Hi Ginj64! Welcome! My son's PIR is 7-19-13, too. He is on Ship 09 Div 266. There is a group for our PIR on here that you should join, if you haven't already!
Hi NavyMom292! I am new to all of this. My son is in BC right now. His PIR is July 19th. I have a couple of questions for you, though. (And, please excuse my Navy lingo - I'm not up on all of it, yet.) What is his job (is that ranking?) on the ship? And, how long did it take from Boot Camp graduation to the first deployment?
Hey moms!!!! If you live in New Jersey (or close by) please join our Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/peachypeg#!/groups/NewJerseyNavyMoms/ In the group description there is a link to message me. Let me know you are a Navy mom and you heard about our group here. We are just very careful with our site to keep our kids safe.
Michelle, if you haven't received a letter, how do you know his PIR date? I'm just curious because I'm waiting on my letter to find that out & for his address. My son arrived at GL on 6/13. Thanks!
Navymom5 as soon as you get her information write everyday and put a date on each letter because a lot of times they get them at the same time. Also it is helpful if you send them a phone card for when they get to call home. It is a long 8 weeks after they leave because they have very little time to write you back, so even if she doesn't write you back know that the more letters she gets the better.
I wrote to my daughter EVERY day and sometimes it was just babble but she said I have no idea how much she appreciated it. Most days those were the only letters she received! Ask if your recruit knows of someone who doesn't get letters and send them one once a week too! My daughter said there were kids that didn't get even one letter all the while they were in boot camp.
I feel very over welmed and lost! My son left for bootcamp bound from DFW today and should get there tonight! I do not understand how to find groups or other moms in my area, understand half of the vocabulary and have NO clue as to 8 weeks from now regarding bootcamp! I would appreciate all help...he is my only child and I feel very lost! My husband is working out of state too so I just feel kinda alone. I know I am not but I cried enough tears ysterday I felt I had been to a funeral...I know it may sound silly but I was a single parent for 14 of those 18 years and well he has been my life and evern if I find myself busy doing something it does not change the fact there is a void there ad I dont know how to deal with that either. I am use to having a phone call, or text everyday and its like for 18 years I was full speed ahead and now all of a sudden I am suppose to come to a complete stop! I would appreciate any of you that can help, become a friend or live close to me to give advice or be a friend! I wish I could find some moms in DFW especially Dallas! He left today and borded around 3pm so now waiting for the phone call! I know I am babbling but with my husbdan working out of state and my only kid shipped out today I feel a little sad and a little lonely.
Dear scrapping momma...I so know how you feel my baby girl was my life as well and I also was a single mom.. she graduates on 8-9 from BC. I got the I'm a sailor call today! Its very hard when they leave! But please believe me when I say it went fast!!!! I cried all the time too. Your not alone! Lots of moms on here feel the same! I wish you the best ! Get a blue candle and light it when you think of him :)
Dearscrapping- --Dont worry--i promise it eill get better- i rember the dayy son left for bc i cried for days amd days could barely function-couldnt even go to the grocery storr without seeing something that reminded me of him--but it gets easier amf easier and by thr time hes graduated you will be so proud and those days are a distant memory. I found the Navy for moms website very helpful and onve you find out jis ship number u cn connect with othet moms of his shipmates. Feel free to contact me as i rember what those days were like.
Scrapping momma, hang in there as everyone says it does get better. The hardest is the first few weeks. My son left feb 2011 only child too. Also cried at drop of a hat . The hardest was when I had to go and pack his room. But it goes fast. If you can make sure you go to PIR. The pride and changes you will see in your son will make it all worth it. At about week 4 make sure you keep you phone with you at all times. Good look !
We dropped Chris at the recruiting office today at 11. The feelings ive been dealing with all day are terrible. Feels like my heart has been ripped out. Tomorrow we go to Fort Hamilton to see him sworn in. Than he will be on a plane to Chicago. He's missed soooo much already. :((
Just got Codys call. That was rough now just waiting for the box to come in a couple of days.. going to write him this weekend so I can put in mail as soon as I get his address.
