty house. I try to think of them being happy and healthy doing what they want to do (both Navy and otherwise). Thank you all for being part of my Navy family.
Wishing all Navy Moms and Dads a peaceful Easter/Passover! I am sure I will never forget this Good Friday and Easter weekend. Looking forward to skyping with my Ds and DIL tomorrow!!
One last blessing to be thankful for - SKYPE!!! Enjoyed the day with the cousins and extended family, and was able to "see" my DS and DIL as we all enjoyed dessert. I often wonder how Moms and Dads ever sent their sons and daughters off - and many were drafted, not by choice - without the ability to talk or know where they were or what they were doing... only snail mail to keep in touch. As hard as this can be, we are really lucky to have so much technology!!
Prayers to all affected by last weeks news, which has affected all of Us! Am requesting personal prayers from all of You! Pray that God Gives my Mom what she has waited he whole life ( whatever his choice is!), to go Home to Him! And for my Brothers Heart Brake to Heal, he's in CCU, upon this news of Mom! The rest of us are at peace,OK! Thank you all for your Prayers!, God Hears! :) All & All we All Had a Beautiful Easter & Hope All of You did Also! :) Many Thanks to you All for the Prayers!!!!!! 2 Blue Star Navy Mom
Welcome Pedsdoc...I'm so glad that the car accident wasn't more serious. We were fortunate to be in P'cola this past week visiting our DS and by Friday it was getting really busy with holiday travelers. The weather was wonderful and his schedule ended up being cooperative so we were able to spend time (never enough!) with him. Our DS is finishing up IFS and I feel like a mom with a student in driver's education again--my heart's in my throat and I listen for the phone all the time! We have a family friend who is former NASA and she keeps assuring me that he will be one of the best trained pilots in the world...I hold that thought close. Prayers and positive thoughts to all!
Welcome to a great group, pedsdoc. This has been invaluable to me for all the experienced help and suggestions. My guy is now in Japan (his 1st choice), on his first deployment. He did NROTC and then straight to P'Cola for primary and intermediate. Hope they are more organized now - there was a lot of "hurry up and wait" as they finished one class and had to wait for the next to open up. Just be prepared!
I agree with the others that P'Cola ia gorgeous. If you can make it down there. have your son book you in the navy Lodge. It is an unbelievable bargain (we paid less than $70 per night) and is beautiful. Right on the bay with furnished kitchenettes, too.
It's one of the very few "open bases" (anyone with a driver's license can get on, even without your DS), probably due to the museum. Again, be prepared to have a rapid schedule change; my guy had to fly all day on the Saturday we were there, even tho he wasn't on the roster. It worked out okay because I went to a great fresh seafood store where you literally get stuff right off the boats and made a huge dinner for him and a group of friends, but it was disappointing not to spend the whole time with him. That's Navy life!
Wow, I didn't know about the Navy Lodge! I wish we'd have done that...I knew there was a big campground but didn't know we could have stayed in that kind of place. We had a great time though, in a condo on the beach, just spent a little more time in the car between his place and ours than I'd have liked. Are other bases like that too? Like NAS Corpus Christie? Just wondering...
I'm not certain about CC, but I wouldn't be surprised because we are staying in one at Atsugi this winter. My guy describes his rental house as "big for a Japanese house", but I don't think he' and his roomate will have room for 4 more people.
You can check out all the available locations at www.navy-lodge.com. They even have pictures and locations. Most are off-base due to security, but they are all nearby. We stayed in the one at Norfolk, which was more like a nice Holiday Inn than P'Cola. It was less than mile from the gates.
I'd also suggest the DOD's listings: www.dodlodging.com. We have good friends who are retired Army (I don't blame them for the wrong service branch), and they have stayed at places all over the US and Europe.
The only requirement is that your LO makes the reservation and is there at check-in. You can pay by credit card when you leave. Hope you find a nice place at CC.
Thank you for the info, that's super helpful. You certainly have a lot of experience between all your sons and are a great resource for all of us...at what point do they go to SERE? I hope all your boys are doing well.
My son just passed his check ride and solo yesterday, so we're really pleased for him. One step closer!
