They posted a some pictures of my daughter on Facebook! And it's only 12 more days before she comes home! Counting the days!!! I hope all your sailors get their leave approvals very soon.
My son is flying out today to Yokosuko and the GW. He asked if I could find some information about where he will be staying when he first gets there. (nothing like waiting until the last minute!) I researched some of the websites, and N4M--I told him it may be Navy Lodge at first, then a berth in a barricks, or soon to the ship. Am I close to what will actually happen??
Myson has been there about 3 months. He was on the barge for about 3 weeks before moving onto the ship. Sending prayers for safe travels for your bsb and hgs for you as well!
Hi everyone! Im new here :) My son finishes "c" school in a few weeks. And will be headed to GW. Did your sailors get leave before they left for Japan?
@JoAnn7877 my Sailor was home for 3 weeks and he worked with the recruiter for 1 week so it wouldn't count against his vacation time. Also when my Sailor got to Japan the GW was already out sea so he was only on the barge for a few days and then they flew him out to meet the ship.
Thank you for all the answers! Yes his sponsor did reply to his emails, so hopefully they will meet him, if not, there will other sailors going also, and he knows to look for USO, etc....Thanks!
And JoAnn--yes he got leave before he left--about 17 days. He also worked with his recruiter for some of the days. He needs to just ask for leave--the worse that can happen is they say No.
JoAnn, it depends on a few factors but if he did not get leave time between bc and his schools or if he was not on hold for a while waiting for his 'C' school to class up then he should have enough time in to get a few weeks. Usually it is done as a part of his orders before heading on to his permanent duty station. He will need to put in a chit for it. He also needs to contact your local recruiting office and see if he can work for them during his leave. That way he can get some of those days back later. It is the only opportunity for that he will get to have.
My daughter graduated A school in Great Lakes on Jan 10 and left for Japan Jan 13. I think because she used all her leave at Christmas. She has been on the GW about 10 days.
Yes, the request for leave has to be coordinated between his current command (the school), and his destination command (Gdub). If he is needed immediately the request could be denied but then he would be one of the first to have a leave request approved later. Generally if they are going overseas for a while and have not used leave time, they will get approval. He needs to ask for it NOW though so there is time for coordinating between the commands and flight schedules.
So guys, haven't been on in a while, but I am taking my trip to Japan two weeks from today. I'm so excited, thought it would never come since getting my plane ticket in November. Can't wait to see my sailor!
Thanks for the hugs! My son's plane landed in Japan about an hour ago--he texted his girlfriend. So that's a relief, now more waiting and wondering. I love this site!
Hello ladies! Thought I'd check in and enjoy seeing some great things going on. YEAH for the new Sailors on the Gdub!!! Mine has been there just a little over 2 months and just last week he got moved off the ship into a barracks room.
kwassaimee - Have a wonderful trip, squeeze the stuffing out of your Sailor, and posts some pics when you get back. Would love to see a few of the Japan sites!
Hi guys...Heard from my sailor today.....about a month ago he put in for leave for April 4 for three weeks...he handed in his chit sheet.....he was just told that they will let him know if he can leave a couple of days before April 4.....I have to get a flight from Japan to Connecticut soon....I cannot wait for two days before he is suppose to leave...there will be no flights or I won't be able to afford it....I don't know what to do....he has already been denied leave for March......should I get the tickets now and hope that he will get it...I'm so upset....he is still cranking it is not like he is doing anything important that they would need him.....I don't understand....sorry...I'm just so frustrated....
hmmm...I don't know the situation with the dates he has requested, how much time he has in, when the Gdub is pulling out for a trial run, etc but I agree with katlanta, it would be odd for them to not give more notice. Not all commands think alike. My son has had more difficulties getting this leave than any other leave in the past 4 years. This is his first leave in almost 15 mos. and they will only allow him less than 3 weeks. He was a bit disappointed but it will actually benefit him and his wife later to have a few extra days. (More on that to follow in a few days)
I'm praying that all of us moms manage to see our sailors. Hearing about the leaves that are being denied just hurts. I haven't seen my son in over a year. I'm afraid with all of these denials, that everyone will be applying for April and my son will be bumped and denied also. I wish this didn't have to happen to anyone.