When my son left on Tuesday, our family cried and cried. As he walked away, and the moments to follow, I thought to myself, my God, No one should ever feel this much pain. It was a feeling that I could never explain to anyone who hasn't gone through it. Received "The call" that night, Received "The box" today. I can't stop missing him and can't get past not seeing him or talking to him.
Marcelle. I cannot believe this feeling. Its not as bad today when my sons girlfriend came over. Once she left it came back. Its gotta get better. Is there a way on here u cand send me your number. I just didnt think it would be this hurtful. My friends are like just think hes away at college. But its not the same at all. No contact. Ahhhhh
Evonne/Marcelle. Just hang in there! The first few weeks are the hardest, the sudden loss of communication is the hardest! It does get better! The first few weeks my son was gone I would cry at a drop of a hat. Once he gets out of bootcamp it will be much better. Starting around week 3 make sure you keep yur phone with you. Weeks 3-4 is when they get to call home if they earned the privilege . It is amazing the changes you will see in your children at the end of the 8 weeks. If you can go to PIR. It is an experience you will not forget! It as been over 2 yrs for us and when I see the video or think about that day I still get chocked up. It is an awesome experience. Good yuck on this ride !
Ladies it DOES get better!!!! yea the first few weeks really suck...but then the first real letter comes...and you start shaking and crying... you'll read the letter then you'll start laughing from the stuff they tell you... MAILBOX/MAILMAN STALKING begins now. yes keep your phones GLUED TO YOUR FACE ... area code 847 came across my phone while in walmart... people around me thought i was having a mental breakdown as i talked with my kid and handed the phone to people he knew and said "here say hi to my kid" lol PIR will be here before you know it!!! once in school, communication is back, we text, facetime, facebook. skype... but the first time home is the sweetest.... I too get choked up when i see pics of PIR or a video My son left for RTC Nov 7 2011.. He's been home once and I've been out to visit him. its the scariest craziest funnest rollercoaster ride you will ever be on.. and now I prepair AGAIN as i send my other son off to basic for the Army in 58 days. ugh Hugs to you guys
Marcelle/Evonne - Write EVERYDAY! It is good therapy for you but at the end of the day, when they go back to their ship (bunk) for the evening, they have mail call and my daughter said that was the best time of day because she knew there would be a letter from me. If you can get family members to write, do it! Boot camp is the worst. It is heart wrenching! After boot camp, when she went to A school, I talked to her everyday and life was good again. I cry just reading your emails because I know how you feel. You're probably sick of hearing "hang in there, it gets better" but it really, truly does. And it is the best thing my daughter did for herself! Good luck! Write those letters. Scour N4M websites for information. Not knowing is the worse.
My friends and some family say, "think of it as going to college". And to them I say, is your son in college? Response "yes". Did you talk to them today, did you see if they ate, do they have clean clothes, are they feeling ok, did you see if they needed any money, are they feeling well, do they sound good and happy,did you ask them if they wanted to come home this weekend?
Wow! That must be nice.... I never get to do that.
I'm feeling so bummed after getting my call this morning. It breaks my heart that he was so upset. It wasn't what I wanted to hear. It's stressing me out. What can I write? Or say when he calls again? I keep replaying in my head what I said & pray it was good enough & made him feel a little better. I feel like I'm the only one with a sad SR. Everyone else sounds upbeat & happy :(
SoCalNM my daughter went through PIR in March. She called me very upset about a couple of things. It is difficult and you really don't want it to be too easy for them. They learn so much especially about working with others. Let him know you are behind him - he will be so proud of himself when it is all over.
