My daughter left me an IM on Skype right before she left saying she would email me when she had the chance. Unfortunately I was asleep before she left, so we couldn't say our goodbyes. I'm wondering if they have to be reissued their email addresses, or they use different addresses each time they go onboard? That would explain the delays before we hear from them.
Okay, Thanks Claudia for letting me know. I was wondering if they did keep the same addresses, or they changed periodically, possibly for security reasons. I'll go ahead and email her, then.
Thanks for posting the link, Claudia. It's fun to see the ship leaving ... or coming ... would prefer that.
abc, the pictures are great and I agree with the others, you were a lovely bride. Your nieces are adorable. BZ on the "cake." What work and love went into it.
Like all of you, I watch the news and say prayers. This is a tense time.
Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!!! Just got an email from Kelcie. She said that they had been served a REALLY good meal. Ham, Turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, dressing, cranberry sauce, pies and everything else that you can imagine. She said that things are very busy, but at least she had time to send out a quick email :-) :-) Happy Momma,
Mary Jane.........LOVE the graphic!!!
Oh Sue, I bet your son is just as excited as if he had been promoted 3 ranks!!! Did he get out of cranking before the Thanksgiving feast, or was he still at it for that one?
Navy Ma and Mary Jane.....CONGRATULATIONS on your sailors advancements, I know how exciting it is for us moms, even though at times our sailors like to act like it's no big deal......YES IT IS!!!! :-) :-) :-) Hope everybody had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving.
Hello to all. I am a new member, with a son new to Navy. Has been in Atsugi for about a month. First Deployment-- he left on GW last week. Nothing like digging right in~ Its nice to have a family-board to read. I don't know the lingo yet, but will try to keep up. :)
Hello bda0802 ~ My son is on the GW to ~ Since last January and it's been very good for him. Works hard, gets to see the world, and calls home very often. We LOVE that part!
I am embarrassingly uninformed. :) We have not spoken/emailed much since he arrived in Atsugi. What can i say...he's not a communicator. It makes me nuts!! All I know is that is is an AO. VFA 27. I think he's an E3, but not positive. Squadron? I have no idea... Yes, I have alot to learn!!
bda, your son's squadron is VFA 27. That is a strike fighter squadron called the Royal Maces and the planes are F/A-18E super hornets. Google it to learn more. Since he has three stripes, he is an E3 and his rate is AO, which means he is in aviation ordinance. They load the armament onto the planes and remove it.
My g'daughter is an aviation electronics technician. As I understand it, the "O" means that she removes the electronic stuff from the plan to be fixed. Some of it she fixes and some goes to another group, the ATIs. Confusing stuff.
Dawna and Mary Jane, Prayers are definitely coming for our sailors. I say them many times right now. May they return safely and unharmed to Atsugi.
Mary, I can easily understand your daughter's perspective. It is always hard to express feelings, vent, etc., with others who are not experiencing similar feelings. I will ask two of my g'daughter's sisters to consider joining your daughter's group. One, in particular, may find it comforting to find someone to share feelings with. I hope there are other moms who have children who are not on the GW and that they want to chat some.
I don't know about the rest of you but I have a headache that won't quit. I know it is tension about everything. The most encouraging thing I read today was that China is asking to reopen talks, including both North and South Korea. I hope they will help reason prevail.
hi everyone. i'm back! it's good to be back, but at the same not so much because my sailor is gone. :( i've got pages and pages to catch up on...will have to do that when i get the chance.
mary, i can sympathize with your daughter...although i'm not the sibling of a sailor on the gw, i was the girlfriend of one and now a wife...it's hard even for me to talk about my situation with friends because they will never fully understand what it feels like to have someone SO far away and not knowing what tomorrow brings. i hope you don't mind me asking, how old is your daughter? if you or she EVER needs, feel free to private message me anytime. :)
to DC g'mother, i too have a "headache that won't quit"... sigh. i have family in south korea, so i'm getting updates from all different perspectives. i just hope everything goes over smoothly and we can all move on!
