Long time since last time on here...AD was blessed with another round of school before he goes to Japan to meet his squadrin. He is in Norfolk. Best bubby is assigned to helo squadrin that crashed. Prayers for him and his mates....morale is low right now. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers
My LO is stationed at Virginia Beach; he said they rescued 4 of the 5 of the MH-53E crew and one is still missing. One of the rescued died after they were found. The water is about 46 degrees so please keep the prayers heading up.
Went this morning to the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery to pick up the wreathes from the veterans graves we put out in December. Went with two other Navy Moms (Sylvia (R) and Linda (center).
My DS called at 5pm to tell me, which made me smile. You probably wonder why...when the chopper went down the other day and I couldn't reach him, I told him this group is 'in the know' and he'd better tell me these things before I read them if he can get to a phone. He flies Super Hornets, so made sure to call me right away today so he'd stay out of hot water.
He said the pilot ejected safely and was picked up by a fishing boat; they didn't know yet what happened with the plane.
Prayers and best wishes go out to the pilot and family.
Hubs and I are feeling a bit of angst as these two incidents are a little too close for comfort. DS is close to finishing intermediate; should know his selection sometime in February. There are definitely days when we wish he had picked something a little less dangerous. Gotta just remember he is in the Lord's hands.
Praying for the families affected. And for the pilot still in the hospital.
I did the next best thing to callling my DS; called his wife! I get a much better feel for how he is really doing from her. And she loves talking about him and what is going on. I think it also helps break up the boredom she is dealing with as she hasn't found a job in Kingsville. Neither of them talk about the incidents. Altho' I would love to know what they think, I guess it wouldn't help either of us to dwell on it. So, I thank you moms for being there and expressing what I'm feeling. It does help to know I'm not alone!
On a positive note, they have invited us and other family members to join them in Kingsville for the Air Show in March. They've decided it's a great reason to have a party that weekend. We are so excited!
I just want to take a minute to thank you all again for being here. I can't get on much to post but recieve an email evertime you post and it helps so much.The twin went to MEPS Tuesday got home last night. There is a mix up in his departure date and job so we wait a few more days to find out when he accually leaves for BC. It looks like June. He is excited, so is the twin that is in Norfolk. Soooo that means empty nest here. Lol the next couple of months will be special. DS finishs school and departs for Japan in April and the BC for recuit.
I had a fun thing happen today. Got a text from my DS while he was in El Centro getting fuel. It's the little things. I think he is off to Fallon soon. He had his official photo taken and is working on his official bio. Next it all goes off to the webmaster. Rolling along on the next big adventure.
our DS also winged in November, It is really an awesome experience and so excited for you! Belated Happy NewYear to everyone. My husband just got his new lab puppy and we are watching our DS new Golden retriever pup til the puppy is old enough to join him so with my aussie that makes three dogs! Crazy but fun and they are soooo cute!
Adorable! Makes me want another one. My DS got us a white lab when he commissioned/got married. I'm so grateful for the joy and entertainment she brings us. Really helps with the empty nest!
Barb, our DS winged in Kingsville lat April. We enjoyed seeing the planes, the equipment and especially being able to do a sim. We went up to San Antonio with DS and now fiancé for a few days of celebrating. The winging itself was so memorable and the party afterwards amazing. He had 16 in his class. It was an experience I will never forget.
Ulua, those pups are adorable.
Hi JudyM, Thank you for the details! Anything else we should know? Do you go out to dinner between the winging and the party? What should I be planning for? Any new gift ideas?
Barb, they had dinner for us at the O Club after the ceremony. Then the party started in the bar area and the patio. What a hoot! We bought 14K gold wings for our son, but others may have other good ideas. Our whole trip to winging was great! If you want to talk, pm me and we can chat or talk on the phone.
Hi barb! We had a family group of 14 that attended the winging and we took everyone to dinner at Butch's steak house. our reservation was at 6, which was a good time between the afternoon ceremony and the party at the O club at 8. The aviators had hired a DJ for the party, I would rec learning a few country line dances, its Texas and was really fun! There is a very nice Professional photographer that takes photos and records the ceremony so you can enjoy every moment. He also is available after the ceremony to take any group shots with your aviator. I had created a scrapbook of my DS Navy life from his swearing-in and completed it with the winging ceremony, its nice to remember all the dates and locations of events. That was my gift to him. Hope everyone is enjoying the MLK holiday!
