First week of school- students are great! Been a very busy three weeks getting ready. First phone call from the ship last Thursday. It's all good when the school counselor is crying right!!!(tears of joy and only after he said goodbye - or the very annoying woman reminded us we only had 60 seconds!!! He's received 3/4 boxes and sounds excited and ready for the next port. I shared pictures of the Ike with all the elementary students- so many have connections to the military! TGIF enjoy your weekend.
frogkisses, I had been waiting to be accepted on the fb page for N4M since last week. Finally I started looking around at how others had been accepted and I messaged a guy named Recruit Man and asked him to approve me and he did right away... maybe try that. When did your son/daughter leave for bc?
You ladies will have better luck with support on the actual N4M website. Join the group that is listed for your PIR date... N4M's site maybe saved my life because over the course of the 6weeks that Mitch was gone It was very hard and only 1 call other than the "I'm a sailor call". Let me know if you have anyother questions or I can be of help...
Ladies, Misty is so right n4ms was a live saver. When my son in bc last year i joined his div/ship group and we all shared what little we knew waz going on sk everyone had a sense of what our kids were doing. Also when you get your. I am a sailor call ask if everyone passed so if they say yes you can share this with the group. It can take some time for everyone to get their call.
The group I was with was just great.. I was able to chat with the mom of my son's bunk mate and still keep intouch with them via facebook. We hooked up and spent the weekend of PIR together.. Some of those friends may be life long friends as our sailors will keep in touch with the new friends they make along the way.. The may go on to A school but undoughtly their paths will cross and it will be a homecoming for them on a ship maybe or dry dock when they get new orders. Every time one of the moms got a letter we would post that letter and its contents on N4M so all knew what was going on if you didn't get a letter or call. Also keep writing and encouraging your sailor as they find the time to be difficult at times and if they are discouraged or down mail call is the highlight of the day. Each family member took one day a week and wrote for example grandma and grandpa wrote on Tuesdays, Aunty wrote on Mondays Brother and sister wrote on Thursday and so on so he got at the least one letter a day and some day got many. Only send letters, NO musical cards, NO scented letters and only a few newspaper clippings or photos. They are totally NOT allowed to get packages as they are considered a distraction.. Seems harsh but they do want to stay focused on the reason they are there and want to get through it with flying colors. Stay strong and again find the group for you sailors PIR date.. You can be members of meany N4M groups so can still chatt here too... Good Luck!
Misty, great post and advise! My daughter (currently in A school) told me the letters she received daily is what helped her make it through BC...the letters and pictures are soooo important. To conserve space, I would print out pictures on letter paper and then write on the back, she loved it. I would go onto her Facebook and print pictures of her friends as well.
So funny I too posted info and mailing address on Mitchell's facebook page for his friends too... He was surprised to see that he got mail from friends that he would have never expected... It was a nice surprise. After it was all said and done, he asked, "by the way mom how did all my friends get my address",.. Humm.. another good idea.!
Once Mitch was done at BC and he came home on leave he showed us all the letters that he got... It was so wonderful how much encouragement everyone gave him. I befriended so many moms on N4M's that even some of the other sailor moms even sent him a card of hope and encouragement.. It was just wonderful. He told us that one evening after mail call several of the other sailors said, "hey Mitch I got a card from you mom". Mitch shaired with us that there were several sailors that did ever get mail so got their name and we all sent him/her a card of Hope too... Mitch thought that was really cool. Those sailors all went to Mitch and thanked him for his mom and the other moms sending a letter.
Thank you 1windhaven-Maria :) And yes am planning on going to PIR :) I hope time does fly by, I can't wait to see her :) I did receive the box today, but no letter or anything telling me her ship or div. but am waiting patiently, well as best as I can lol :) When do we receive that info?
Chah-poee, if i remember eight we recieved the div/ship. Letter about a week or so after the kid on the box. If u don't some post that the recruiter was helpful in obtaining this info. Good luck
I am a "New" Navy mom my son leaves tomorrow for boot..He is at the hotel tonight. Please can someone tell me on Facebook where to go to follow this group? Thanks!
Harleymom not sure that there is a group on fb for but I think you can start one here and on facebook that is what someone did for my son's div but you will have to wait until you have the ship # and div# you will not get that for at least a month when you get the first form letter with the information on it. But use this sight to read and learn as much as you can when I finally got to talk to my son the first time I ask him questions and told him things he didn't know. I also am now friends with other moms/wives I met through this site. Welcome to Navy Mom's!