Thank you MartiB_TX. My boy is a worrier & he's stressing about passing an inspection?? Not to mention he's homesick. Guess now I know why he's a worrier. I'm worrying about him. LOL!!
i think every recruit has moments of being upset/frustrated/angry and they all get thru it together!!! my son had a major setback when he broke both of his heel bones and was put into RCU for 7 weeks... it was just 2 weeks before PIR... so after his bones healed, he was put back into training but couldn't find a div that was where he was when he was set back, so he went back to his 3-1 day.... he finally finished spent a total of 16 weeks at RTC... he got real discouraged during his time in RCU but knew this is what he wanted and pushed on.... Now he's on his ship... he's made petty officer..LOVES his job and the Navy... your SR's will get thru this. and so will you... hugs
SoCalNavyMom - I cried everyday my daughter was at boot camp because I couldn't be there to "fix" everything for her. Every time she called, the first words out of my mouth were "don't cry" we don't know how much time we have. (that was really so I didn't cry) She HATED everyday of boot camp. That is 2 years ago next month. Now, she LOVES the Navy. Is talking about making it a career. I promise you, your son is homesick, wishes you were there to "fix" everything, and is having every bit of self esteem kicked out of him. When he graduates, he will have learned to live on his own, will still call you to "fix" things, and will have more self confidence and self esteem than when he left for boot camp. You will be proud beyond anything you could imagine. Send him letters telling him how proud you are of him and how much you love him. Don't let the tears hit the paper! You are in mommy boot camp right now and are probably sick of hearing how okay everything is going to be but it truly is okay. Actually it is better than okay, I promise!
Marcelle - It isn't like going to college for all the reasons you stated. BUT they do eat everyday, quite well in fact! My daughter LOVED boot camp food, they have clean clothes because they have to wash and fold them themselves, he doesn't need money and he isn't happy. But he will come out of there stronger physically and mentally. He will appreciate you more than he did before he left and you will be prouder of him than you could ever believe possible. People try to help but unless they had a child go through boot camp, they don't understand. That's why this is such a great website. Write to him everyday. It is therapy for you and he looks forward to mail call. Just tell him how proud you are and how much you love him. Keep the phone calls upbeat and ask him a lot of questions. Don't tell him how miserable you are, that will just make him more homesick and he needs to believe he did the right thing because it doesn't feel like it to him. This is the longest 8 weeks of your life but in the end you will be amazed with him and yourself. Remember, this is a great time in his life
I searched for the N4M group on FB and I think I clicked on the Join button. Being that it's a closed group, is there any other protocol I need to know to be added? Thanks for your help :)
Can anyone tell me if they stayed @ Ramada Inn for PIR. Was wondering if it is nice there? Also can anyone tell me some nice places to have dinner with our new SR?
Mary123, I was told not to stay there, so we booked Navy Lodge...it was a very nice and clean hotel. Very basic, but the people were great. They also have a small breakfast with pastries and yogurt...you can't beat the price! It is also about 1 1/2 miles from RTC.
@Mary123. The Ramada Inn had a couple poor comments so I put in on my no list. Tomorrow it's my goal to call the yes/good list (I actually went thru the site and made a list, it was too hard to remember them all). Otherwise I think its just a matter of calling and maybe checking websites. Love to hear where others are considering.
The Navy Lodge was basic, but clean, quiet, and near the base - we even had a small refrigerator and microwave in the room. Inovasi was a very, very nice restaurant featuring local food - located in Lake Bluff - reservations recommended. When my sailor went to his cousins grad he also enjoyed Lake Bluff Brewing and Pasta Palooza. Market House in Lake Forest was good too and not as expensive as Inovasi. No need to go into Chicago unless you want to see the sights.
Whit's Mom~ Thanks for your words of encouragement and wisdom. I feel alot better hearing that I am not the only that is or has gone through this. It's a difficult & emotional process for all of those involved :)
I think I joined the largest one, or at least the one that came up first on the search. I think I've finally got it figured out. I can't find my "other" folder in my messages on FB, but I did finally see a msg pop up today and I was able to respond in order to be added. Thanks for your input Gwen :)
I read all the bad comments as well about some of the area hotels. Did have Navy Lodge but had to change at last minute for the following week. Ramada Inn was clean, friendly staff, conveniently close to just about everything. GoJos has awesome breakfast including banana split waffles. I believe there were quite a few of us that stayed at Ramada the weekend of the 16th of August. Saw alot of Moms there. They did the streaming video of PIR on the big screen and it was awesome.