I still believe that all of our sailors are getting the short end of the stick. If our sailors were assigned in California, 2 weeks vacation, would be 2 weeks vacation. With the travel time taken out of the vacation, the Navy is taking 4 days of precious time away from us, that other military families get to enjoy. Travel time shouldn't count against our sailors. We painfully go long enough without hugging our children.
Praying for all of you. I'm so thankful we have this group to get through this.
Venting here is not only fine but encouraged. :-) Many times we all experience like situations and just as other moms and dads, we want answers. Unfortunately, we cannot do a lot of leg work trying to find out "straight from the horse's mouth", or even have the right to make a lot of phone calls to higher ups to "work things out" for our kids. They are adults (even though we often forget that), and they must learn the ropes, and figure out for themselves how to move about politically and effectively during their careers.
But as mothers we will still worry for them, try to help them, still be angry, and still want to hold them, and try to understand what they must feel. Remember, they usually understand it better than we do and are happier than we think they are. It's so hard when they leave for the first few times. It is still difficult to tell my son good-by, but now I know when he returns to his job, he is not the scared kid I pictured him being the first time he went to a foreign country. He has grown up and is starting a family of his own. I still get disappointed and angry and need to vent but for now...I just do a happy dance that he is alive, safe, and has a job and a family.
navymomfromCT - Hugs & Prayers to you & your son that everythings works out and the same to you Kimberly that your son will get to come home. Heartbreaking & frustrating for sure. I feel for you ladies.
Mary (Chris'mom) - You have such great words of wisdom. How long has your son been in the Navy? Keep the happy dance going!!!
Katlanta - ooooohhhhh I do like that tradition!
Kwassaimee - I'm putting in my request now - Hug my son for me!!!! You're going to be one very busy & extremely huggable mom over there!
Thank you, "I must learn to be patient, I must learn to be patient, I must learn..." I talk a good talk but it's often hard to walk the walk. You learn to adjust. We have been doing this process for almost 4 1/2 years. He has just under 2 yrs left on his active duty if he does not re-up. It looks as though his active time will actually dribble over into his inactive time but he won't care. Hugs to all, God knows there are many days I need one too.
i haven't posted here in a loooong time. My son is attached to GW but he is now working in an office on base. I don't hear from him much. He has been there since May 2011. I think he is enjoying life there and couldn't give a rip about coming home.I miss him so much.
katlanta, Thank you and John both for the explaination. Yes, the LPO or LCPO is a direct supervisor and some of them are really lazy. A sailor under him/her may be the one doing the brunt of the job and making that LPO/LCPO look good. If the junior sailor is gone, then it might become noticable who is really doing the work most of the time. Some LPO's are very young themselves and the authority has gone to their head. Some just should not really be in a position where they can control others. Some try to do things with paperwork just to put someone in their place. It's a shame, but many of the kids are just that....19 or 20 year olds who have never had a job prior to the Navy and suddenly they are supervising 2-6 others. They just don't know how to handle it.
All the other reasons are also viable. Again thanks for sharing and thank John for checking for us all.
Ok...my bigggg news. Son and wife will be home for leave in a few weeks but this time when he comes home he will be somebody's Daddy. He called last weekend and then they got confirmation yesterday (still today for them) that Liz is pregnant. I can't post it at fb yet so his dad's side of the family won't know about it from online, but he did not say I could not post it at N4M! Happy day everyone!
Mary - Congratulations! That is so exciting. There will be lots of celebrating at your house when they get home! Btw, I feel special we got the news before fb!! lol
Katlanta: Thank you and your son for checking into this....My sailor is 19....he has only been on the GW since September but he hasn't been home in a year.....He is only an E2 ....so all those factors may be why they are holding it/denying it, etc....