Hi everyone, have not been communicating much lately, with extended power outages and a satelite internet connection that tends not to work when snow covers the dish. I JUST got off of the phone with Kelcie, she wanted me to pass on the information that their email service has been interrupted for right now, so if you aren't hearing from your sailor regularly (like me) there is nothing to worry about, just no service at this time.
Mary, it must be VERY hard on younger siblings who are experiencing the same anxiety as us moms, but don't have a support system in place like we do here on N4M. I certainly hope she is able to connect with other teens that are experiencing the same feelings, and get some much needed support :(
Mollie, many thanks for the posting about e-mail. I did suspect that it might be interrupted. I suspect we may not hear much until the exercises are over.
Mary, given your daughter's age she might like this group or she might find a girl friend group helpful. Given her background in special ed I imagine she would be great for other young siblings. Her need, however, may be fulfilled by chatting with people closer to her age. Give her a hug from me.
Tonya, as far as I know the sailors have the same address when in Japan as they do when they are on board.
Masue, I will ask my g'daughter (when we get e-mail again) if she knows him. I can see why you are confused. If he is in the barracks, that would imply he is on base but "on the beach" also refers to being ashore. If he can't access Facebook until he is on the beach, that would imply he is on board the GW. Confusing, indeed. But always remember, no news is good news.
Karen-erics mom, I have wondered the same thing about the gift cards. It would make gifts MUCH easier if indeed they DID work, but I just don't know. Maybe I will email the FRG or the Ombudsman and ask them. I'll let you know if I find anything out.
Tonya, his address should Always stay the same, whether he is on base in Yoko, or out to sea. I would think that you would just need to trust in the address he gave you. They all have the same address, except their specific box number will change based on their "rate".
Masue, after having gone onboard the GW during my visit, I can't imagine how anybody with a possible broken leg could get around while onboard. I mean, its a maze of stairwells that are steep and narrow, and every passageway has a "doorway" of sorts about every 30 feet that has an 8-10 inch bottom piece that has to be stepped over. You are indeed a very patient woman, I would be going nuts, not knowing if my sailor was onboard, or out to sea.
masue- i spoke w/ my sailor today and asked if he had seen anyone around with a broken leg...he has not. he said it was more likely for your son to have stayed behind because like mollie said, there would be no way for him to move around that ship. so that's my sailor's guess...he is keeping his eyes peeled though and i'll definitely let you know if i find anything out. :) hoping for a quick and safe recovery, regardless.
Me 3.....just got an email from Kelcie. YAY!!!! Hoping for regular contact again. She said that it's really cold over there, and her berthing has been like an ice box. She said that she will be glad when this deployment is over, just so that everybody can stop worrying. Of course she said everything is going good and everybody is fine, but it's just SO good to hear from her via regular channels again :-)
YAY fellow moms......lots of happy dancing going on tonight!!!! I think we will ALL sleep more peacefully tonight, I know I sure will. I just wish we could all meet and share a MEGA group hug!!!! It might sound corny, but I know how happy and relieved we are all feeling right now, and wish sometimes that we could share it for real, instead of just electronically :-) :-) Night all....sweet dreams!!!
Tonya, the address may differ if your son is with the air wing. My g'daughter's address looks like this
Sailor's Name
Squadron (e.g., VFA 115)
Unit ????? (this is the box number
FPO AP 96601-xxxx
I assume that the 96601 tells the FPO station that the mail is going to Atsugi and that the last four digits are ?? specific (perhaps squadron specific). I do not put the ship in the address. Perhaps that is because she is not boat crew.
Masue, does your son have a private e-mail. I know that when my g'daughter was recently in Atsugi, I could not reach her with private e-mail ... it bounced back.
I received a couple e-mails ... all about arranging her flights in January. Her leave was approved so I am a happy camper.
hey ladies! just saw this converation and wanted to chime in to say that my sailor is a nuke as well! now i'm really wondering if some of these guys know each other!
