Good Morning ladies. Just joined this group this morning. My son is shipping out to BC in 12 days...Its very overwhelming, but am dealing with it. I am already missing him and he has not even left yet. I know he will do great and am so very proud of him. Hope everyone is doing great...:)
Good morning babette, I have two sons in the navy. One in for 14 years and the other for a little over a year. If there is anything I can say, or answers that I can give, please feel free to ask. We are all here for you.
Good morning Navy family, hope all is well. Keeping my fingers crossed for a letter today. @Babette, this is all new to me too. My son left Oct 6 and I still haven't gotten a real letter from him. It takes a while for them to settle in, but man is it hard on us moms waiting. So have patience and stay strong. Thankfully I was told about this website, it has been a life saver for me. We are all here to support each other so if you have questions or concerns ask away.
My son also left October 6, no real letter yet either. I think that my letter carrier is getting a little paranoid that I'm stalking him! Let's cross our fingers for a letter today!
@Janis. I'm sure my mail carrier thinks the same thing. Is your son scheduled to graduate on Dec 2? What ship and div is he in? We are getting all the Navy moms and significant others who have SR's graduating on Dec2 to wear NAVY blue scarves to the ceremony that way we can show support not only for our sailors but for each other.
My SR arrived at Great Lakes on the 5th. No "real" letter here, either. I thought they didn't get letter writing time till after 3 weeks. Not sure where I saw that. I could be confusing letter writing with phone call. I didn't even get a personal note written on the grad. packet I received. :(
I feel ya ladies.....been there....when you get that first letter, you'll feel like busting!!!
BTW.....if there are any Ohio moms out there.....join us on the Ohio group here or on our Ohio Navy Families group on Facebook. We're planning our get together for November and would love to have you join us!!!
PNM, this is the toughest part. Hang in there. I received 4 letters during that tough , god I remember how hard that was. I also missed his 1st call, by the time I noticed I hung on to that phone and he called again but we were only able to talk for a few minutes. Also, that 1st call was so emotional he had gone through so much including getting sick and having his teeth pulled. We were able to talk I think 3 more times. The best was the "I am a sailor call". It will be so worth it. By the way it is ok to cry when you feel like we all have gone through it. It gets better :)
Hello everyone, just want to say I am so thankful for this group. My lil Sailor left yesterday from Tuscaloosa, AL to Montgomery, AL and now she is in Great Lakes. I am missing her already. Keep us in your prayers. She is suppose to be there for 6 weeks we have a huge family that wants to come and see her graduate, once she leaves Great Lakes she will be in Meridian MS. That is so much closer to home. After that we have no idea where she will be but I am looking forward to her journey;.
Sailor4her, I have 2 sons in the navy. ONe in fir 14 years and the other one for a little over a year. If there is any questions that I can answer please feel free to ask. Hang in there!!!!!!!!!!!
sailor4her - There were 13 Divs that graduated when my son had PIR, there were 6 of us who went knowing that 2 would have to wait & see if they could get in, we were in luck because we received our last letter from our son on Wednesday before and he was able to add our two extras to two other guys list in his Div that didn't have 4 guest. My son is in Meridan now.
chinadoll19 - Your daughter will address an envelope to someone back home, that is where the form letter will be sent. It will have alot of info in the letter, her address at GL and the ship # & Div, there will also be a password that you will need when time comes to print your gate pass for PIR. She will list the names of 4 guest and she is the only one that can change the list. I would talked to her before she leaves if she hasn't already left.
browns57, she won't be living until after graduation on May 2012. She is in high school righ now. Glad that you mentioned this. I have a friend that would like to see her graduate from the Navy now my family can get in they have Military ID we are all coming from diffrent States.One of family was a retired Navy Officer so they have sticker and ID to show. But she has more than 4 guest. well figure something out before she go. Thank you so much. - Chinadoll
Hi Chinadoll19...my son graduated in March 2011 from Chicago, and they said only 4 guest, but they really didn't check...Once you guy's are there I don't think they will turn you away...
Wow! I will ask the recruiter Monday. NanZam I am sure you and the family went correct? What hotel did you guys stay in? We need a hotel close to base this way no rushing also What is the ame of the base that your son went to? I am ssure the same one my daugther will be going too.