Sunriseglow-warm thoughts to you and your family. Hospice was very helpful to our family when my mother passed away a few years ago. It was very difficult but comforting to have everyone share that time together.
True, SERE seems to vary. My guy did it between intermediate and advanced - late October in Maine- BRRR.
Leslie, hope Brian is doing well. My Conor lost almost 15 lbs., and he was thin to start. At least he came home with nothing worse than cuts and bruises. It is a tremendous accomplishment for them psychologically; even the guy in Conor's squad who had a concussion that grounded him for three months told me that he was proud of himself for completing. It may be very hard, but I think that it really gives them extra confidence that will help in any emergency.
Whenever I hear of SERE, I think of a good friend who went through it years ago in the South. He remembered that you could get nourishment and fluid from raw yucca, but forgot that it had to be peeled. Frank still gets teased about torturing himself because it took the doctor hours to get all the splinters out of his mouth and throat!
Ohhhh!!! SERE!!! I still have to get through that (seriously, thinking about it is probably worse for me than for my DS). He is finishing up the RAG (jets) and then has SERE - they postponed it after his winging so that he would look okay for his wedding. :o) He's not worried about it - I am. I keep reminding myself that they all get through it, and maybe that first week or two or three of OCS was harder... made it through that, so I guess "we" can make it through SERE.
Pedsdoc, the book that mamadoc suggested is good. My son won't wing (also jets) till next January. You will have to tell me how it goes. Have a great time.
Pedsdoc, I know exactly what you mean on the SERE thing--I didn't sleep for two nights after reading just the wikipedia page! I just try not to think about it now. No one ever mentioned that before commissioning so it was news to me. My husband keeps telling me that if they've been making everyone go through it for years and years that it must be a good thing and he'll be fine.. But it makes me cry to think about it.
I hope everything works for the timing of your son's wedding. Lots of milestones at your house!
Navy wife and mom, thanks for the info on SERE. Mine has not gone yet, still in Intermediate in Kingsville. Your point that the Navy does not want them to fail at this point is well taken. Thanks.
Hi, pedsdoc and all.... Thanks for the heads up, and I will NOT read about SERE! I just know - as "dad" said - they all get through it. My son tells me not to worry (yea, right). We had the same wedding issues last summer... they set a date right about the time he thought he would get his wings, hoping that he would still be near Pensacola, which is where they had the wedding (he was in Merdian). At his winging, he got the notice that he was to report to SERE on 6/6, but the wedding was 6/11 - he'd already been approved to do SERE after FRS, but someone made a mistake. I panicked - just a little. He got it straightened out right away. However, he was sent to Lemoore, so they had to drive across the country, find a place to live, get their belongings moved, all with about 3 weeks until the wedding back in FL. And it all worked out! Now he is finishing FRS, "looking forward to SERE" and waiting to find out if he will stay in Lemoore, or move again. I am wondering what it will be like when he finally gets his squadron, and I will not have this annual spring move to wonder about - he has been to OCS in Newport, Pensacola, CC, Meridian and Lemoore. I am sure that is true of most of our aviators... Join the Navy and see the world!! :o)
Mine has moved 8 times in 11 years. They are due to move yet again this June:)
Yes, the Navy has invested a great deal in these Avaitors, they are not going to do anything to cause them to be cut. They just need to make sure they can do the tough stuff. Just wait, in a month or two the will talk about SERE like its was a camping trip with a bunch of buddies:)
Nancy and Paymaster, I think that's exactly what I was hoping to hear...thank you. We're all strong women and we have raised strong children who are passionate about their career choices, they'll get through it like everyone before them and the shared misery will provide stories forever! They are learning to have clear heads in difficult situations. But Leslie, I feel for you, those are the visions I keep having too. We've also spent their whole lives trying to keep them safe and loved, it's hard to accept this part of their training. Sigh. It's all going to be okay, it's all going to be okay...that's my mantra! Have a great day everyone! :)
Hi Kathy, My son rented at Austinwood and just loves it. They are very friendly, close to base, and not too expensive. He's got his own apt. Good luck!
Excellent, Leslie - I'm sure you're (and Brian, too!) relieved. Alex is on his way to CC for the start of Primary... I agree that Austinwood Apts in Pensacola are very nice and the layout is quite good if you have a roommate.