Okay ladies, I just sent the FRG an email asking about whether or not gift cards for places like Chili's, Subway and Taco Bell that are purchased here in the states will be accepted and usable on base at Yokosuka. I'll let you know as soon as I get a response. They are usually pretty prompt in replying to my emails :-)
Hello everyone heard from my son today and he will be headed to the GW sometime in Jan or Feb I believe. He is very excited about going overseas and I did read the advice up above for sailors going overseas. Very helpful. I picked up a pocket calendar that was laying on my computer desk and looked in it. In April on the 23rd 2010 it said $30 was needed to pick up his cap and gown for High School Graduation. Seems like a life time ago right now. So many cool things have happened to him since leaving the MEPS Center in August. He is so glad he joined the Navy even when something bad happens he just says oh well he will make it work for him. I can't help but wonder what else is in store for him by the time August 2011 rolls around. Sure is a fun adventure.
Heard back from the FRG already, they are researching my question about gift cards purchased here at home being accepted at Chili's, Subway and Taco Bell on base. They said the will get me a definitive answer within a couple of days. I'll let you all know as soon as I hear.
Sue.....love the "skittles" what a perfect name. hahaha
Pammie...welcome aboard the GW mom family. It's a great group of ladies and hopefully we can answer any questions you have. That's the wonderful thing about this site, if one mom doesn't know the answer.....there are a couple of hundred more, and somebody is going to know :-) :-) Yep for sure, LOTS of changes in the space of a small time frame. Just give us a "holler" if you feel the need for support, we've all dealt with the long distance issue and the feelings that can conjure up. It sounds like your son has a great approach to life and I'm sure he will do just fine. Sometimes it's harder on us moms than it is them!!
thank you! and yes kathy. i'll finally be able to attend the gwfrg meetings and all that good stuff. :) i just realized that there are no members in this group from japan? or maybe there are? you'll have to let me know your son and his gf are! will she be living there or just visiting?
My son is currently in Florida he is going to Japan soon he's coming hm on the 17th but he said d navy will pay for his ticket to come hm but he have to pay for d ticket to get back.I don't understand because i thought if you're using leave you have to pay for d ticket period.Do anyone know?Maybe because he's going to Japan??? I don't know have anyone heard of this or he just have the wrong info.
BZ to Claire for her accomplishment. Millye, as I understand it, both warfare specialist qualifications are similar but specialize in different areas of the ship. Since my g'daughter is in aviation she needs to get the ASWS before she does anything else. I would imagine that ASWS would be harder for Claire because she does not work in the aviation area on a daily basis. It will be an accomplishment.
Just got my first email from my daughter since they left port. She said her email was 'broken' and it took a while before it was fixed. I'm guessing she means the link to her email address was broken. So if any other moms and loved ones haven't heard yet, that might be the reason. She said everyone is fine.
Yes..we found it...first time on the site and first time for our sailor on the GW...exciting..we miss him...as his little brother says "Big Much"...wont be home for Christmas nor his 21st B-day...on the 28th...so what and how do you send stuff over there to get on the ship and more important...what is appropriate...blankets, civilian clothes...etc please help out as we are new to this...-15 tonight
Millye........CONGRATULATIONS TO CLAIRE!!! Thats awesome, that she got her surface warfare pin!!! I know that it takes a lot of work. Kudo's to her.
I also have not had any luck purchasing GW items thru the FRG. I've also sent numerous emails to "davina", and NEVER get a response :( I was REALLY wanting to get a GW Christmas ornament, but am thinking that's probably NOT going to happen :( I had also wanted to get one to put away for Kelcie to have once her tour over there is done.
ND mom....brrrrrrrrrrr, I'll not gripe about +25 anymore :-) Welcome to the group!!! Has your son been able to get you his mailing address yet? It usually takes 10-14 days for them to get packages if they are out to sea, but a week-10 days when they are in port in Yokosuka. Flat rate shipping boxes are the most economical way to send things. I usually try to send little things from home, that she might not be able to get in Japan. Or just "favorites" of hers. Local items, like candy from our local "candy kitchen", have sent limited civilian clothes, they don't have much space, even in their barracks. Movies, along with popcorn, her personal favorite toiletries, brands etc that she likes. Lots of moms will probably weigh in with suggestions. This year, she wants a new purse, an Ipod charger with speakers and DVD's of her favorite TV shows.