Hello Chinadoll19...My son was also in Great Lakes....It probably is the one your daughter is going to go to...My son is a corpsman...we stayed in Waukegin The hotel staff we stayed at made us feel welcomed and it was very clean. It was also 35 minutes from the graduation site...the hotel staff gave us directions, and told us what to expect. I can't remember the name, but I will find out for you...Oh yeah fly in to Ohara airport...I believe there are hotels close to the airport too, and they are not too far from base...It's going to be an exciting proud time for you and your family...bring tissue...warm clothes...walking shoes...sit in the 2nd level so you can see it all...they will not tell you that there is a second level, so just go there...we thought sitting in the front row in front of my sons crew was going to be the best way to see him, but it's not...I wish I would have know this before we sat down...LOL..also there will be a line of cars to get in so leave early...we were in line by 6am...and there were cars there already...My sons was ship 12 division 96. He is now a HN at 29 Palms CA works in the hospital there...He's close to home...and can come home on the weekends...what is your daughter going to do?
Marcia it is a mess of people but trust me they keep their eyes on you and you on them after not seeing each other for 8 long weeks there is no problem finding each other. We sat on the bottom, 3rd row up and got to see everything and found or son easily. Marcia, FYI flying into Mlk (Milwaukee) saved us a nice chuck on airfare and car rental. It is not that far from GL. I think it took us about 40 mins from the airport to GL . Good luck.
Hello NanZam, thank you for all the information this is a big help for us. I will keep in mind to be at the base by 6am. Like you said the line is long. Can I wear what I want too? - Chinadoll
@1windhaven, thank you for the information. You are right I know I will spot my baby (big smile), I wish I had checked Mlk. I already confirmed flight, and car rental at Ohara. My car rental is only $34 a day and my airfare round trip was just a little over $200.00. thanks for your help.
Good morning Navy sisters!!! Getting ready to head out to church. Ya'll are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am praying for a phone call today. Ship 09/Div 015.
Chinadoll19...sorry, had been so busy...Wear comfortable clothes and shoes...you will be standing, and walking...and dress according to weather...When I was there it was FREEZING...not use to the type of cold in Chicago...LOL...Congratulations, and have a great time...go up to the Hancock Bldg to the 96th floor lounge...beautiful view of all of Chicago...of course do the Navy Pier...and Gino's Pizza...Delicious...Have fun...
Thank you for the info NanZam, Avia won't be going until June 27, 2012 she said. So I will make sure to bring winterr clothes and summer well see the weather. I know to have a good time never been there so I am excited too. - Chinadoll19
I stayed at the Ramada Inn in Waukeegan and it was very nice.They have a meet and greet every Friday that is very nice. There is also a shuttle that runs back and forth on graduation day so you don't have to worry about parking or anything. They ran a couple of them so we had time to go to the NEX while my sailor went to get his stuff then head out. It was in April and VERY cold, had to stand in line for just a short time but it was packed inside. Once I found a seat in the bleachers there was almost no getting out unless you wanted to climb over people.Surprisingly when they all march in together, dressed alike it is VERY hard to find your child. I found mine once they walked right in front of us but then they do a little turn around at the end of the hall and I lost him again. At the end they give the Liberty Call and it is utter chaos !
We also stayed at the Ramada Inn in Waukeegan, I really enjoyed the Meet & Greet. We also took the shuttle so we won't have to wait in line to get in the gate & park. It was nice that our son could ride back to the hotel with us. We were there in early October and the weather was real nice. I was able to wear capries. My son on the other hand was hot in his dress blues. We hung around the hotel so he could visit, us his phone and get on the laptop. He wanted steak so we went out for a good steak dinner. We didn't try to go in to Chicago since he had to be back on base at 8:00PM and wanted to start heading back that way by 7:00PM, the line was long to drop off. We were able to make it to the airport for a quick goodbye & hug and give him his cell phone.
I agree with you Pearl Harbor MA, Liberty Call was chaos...,but I was never so happy to be the first one to find our son!
WOW! I am getting the feeling I started a problem and I really was not trying to start trouble. Just wanted to to help other Moms connect. I had requested to join the group that is shown here by Joan and never got a response. Sorry if I hurt someones feelings but really this is not a competition just trying to help other moms connect with each other. https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/SailorsMoms/
Babette-Zack's Mom
Oct 26, 2011
ladyayp
Oct 26, 2011
kristie 09/016
Oct 26, 2011
Janis
Kristie,
My son also left October 6, no real letter yet either. I think that my letter carrier is getting a little paranoid that I'm stalking him! Let's cross our fingers for a letter today!
Oct 26, 2011
kristie 09/016
Oct 26, 2011
danor98
Oct 26, 2011
danor98
'm replying to Kristie also. Yes he graduates Dec. 2. He is is 09/014. I will accept your friend request shortly. Off to gym now!
Oct 26, 2011
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Oct 26, 2011
ProudNavyMom
Oct 26, 2011
Suzi-OH
I feel ya ladies.....been there....when you get that first letter, you'll feel like busting!!!
BTW.....if there are any Ohio moms out there.....join us on the Ohio group here or on our Ohio Navy Families group on Facebook. We're planning our get together for November and would love to have you join us!!!