I saw somewhere that new pictures have been posted on facebook of ship 13 div 412 and can't find them. Anyone know about them? Pir date is 11/1. Thanks!
MomLovesRyan Ship 09 Div 266
Hi Ginj64! Welcome! My son's PIR is 7-19-13, too. He is on Ship 09 Div 266. There is a group for our PIR on here that you should join, if you haven't already!
Jun 22, 2013
NavyMom292
Jun 22, 2013
MomLovesRyan Ship 09 Div 266
Hi NavyMom292! I am new to all of this. My son is in BC right now. His PIR is July 19th. I have a couple of questions for you, though. (And, please excuse my Navy lingo - I'm not up on all of it, yet.) What is his job (is that ranking?) on the ship? And, how long did it take from Boot Camp graduation to the first deployment?
Jun 22, 2013
MomLovesRyan Ship 09 Div 266
Ginj64 ship 13 div 270 - I think this will take you to it. Then just join the group. http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir07192013
Jun 23, 2013
JerseyPeach
Hey moms!!!! If you live in New Jersey (or close by) please join our Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/peachypeg#!/groups/NewJerseyNavyMoms/ In the group description there is a link to message me. Let me know you are a Navy mom and you heard about our group here. We are just very careful with our site to keep our kids safe.
Jun 25, 2013
michele shelby mom
my daughter is at bc now her job is QM her pir date is 8-9-13 i haven't received a letter or call from her. has any body ?
Jun 26, 2013
michele shelby mom
oh her ship is 14 and div 294 any one else kid?
Jun 26, 2013
joshmom
Jun 26, 2013
michele shelby mom
Jun 27, 2013
QuintinsMom
I have started a new group for Military Mom's in Pennsylvania, if you live in PA you are welcome to join https://www.facebook.com/groups/539693709401292/
Jun 30, 2013
Navymom5 (Logan's mom)
Jul 19, 2013
mom27
Navymom5 as soon as you get her information write everyday and put a date on each letter because a lot of times they get them at the same time. Also it is helpful if you send them a phone card for when they get to call home. It is a long 8 weeks after they leave because they have very little time to write you back, so even if she doesn't write you back know that the more letters she gets the better.
Jul 20, 2013
Whit and Stephen's Mom (Ann)
I wrote to my daughter EVERY day and sometimes it was just babble but she said I have no idea how much she appreciated it. Most days those were the only letters she received! Ask if your recruit knows of someone who doesn't get letters and send them one once a week too! My daughter said there were kids that didn't get even one letter all the while they were in boot camp.
Jul 22, 2013
Evonne
Jul 24, 2013
scrappingmomma
I feel very over welmed and lost! My son left for bootcamp bound from DFW today and should get there tonight! I do not understand how to find groups or other moms in my area, understand half of the vocabulary and have NO clue as to 8 weeks from now regarding bootcamp! I would appreciate all help...he is my only child and I feel very lost! My husband is working out of state too so I just feel kinda alone. I know I am not but I cried enough tears ysterday I felt I had been to a funeral...I know it may sound silly but I was a single parent for 14 of those 18 years and well he has been my life and evern if I find myself busy doing something it does not change the fact there is a void there ad I dont know how to deal with that either. I am use to having a phone call, or text everyday and its like for 18 years I was full speed ahead and now all of a sudden I am suppose to come to a complete stop! I would appreciate any of you that can help, become a friend or live close to me to give advice or be a friend! I wish I could find some moms in DFW especially Dallas! He left today and borded around 3pm so now waiting for the phone call! I know I am babbling but with my husbdan working out of state and my only kid shipped out today I feel a little sad and a little lonely.