Hello to all you you. I haven't been on here for awhile, but realized again with the two recent crashes how hard it is on our aviators, and that my asking questions is NOT going to help my son! He is based in Norfolk now, flying the 60S. I got a text from my cousin when the 53 went down a few weeks ago, asking if my son was ok... and as glad as i was to know he was ok, it is so hard to think about any of them crashing, ejecting, being in the water. I'm so thankful the one missing pilot body was recovered. That was breaking my heart. Just praying he knew God was with him.
Do any of you know how the F18 pilot is doing now?
Thank you everyone for the details on wingings in Kingsville. We wanted to do one of those matted frames with his three aircraft. The gentleman in Milton FL that I found links to has retired and passed the business on. Very nice gentleman there too. He cannot get the VT22 patch and I'm also struggling with obtaining it Tried working through the NAS Kingsville FB page, with no luck. My DS just has the one (and I really hate to ask him to get me one for his present). Any thoughts?
Barb, when is winging? I'm going to be in Kingsville the end of March and my DS is in VT-22 now. Currently in baby forms. I could see if he would get me one before then if you need it sooner.
CheriH, that would be awesome! Feb. 7 is winging date, I have to get the patch sent to my guy in time to have it all put together and shipped. Let's pm and see if we can work some details. Thanks!
Barb, I know one of the guys that will be winging in Kingsville Feb 7. he and my DS have been friends for several years. Kevin just finished his quals. I am so pleased for him and everyone who qualified.
I just want to say I love following your discussions on here! My daughter is in NROTC and will service select in March and will not find out until next October if she gets pilot or NFO. That has been her dream since 6th grade! You have given my an insight into all you go through and I appreciate it!!
Hi fellow moms. I saw Lone Survivor with a friend of mine on Friday. Her son is training as an Air Force pilot. Really powerful movie. We just sat in the theater when it was over, holding hands and sobbing. I saw one update on the F18 pilot that crashed out of Oceana and it was from the 24th saying that he was still in critical condition so double up on those prayers.
Barb: Regarding Kingsville winging-congratulations! JudyM and I met each other at the Kingsville winging last year! I know you will have a great time and just be beaming with pride. The night before the winging they had an event on base at the commodore's house. It was casual and relaxed, beautiful spread hosted by his wife with lots of good food and drink. We played lawn games! Make sure you do the sims, I think they really enjoy coaching their families through that. My DIL was in charge of decorations for the dinner so we spent several hours picking up decorations and decking out the o-club in the luau theme that the aviators picked. Don't worry if you feel like you can't get a good picture during the actual winging because the Navy photographer does a great job. My DS was most excited about the party at the K-club later that evening. The aviators do all the planning for that one and its the first time they get to party with their commanders and instructors as full fledged aviators. They had a beautiful ice sculpture in the shape of wings which was also used as an ice luge for a drinking game....And they really got a kick out of talking parents to go in the dunk tank chair. DS was so happy that we were there to experience that party with him and we shut down the K-club at 2AM! There is a duty officer to drive everyone home of course.
JudyM: Do you remember the Brazilian pilot from our winging? My youngest daughter was selected for the US National Division III Womens' Soccer team and they are going to Brazil to play four matches the week before the World Cup. They play the Brazilian Navy in Rio and we get to meet up with Capt. Barbosa! What a small world!
Barb: One more thing-try Hall of Frames in Kingsville TX, a business that does a lot of custom aviation framing for the military. They may be able to get a patch for you.
Oh my goodness, gonavymom, I made the decision not to see Lone Survivor in the theater because I know I would be a sobbing mess. Reading the book was hard enough! I will wait till it's out on DVD and buy it so I can watch at home.
I went to Act of Valor last year (?) with some college students who were with us for the weekend and they kept asking me if i was ok. :)
Will keep praying for the f18 pilot. I can't find any update beyond the 15th.
Oh my gosh, thank you so much for the Kingsville winging details. We are so excited! Isn't it amazing all the things that have happened in the course of two years. Wow. Thank you all so much for your support and the camaraderie as we've gone from that Cessna to the Carrier. So many prayers. Best to all.
gonavymom, I do remember the Brazilian pilot. Awesome you will be able to reconnect. That was an amazing time - winging is an event you just don't forget.
Someone asked about the condition of the F-18 pilot. This was posted in the Navy Times today:
Zoom
The pilot of an F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 143 is taken from a Navy helicopter to Norfolk Sentara General Hospital on Wednesday in Norfolk, Va. The pilot remained in critical condition as of Thursday morning, a Navy spokesman said. (Steve Earley/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)
The F/A-18 pilot who ejected into the ocean 45 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, Va., on Jan. 15 has been upgraded to good condition, a Naval Air Force Atlantic spokesman said.