Any Primary Moms with kids at Vance AFB in OK? Looks like that's our son's direction--first day of API the instructor wrote their names on slips of paper, and the two he drew are heading to Vance. Enid, OK is mentioned in both the Grapes of Wrath and the movie Twister. Oh my.
Leslie, I'm sure he does...maybe you can have a cake and make some birthday wishes for him, in case he doesn't have the chance to recognize the day over there...
Excitement here! DS has orders for returning to the West coast. He and the family will be heading to San Diego next Spring. It will be wonderful to have them in the same time zone and only a 2 1/2 hr flight away.
Well, I don't know what happened to the picture I tried to show. I used the image button that is at the top of the comment writing box to insert it. Maybe it takes longer for approval than I thought. Any ideas?
When my son was at Vance, there wasn't room on base. He and his navy roommates rented a house nearby, complete with tornado shelter.
Thank you for the info on Vance AFB and also things to see and do in Oklahoma Cit, it's very reassuring. I love to know a place or two to go before heading out and agree with Suzie, that they will likely be things we'll go see on our own while he's off doing what he'll be doing! Question on the base housing, just out of curiosity, is it like dorm rooms, hotel rooms, apartments or ??
Thanks for the details! So does that mean that everything in Pensacola (couch, bed, etc.) is coming back home? Will the Navy still move it or because it's coming back to his point of origin rather than his next assignment we have to pay for it? What did everyone else do? (I don't want to ask my son...he's got school to focus on, no need to add worries.)
I'm so excited for my DS. He is finally able to be doing so many things at his house since starting his shore duty. He has started on his back yard. The patio is in and the pergola is going up. He should have plants and grass in the near future. He also is in the midst of building a climbing wall in his garage. Photo of the framing shows amazing building skills that he has learned on his own. He even has a bedroom set on backorder. Painting in the living room done after having blue painters tape on the walls for 2 1/2 years. Now if we can get a social life going, it would be great. lol.
It has been a long week and a half. My mother-in-law passed away 4/19 in Iowa. At 87 she lived a good life. The Navy let our son come to the funeral. It was a great experience for him reacquainting himself with his first cousins and their babies and meeting a ton of second cousins. It was a very good experience for him. Closure with his only remaining grandparent and the first funeral he remembers attending. Both his Dad and I are so grateful he was there with us.
Judy
Sorry for your loss. Mi am also in Iowa. My son is just leaving for OCS to start May 6. Pilot designation, Leslie. Are you talking about OCS graduation?
Dawn, congrats on your son leaving for OCS and being an sna (student naval aviator), my son was OCS 09-11. A good thing to help you get through is to start or join Facebook page for that class. I am following one of my son's best friends who is in class 11-12. The Facebook pages help you and fellow families follow your LOs through the 12 weeks. My son is now in Kingsville learning jets. The whole ride is exciting. Best of luck.
The landscaping was learned during college and working during the summers for a landscaping company. The building - not sure what is going with that. My Dad used to build a bunch and DS worked right along side him. But my Dad passed away when DS was 7 and I can do some things, but my hubby does nothing with building. I'm really proud of his accomplishments.
I think that the social life will come once the work is done. He doesn't have a ground job yet..... or at least I don't think so. He is also getting used to the squadron and meeting all the other instructors.
Thank you Judy. I am waiting to find out his class number. Told him goodbye tonight. Very sad. Do you know on the Friday of graduation what time it usually ends?
Dawn, ceremonies start on Thursday, with Pass in Review at early afternoon and Hi Moms cocktail party about 6 ish. Friday is an early morning fun run, followed by private commissioning, then commissioning/graduation at 11ish. If you want to get prepared, ask to join an active friends and family of OCS class, such as
US NAVY OCS Class 11-12 Family & Friends. I belong to it because one of my son's best friends if in that class. It will give you some insite. If you want to chat more off line, contact me.
Barb
Ditto to NFAO's comments--we are enjoying a visit with our DS in Pensacola now. So good to see him! Many of the kids moved into Austinwood apartments and seem to be having a good experience.