Thanks :-)
Aug 5, 2013
michele shelby mom
Aug 5, 2013
kathybship02div913
Aug 5, 2013
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Aug 5, 2013
Evonne
Aug 14, 2013
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Aug 14, 2013
codysmom SHIP11 DIV 383
Aug 15, 2013
Marcelle
Evonne;
When my son left on Tuesday, our family cried and cried. As he walked away, and the moments to follow, I thought to myself, my God, No one should ever feel this much pain. It was a feeling that I could never explain to anyone who hasn't gone through it. Received "The call" that night, Received "The box" today. I can't stop missing him and can't get past not seeing him or talking to him.
Aug 16, 2013
Evonne
Aug 16, 2013
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Aug 17, 2013
Barbydahlzz ALUM 09/075 USS JPJ
Ladies it DOES get better!!!! yea the first few weeks really suck...but then the first real letter comes...and you start shaking and crying... you'll read the letter then you'll start laughing from the stuff they tell you... MAILBOX/MAILMAN STALKING begins now. yes keep your phones GLUED TO YOUR FACE ... area code 847 came across my phone while in walmart... people around me thought i was having a mental breakdown as i talked with my kid and handed the phone to people he knew and said "here say hi to my kid" lol PIR will be here before you know it!!! once in school, communication is back, we text, facetime, facebook. skype... but the first time home is the sweetest.... I too get choked up when i see pics of PIR or a video My son left for RTC Nov 7 2011.. He's been home once and I've been out to visit him. its the scariest craziest funnest rollercoaster ride you will ever be on.. and now I prepair AGAIN as i send my other son off to basic for the Army in 58 days. ugh Hugs to you guys
Aug 17, 2013
Whit and Stephen's Mom (Ann)
Marcelle/Evonne - Write EVERYDAY! It is good therapy for you but at the end of the day, when they go back to their ship (bunk) for the evening, they have mail call and my daughter said that was the best time of day because she knew there would be a letter from me. If you can get family members to write, do it! Boot camp is the worst. It is heart wrenching! After boot camp, when she went to A school, I talked to her everyday and life was good again. I cry just reading your emails because I know how you feel. You're probably sick of hearing "hang in there, it gets better" but it really, truly does. And it is the best thing my daughter did for herself! Good luck! Write those letters. Scour N4M websites for information. Not knowing is the worse.
Aug 17, 2013
Marcelle
My friends and some family say, "think of it as going to college". And to them I say, is your son in college? Response "yes". Did you talk to them today, did you see if they ate, do they have clean clothes, are they feeling ok, did you see if they needed any money, are they feeling well, do they sound good and happy,did you ask them if they wanted to come home this weekend?
Wow! That must be nice.... I never get to do that.
Aug 17, 2013
SoCalNavyMom
Aug 17, 2013
MartiB_TX
Aug 17, 2013
SoCalNavyMom
Aug 17, 2013
Barbydahlzz ALUM 09/075 USS JPJ
i think every recruit has moments of being upset/frustrated/angry and they all get thru it together!!! my son had a major setback when he broke both of his heel bones and was put into RCU for 7 weeks... it was just 2 weeks before PIR... so after his bones healed, he was put back into training but couldn't find a div that was where he was when he was set back, so he went back to his 3-1 day.... he finally finished spent a total of 16 weeks at RTC... he got real discouraged during his time in RCU but knew this is what he wanted and pushed on.... Now he's on his ship... he's made petty officer..LOVES his job and the Navy... your SR's will get thru this. and so will you... hugs
Aug 18, 2013
Whit and Stephen's Mom (Ann)
SoCalNavyMom - I cried everyday my daughter was at boot camp because I couldn't be there to "fix" everything for her. Every time she called, the first words out of my mouth were "don't cry" we don't know how much time we have. (that was really so I didn't cry) She HATED everyday of boot camp. That is 2 years ago next month. Now, she LOVES the Navy. Is talking about making it a career. I promise you, your son is homesick, wishes you were there to "fix" everything, and is having every bit of self esteem kicked out of him. When he graduates, he will have learned to live on his own, will still call you to "fix" things, and will have more self confidence and self esteem than when he left for boot camp. You will be proud beyond anything you could imagine. Send him letters telling him how proud you are of him and how much you love him. Don't let the tears hit the paper! You are in mommy boot camp right now and are probably sick of hearing how okay everything is going to be but it truly is okay. Actually it is better than okay, I promise!