The pilot has been transferred to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth for further treatment, Cmdr. Mike Kafka told Navy Times. He had been listed in critical condition since the crash.
Officials recovered the plane’s black box at the crash site but have not decided whether to recover the wreckage, he said.
The single-seat jet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 143 at Naval Air Station Oceana, was on a training mission Jan. 15 with another aircraft.
The pilot ejected and a life raft deployed, according to a Navy statement. The pilot was initially recovered by a fishing vessel and then picked up by a Navy MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter and flown to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
Kafka said Jan. 15 that the pilot was conscious while being flown to the hospital, but he gave no other details about the crash or why he was in critical condition. The pilot’s name hasn’t been released.
Strike Fighter Squadron 143, the “Pukin’ Dogs” is part of Carrier Air Wing 7, which returned to Virginia last summer following a deployment aboard the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower to Europe and the Middle East.
Barb, finally heard from my DS. He says he can pick up a patch tomorrow and put it in the mail. Do you want him to send it straight to your frame guy? I know we are cutting it close. PM me with the details.
Happy birthday Suzie! I hope your DS is well soon. Its a blessing he didn't start SERE training if not 100%. Such an intense 2 weeks, my DS lost 12 pounds. Every set back my DS experienced in this process seemed to be that cloud with a silver lining. Best wishes for a happy year ahead.
Last weekend I got to have dinner with my son and a few of his helicopter pilot friends (and the wife of a deployed pilot friend) and was so blessed and impressed by their steadfast courage despite the (scary) things they know can happen in a crash. I also had coffee with a friend who is a nurse at Sentara/General and heard a bit about the arrival of the helicopters. Sometimes as a mom I don't necessarily want to know, and my son has kind of sheltered me I think, but his friends talked about some things and it was very good. It was a privilege to be with them and I'm thankful for them! and for all of YOUR/OUR daughters and sons serving in Naval Aviation. We need to keep them all in prayers!
Nancy, I understand the challenges of figuring out the next phase of life. We are also. Our daughter is on the west coast; our DS hopes that is where the Navy sends him and we are in Dallas. Hubby's job is changing; not going to be much fun anymore and I'm ready for change. But the question is how much change???? Much musing going on here.
Wow, Nancy and Cheri I can identify with you both. I am also almost 5 years older than DH. He is itching to retire. We will downsize and hopefully move closer to one of the boys. Navy DS at Whidbey, will see what happens when he is moved out of the training squadron. Older son in Long Beach. So where we end up is still up in the air. I want to be accessible to both sons and wives for moral support and, hopefully, grandkids in the future. Sometimes don't feel close enough to either.
I guess the bottom line is that many of us are in the same position of sorts.
Hello! Thank you everyone for your well wishes...the winging was amazing! Just an awesome, awesome weekend. We toured the planes, tried out a sim (I crashed hard, but our other son and our son-in-law were pretty good!), the ceremony was so wonderful. It was great to see our son so relaxed and happy. We had just a great time! He introduced us to his colleagues and the IP's. The "wingee's" provided dinner for us afterward and then the party was so much fun. It was nice to talk with other parents and congratulate one another. I can't believe it has been two years! Suzie, I'm sending you and your son positive thoughts and prayers as he heads to SERE...mid March is our son's projected date. Soon he heads to LeMoore CA for the Super Hornet, which will be great, but a long way from home! Have a great day everyone!
FlyboyMom, thank you so much for keeping those Tinker Bell earrings close at hand. We have all appreciated their good luck making its way to our loved ones! An instructor position in Pensacola sounds wonderful, especially on this cold and snowy winter day. Pensacola was wonderful. I hope he enjoys it!
Paymaster
{{{Hugs}}}to our Navy family.
Jan 8, 2014
Thetribemom
Long time since last time on here...AD was blessed with another round of school before he goes to Japan to meet his squadrin. He is in Norfolk. Best bubby is assigned to helo squadrin that crashed. Prayers for him and his mates....morale is low right now. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers
Jan 8, 2014
NOAM
My LO is stationed at Virginia Beach; he said they rescued 4 of the 5 of the MH-53E crew and one is still missing. One of the rescued died after they were found. The water is about 46 degrees so please keep the prayers heading up.
Jan 8, 2014
CheriH
Praying for all involved. It does take one's breath away knowing that our LO's are in harm's way on a regular basis.
