SusanW - Five Points is exactly where my DS is. His GF is a nurse just starting her career and landed a job at St. Vincent's Hospital,which is walking distance. And they have a Starbucks and grocery store right across the street. He's a coffee lover, although he weaned himself off of it a couple of weeks before SERE. Is your DS based at Whidby Island when he's not deployed?
Helenp ya that is great news - I was a nervous wreck the whole time my son was at SERE... Great training that you hope they never have to use...
Having a senior moment - so is everyones Sailors pilot in this group? My son is not a pilot he is a Reel Operator but gets to fly and loves it, he has been up twice so far, he is still in school until November...
SusanW...I can only imagine how you feel. I got my first taste this past week while he was at SERE. I made the mistake of looking up what the acronym stands for. Everything I did was overshadowed with thoughts of what he was going through. I kept thinking of all the military moms with their children deployed. I came a little closer to understanding what it's like. I was comforted by the fact that this was a choice he made with eyes open, that he is smart, strong and tough, and proud to be a Naval Aviator. Your son too. I hope it gets easier for you as the time passes. Only the more experienced moms know that.
My son went to SERE before starting his P3 training, so he will probably not go to Whidby until next summer. My DS's GF just started her first job as a nurse. When they go to Whidby, they have been told that the best scenario for them would be to live around Mt Vernon on the mainland as there are good hospitals in Everett and in Bellingham. Then they each would have only a 30 min. commute.
SusanW my DS is a growler pilot. He will return from his second deployment within a month. He and his wife live in Anacortes as well. I understand your being anxious about his deployment. Although you will always worry, it does get a little easier. It is sometimes difficult as they cannot tell you where they are, when you can communicate again, or when they will return.
The growler comment nitty is very tight. Neighbors of my son and DIL cut the grass when he is gone and help her with cars, etc.
Suzie, I'm so sorry to hear about your father's passing. Please know we are holding you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. I'm so glad that your DS will be at the service. Sending warm hugs.
Michelle-I don't think our son has ever been able to take all of his annual leave. When we were there last month he was taking 4 days leave over a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in an attempt to use it up. Of course he went in to the squadron on Friday and Monday but he said at least he had some control over when he could go home.
James, did you really? That would be so cool! We almost got our DS back to the local airport but they had mechanical trouble and had to turn back. Maybe next time!
Michelle, it seems like there's always something that precludes our DS from taking much leave--typically training related. I don't think he's lost any, though.
Deployment is difficult. The timing does not always work. DS almost missed his brothers wedding because of typhoons, earthquakes, and unavailability of tankers. We were fortunate DS arrived Tuesday for a Wednesday wedding.
The Navy is not always easy for families.
If they are in work ups for deployment, leave will be very limited which may result in loosing some. Time off is rare during training as well. It's all about mission critical.
Crossing my fingers! DS has a cross country planned next weekend...to our Alma Mater for Military Appreciation Day. His wife is flying in commercial; and we are driving 14 hours just so we can see him land his F18! He's had to jump through all sorts of hoops to make this happen. He told us that even if he takes off, there's always the possibility that the jet won't start after they land mid-way for fuel. Most people think we are nuts for going, and they are probably right!
For anyone thinking of Christmas gifts for their LOs: anticipating upcoming workups from the ship, last Christmas time I gave my DS a pure beech jersey knit twin extra long sheet set & pillow/mattress protectors (from BB&B). He has had several chances to make use of them (along with the memory foam mattress top that he bought). Just recently he asked where I got the sheets so he could get an additional set of sheets. "So comfy!," he said. Made this Mom's heart happy to think that at the end of a mission, her DS could be cozily tucked in for a good night's rest before the next venture out.
I don't know of a group for helo pilot moms, though I am a helo pilot mom. I live in Kent, Washington and my LO is in San Diego. How about you and your LO?
I am so glad to see all the responses from helo moms. My DS is currently in JAX and will be going to Atsugi, Japan in the spring. We are from Athens, Ga
DaleAndrea: My DS was at Atsugi for three years. It is actually a nice posting and is a joint Japanese-American base. It's only 20 min. by train to Yokohama, and another 20 min. from there to Tokyo.