Harleymom, on fb there is a group Navy for Moms you can join. Just type in "Navy for Moms" and it will pop up. It is also very helpful like this site. Or you can start your own group for your son/daughter's ship & div.
I just was at my SR PIR last week, check out the Marriott courtyard in waukegan. They are great! We had the.mini suite.for us, with a bedroom and sofabed.in main room, inc. A great breakfast for $149! They were so nice and helpful. I lost my camera in taxi after PIR and they tracked it down for me!!!! Sarges meet and greet is something you can totally skip. Shuttle to PIR is $3 pp. Make sure you fly from Midway Chicago, since most SR fly out the day after PIR and this way you can still see them.in saturday. Enjoy and keep in mind that they are very safe in BC.
We were at PIR last weekend as well. If you are well informed and have done the research then skipping Sargeks Meet and Greet may be the way you want to go. We had over 270 people at Sarge's and have only heard from 1 person that they "should have skipped it" that was because they said they already had the info that he gave. I was very informed about what would be happening and still found Sarge's presentation useful. Not to mention the fun we had conecting with all of the other families, which, in my opinion, is the reason for Meet and Greets! If you are like us and choose not to rent a car, for whatever reason, I would suggest using Sarge for shuttles. I shopped all of the shuttle companies. Most charge around $55 per person from O'Hare. Sarge charges between $54 and $90 per vehicle (depends on which airport. O'Hare cost us $54) he will try to arrange "sharing of the shuttle so that you can split costs. This happened 3 times for us! Also if he picks up up at the airport, he does not charge to take and pick you up at PIR. We had no waiting getting to PIR via the shuttle and watched in dismay the people who were driving themselves sit in a mile long line. If you need further info, please friend request me and I would be happy to provide it! Oh! There were over 300 sailors that flew out Sat morning from O'Hare (I know because I was there very early waiting on my sailor and counted them as they came in!) I would suggest that you fly into whichever airport works best financially for you, but not fly home until Sunday, that way no matter what airport they fly out of you can be there! (They may not get their orders until graduation day).
Sarge's Meet and Greet is definately the way to go. He's so helpful and so caring. It's also great to meet all the people you've connected with on here. No matter how much you think you know from what you've heard on here there is still so much to learn from him. The Sarge shuttle is also the best way to get to PIR. Let him transport you and then you can get your car at the hotel. The shuttles bypass the really long line of cars. Springhill Suites is also a great place to stay. Close to the base, really nice room, and a free breakfast with eggs, waffles, bagels, muffins, toast, cereals, fruits, etc. The people behind the desk couldn't have been more helpful - and very appreciative of the people in uniform. Set up breakfast earlier on Friday so we could all make it to PIR in plenty of time.
hi ladies. I am a seasoned navy mom. My oldest has been in for 15 years, and the youngest is in for two years. If theer is anything I can assist with, please feel free to ask. I know how hard the transition can be.
My son just joined the Navy. He will go to BC in February. How do I learn the Navy jargon and all the initials? I am a member of NavyMoms.com and it has been a real blessing so far.
Mdore- hang in there just remember no news is good news. Our son has been in for about 1yr and a half . If you can bake it thru boot then t you are ok. The baby really does take care of them.
Um, I was trying to join the group that's in this link, http://www.facebook.com/groups/40865546374/ Is this the correct group for just a general Facebook group for navy moms? I clicked join and it just keeps saying request pending. Me confused, lol.
Gwen B, I have a new Sailor that will be headed to Norfolk in the next couple of weeks. I'm on a facebook page, is it the correct one or do I need to join a different one? If I do need to join another group, please provide the link. He will be joining the Gravely.
Ok I do not ever say much and this is a great web site and a lot of support as years ago no one had this it has kept me sane and helped me through a lot, you all need to relax and trust your sr and yes it is great to vent and whatever , relax and trust and pry to god and no more drama !, we all want what is best , and our children and boy friends and spouses are fine and they want to know we are , even if we are not !!! Pull yourself's together !! Really
FresnoNavyMom (Nuke School)
Thanks JackieD!
Aug 7, 2012
ladyayp
FresnoNavymom, Welcome Home girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I am from Fresno, Ca.
Aug 8, 2012
Aloha
Is there a group for moms in facebook for specific PIR date?