Apr 2, 2012
Paymaster
Sheila....Kept thinking of you all night as we watched the game! Yes, I can imagine you are in Blue Heaven. Congrats to the Wildcats.
Apr 3, 2012
JudyM
Leslie, it seems my son has not stopped studying since he left for OCS. Primary was heavy duty and Intermediate is no cake walk. Only now, it is all much more interesting than when he was in school.
Apr 5, 2012
Rosemarie
Apr 6, 2012
Kathy
I have been thinking of all of you Moms and Dads all day!! I heard this news as I was working in my classroom this morning and I could not even catch my breath for a few minutes. My visit to Lemoore was wonderful, but my son and I did have the conversation about all the risks involved this career. We put our loved ones in God's hands - apparently He was with all those involved today as there are no known fatalities or serious injuries. I couldn't wait to get home and check out this site, praying that all of your sons/daughters were safe today. Thankfully, all seems to be well.
Apr 6, 2012
JudyM
Kathy, you are right, we are so fortunate that there were no known fatalities. That could be my son someday. It certainly has given me something to think about. My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.
Apr 6, 2012
gonavymom
Ditto NurseNavyMom. Thanks be to God for no fatalities. It makes your heart stop when you realize there has been a crash and you see those tail fins in the first picture on the news. Adult children are all gone here also but the Navy family is all around and in each other's thoughts and prayers as evidenced by all the traffic in our group today. None of us is alone. A blessed Easter to all, He has risen.
Apr 6, 2012
Marianne
Thanks to all of you for the updates yesterday. I think that NI could take some pointers from this group! I got my first email on my phone half an hour before I could find anything on the news. My DS was in VB up to December and, of course, flew out of Oceania all the time. The worst thing about deployment to the far East is that you are dealing with not only the 16 hr. time difference, but a day change, too. I just wanted to call and hear his voice!
Thank God for the presence of mind to jettison the fuel before the crash. Am praying for the pilots and civilians, too.
On another note, any tips out there for travel to Japan? We are hoping to go over around Christmas. I know the weather will stink, but all I really want is to see my guy.
Hope you all have a blessed Easter, or Passover. God bless.
Apr 7, 2012
JudyM
Us too for the empty house. I try to think of them being happy and healthy doing what they want to do (both Navy and otherwise). Thank you all for being part of my Navy family.
Apr 7, 2012
Paymaster
What a miracle that all are safe from Fridays crash.
Do any of your realize that this miracle took place on Good Friday. Man helping man.
Apr 7, 2012
Kathy
Wishing all Navy Moms and Dads a peaceful Easter/Passover! I am sure I will never forget this Good Friday and Easter weekend. Looking forward to skyping with my Ds and DIL tomorrow!!
Apr 7, 2012
Kathy
One last blessing to be thankful for - SKYPE!!! Enjoyed the day with the cousins and extended family, and was able to "see" my DS and DIL as we all enjoyed dessert. I often wonder how Moms and Dads ever sent their sons and daughters off - and many were drafted, not by choice - without the ability to talk or know where they were or what they were doing... only snail mail to keep in touch. As hard as this can be, we are really lucky to have so much technology!!
Apr 8, 2012
sunriseglow
Prayers to all affected by last weeks news, which has affected all of Us! Am requesting personal prayers from all of You! Pray that God Gives my Mom what she has waited he whole life ( whatever his choice is!), to go Home to Him! And for my Brothers Heart Brake to Heal, he's in CCU, upon this news of Mom! The rest of us are at peace,OK! Thank you all for your Prayers!, God Hears! :) All & All we All Had a Beautiful Easter & Hope All of You did Also! :) Many Thanks to you All for the Prayers!!!!!! 2 Blue Star Navy Mom
Apr 9, 2012
Paymaster
sunrise....extra prayers for you and your family.
Apr 9, 2012
Barb
Welcome Pedsdoc...I'm so glad that the car accident wasn't more serious. We were fortunate to be in P'cola this past week visiting our DS and by Friday it was getting really busy with holiday travelers. The weather was wonderful and his schedule ended up being cooperative so we were able to spend time (never enough!) with him. Our DS is finishing up IFS and I feel like a mom with a student in driver's education again--my heart's in my throat and I listen for the phone all the time! We have a family friend who is former NASA and she keeps assuring me that he will be one of the best trained pilots in the world...I hold that thought close. Prayers and positive thoughts to all!