Jan 8, 2014
NOAM
Sorry to hear that is the outcome Suzie but thanks for the update.
Jan 8, 2014
Paymaster
Kathy B...Its always so hard on the survivors. If its meant to be, your daughter will find a way to be with both families.
Jan 10, 2014
JudyM
Went this morning to the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery to pick up the wreathes from the veterans graves we put out in December. Went with two other Navy Moms (Sylvia (R) and Linda (center).
Jan 11, 2014
Paymaster
You know its going to be a good day when your deployed child calls you first thing in the morning just to talk! Happy day:)
Jan 14, 2014
NOAM
My DS called at 5pm to tell me, which made me smile. You probably wonder why...when the chopper went down the other day and I couldn't reach him, I told him this group is 'in the know' and he'd better tell me these things before I read them if he can get to a phone. He flies Super Hornets, so made sure to call me right away today so he'd stay out of hot water.
He said the pilot ejected safely and was picked up by a fishing boat; they didn't know yet what happened with the plane.
Prayers and best wishes go out to the pilot and family.
Jan 15, 2014
CheriH
Hubs and I are feeling a bit of angst as these two incidents are a little too close for comfort. DS is close to finishing intermediate; should know his selection sometime in February. There are definitely days when we wish he had picked something a little less dangerous. Gotta just remember he is in the Lord's hands.
Praying for the families affected. And for the pilot still in the hospital.
Jan 15, 2014
Barb
Jan 15, 2014
Paymaster
Love when you just talk to hear their voices!
Jan 16, 2014
CheriH
Suzie: I love the Angels text. What a great idea.
I did the next best thing to callling my DS; called his wife! I get a much better feel for how he is really doing from her. And she loves talking about him and what is going on. I think it also helps break up the boredom she is dealing with as she hasn't found a job in Kingsville. Neither of them talk about the incidents. Altho' I would love to know what they think, I guess it wouldn't help either of us to dwell on it. So, I thank you moms for being there and expressing what I'm feeling. It does help to know I'm not alone!
On a positive note, they have invited us and other family members to join them in Kingsville for the Air Show in March. They've decided it's a great reason to have a party that weekend. We are so excited!
Jan 16, 2014
Thetribemom
I just want to take a minute to thank you all again for being here. I can't get on much to post but recieve an email evertime you post and it helps so much.The twin went to MEPS Tuesday got home last night. There is a mix up in his departure date and job so we wait a few more days to find out when he accually leaves for BC. It looks like June. He is excited, so is the twin that is in Norfolk. Soooo that means empty nest here. Lol the next couple of months will be special. DS finishs school and departs for Japan in April and the BC for recuit.
Jan 16, 2014
Thetribemom
Thanks agian, will be needing you all more and more lol.
Jan 16, 2014
Helomom
Jan 17, 2014
Barb
Jan 19, 2014
NFAO
Barb, I'm glad to share the details - our DS was winged in Nov; just PM me.
Jan 19, 2014
Barb
Thank you, NFAO. I sent you a friend request a short bit ago.
Is there anymore news on the pilot's condition from last week's crash?
Jan 19, 2014
ulua
Jan 19, 2014
Paymaster
Jan 19, 2014
CheriH
Adorable! Makes me want another one. My DS got us a white lab when he commissioned/got married. I'm so grateful for the joy and entertainment she brings us. Really helps with the empty nest!
Jan 19, 2014
JudyM
Ulua, those pups are adorable.
Jan 20, 2014
Barb
Hi JudyM, Thank you for the details! Anything else we should know? Do you go out to dinner between the winging and the party? What should I be planning for? Any new gift ideas?
Jan 20, 2014
JudyM
Barb, they had dinner for us at the O Club after the ceremony. Then the party started in the bar area and the patio. What a hoot! We bought 14K gold wings for our son, but others may have other good ideas. Our whole trip to winging was great! If you want to talk, pm me and we can chat or talk on the phone.
Jan 20, 2014
ulua
Hi barb! We had a family group of 14 that attended the winging and we took everyone to dinner at Butch's steak house. our reservation was at 6, which was a good time between the afternoon ceremony and the party at the O club at 8. The aviators had hired a DJ for the party, I would rec learning a few country line dances, its Texas and was really fun! There is a very nice Professional photographer that takes photos and records the ceremony so you can enjoy every moment. He also is available after the ceremony to take any group shots with your aviator. I had created a scrapbook of my DS Navy life from his swearing-in and completed it with the winging ceremony, its nice to remember all the dates and locations of events. That was my gift to him. Hope everyone is enjoying the MLK holiday!