Oct 26, 2011
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Oct 26, 2011
ProudNavyMom
Oct 26, 2011
sailor4Her
Oct 26, 2011
chinadoll19
Oct 27, 2011
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Sailor4her, the first few weeks are tough as there is no communication. Once you receive that 1st letter it gets better.
Oct 28, 2011
ladyayp
Oct 28, 2011
chinadoll19
Oct 28, 2011
Pearl Harbor MA
Oct 28, 2011
Denise - browns57
sailor4her - There were 13 Divs that graduated when my son had PIR, there were 6 of us who went knowing that 2 would have to wait & see if they could get in, we were in luck because we received our last letter from our son on Wednesday before and he was able to add our two extras to two other guys list in his Div that didn't have 4 guest. My son is in Meridan now.
Oct 28, 2011
chinadoll19
This is something I have to ask before my daugther go to boot camp, her dad remarry so am I now we are more than 4. Thanks for the info brons57.
Oct 28, 2011
Denise - browns57
chinadoll19 - Your daughter will address an envelope to someone back home, that is where the form letter will be sent. It will have alot of info in the letter, her address at GL and the ship # & Div, there will also be a password that you will need when time comes to print your gate pass for PIR. She will list the names of 4 guest and she is the only one that can change the list. I would talked to her before she leaves if she hasn't already left.
Oct 28, 2011
chinadoll19
Oct 28, 2011
Denise - browns57
Chinadoll - I believe the family members with active military ID can get in without being on the list, someone correst me if I'm wrong. thanks
Oct 28, 2011
chinadoll19
Oct 28, 2011
chinadoll19
Oct 28, 2011
NanZam
Hi Chinadoll19...my son graduated in March 2011 from Chicago, and they said only 4 guest, but they really didn't check...Once you guy's are there I don't think they will turn you away...
Oct 28, 2011
chinadoll19
Oct 28, 2011
NanZam
Oct 28, 2011
Marcia Shea's Mom(Ship3, Div367)
Oct 28, 2011
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Oct 28, 2011
chinadoll19
Oct 28, 2011
Marcia Shea's Mom(Ship3, Div367)
Oct 28, 2011
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Oct 28, 2011
Marcia Shea's Mom(Ship3, Div367)
Oct 29, 2011
Marcia Shea's Mom(Ship3, Div367)
Oct 29, 2011
ladyayp
Oct 29, 2011
ProudNavyMom
Oct 30, 2011
chinadoll19
Nov 2, 2011
NanZam
Nov 2, 2011
chinadoll19
Nov 2, 2011
Pearl Harbor MA
Nov 2, 2011
Denise - browns57
We also stayed at the Ramada Inn in Waukeegan, I really enjoyed the Meet & Greet. We also took the shuttle so we won't have to wait in line to get in the gate & park. It was nice that our son could ride back to the hotel with us. We were there in early October and the weather was real nice. I was able to wear capries. My son on the other hand was hot in his dress blues. We hung around the hotel so he could visit, us his phone and get on the laptop. He wanted steak so we went out for a good steak dinner. We didn't try to go in to Chicago since he had to be back on base at 8:00PM and wanted to start heading back that way by 7:00PM, the line was long to drop off. We were able to make it to the airport for a quick goodbye & hug and give him his cell phone.
I agree with you Pearl Harbor MA, Liberty Call was chaos...,but I was never so happy to be the first one to find our son!
Nov 2, 2011
Barbydahlzz ALUM 09/075 USS JPJ
YAY another group of moms.... today is boot camp day 3... still numb...
Nov 11, 2011
QuintinsMom
I am starting a Navy Mom Group on facebook would love to see other moms join so we can all help support and assist each other. Here is the link.https://www.facebook.com/groups/240441929350971/members/
Nov 13, 2011
Sharon ~ K's Mom
Nov 13, 2011
QuintinsMom
WOW! I am getting the feeling I started a problem and I really was not trying to start trouble. Just wanted to to help other Moms connect. I had requested to join the group that is shown here by Joan and never got a response. Sorry if I hurt someones feelings but really this is not a competition just trying to help other moms connect with each other. https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/SailorsMoms/
Nov 13, 2011
Suzi-OH
Not to worry.....there are dozens and dozens of Navy Mom groups on Facebook. We also created one for our Ohio Navy Families as we meet once a month.
Nov 13, 2011
ProudNavyMom
Thanks for sharing these links to the facebook groups!
Nov 13, 2011
QuintinsMom
Thank you all so much!!
Nov 13, 2011
QuintinsMom
Gwen we would be happy to have you at https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/SailorsMoms/
Nov 14, 2011