Cafe Press: This is a flat round ornament with the GW painted on it.
4ArmedForces: This is an embroidered ornament, two bells with the GW below the bells.
Tom Pollard Designs: This is a brass ornament with the carrier, US and Japanese flags, the GW name and motto on it as well as CVN 73.
Flat rate boxes can definitely make a difference. I mailed pillowcases the other day and saved about $16-17 dollars. The postal clerk was curious and checked the difference. If you have something very light, then it may not work.
Mollie, I think sending favorite personal toiletries and brands of things is really important. It makes it seem more like home.
My g'daughter will share anything except her popcorn (she has to be there when they pop it) and her Le Petit Ecolier cookies. Somehow the guys in her shop don't want to share her tampons although she has offered. :-) I have found that Starbursts are great "packing" material. They fill the nooks and crannies really well and she says they last "about 60 seconds." I did send chocolate candies once and she said they were much appreciated but had to be licked off the wrappers. If sending those, I would put them in plastic bags.
anchorsmom, no, I haven't heard back yet regarding the gift cards from the eateries that are on base. I promise to let you all know as soon as I hear anything, although it is getting towards the "late side" to wait, and hope that we can get the packages there in time for Christmas.
DC....I agree with kathy, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
I have found out the hard way that you want the FPO/APO boxes. They are flat rate and go priority mail.
Kathy, while priority is the most expensive way to send, frequently the differential is very small. Sometimes we choose priority because it is less than $1.00 more. Now this is not always the case.
We had a dusting of snow and it made the trees look so pretty. Definitely puts one in the Christmas spirit.
Mary, the forecast is now for 7 inches tomorrow. We will see. We find that we get much less on the coast than is received just a couple miles inland. It is amazing at the difference. I agree that it is absolutely lovely and I really like four seasons. We retired away from Florida when I retired from the University of Florida. I do remember the days of summer brush fires and ashes all over the place.
Kathy, I gave my g'daughter liquid to blow bubbles, and she said "it brought much joy." I think even if they consider it dorky, they like the relief. If it is not expensive, they can have fun and dispose of it without guilt.
Okay ladies, I JUST heard back from the FRG regarding gift cards. Chili's is the only eatery on base that will accept gift cards that are issued stateside.
Wanted to get this posted ASAP, as mailing deadlines are fast approcahing.
Tis the season of mailing....4 boxes, wrapped (except for the stocking stuff) boxed, custom forms completed. ALL go in the mail tomorrow. It's pushing it a little bit, but I think I should be okay. Burned 5 of our Christmas CD's so she could have music from home. This is our 4th Christmas without her :( At least this year she has a wonderful boyfriend to spend it with, not like last year, when she hardly knew anybody yet. Now I have to get the rest of the stateside families packages in the mail, which I will do before the week ends. THEN I can relax and shop, wrap etc for family and friends here. YAY!!!
Masue, according to the news and the FB GW site, they are busy with Operation Keen Sword with Japan. I gather this is a very big operation and has been planned for some time. I believe it will operate to/through December 10. This would mean that they are probably very busy and/or e-mail may be down. I have not heard from my sailor for a while either.
hello there, gw moms! i've been extrememly busy trying to get everything together. i leave in...48 hours! so the next time i'll be loggin in will probably be from japan. :) as i won't have much of a life there, don't mind me if i'm on this thing ALL the time. hehe. i can't wait to finally attend those frg meetings when it's deployment time again. wish i didn't have to go through another one of those, but what can you do! i'm reading some of the older posts and i will personally go and find the sailors who are not writing to their mothers and give 'em a good smack. they really have no idea how much their loved ones stateside worry for them. as far as i know, the emails are not down right now (at least not in my sailor's dept), BUT they are coming in delayed and all out of order. i just got an email from 2 days ago. i hope each and one of you get to hear from your sailors as soon as they return back to port...for those who's sailors are coming home, ENJOY your time together and cherish every moment. :) ok, abc15 signing off now... will be back. :)
Congratulations to all who have earned their Warfare pins!