Aug 17, 2012
kazzam(SHIP 13 DIV 313)
I'd like to know also if there is a FB page for SHIP 13 DIV 313?
Aug 17, 2012
Bmims
Aug 17, 2012
cmmom/ship4div821
I would love to find more people who have a son on ship 4 div 821
Aug 20, 2012
KY Navy mom (Div 324/Ship 3)
Just booked my reservation at the Ramada for 10/5/12 PIR - I am so excited!
Aug 21, 2012
cmmom/ship4div821
we booked ours at Homewood Suites.....same PIR as you KY Navy mom....I too am so excited!
Aug 26, 2012
gabby's mom ship09 div 346
I just received my daughter info she is ship 09 div 346.
Sep 5, 2012
frogkisses
I tried to join the N4M group on FB but I don't think I have been approved yet.
Jen
Sep 5, 2012
castlerock53(ship11div350)
frogkisses, I had been waiting to be accepted on the fb page for N4M since last week. Finally I started looking around at how others had been accepted and I messaged a guy named Recruit Man and asked him to approve me and he did right away... maybe try that. When did your son/daughter leave for bc?
Sep 5, 2012
cmmom/ship4div821
I have had the same problem frogkisses...did you have any luck yet?
Sep 5, 2012
Misty from MN
You ladies will have better luck with support on the actual N4M website. Join the group that is listed for your PIR date... N4M's site maybe saved my life because over the course of the 6weeks that Mitch was gone It was very hard and only 1 call other than the "I'm a sailor call". Let me know if you have anyother questions or I can be of help...
Sep 5, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Sep 6, 2012
Misty from MN
The group I was with was just great.. I was able to chat with the mom of my son's bunk mate and still keep intouch with them via facebook. We hooked up and spent the weekend of PIR together.. Some of those friends may be life long friends as our sailors will keep in touch with the new friends they make along the way.. The may go on to A school but undoughtly their paths will cross and it will be a homecoming for them on a ship maybe or dry dock when they get new orders. Every time one of the moms got a letter we would post that letter and its contents on N4M so all knew what was going on if you didn't get a letter or call. Also keep writing and encouraging your sailor as they find the time to be difficult at times and if they are discouraged or down mail call is the highlight of the day. Each family member took one day a week and wrote for example grandma and grandpa wrote on Tuesdays, Aunty wrote on Mondays Brother and sister wrote on Thursday and so on so he got at the least one letter a day and some day got many. Only send letters, NO musical cards, NO scented letters and only a few newspaper clippings or photos. They are totally NOT allowed to get packages as they are considered a distraction.. Seems harsh but they do want to stay focused on the reason they are there and want to get through it with flying colors. Stay strong and again find the group for you sailors PIR date.. You can be members of meany N4M groups so can still chatt here too... Good Luck!
Sep 6, 2012
katysmom
Misty, great post and advise! My daughter (currently in A school) told me the letters she received daily is what helped her make it through BC...the letters and pictures are soooo important. To conserve space, I would print out pictures on letter paper and then write on the back, she loved it. I would go onto her Facebook and print pictures of her friends as well.
Sep 7, 2012
Misty from MN
So funny I too posted info and mailing address on Mitchell's facebook page for his friends too... He was surprised to see that he got mail from friends that he would have never expected... It was a nice surprise. After it was all said and done, he asked, "by the way mom how did all my friends get my address",.. Humm.. another good idea.!
Sep 7, 2012
kazzam(SHIP 13 DIV 313)
I too posted my SR's BC address and I'm not even sure anyone has written to him or not. Nothing has been mentioned but I'm sure he wouldn't mind.
Sep 7, 2012
Misty from MN
Once Mitch was done at BC and he came home on leave he showed us all the letters that he got... It was so wonderful how much encouragement everyone gave him. I befriended so many moms on N4M's that even some of the other sailor moms even sent him a card of hope and encouragement.. It was just wonderful. He told us that one evening after mail call several of the other sailors said, "hey Mitch I got a card from you mom". Mitch shaired with us that there were several sailors that did ever get mail so got their name and we all sent him/her a card of Hope too... Mitch thought that was really cool. Those sailors all went to Mitch and thanked him for his mom and the other moms sending a letter.
Sep 7, 2012
Chah-poee
I have a daughter who just left for the Navy 09/05, I am so proud of her and so scared at the same time but I know she will do fine. :)
Sep 10, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Sep 10, 2012
Bryansmom
My son's PIR is 10-26-12, he's in ship11 div349. Any other mom's with same PIR?