Apr 10, 2012
Marianne
Welcome to a great group, pedsdoc. This has been invaluable to me for all the experienced help and suggestions. My guy is now in Japan (his 1st choice), on his first deployment. He did NROTC and then straight to P'Cola for primary and intermediate. Hope they are more organized now - there was a lot of "hurry up and wait" as they finished one class and had to wait for the next to open up. Just be prepared!
I agree with the others that P'Cola ia gorgeous. If you can make it down there. have your son book you in the navy Lodge. It is an unbelievable bargain (we paid less than $70 per night) and is beautiful. Right on the bay with furnished kitchenettes, too.
It's one of the very few "open bases" (anyone with a driver's license can get on, even without your DS), probably due to the museum. Again, be prepared to have a rapid schedule change; my guy had to fly all day on the Saturday we were there, even tho he wasn't on the roster. It worked out okay because I went to a great fresh seafood store where you literally get stuff right off the boats and made a huge dinner for him and a group of friends, but it was disappointing not to spend the whole time with him. That's Navy life!
Again, welcome aboard!
Apr 10, 2012
Barb
Hi Marianne,
Wow, I didn't know about the Navy Lodge! I wish we'd have done that...I knew there was a big campground but didn't know we could have stayed in that kind of place. We had a great time though, in a condo on the beach, just spent a little more time in the car between his place and ours than I'd have liked. Are other bases like that too? Like NAS Corpus Christie? Just wondering...
Apr 10, 2012
Marianne
Dear Barb:
I'm not certain about CC, but I wouldn't be surprised because we are staying in one at Atsugi this winter. My guy describes his rental house as "big for a Japanese house", but I don't think he' and his roomate will have room for 4 more people.
You can check out all the available locations at www.navy-lodge.com. They even have pictures and locations. Most are off-base due to security, but they are all nearby. We stayed in the one at Norfolk, which was more like a nice Holiday Inn than P'Cola. It was less than mile from the gates.
I'd also suggest the DOD's listings: www.dodlodging.com. We have good friends who are retired Army (I don't blame them for the wrong service branch), and they have stayed at places all over the US and Europe.
The only requirement is that your LO makes the reservation and is there at check-in. You can pay by credit card when you leave. Hope you find a nice place at CC.
Apr 10, 2012
Barb
Leslie,
Thank you for the info, that's super helpful. You certainly have a lot of experience between all your sons and are a great resource for all of us...at what point do they go to SERE? I hope all your boys are doing well.
My son just passed his check ride and solo yesterday, so we're really pleased for him. One step closer!
Sunriseglow-warm thoughts to you and your family. Hospice was very helpful to our family when my mother passed away a few years ago. It was very difficult but comforting to have everyone share that time together.
Apr 11, 2012
Marianne
True, SERE seems to vary. My guy did it between intermediate and advanced - late October in Maine- BRRR.
Leslie, hope Brian is doing well. My Conor lost almost 15 lbs., and he was thin to start. At least he came home with nothing worse than cuts and bruises. It is a tremendous accomplishment for them psychologically; even the guy in Conor's squad who had a concussion that grounded him for three months told me that he was proud of himself for completing. It may be very hard, but I think that it really gives them extra confidence that will help in any emergency.
Whenever I hear of SERE, I think of a good friend who went through it years ago in the South. He remembered that you could get nourishment and fluid from raw yucca, but forgot that it had to be peeled. Frank still gets teased about torturing himself because it took the doctor hours to get all the splinters out of his mouth and throat!
Good luck to Brian and those coming up later!
Apr 12, 2012
Kathy
Ohhhh!!! SERE!!! I still have to get through that (seriously, thinking about it is probably worse for me than for my DS). He is finishing up the RAG (jets) and then has SERE - they postponed it after his winging so that he would look okay for his wedding. :o) He's not worried about it - I am. I keep reminding myself that they all get through it, and maybe that first week or two or three of OCS was harder... made it through that, so I guess "we" can make it through SERE.