Katlanta, My sister asked me if I am excited. ?? Of course! My grandbaby will be 1/2 way around the world. When it cries all night 4 or 5 nights in a row, I'm too far away to hear it! lol. Really, my thoughts and prayers by then will be that either my son's deployment will be finished for this year by the time it is born, or very soon after. He is more excited than she is. He is only 24 but has been wanting kids since he was about 17. I think being raised as an only child he is trying to make up for it. He wants 4 kids (thankfully she is sensible enough to only want 2), a couple of dogs, a couple of cats, and anything else he can raise. Yeah, I'm hoping his next station is Greece. teehee. (You know I want him home, really)
Has anyone here ordered rack curtins from NavyRackPacks? I put in an order way back in November that has yet to be delivered to the ship. They said it was shipped in January. The tracking ends at the military post office in San Fransisco and the RackPack people say they can't track it after that. Does anyone know how to contact the military post office? How about the ships post office? Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Thanks, I'll let my daughter know. Hoping she can find them before she comes home next week! I ordered sheets from FleetSheets at the same time and they got there before Christmas. So great service from them and she loves the sheets and mattress pad I sent. Guess if she can't find the package from RackPack, I'll just have to eat it. Bummer.
Hi all..Havent been on N4M for awhile. My son has been in Japan since the first part of January..He loves it there-making friends, eating alot . and getting ready for that first big outing soon.Hope everyone is doing well today..We are snowed in again here in colorado.
Kathy- I too wanted to get my airman a RackPack, but he said they had numerous types of curtains in there berths and the squadron ruled them all out for the Squadron. Thought it would be so cool, oh well!
Hi Mikeysmom, My son is on the GW and has been for over two years now. We are in Colorado as well and got lots of much-needed snow over the past few days. Jealous of those of you who are enjoying spring-like weather! Where in Colorado do you live? I'm in the Colorado Springs area.
I considered opening the doors and windows yesterday but knew that would put me in the mood to open the pool....brrrrr! Not for another month or so!
My mom and her husband live down in Delta, CO although they are here in NC visiting right now. She says they don't get much snow right where they live, but 7 or 8 miles from them, there is a lot of snow most of the winter.
Flights just went up $800....I don't think I can afford to send him home now.....Hopefully when they come back from their next tour he will get an answer in enough time to come home.....:(
still snowing here in the springs..wish it was spring!! we found looking at air fares flying out of LA was the cheapest..and then find a really cheap flight into LA..but certainly japan is not a cheap place to get to..im hoping to go this fall when they are back in port again. IF they ever go out that is....
Flowers ordered- check, balloons ordered- check, Family and friends all got the day off- check, huge "Welcome Home" banner ready and waiting- check. Looks like we're all set to meet my sailor at LAX on Friday! It's been 1 1/2 years. Counting the hours!
I keep reading about all of the people that dont see thier sailors for 1 1/2 to 2 years..guess im a nutty mom but i dont think i can stand that long..probably not the answer my son would say..
mikeysmom - yeah, I've made it past the one year mark. I didn't think I'd survive it either. Have to tell you, it's been horrible. I haven't seen my son for his past 2 birthdays, missed all the holidays, and still don't know when he will come. With all the sailors being denied recently, it probably won't be until the end of the year. I find myself resenting the fact that when my son will finally get to come home, travel days will be taken out of that time. Had he been in California, we would get to enjoy all of those days. For us GW parents, we get 4 precious days taken away from us, when the leave time is already too few and far between. They need to take money out of the presidential travel fund and start sending parents to see their sailors :)
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Katlanta: Congrats!!
Still waiting to hear if my sailor gets to come home!! ugh.....
Feb 13, 2013
Cheryl
They posted a some pictures of my daughter on Facebook! And it's only 12 more days before she comes home! Counting the days!!! I hope all your sailors get their leave approvals very soon.
Feb 18, 2013
sparkyjo-PIR 09/21/12 Div 303
Feb 18, 2013
bsb
Hi Moms,
My son is flying out today to Yokosuko and the GW. He asked if I could find some information about where he will be staying when he first gets there. (nothing like waiting until the last minute!) I researched some of the websites, and N4M--I told him it may be Navy Lodge at first, then a berth in a barricks, or soon to the ship. Am I close to what will actually happen??
Feb 18, 2013
Alicia(12/053 - AO)♥
Feb 18, 2013
JoAnn7877
Feb 18, 2013
dawny64
@JoAnn7877 my Sailor was home for 3 weeks and he worked with the recruiter for 1 week so it wouldn't count against his vacation time. Also when my Sailor got to Japan the GW was already out sea so he was only on the barge for a few days and then they flew him out to meet the ship.