Kathy16, of course I understand why you would cry when the local newspaper called you. I get all choked up when I read about the accomplishments of our young people so I know talking about the accomplishments of my sailor would put me over the edge!
Ladies - Tell me how to get the ombudsman newsletter - I will be so glad for our sailors to get some time off, they so deserve - Even tho do not post often, you ladies help me so much - was really scared last wk, my sailor said something ab Captain's mast - recent email said "im ok", so must have worked out - it was comforting to know that if more had developed, I could come to you ladies - miss my sailor so much, a sailor walked into convenience store I was in the other day and I actually went up to him and hugged him - Thanx all, Leah
Millye, this will be a bittersweet Christmas for you! BZ to your son for his accomplishments ... being a Marine, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan and becoming a citizen. That is definitely reason to celebrate. Remember those missing with warmth and pleasure, even if you miss them.
I am hoping to Skype with my g'daughter on Christmas! That will make my day.
I know that Kelcie and her boyfriend have rented a BOQ room complete with a full kitchen and they are cooking ham, dressing and sweet potatoes, then about 8 or so of their friends are coming over and bringing "sides" to add to the Christmas meal. I told her that if they are mostly guys, she better be specific about what she wants them to bring, or else she is likely to get chips and salsa and beer :-) Hopefully at least a couple will be female, and bring some veggies and rolls, and maybe some kind of dessert or salad, but I don't think she even cares that much. Last year, she had just gotten to Yoko and didn't know anybody and was not even in her barracks yet, so she is REALLY looking forward to spending this one with a group of friends.
Congratulations to your son, Sandra! I would think that would be a power trip for a sailor to pull the ship in as an OOD. Tell him BZ.
Moose, when I hear about the thefts, I see red! I do not understand taking something the does not belong to you. Kathy, I like your suggestion .. Walk the Plank!
Janis
Nov 24, 2010
Janis
Nov 24, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
abc, the pictures are great and I agree with the others, you were a lovely bride. Your nieces are adorable. BZ on the "cake." What work and love went into it.
Like all of you, I watch the news and say prayers. This is a tense time.
Nov 24, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Nov 24, 2010
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Mary Jane.........LOVE the graphic!!!
Nov 25, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
To all of those whose sailors have advanced ... congratulations! You definitely should be proud of their accomplishments.
Nov 26, 2010
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Navy Ma and Mary Jane.....CONGRATULATIONS on your sailors advancements, I know how exciting it is for us moms, even though at times our sailors like to act like it's no big deal......YES IT IS!!!! :-) :-) :-) Hope everybody had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving.
Nov 26, 2010
bda0802
Nov 27, 2010
nolanavymom
Nov 27, 2010
Daphne
GW. Can't wait to get to talk to him again.
Nov 27, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Nov 27, 2010
bda0802
Nov 27, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
My g'daughter is an aviation electronics technician. As I understand it, the "O" means that she removes the electronic stuff from the plan to be fixed. Some of it she fixes and some goes to another group, the ATIs. Confusing stuff.
Dawna and Mary Jane, Prayers are definitely coming for our sailors. I say them many times right now. May they return safely and unharmed to Atsugi.
Nov 28, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
I don't know about the rest of you but I have a headache that won't quit. I know it is tension about everything. The most encouraging thing I read today was that China is asking to reopen talks, including both North and South Korea. I hope they will help reason prevail.
Nov 28, 2010
abc815
mary, i can sympathize with your daughter...although i'm not the sibling of a sailor on the gw, i was the girlfriend of one and now a wife...it's hard even for me to talk about my situation with friends because they will never fully understand what it feels like to have someone SO far away and not knowing what tomorrow brings. i hope you don't mind me asking, how old is your daughter? if you or she EVER needs, feel free to private message me anytime. :)
to DC g'mother, i too have a "headache that won't quit"... sigh. i have family in south korea, so i'm getting updates from all different perspectives. i just hope everything goes over smoothly and we can all move on!