Base housing is very limited, but the housing allowance is generous and the Housing group is very helpful. My DS rented a house for two years with another aviator and then got an apartment when his roomie got married.
One caveat - it sometimes takes quite a while for their personal goods to get there. DS was moving from Norfolk, and it was about 3 months. Housing has furniture they lend out in the interim. He should take all the clothes, etc. that he'll need.
Wow! Welcome all you helo moms! Our representation in this group has been pretty thin over the years. NavyBratNavyMom - I have never been able find a group of helo moms but I haven't looked lately. My DS is in Coronado with his family.
Parv 44 - Our daughter was a Seahawk in 1992 while she was in calibration school on North Island! This is our son's third trip thru NASNI. He has never been with the Seahawks though.
Campbellm - We live in Kitsap County near Poulsbo. Our DS is a helo pilot on Coronado (San Diego) too! They have been there for three years, he was deployed for almost one of them. They love that area.
I got my Christmas present early. Our son has his next orders in hand and will be remaining on Coronado until March 2020. They are staying on the west coast! Woohooo!
Suzie, sorry to hear about the added stress...and yes, it sure means some extra time on your part, but glad you are able to support him! I think of you often and am sending warm thoughts to you and your family.
We were able to spend Thanksgiving with our DS and one of his AF buddies (from back at Vance) was able to join us for dinner. She flies the great big refueling aircraft. Because DS was leaving right away for training at Fallon and the work ups for the boat make for such long days, we ended up flying back with his dog. I guess she's mine for about the next year and a half! He will be home for a week at Christmas and I'm very, very grateful for that. Next year will be different.
I don't know how I missed this group when I went searching for support for moms back in June '16. My son deployed & my new daughter (his wife) said she didn't think any squadron news was applicable to moms. I know she meant well, and she is young, yet anything is like a breadcrumb for the soul. I live in Chicago and he's out of Oceana- F/A18Cs.
I SO wish I had somehow found you guys. My heart is so physically and emotionally wrung out. I get daily Foreign Policy Magazine briefs & Navy News just to "know" and be able to "be" with him. I didn't know how to do it better. Some said not to read those, but it is worse for me not knowing & I learned a lot about many countries politics, etc, so it isn't all bad. He is not back but we have spoken with him in different ways which is extremely joyous. My daughter (in law) has been doing so well...we keep in touch at least weekly...she is not at base & far from us too.
I wish I had had your input and comments these months on just the "knowing" which no one understands in my family system or my larger community. Of course, being an Army vet, my husband does not relate completely.
I tried to write to get it out on paper, but my emotions are frozen inside for now...it is lonely, terrifying territory.
I find it hard to fathom that other family members have told me often that it's not different from a policeman or fireman. I cannot say anything to this...it isn't worth the effort to explain because you just have to KNOW.
I am heartened by finding you today...a Christmas present.
Happy holidays everyone.
Rade, our DS is also deployed out of Oceana, flying F/A-18F aboard the IKE. Having email exchanges and calls when in port has really helped, though some days are hard. We're heading down for the fly-in, just counting the days.
Suzie - my NFO wasn't able to communicate much when he left US for his ship - boarded it while underway. Communications were hard - very limited. When he got back I asked if there was anything he would like for his next round. He said not really but then I mentioned that I had seen knit extra long twin sheet sets recommended on this site and he said that would be something he would like. Plan to get him a set before he goes out again.
Suzie - I agree about the sheets! Some other ideas that have gone over well with my DS were magazines (all types for the wardroom), socks (he swore the laundry shrank them), snacks, and DVDs
I collected magazines from a number of friends; the military boxes from the U.S.P.S. make it reasonable to send heavy things because it is a flat rate per size. You can even get the boxes delivered to your home.
Pick snacks that travel well; others have told me that chocolate ends up a gooey mess. Jerky, hot sauces, hard candy, all made it fine for the 3 years he was deployed.
Suzie, he'll love whatever you send. I forgot to add that the DVDs are great in the ready room, too. I think the favorite set was the Terminator marathon!