Feb 18, 2013
bsb
Thank you for all the answers! Yes his sponsor did reply to his emails, so hopefully they will meet him, if not, there will other sailors going also, and he knows to look for USO, etc....Thanks!
Feb 18, 2013
bsb
And JoAnn--yes he got leave before he left--about 17 days. He also worked with his recruiter for some of the days. He needs to just ask for leave--the worse that can happen is they say No.
Feb 18, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
JoAnn, it depends on a few factors but if he did not get leave time between bc and his schools or if he was not on hold for a while waiting for his 'C' school to class up then he should have enough time in to get a few weeks. Usually it is done as a part of his orders before heading on to his permanent duty station. He will need to put in a chit for it. He also needs to contact your local recruiting office and see if he can work for them during his leave. That way he can get some of those days back later. It is the only opportunity for that he will get to have.
Feb 18, 2013
sparkyjo-PIR 09/21/12 Div 303
Feb 18, 2013
JoAnn7877
Feb 18, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
Yes, the request for leave has to be coordinated between his current command (the school), and his destination command (Gdub). If he is needed immediately the request could be denied but then he would be one of the first to have a leave request approved later. Generally if they are going overseas for a while and have not used leave time, they will get approval. He needs to ask for it NOW though so there is time for coordinating between the commands and flight schedules.
Feb 18, 2013
kwassaimee
So guys, haven't been on in a while, but I am taking my trip to Japan two weeks from today. I'm so excited, thought it would never come since getting my plane ticket in November. Can't wait to see my sailor!
Feb 19, 2013
lmnadelady
kwassaimee oh how exciting. I hope to go next winter, will be going by myself. You will have to let us know how the travel goes., Enjoy!
Feb 19, 2013
bsb
Thanks for the hugs! My son's plane landed in Japan about an hour ago--he texted his girlfriend. So that's a relief, now more waiting and wondering. I love this site!
Feb 19, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
Navy Ma, I thought the same thing! I said, with the sudden flurry of activity the Gdub must be heading out for a brief run! hahaha! Welcome new Moms.
Feb 20, 2013
MaggieMay
Hello ladies! Thought I'd check in and enjoy seeing some great things going on. YEAH for the new Sailors on the Gdub!!! Mine has been there just a little over 2 months and just last week he got moved off the ship into a barracks room.
kwassaimee - Have a wonderful trip, squeeze the stuffing out of your Sailor, and posts some pics when you get back. Would love to see a few of the Japan sites!
Have a great day all!
Feb 20, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Hi guys...Heard from my sailor today.....about a month ago he put in for leave for April 4 for three weeks...he handed in his chit sheet.....he was just told that they will let him know if he can leave a couple of days before April 4.....I have to get a flight from Japan to Connecticut soon....I cannot wait for two days before he is suppose to leave...there will be no flights or I won't be able to afford it....I don't know what to do....he has already been denied leave for March......should I get the tickets now and hope that he will get it...I'm so upset....he is still cranking it is not like he is doing anything important that they would need him.....I don't understand....sorry...I'm just so frustrated....
Feb 20, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
he was just told today that he would find out two days before he is suppose to leave....
Feb 20, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
hmmm...I don't know the situation with the dates he has requested, how much time he has in, when the Gdub is pulling out for a trial run, etc but I agree with katlanta, it would be odd for them to not give more notice. Not all commands think alike. My son has had more difficulties getting this leave than any other leave in the past 4 years. This is his first leave in almost 15 mos. and they will only allow him less than 3 weeks. He was a bit disappointed but it will actually benefit him and his wife later to have a few extra days. (More on that to follow in a few days)
Feb 20, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Thank you...sorry to vent....
Feb 20, 2013
Kimberly214
I'm praying that all of us moms manage to see our sailors. Hearing about the leaves that are being denied just hurts. I haven't seen my son in over a year. I'm afraid with all of these denials, that everyone will be applying for April and my son will be bumped and denied also. I wish this didn't have to happen to anyone.