Sep 10, 2012
Chah-poee
Thank you 1windhaven-Maria :) And yes am planning on going to PIR :) I hope time does fly by, I can't wait to see her :) I did receive the box today, but no letter or anything telling me her ship or div. but am waiting patiently, well as best as I can lol :) When do we receive that info?
Sep 12, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Sep 12, 2012
Chah-poee
thank you 1windhaven-Maria :)
Sep 12, 2012
ship 14 division 317
anyone with pir date ship 14 div 317
Sep 12, 2012
Brenen's Mom
My sons PIR is Sept 14th Ship 14 Div. 291 anyone else going this week?
Sep 12, 2012
Harleymom1346
I am a "New" Navy mom my son leaves tomorrow for boot..He is at the hotel tonight. Please can someone tell me on Facebook where to go to follow this group? Thanks!
Sep 18, 2012
Ohiomom1292
Harleymom not sure that there is a group on fb for but I think you can start one here and on facebook that is what someone did for my son's div but you will have to wait until you have the ship # and div# you will not get that for at least a month when you get the first form letter with the information on it. But use this sight to read and learn as much as you can when I finally got to talk to my son the first time I ask him questions and told him things he didn't know. I also am now friends with other moms/wives I met through this site. Welcome to Navy Mom's!
Sep 19, 2012
castlerock53(ship11div350)
Harleymom, on fb there is a group Navy for Moms you can join. Just type in "Navy for Moms" and it will pop up. It is also very helpful like this site. Or you can start your own group for your son/daughter's ship & div.
Sep 19, 2012
Kajmam
Sep 19, 2012
MamaLamaDingDong: AO/Pensacola
Sep 19, 2012
NJ Navy Mom Ship 03 Div 115
Sarge's Meet and Greet is definately the way to go. He's so helpful and so caring. It's also great to meet all the people you've connected with on here. No matter how much you think you know from what you've heard on here there is still so much to learn from him. The Sarge shuttle is also the best way to get to PIR. Let him transport you and then you can get your car at the hotel. The shuttles bypass the really long line of cars. Springhill Suites is also a great place to stay. Close to the base, really nice room, and a free breakfast with eggs, waffles, bagels, muffins, toast, cereals, fruits, etc. The people behind the desk couldn't have been more helpful - and very appreciative of the people in uniform. Set up breakfast earlier on Friday so we could all make it to PIR in plenty of time.
Sep 20, 2012
ladyayp
hi ladies. I am a seasoned navy mom. My oldest has been in for 15 years, and the youngest is in for two years. If theer is anything I can assist with, please feel free to ask. I know how hard the transition can be.
Sep 20, 2012
MDore1949
My son just joined the Navy. He will go to BC in February. How do I learn the Navy jargon and all the initials? I am a member of NavyMoms.com and it has been a real blessing so far.
Sep 30, 2012
blm
MDore-go to All Groups and join DEP (delayed entry program) moms and boot camp moms-great sites and discussions forums
Sep 30, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Sep 30, 2012
Momship
Can someone post the link to this group on fb, thanks and (((hugs)))
Oct 4, 2012
Ohiomom1292
http://www.facebook.com/groups/40865546374/
Oct 4, 2012
Momship
Oct 5, 2012
Ohiomom1292
Your welcome! Hope it worked.
Oct 5, 2012
Alison(LS A school)
my request to join the facebook group has been pending for a few days; if anyone on here is an admin for that group, please accept me! lol
Oct 8, 2012
sherry73
Oct 8, 2012
Alison(LS A school)
Oct 9, 2012
SuperUncleSupporter
Gwen B, I have a new Sailor that will be headed to Norfolk in the next couple of weeks. I'm on a facebook page, is it the correct one or do I need to join a different one? If I do need to join another group, please provide the link. He will be joining the Gravely.
Oct 9, 2012
Michael's Mom (ship 12 div 009)
Oct 10, 2012
Michael's Mom (ship 12 div 009)
Oct 10, 2012
QuintinsMom
Our group still have plenty of space and all are welcome https://www.facebook.com/groups/SailorsMoms/
Oct 11, 2012
Alison(LS A school)
Oct 11, 2012
Vicki...Tyler's mom ship14div367
Oct 18, 2012