Aug 18, 2013
Whit and Stephen's Mom (Ann)
Marcelle - It isn't like going to college for all the reasons you stated. BUT they do eat everyday, quite well in fact! My daughter LOVED boot camp food, they have clean clothes because they have to wash and fold them themselves, he doesn't need money and he isn't happy. But he will come out of there stronger physically and mentally. He will appreciate you more than he did before he left and you will be prouder of him than you could ever believe possible. People try to help but unless they had a child go through boot camp, they don't understand. That's why this is such a great website. Write to him everyday. It is therapy for you and he looks forward to mail call. Just tell him how proud you are and how much you love him. Keep the phone calls upbeat and ask him a lot of questions. Don't tell him how miserable you are, that will just make him more homesick and he needs to believe he did the right thing because it doesn't feel like it to him. This is the longest 8 weeks of your life but in the end you will be amazed with him and yourself. Remember, this is a great time in his life
Aug 18, 2013
Marcelle
Aug 18, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Aug 18, 2013
Mary123
Can anyone tell me if they stayed @ Ramada Inn for PIR. Was wondering if it is nice there? Also can anyone tell me some nice places to have dinner with our new SR?
Aug 18, 2013
CJsmom
Aug 18, 2013
kadikaboom626
Aug 18, 2013
Marcelle
Aug 18, 2013
CJsmom
Aug 18, 2013
Cass Christine
The Navy Lodge was basic, but clean, quiet, and near the base - we even had a small refrigerator and microwave in the room. Inovasi was a very, very nice restaurant featuring local food - located in Lake Bluff - reservations recommended. When my sailor went to his cousins grad he also enjoyed Lake Bluff Brewing and Pasta Palooza. Market House in Lake Forest was good too and not as expensive as Inovasi. No need to go into Chicago unless you want to see the sights.
Aug 18, 2013
SoCalNavyMom
Whit's Mom~ Thanks for your words of encouragement and wisdom. I feel alot better hearing that I am not the only that is or has gone through this. It's a difficult & emotional process for all of those involved :)
Aug 19, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Aug 19, 2013
Vanmom2013
I read all the bad comments as well about some of the area hotels. Did have Navy Lodge but had to change at last minute for the following week. Ramada Inn was clean, friendly staff, conveniently close to just about everything. GoJos has awesome breakfast including banana split waffles. I believe there were quite a few of us that stayed at Ramada the weekend of the 16th of August. Saw alot of Moms there. They did the streaming video of PIR on the big screen and it was awesome.
Aug 27, 2013
stylist613
Aug 28, 2013
Donna
I'm new to this group. Any moms from CT? Any moms with sailors on USS Makin Island/
Sep 5, 2013
Mamma Marsha
Welcome Donna & stylist613
Everyone have a great weekend.
Navy Huggs
Sep 6, 2013
Sharong6
Hi- I am new to this group- any moms with SR graduating boot camp 10/18? Division 949?
Sep 7, 2013
Grayce
I sent a join request through on FB but I don't use my name on here. I'll watch for a message and link the two names.
Sep 12, 2013
Grammy PJ (Ship 13 Div 412)
I saw somewhere that new pictures have been posted on facebook of ship 13 div 412 and can't find them. Anyone know about them? Pir date is 11/1. Thanks!
Sep 13, 2013