Nov 28, 2010
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Mary, it must be VERY hard on younger siblings who are experiencing the same anxiety as us moms, but don't have a support system in place like we do here on N4M. I certainly hope she is able to connect with other teens that are experiencing the same feelings, and get some much needed support :(
Nov 28, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Mary, given your daughter's age she might like this group or she might find a girl friend group helpful. Given her background in special ed I imagine she would be great for other young siblings. Her need, however, may be fulfilled by chatting with people closer to her age. Give her a hug from me.
Nov 29, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Lisa, I would like to know about the family videos as well. I sent one and I sure hope they used it.
Nov 29, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Masue, I will ask my g'daughter (when we get e-mail again) if she knows him. I can see why you are confused. If he is in the barracks, that would imply he is on base but "on the beach" also refers to being ashore. If he can't access Facebook until he is on the beach, that would imply he is on board the GW. Confusing, indeed. But always remember, no news is good news.
Nov 29, 2010
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Tonya, his address should Always stay the same, whether he is on base in Yoko, or out to sea. I would think that you would just need to trust in the address he gave you. They all have the same address, except their specific box number will change based on their "rate".
Masue, after having gone onboard the GW during my visit, I can't imagine how anybody with a possible broken leg could get around while onboard. I mean, its a maze of stairwells that are steep and narrow, and every passageway has a "doorway" of sorts about every 30 feet that has an 8-10 inch bottom piece that has to be stepped over. You are indeed a very patient woman, I would be going nuts, not knowing if my sailor was onboard, or out to sea.
Nov 29, 2010
abc815
Nov 29, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Nov 29, 2010
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Nov 29, 2010
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Nov 30, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Sailor's Name
Squadron (e.g., VFA 115)
Unit ????? (this is the box number
FPO AP 96601-xxxx
I assume that the 96601 tells the FPO station that the mail is going to Atsugi and that the last four digits are ?? specific (perhaps squadron specific). I do not put the ship in the address. Perhaps that is because she is not boat crew.
Masue, does your son have a private e-mail. I know that when my g'daughter was recently in Atsugi, I could not reach her with private e-mail ... it bounced back.
I received a couple e-mails ... all about arranging her flights in January. Her leave was approved so I am a happy camper.
Nov 30, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Nov 30, 2010
abc815
Nov 30, 2010
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Dec 1, 2010
Pammie (?)
Dec 2, 2010
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Sue.....love the "skittles" what a perfect name. hahaha
Pammie...welcome aboard the GW mom family. It's a great group of ladies and hopefully we can answer any questions you have. That's the wonderful thing about this site, if one mom doesn't know the answer.....there are a couple of hundred more, and somebody is going to know :-) :-) Yep for sure, LOTS of changes in the space of a small time frame. Just give us a "holler" if you feel the need for support, we've all dealt with the long distance issue and the feelings that can conjure up. It sounds like your son has a great approach to life and I'm sure he will do just fine. Sometimes it's harder on us moms than it is them!!
Dec 2, 2010
abc815
welcome to the group, pammie! mollie is right, there is almost always SOMEONE who can help you out with any questions or concerns you might have.
Dec 2, 2010
abc815
Dec 2, 2010
preston8655
Dec 2, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Dec 3, 2010
Janis
Dec 3, 2010
ND Navy Mom Ship 10 Div 250
Dec 4, 2010
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
I also have not had any luck purchasing GW items thru the FRG. I've also sent numerous emails to "davina", and NEVER get a response :( I was REALLY wanting to get a GW Christmas ornament, but am thinking that's probably NOT going to happen :( I had also wanted to get one to put away for Kelcie to have once her tour over there is done.
ND mom....brrrrrrrrrrr, I'll not gripe about +25 anymore :-) Welcome to the group!!! Has your son been able to get you his mailing address yet? It usually takes 10-14 days for them to get packages if they are out to sea, but a week-10 days when they are in port in Yokosuka. Flat rate shipping boxes are the most economical way to send things. I usually try to send little things from home, that she might not be able to get in Japan. Or just "favorites" of hers. Local items, like candy from our local "candy kitchen", have sent limited civilian clothes, they don't have much space, even in their barracks. Movies, along with popcorn, her personal favorite toiletries, brands etc that she likes. Lots of moms will probably weigh in with suggestions. This year, she wants a new purse, an Ipod charger with speakers and DVD's of her favorite TV shows.