Another idea is small games, cards, etc. I once sent 4 wind-up mice as a joke, and my DS thought I was crazy, but they ended up having races with them! Ha ha, Mom is right again!
Yes, the jersey knit sheets (twin XL) have scored well with our DS. :-D He has requested cookies, also beef jerky, for care package items. Has anyone sent flash drives loaded with movies, podcasts, and such? Figure with limited access, he can still have that type of stuff to watch on his laptop.
Wow Susie, you rock! Great ideas and resources. Happy Valentines Day to all You lovely Navy moms, especially to those whose loved ones are deployed. Our hearts travel with them every day.
Kama, Just a few things. If you can edit your post, I would remove the info about his deployment and where he is headed. This falls into OPSEC rules, which is for our LOs safety. As far as the financial aspects, he will be briefed on making sure someone has a Specific POA (power of attorney) prior to his deployment in order to assist with things i.e. financial. If they live together, he would probably want to consider auto pay or setting up the stipend to her account so she can pay the bills. Contact can be limited but it all depends on a lot of things we can't/shouldn't discuss in an open forum.
My son's first deployment is upcoming. I need some help knowing how to set up financial support for his bills and what you do to send packages. Some tips would be much appreciated. Thanks. My email is kamajama@comcast.net if you can share your personal tips with us. Thank you!
Helomom
Sep 10, 2016
JudyM
It was so much fun (and too many hours on my feet.)
Sep 10, 2016
Barb
Judy, very cool. My DS was there this year. I'm happy to think that there were some moms there keeping a warm eye on things!
Hoping all the SERE attendees (and there families) are doing well.
Take care everyone!
Sep 11, 2016
helenp
SusanW - Five Points is exactly where my DS is. His GF is a nurse just starting her career and landed a job at St. Vincent's Hospital,which is walking distance. And they have a Starbucks and grocery store right across the street. He's a coffee lover, although he weaned himself off of it a couple of weeks before SERE. Is your DS based at Whidby Island when he's not deployed?
Sep 13, 2016
helenp
He survived SERE!
Sep 16, 2016
Diverdee90
Helenp ya that is great news - I was a nervous wreck the whole time my son was at SERE... Great training that you hope they never have to use...
Having a senior moment - so is everyones Sailors pilot in this group? My son is not a pilot he is a Reel Operator but gets to fly and loves it, he has been up twice so far, he is still in school until November...
Sep 16, 2016
Chris
The reality of life in the Hornet community:
http://www.stripes.com/news/f-a-18-crashes-rise-rapidly-as-budget-c...
http://www.stripes.com/news/marines-order-stand-down-of-f-a-18s-fol...
Sep 16, 2016
helenp
SusanW...I can only imagine how you feel. I got my first taste this past week while he was at SERE. I made the mistake of looking up what the acronym stands for. Everything I did was overshadowed with thoughts of what he was going through. I kept thinking of all the military moms with their children deployed. I came a little closer to understanding what it's like. I was comforted by the fact that this was a choice he made with eyes open, that he is smart, strong and tough, and proud to be a Naval Aviator. Your son too. I hope it gets easier for you as the time passes. Only the more experienced moms know that.
My son went to SERE before starting his P3 training, so he will probably not go to Whidby until next summer. My DS's GF just started her first job as a nurse. When they go to Whidby, they have been told that the best scenario for them would be to live around Mt Vernon on the mainland as there are good hospitals in Everett and in Bellingham. Then they each would have only a 30 min. commute.
Sep 17, 2016
JudyM
The growler comment nitty is very tight. Neighbors of my son and DIL cut the grass when he is gone and help her with cars, etc.
Sep 17, 2016
Barb
Helenp,
Yay!! Isn't that one of the best phone calls ever! Glad your LO is back safe and sound.
Take care and be safe everyone!
Sep 22, 2016
Barb
Sep 23, 2016
Michelle
Is it very common to not be able to schedule, and then lose leave time? I'm wondering if others run into this issue.