Jan 20, 2014
MaryD
Hello to all you you. I haven't been on here for awhile, but realized again with the two recent crashes how hard it is on our aviators, and that my asking questions is NOT going to help my son! He is based in Norfolk now, flying the 60S. I got a text from my cousin when the 53 went down a few weeks ago, asking if my son was ok... and as glad as i was to know he was ok, it is so hard to think about any of them crashing, ejecting, being in the water. I'm so thankful the one missing pilot body was recovered. That was breaking my heart. Just praying he knew God was with him.
Do any of you know how the F18 pilot is doing now?
Jan 23, 2014
Barb
Jan 25, 2014
CheriH
Barb, when is winging? I'm going to be in Kingsville the end of March and my DS is in VT-22 now. Currently in baby forms. I could see if he would get me one before then if you need it sooner.
Jan 25, 2014
Barb
Jan 25, 2014
JudyM
Barb, I know one of the guys that will be winging in Kingsville Feb 7. he and my DS have been friends for several years. Kevin just finished his quals. I am so pleased for him and everyone who qualified.
Jan 25, 2014
June4th
I just want to say I love following your discussions on here! My daughter is in NROTC and will service select in March and will not find out until next October if she gets pilot or NFO. That has been her dream since 6th grade! You have given my an insight into all you go through and I appreciate it!!
Jan 26, 2014
gonavymom
Hi fellow moms. I saw Lone Survivor with a friend of mine on Friday. Her son is training as an Air Force pilot. Really powerful movie. We just sat in the theater when it was over, holding hands and sobbing. I saw one update on the F18 pilot that crashed out of Oceana and it was from the 24th saying that he was still in critical condition so double up on those prayers.
Barb: Regarding Kingsville winging-congratulations! JudyM and I met each other at the Kingsville winging last year! I know you will have a great time and just be beaming with pride. The night before the winging they had an event on base at the commodore's house. It was casual and relaxed, beautiful spread hosted by his wife with lots of good food and drink. We played lawn games! Make sure you do the sims, I think they really enjoy coaching their families through that. My DIL was in charge of decorations for the dinner so we spent several hours picking up decorations and decking out the o-club in the luau theme that the aviators picked. Don't worry if you feel like you can't get a good picture during the actual winging because the Navy photographer does a great job. My DS was most excited about the party at the K-club later that evening. The aviators do all the planning for that one and its the first time they get to party with their commanders and instructors as full fledged aviators. They had a beautiful ice sculpture in the shape of wings which was also used as an ice luge for a drinking game....And they really got a kick out of talking parents to go in the dunk tank chair. DS was so happy that we were there to experience that party with him and we shut down the K-club at 2AM! There is a duty officer to drive everyone home of course.
JudyM: Do you remember the Brazilian pilot from our winging? My youngest daughter was selected for the US National Division III Womens' Soccer team and they are going to Brazil to play four matches the week before the World Cup. They play the Brazilian Navy in Rio and we get to meet up with Capt. Barbosa! What a small world!
Jan 26, 2014
gonavymom
Barb: One more thing-try Hall of Frames in Kingsville TX, a business that does a lot of custom aviation framing for the military. They may be able to get a patch for you.
Jan 26, 2014
MaryD
Oh my goodness, gonavymom, I made the decision not to see Lone Survivor in the theater because I know I would be a sobbing mess. Reading the book was hard enough! I will wait till it's out on DVD and buy it so I can watch at home.
I went to Act of Valor last year (?) with some college students who were with us for the weekend and they kept asking me if i was ok. :)
Will keep praying for the f18 pilot. I can't find any update beyond the 15th.
Jan 26, 2014
Barb
Jan 26, 2014
JudyM
gonavymom, I do remember the Brazilian pilot. Awesome you will be able to reconnect. That was an amazing time - winging is an event you just don't forget.
Barb, have a great time.
Jan 26, 2014
Barb
Suzie, I know! Thank you and congratulations on all your DS has accomplished. I enjoy learning about what is "just ahead"! We are very excited!
Jan 28, 2014
Paymaster
Someone asked about the condition of the F-18 pilot. This was posted in the Navy Times today:
The pilot of an F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 143 is taken from a Navy helicopter to Norfolk Sentara General Hospital on Wednesday in Norfolk, Va. The pilot remained in critical condition as of Thursday morning, a Navy spokesman said. (Steve Earley/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)
The F/A-18 pilot who ejected into the ocean 45 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, Va., on Jan. 15 has been upgraded to good condition, a Naval Air Force Atlantic spokesman said.