Apr 12, 2012
JudyM
Apr 16, 2012
Barb
Pedsdoc, I know exactly what you mean on the SERE thing--I didn't sleep for two nights after reading just the wikipedia page! I just try not to think about it now. No one ever mentioned that before commissioning so it was news to me. My husband keeps telling me that if they've been making everyone go through it for years and years that it must be a good thing and he'll be fine.. But it makes me cry to think about it.
I hope everything works for the timing of your son's wedding. Lots of milestones at your house!
Apr 17, 2012
JudyM
Navy wife and mom, thanks for the info on SERE. Mine has not gone yet, still in Intermediate in Kingsville. Your point that the Navy does not want them to fail at this point is well taken. Thanks.
Apr 17, 2012
Kathy
Hi, pedsdoc and all.... Thanks for the heads up, and I will NOT read about SERE! I just know - as "dad" said - they all get through it. My son tells me not to worry (yea, right). We had the same wedding issues last summer... they set a date right about the time he thought he would get his wings, hoping that he would still be near Pensacola, which is where they had the wedding (he was in Merdian). At his winging, he got the notice that he was to report to SERE on 6/6, but the wedding was 6/11 - he'd already been approved to do SERE after FRS, but someone made a mistake. I panicked - just a little. He got it straightened out right away. However, he was sent to Lemoore, so they had to drive across the country, find a place to live, get their belongings moved, all with about 3 weeks until the wedding back in FL. And it all worked out! Now he is finishing FRS, "looking forward to SERE" and waiting to find out if he will stay in Lemoore, or move again. I am wondering what it will be like when he finally gets his squadron, and I will not have this annual spring move to wonder about - he has been to OCS in Newport, Pensacola, CC, Meridian and Lemoore. I am sure that is true of most of our aviators... Join the Navy and see the world!! :o)
Apr 17, 2012
Paymaster
Mine has moved 8 times in 11 years. They are due to move yet again this June:)
Yes, the Navy has invested a great deal in these Avaitors, they are not going to do anything to cause them to be cut. They just need to make sure they can do the tough stuff. Just wait, in a month or two the will talk about SERE like its was a camping trip with a bunch of buddies:)
Apr 17, 2012
Barb
Nancy and Paymaster, I think that's exactly what I was hoping to hear...thank you. We're all strong women and we have raised strong children who are passionate about their career choices, they'll get through it like everyone before them and the shared misery will provide stories forever! They are learning to have clear heads in difficult situations. But Leslie, I feel for you, those are the visions I keep having too. We've also spent their whole lives trying to keep them safe and loved, it's hard to accept this part of their training. Sigh. It's all going to be okay, it's all going to be okay...that's my mantra! Have a great day everyone! :)
Apr 18, 2012
Barb
Hi Kathy, My son rented at Austinwood and just loves it. They are very friendly, close to base, and not too expensive. He's got his own apt. Good luck!
Apr 18, 2012
Kathy
Ditto - CAP here, too! :-)
Apr 20, 2012
NFAO
Excellent, Leslie - I'm sure you're (and Brian, too!) relieved. Alex is on his way to CC for the start of Primary... I agree that Austinwood Apts in Pensacola are very nice and the layout is quite good if you have a roommate.
Apr 20, 2012
Paymaster
Kathy....Just think you are now one day closer to seeing her again. That's what helped kept me going.
Apr 21, 2012
Barb
Any Primary Moms with kids at Vance AFB in OK? Looks like that's our son's direction--first day of API the instructor wrote their names on slips of paper, and the two he drew are heading to Vance. Enid, OK is mentioned in both the Grapes of Wrath and the movie Twister. Oh my.
Leslie, I'm sure he does...maybe you can have a cake and make some birthday wishes for him, in case he doesn't have the chance to recognize the day over there...
Apr 27, 2012
Helomom
Apr 27, 2012
Sweet*Southern*Lady
Helomom! how exciting! That is a wonderful thing!
Apr 27, 2012
Michelle
Barb, one of the nice things about going to Vance is that the timetable is much more predictable.
Apr 28, 2012
Michelle
Here's an interesting view of the flag you don't see often. (at right).
It's in front of the Russian Orthodox church in Napaskiak, southwest Alaska. This is how it looked Monday.