Dec 4, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Cafe Press: This is a flat round ornament with the GW painted on it.
4ArmedForces: This is an embroidered ornament, two bells with the GW below the bells.
Tom Pollard Designs: This is a brass ornament with the carrier, US and Japanese flags, the GW name and motto on it as well as CVN 73.
Flat rate boxes can definitely make a difference. I mailed pillowcases the other day and saved about $16-17 dollars. The postal clerk was curious and checked the difference. If you have something very light, then it may not work.
Mollie, I think sending favorite personal toiletries and brands of things is really important. It makes it seem more like home.
My g'daughter will share anything except her popcorn (she has to be there when they pop it) and her Le Petit Ecolier cookies. Somehow the guys in her shop don't want to share her tampons although she has offered. :-) I have found that Starbursts are great "packing" material. They fill the nooks and crannies really well and she says they last "about 60 seconds." I did send chocolate candies once and she said they were much appreciated but had to be licked off the wrappers. If sending those, I would put them in plastic bags.
Dec 4, 2010
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
DC....I agree with kathy, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Dec 5, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Kathy, while priority is the most expensive way to send, frequently the differential is very small. Sometimes we choose priority because it is less than $1.00 more. Now this is not always the case.
We had a dusting of snow and it made the trees look so pretty. Definitely puts one in the Christmas spirit.
Dec 5, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Kathy, I gave my g'daughter liquid to blow bubbles, and she said "it brought much joy." I think even if they consider it dorky, they like the relief. If it is not expensive, they can have fun and dispose of it without guilt.
Dec 5, 2010
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Wanted to get this posted ASAP, as mailing deadlines are fast approcahing.
Dec 6, 2010
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Dec 7, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Dec 7, 2010
abc815
Dec 7, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Congratulations to all who have earned their Warfare pins!
Kathy16, of course I understand why you would cry when the local newspaper called you. I get all choked up when I read about the accomplishments of our young people so I know talking about the accomplishments of my sailor would put me over the edge!
Dec 10, 2010
ant'smom
Ladies - Tell me how to get the ombudsman newsletter - I will be so glad for our sailors to get some time off, they so deserve - Even tho do not post often, you ladies help me so much - was really scared last wk, my sailor said something ab Captain's mast - recent email said "im ok", so must have worked out - it was comforting to know that if more had developed, I could come to you ladies - miss my sailor so much, a sailor walked into convenience store I was in the other day and I actually went up to him and hugged him - Thanx all, Leah
Dec 12, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Millye, this will be a bittersweet Christmas for you! BZ to your son for his accomplishments ... being a Marine, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan and becoming a citizen. That is definitely reason to celebrate. Remember those missing with warmth and pleasure, even if you miss them.
I am hoping to Skype with my g'daughter on Christmas! That will make my day.
Dec 12, 2010
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
I know that Kelcie and her boyfriend have rented a BOQ room complete with a full kitchen and they are cooking ham, dressing and sweet potatoes, then about 8 or so of their friends are coming over and bringing "sides" to add to the Christmas meal. I told her that if they are mostly guys, she better be specific about what she wants them to bring, or else she is likely to get chips and salsa and beer :-) Hopefully at least a couple will be female, and bring some veggies and rolls, and maybe some kind of dessert or salad, but I don't think she even cares that much. Last year, she had just gotten to Yoko and didn't know anybody and was not even in her barracks yet, so she is REALLY looking forward to spending this one with a group of friends.
Dec 13, 2010
DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor
Congratulations to your son, Sandra! I would think that would be a power trip for a sailor to pull the ship in as an OOD. Tell him BZ.
Moose, when I hear about the thefts, I see red! I do not understand taking something the does not belong to you. Kathy, I like your suggestion .. Walk the Plank!
Dec 14, 2010