The pilot has been transferred to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth for further treatment, Cmdr. Mike Kafka told Navy Times. He had been listed in critical condition since the crash.
Officials recovered the plane’s black box at the crash site but have not decided whether to recover the wreckage, he said.
The single-seat jet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 143 at Naval Air Station Oceana, was on a training mission Jan. 15 with another aircraft.
The pilot ejected and a life raft deployed, according to a Navy statement. The pilot was initially recovered by a fishing vessel and then picked up by a Navy MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter and flown to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
Kafka said Jan. 15 that the pilot was conscious while being flown to the hospital, but he gave no other details about the crash or why he was in critical condition. The pilot’s name hasn’t been released.
Strike Fighter Squadron 143, the “Pukin’ Dogs” is part of Carrier Air Wing 7, which returned to Virginia last summer following a deployment aboard the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower to Europe and the Middle East.
Jan 28, 2014
CheriH
Barb, finally heard from my DS. He says he can pick up a patch tomorrow and put it in the mail. Do you want him to send it straight to your frame guy? I know we are cutting it close. PM me with the details.
Jan 28, 2014
ulua
Happy birthday Suzie! I hope your DS is well soon. Its a blessing he didn't start SERE training if not 100%. Such an intense 2 weeks, my DS lost 12 pounds. Every set back my DS experienced in this process seemed to be that cloud with a silver lining. Best wishes for a happy year ahead.
Feb 3, 2014
Paymaster
Sheila.....Glad you checked in. Missed you.
Feb 3, 2014
MaryD
Last weekend I got to have dinner with my son and a few of his helicopter pilot friends (and the wife of a deployed pilot friend) and was so blessed and impressed by their steadfast courage despite the (scary) things they know can happen in a crash. I also had coffee with a friend who is a nurse at Sentara/General and heard a bit about the arrival of the helicopters. Sometimes as a mom I don't necessarily want to know, and my son has kind of sheltered me I think, but his friends talked about some things and it was very good. It was a privilege to be with them and I'm thankful for them! and for all of YOUR/OUR daughters and sons serving in Naval Aviation. We need to keep them all in prayers!
Feb 3, 2014
CheriH
Nancy, I understand the challenges of figuring out the next phase of life. We are also. Our daughter is on the west coast; our DS hopes that is where the Navy sends him and we are in Dallas. Hubby's job is changing; not going to be much fun anymore and I'm ready for change. But the question is how much change???? Much musing going on here.
Feb 4, 2014
JudyM
Wow, Nancy and Cheri I can identify with you both. I am also almost 5 years older than DH. He is itching to retire. We will downsize and hopefully move closer to one of the boys. Navy DS at Whidbey, will see what happens when he is moved out of the training squadron. Older son in Long Beach. So where we end up is still up in the air. I want to be accessible to both sons and wives for moral support and, hopefully, grandkids in the future. Sometimes don't feel close enough to either.
I guess the bottom line is that many of us are in the same position of sorts.
Feb 4, 2014
CheriH
That is exciting new Kris! Congrats! And I love reading everyone's news. It gives me such insight into the path still ahead of us.
Feb 7, 2014
Barb
Hello! Thank you everyone for your well wishes...the winging was amazing! Just an awesome, awesome weekend. We toured the planes, tried out a sim (I crashed hard, but our other son and our son-in-law were pretty good!), the ceremony was so wonderful. It was great to see our son so relaxed and happy. We had just a great time! He introduced us to his colleagues and the IP's. The "wingee's" provided dinner for us afterward and then the party was so much fun. It was nice to talk with other parents and congratulate one another. I can't believe it has been two years! Suzie, I'm sending you and your son positive thoughts and prayers as he heads to SERE...mid March is our son's projected date. Soon he heads to LeMoore CA for the Super Hornet, which will be great, but a long way from home! Have a great day everyone!
Feb 10, 2014
CheriH
What a great picture Barb! So glad to hear you had a great time. And congrats to him on Super Hornets. What an accomplishment!!!
Feb 10, 2014
MaryD
Just an encouragement about SERE, my son said it was extremely valuable training although he NEVER wants to repeat it!
Feb 10, 2014
Barb
FlyboyMom, thank you so much for keeping those Tinker Bell earrings close at hand. We have all appreciated their good luck making its way to our loved ones! An instructor position in Pensacola sounds wonderful, especially on this cold and snowy winter day. Pensacola was wonderful. I hope he enjoys it!
Feb 10, 2014