Feb 20, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
Venting here is not only fine but encouraged. :-) Many times we all experience like situations and just as other moms and dads, we want answers. Unfortunately, we cannot do a lot of leg work trying to find out "straight from the horse's mouth", or even have the right to make a lot of phone calls to higher ups to "work things out" for our kids. They are adults (even though we often forget that), and they must learn the ropes, and figure out for themselves how to move about politically and effectively during their careers.
But as mothers we will still worry for them, try to help them, still be angry, and still want to hold them, and try to understand what they must feel. Remember, they usually understand it better than we do and are happier than we think they are. It's so hard when they leave for the first few times. It is still difficult to tell my son good-by, but now I know when he returns to his job, he is not the scared kid I pictured him being the first time he went to a foreign country. He has grown up and is starting a family of his own. I still get disappointed and angry and need to vent but for now...I just do a happy dance that he is alive, safe, and has a job and a family.
Feb 20, 2013
MaggieMay
navymomfromCT - Hugs & Prayers to you & your son that everythings works out and the same to you Kimberly that your son will get to come home. Heartbreaking & frustrating for sure. I feel for you ladies.
Mary (Chris'mom) - You have such great words of wisdom. How long has your son been in the Navy? Keep the happy dance going!!!
Katlanta - ooooohhhhh I do like that tradition!
Kwassaimee - I'm putting in my request now - Hug my son for me!!!! You're going to be one very busy & extremely huggable mom over there!
Feb 20, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
Thank you, "I must learn to be patient, I must learn to be patient, I must learn..." I talk a good talk but it's often hard to walk the walk. You learn to adjust. We have been doing this process for almost 4 1/2 years. He has just under 2 yrs left on his active duty if he does not re-up. It looks as though his active time will actually dribble over into his inactive time but he won't care. Hugs to all, God knows there are many days I need one too.
Feb 20, 2013
BADma
i haven't posted here in a loooong time. My son is attached to GW but he is now working in an office on base. I don't hear from him much. He has been there since May 2011. I think he is enjoying life there and couldn't give a rip about coming home.I miss him so much.
Feb 20, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
katlanta, Thank you and John both for the explaination. Yes, the LPO or LCPO is a direct supervisor and some of them are really lazy. A sailor under him/her may be the one doing the brunt of the job and making that LPO/LCPO look good. If the junior sailor is gone, then it might become noticable who is really doing the work most of the time. Some LPO's are very young themselves and the authority has gone to their head. Some just should not really be in a position where they can control others. Some try to do things with paperwork just to put someone in their place. It's a shame, but many of the kids are just that....19 or 20 year olds who have never had a job prior to the Navy and suddenly they are supervising 2-6 others. They just don't know how to handle it.
All the other reasons are also viable. Again thanks for sharing and thank John for checking for us all.
Feb 20, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
Ok...my bigggg news. Son and wife will be home for leave in a few weeks but this time when he comes home he will be somebody's Daddy. He called last weekend and then they got confirmation yesterday (still today for them) that Liz is pregnant. I can't post it at fb yet so his dad's side of the family won't know about it from online, but he did not say I could not post it at N4M! Happy day everyone!
Feb 21, 2013
MaggieMay
Great day All!
Feb 21, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
joshmom, Thanks! As soon as his Dad knows....it's game on!
Feb 21, 2013
MaggieMay
Feb 21, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Mary: Congratulations!!
Katlanta: Thank you and your son for checking into this....My sailor is 19....he has only been on the GW since September but he hasn't been home in a year.....He is only an E2 ....so all those factors may be why they are holding it/denying it, etc....
Feb 21, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
Katlanta, My sister asked me if I am excited. ?? Of course! My grandbaby will be 1/2 way around the world. When it cries all night 4 or 5 nights in a row, I'm too far away to hear it! lol. Really, my thoughts and prayers by then will be that either my son's deployment will be finished for this year by the time it is born, or very soon after. He is more excited than she is. He is only 24 but has been wanting kids since he was about 17. I think being raised as an only child he is trying to make up for it. He wants 4 kids (thankfully she is sensible enough to only want 2), a couple of dogs, a couple of cats, and anything else he can raise. Yeah, I'm hoping his next station is Greece. teehee. (You know I want him home, really)
Feb 21, 2013
Cheryl
Has anyone here ordered rack curtins from NavyRackPacks? I put in an order way back in November that has yet to be delivered to the ship. They said it was shipped in January. The tracking ends at the military post office in San Fransisco and the RackPack people say they can't track it after that. Does anyone know how to contact the military post office? How about the ships post office? Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Feb 21, 2013
Cheryl
Thanks, I'll let my daughter know. Hoping she can find them before she comes home next week! I ordered sheets from FleetSheets at the same time and they got there before Christmas. So great service from them and she loves the sheets and mattress pad I sent. Guess if she can't find the package from RackPack, I'll just have to eat it. Bummer.