Oct 18, 2016
Helomom
Oct 18, 2016
Barb
James, did you really? That would be so cool! We almost got our DS back to the local airport but they had mechanical trouble and had to turn back. Maybe next time!
Michelle, it seems like there's always something that precludes our DS from taking much leave--typically training related. I don't think he's lost any, though.
Oct 18, 2016
JudyM
The Navy is not always easy for families.
Oct 18, 2016
Hurricane
Oct 18, 2016
CheriH
Crossing my fingers! DS has a cross country planned next weekend...to our Alma Mater for Military Appreciation Day. His wife is flying in commercial; and we are driving 14 hours just so we can see him land his F18! He's had to jump through all sorts of hoops to make this happen. He told us that even if he takes off, there's always the possibility that the jet won't start after they land mid-way for fuel. Most people think we are nuts for going, and they are probably right!
Nov 6, 2016
Rose
For anyone thinking of Christmas gifts for their LOs: anticipating upcoming workups from the ship, last Christmas time I gave my DS a pure beech jersey knit twin extra long sheet set & pillow/mattress protectors (from BB&B). He has had several chances to make use of them (along with the memory foam mattress top that he bought). Just recently he asked where I got the sheets so he could get an additional set of sheets. "So comfy!," he said. Made this Mom's heart happy to think that at the end of a mission, her DS could be cozily tucked in for a good night's rest before the next venture out.
Dec 5, 2016
HeloPilotMom
Is there a group just for helo pilot moms?
Dec 6, 2016
campbellm
I don't know of a group for helo pilot moms, though I am a helo pilot mom. I live in Kent, Washington and my LO is in San Diego. How about you and your LO?
Dec 6, 2016
Parv
I'm a helo pilot mom as well. I live in Avon Lake, OH and my LO is in Atsugi, Japan; was in San Diego for about a year prior.
Dec 6, 2016
naturegirl1
Parv, my son is also helo pilot. He is also in Atsugi. just went Dec. 1
Dec 6, 2016
naturegirl1
we live in North Carolina
Dec 6, 2016
peachstatemom
Dec 6, 2016
motherof2dragons
Another Georgia helo mom here. My DS is in Guam.
Dec 6, 2016
Marianne
DaleAndrea: My DS was at Atsugi for three years. It is actually a nice posting and is a joint Japanese-American base. It's only 20 min. by train to Yokohama, and another 20 min. from there to Tokyo.
Base housing is very limited, but the housing allowance is generous and the Housing group is very helpful. My DS rented a house for two years with another aviator and then got an apartment when his roomie got married.
One caveat - it sometimes takes quite a while for their personal goods to get there. DS was moving from Norfolk, and it was about 3 months. Housing has furniture they lend out in the interim. He should take all the clothes, etc. that he'll need.
Dec 6, 2016
Helomom
Dec 6, 2016
CathieRenee
Motherof2dragons... Is your name a reference to the MH53E Sea Dragon helicopter?
Dec 6, 2016
Parv
DaleAndrea: My DS really likes Japan! Loves sushi, haha.
Helomom: My DS was a Seahawk for about a year on North Island
Dec 6, 2016
Helomom
Dec 6, 2016
motherof2dragons
CathieRenee -- Haha, but no. My "name" is a Game of Thrones reference, except that I only have 2 sometimes uncontrollable offspring.
Dec 6, 2016
HeloMOM2016
I am a Helo mom...my DS is at Jax and he is loving is new squadron
Dec 6, 2016
Helomom
Dec 9, 2016
Helomom
Dec 9, 2016
Helomom
Dec 11, 2016
Parv
Helomom - That's great news! So happy for you :-)
Dec 11, 2016
Barb
Helomom, that is awesome news! Merry Christmas!
Suzie, sorry to hear about the added stress...and yes, it sure means some extra time on your part, but glad you are able to support him! I think of you often and am sending warm thoughts to you and your family.
We were able to spend Thanksgiving with our DS and one of his AF buddies (from back at Vance) was able to join us for dinner. She flies the great big refueling aircraft. Because DS was leaving right away for training at Fallon and the work ups for the boat make for such long days, we ended up flying back with his dog. I guess she's mine for about the next year and a half! He will be home for a week at Christmas and I'm very, very grateful for that. Next year will be different.