Apr 28, 2012
Michelle
Well, I don't know what happened to the picture I tried to show. I used the image button that is at the top of the comment writing box to insert it. Maybe it takes longer for approval than I thought. Any ideas?
When my son was at Vance, there wasn't room on base. He and his navy roommates rented a house nearby, complete with tornado shelter.
Apr 28, 2012
Barb
Thank you for the info on Vance AFB and also things to see and do in Oklahoma Cit, it's very reassuring. I love to know a place or two to go before heading out and agree with Suzie, that they will likely be things we'll go see on our own while he's off doing what he'll be doing! Question on the base housing, just out of curiosity, is it like dorm rooms, hotel rooms, apartments or ??
Apr 29, 2012
Barb
Suzie,
Thanks for the details! So does that mean that everything in Pensacola (couch, bed, etc.) is coming back home? Will the Navy still move it or because it's coming back to his point of origin rather than his next assignment we have to pay for it? What did everyone else do? (I don't want to ask my son...he's got school to focus on, no need to add worries.)
Apr 30, 2012
snowmc
My son is stationed at Tinker in OKC....he is an NFO in the E6B Mercury....OKC is a great city...lots to do.
Anyone know which aircraft carrier is in Fort Lauderdale right now? You can see it on www.ftlauderdalewebcam.com.
Apr 30, 2012
snowmc
sorry.....ship just pulled out of fort lauderdale.
Apr 30, 2012
AH
I'm so excited for my DS. He is finally able to be doing so many things at his house since starting his shore duty. He has started on his back yard. The patio is in and the pergola is going up. He should have plants and grass in the near future. He also is in the midst of building a climbing wall in his garage. Photo of the framing shows amazing building skills that he has learned on his own. He even has a bedroom set on backorder. Painting in the living room done after having blue painters tape on the walls for 2 1/2 years. Now if we can get a social life going, it would be great. lol.
Apr 30, 2012
JudyM
It has been a long week and a half. My mother-in-law passed away 4/19 in Iowa. At 87 she lived a good life. The Navy let our son come to the funeral. It was a great experience for him reacquainting himself with his first cousins and their babies and meeting a ton of second cousins. It was a very good experience for him. Closure with his only remaining grandparent and the first funeral he remembers attending. Both his Dad and I are so grateful he was there with us.
May 1, 2012
Barb
Judy,
I'm so sorry for your loss and so glad that your son was able to come to the funeral and be surrounded by family. Your family is in our thoughts.
May 1, 2012
JudyM
Thank you all for your kind thoughts. Isn't it interesting that our Navy LOs can put a bright spot in any dark time.
May 1, 2012
Dawn
Sorry for your loss. Mi am also in Iowa. My son is just leaving for OCS to start May 6. Pilot designation, Leslie. Are you talking about OCS graduation?
May 1, 2012
JudyM
Dawn, congrats on your son leaving for OCS and being an sna (student naval aviator), my son was OCS 09-11. A good thing to help you get through is to start or join Facebook page for that class. I am following one of my son's best friends who is in class 11-12. The Facebook pages help you and fellow families follow your LOs through the 12 weeks. My son is now in Kingsville learning jets. The whole ride is exciting. Best of luck.
May 1, 2012
AH
The landscaping was learned during college and working during the summers for a landscaping company. The building - not sure what is going with that. My Dad used to build a bunch and DS worked right along side him. But my Dad passed away when DS was 7 and I can do some things, but my hubby does nothing with building. I'm really proud of his accomplishments.
I think that the social life will come once the work is done. He doesn't have a ground job yet..... or at least I don't think so. He is also getting used to the squadron and meeting all the other instructors.
May 1, 2012
Dawn
May 1, 2012
JudyM
Dawn, ceremonies start on Thursday, with Pass in Review at early afternoon and Hi Moms cocktail party about 6 ish. Friday is an early morning fun run, followed by private commissioning, then commissioning/graduation at 11ish. If you want to get prepared, ask to join an active friends and family of OCS class, such as
US NAVY OCS Class 11-12 Family & Friends. I belong to it because one of my son's best friends if in that class. It will give you some insite. If you want to chat more off line, contact me.
May 1, 2012