Feb 22, 2013
mikeysmom /USS GW
Hi all..Havent been on N4M for awhile. My son has been in Japan since the first part of January..He loves it there-making friends, eating alot . and getting ready for that first big outing soon.Hope everyone is doing well today..We are snowed in again here in colorado.
Feb 24, 2013
mikeysmom /USS GW
ohhh i meant december..he got on the GW in jan...I cant keep track of where or what is going on over there..
Feb 24, 2013
lmnadelady
Open doors, oh that sounds good!
Kathy- I too wanted to get my airman a RackPack, but he said they had numerous types of curtains in there berths and the squadron ruled them all out for the Squadron. Thought it would be so cool, oh well!
Feb 24, 2013
Amazonmom
Hi Mikeysmom, My son is on the GW and has been for over two years now. We are in Colorado as well and got lots of much-needed snow over the past few days. Jealous of those of you who are enjoying spring-like weather! Where in Colorado do you live? I'm in the Colorado Springs area.
Feb 25, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
I considered opening the doors and windows yesterday but knew that would put me in the mood to open the pool....brrrrr! Not for another month or so!
My mom and her husband live down in Delta, CO although they are here in NC visiting right now. She says they don't get much snow right where they live, but 7 or 8 miles from them, there is a lot of snow most of the winter.
Feb 25, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Flights just went up $800....I don't think I can afford to send him home now.....Hopefully when they come back from their next tour he will get an answer in enough time to come home.....:(
Feb 26, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Nope....nothing.....
Feb 26, 2013
mikeysmom /USS GW
still snowing here in the springs..wish it was spring!! we found looking at air fares flying out of LA was the cheapest..and then find a really cheap flight into LA..but certainly japan is not a cheap place to get to..im hoping to go this fall when they are back in port again. IF they ever go out that is....
Feb 26, 2013
Cheryl
Flowers ordered- check, balloons ordered- check, Family and friends all got the day off- check, huge "Welcome Home" banner ready and waiting- check. Looks like we're all set to meet my sailor at LAX on Friday! It's been 1 1/2 years. Counting the hours!
Feb 27, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Cheryl...you are so lucky!! Enjoy your time with your sailor!!
As soon as I hear I will check the flights again....waiting and waiting....
Feb 27, 2013
MaggieMay
Cheryl - Awesome!!! Doing the Happy Dance - check! heehee I'm just really excited for you!
NavymomfromCT - Fingers crossed and prayers said that your Sailor gets leave to come home
Mikeysmom - I so hope you get to make the trip to Japan. Fingers crossed & prayers for you also.
Hope you all are having a great day!
Feb 27, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
Cheryl, I'm doing a happy dance for you too (while I wait just a little longer to see my sailor)!
NavyMom CT, I'm still hoping for you and your sailor.
Feb 27, 2013
mikeysmom /USS GW
I keep reading about all of the people that dont see thier sailors for 1 1/2 to 2 years..guess im a nutty mom but i dont think i can stand that long..probably not the answer my son would say..
Feb 27, 2013
Kimberly214
mikeysmom - yeah, I've made it past the one year mark. I didn't think I'd survive it either. Have to tell you, it's been horrible. I haven't seen my son for his past 2 birthdays, missed all the holidays, and still don't know when he will come. With all the sailors being denied recently, it probably won't be until the end of the year. I find myself resenting the fact that when my son will finally get to come home, travel days will be taken out of that time. Had he been in California, we would get to enjoy all of those days. For us GW parents, we get 4 precious days taken away from us, when the leave time is already too few and far between. They need to take money out of the presidential travel fund and start sending parents to see their sailors :)
Feb 27, 2013