Wishing all of you warm and wonderful holidays!
Dec 12, 2016
rade
I SO wish I had somehow found you guys. My heart is so physically and emotionally wrung out. I get daily Foreign Policy Magazine briefs & Navy News just to "know" and be able to "be" with him. I didn't know how to do it better. Some said not to read those, but it is worse for me not knowing & I learned a lot about many countries politics, etc, so it isn't all bad. He is not back but we have spoken with him in different ways which is extremely joyous. My daughter (in law) has been doing so well...we keep in touch at least weekly...she is not at base & far from us too.
I wish I had had your input and comments these months on just the "knowing" which no one understands in my family system or my larger community. Of course, being an Army vet, my husband does not relate completely.
I tried to write to get it out on paper, but my emotions are frozen inside for now...it is lonely, terrifying territory.
I find it hard to fathom that other family members have told me often that it's not different from a policeman or fireman. I cannot say anything to this...it isn't worth the effort to explain because you just have to KNOW.
I am heartened by finding you today...a Christmas present.
Dec 24, 2016
NFAO
Rade, our DS is also deployed out of Oceana, flying F/A-18F aboard the IKE. Having email exchanges and calls when in port has really helped, though some days are hard. We're heading down for the fly-in, just counting the days.
Dec 24, 2016
rade
I went to my profile, & in 2009 I joined but completely forgot and didn't find this group this time!
I will now keep up!
Merry Christmas to all!
Dec 24, 2016
Marmie
Suzie - my NFO wasn't able to communicate much when he left US for his ship - boarded it while underway. Communications were hard - very limited. When he got back I asked if there was anything he would like for his next round. He said not really but then I mentioned that I had seen knit extra long twin sheet sets recommended on this site and he said that would be something he would like. Plan to get him a set before he goes out again.
Jan 24, 2017
Marianne
Suzie - I agree about the sheets! Some other ideas that have gone over well with my DS were magazines (all types for the wardroom), socks (he swore the laundry shrank them), snacks, and DVDs
I collected magazines from a number of friends; the military boxes from the U.S.P.S. make it reasonable to send heavy things because it is a flat rate per size. You can even get the boxes delivered to your home.
Pick snacks that travel well; others have told me that chocolate ends up a gooey mess. Jerky, hot sauces, hard candy, all made it fine for the 3 years he was deployed.
Jan 24, 2017
Marianne
Suzie, he'll love whatever you send. I forgot to add that the DVDs are great in the ready room, too. I think the favorite set was the Terminator marathon!
Another idea is small games, cards, etc. I once sent 4 wind-up mice as a joke, and my DS thought I was crazy, but they ended up having races with them! Ha ha, Mom is right again!
Jan 25, 2017
Rose
Jan 25, 2017
ulua
Feb 14, 2017
Barb
Suzie, that is awesome! Great ideas, thank you. I am anxious to learn more when you hear from him. Happy Valentine's Day to all.
Feb 14, 2017
jsefamily
I love and appreciate all the ideas! Thank you, ladies!
Feb 14, 2017
Hurricane
Kama, Just a few things. If you can edit your post, I would remove the info about his deployment and where he is headed. This falls into OPSEC rules, which is for our LOs safety. As far as the financial aspects, he will be briefed on making sure someone has a Specific POA (power of attorney) prior to his deployment in order to assist with things i.e. financial. If they live together, he would probably want to consider auto pay or setting up the stipend to her account so she can pay the bills. Contact can be limited but it all depends on a lot of things we can't/shouldn't discuss in an open forum.
Mar 28, 2017
Kama
Thank you Hurricane...I didn't know. I appreciate it. I deleted it and will repost with no info.
Mar 29, 2017
Kama
My son's first deployment is upcoming. I need some help knowing how to set up financial support for his bills and what you do to send packages. Some tips would be much appreciated. Thanks. My email is kamajama@comcast.net if you can share your personal tips with us. Thank you!
Mar 29, 2017