JChandlerGF - Don't plan on seeing him any time soon. Sorry to tell you that. I know the truth is painful. If they gave him leave before sending him to Japan and he went "into the hole" on his days, then it's even worse. You will find out how much you really need this group. The ladies here are so supportive and full of wisdom! It's good to have this resource, especially the ladies that have been going through this for a long time. They're good at explaining things and getting us all through it. Welcome aboard :)
Car rental done. Chile Verde ready. Almost packed. Welcome home banner done. Balloons when we get there. Family ready for arrival of our Navy Bean on Sat. morning!!!!! So Cheryl, we are going through the same feelings of anticipation. It's been 1 yr 3 months since we have seen our sailor. Can't wait to see her! Can't wait to give her a huge hug. Can't wait to kiss my daughter! Unfortunately we also have to drive down to Los Angeles (500 miles) first but we will be singing all the way! Blessings to all you mom's out there. I can't believe it's happening!!!!!
I am looking forward to seeing my sailor in April. He has been in Japan since Nov. 2011, thankfully he had leave before he left so we celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas early with him. He plans to marry his high school sweetheart when he comes home, so we will lose some time while they take a honeymoon. She' s a sweetheart though. Can't wait to see him! Congrats on seeing your sailor soon CoCoBeansMom!
Well I like the idea of the Presidental fund paying our way to japan. My son also went in the hole soo he wont be going anywhere soon..im not sure hes saving a dime as hes out to eat every day. Speaking of Holes---there is a young man from my sons bootcamp that fell down one of those 20 ft holes they call stairs..head first ..hes not in good condition and his mom is flying to san diego right now....wow.
Soooo- Our Sailor blew all my great plans out of the water! She arrived the day before she told us she was arriving, had friends plan to meet us at a local restraunt, had them pick her up at the airport, changed into her uniform and showed up at the restraunt with them! We were completely surprised! Too happy about her being here a day early to be more than a little bummed that all our plans were for naught! She still got the flowers and balloons, but the banner was still rolled up in the box. Oh well! She got us!!! Now to enjoy the next 23 days with her! Oh I was also wearing a Proud AIR FORCE Mom shirt! LOL!!! Serves here right!
Hey ladies, so I've been looking up visas for the past six months for Japan. I was almost certain you don't need an actual visa for visits 90 days and under, just a return ticket and a passport. I am 100 percent correct on this, am I not? I hope so as my trip is in 3 days,
Good morning everyone......my sailor called today and said there is still no approval for april 3 leave.....he talked with someone and they told him he would find out a week to 2 days before his leave.....Katlanta (he is still saying that)......the paperwork is past his LPO (??) and is now with the higher authorities.....they advised him to get the tickets and if it doesn't get approved he could always use the tickets for another time......What do you think ladies? should I get the tickets and hope it gets approved or wait a few more weeks and get the tickets last minute and pay the extra money.....I would hate to pay $2,000 and then have it denied?? I am so confused on what to do....HELP!
MomfromCT, you can pay more and get an insured ticket that if he is suddenly denied his leave they would refund the majority of the ticket. It's a shame they are doing that to him. I know that is not a lot especially in tough times like these where every dollar counts but...I imagine his ticket is so expensive because of the Easter/Passover holiday travel. A multitude of Spring festivals here, Cherry Blossom festivals there, etc. Or call several airlines and see if you purchase the ticket now maybe you can get an open date on it to use later if needed?
If he was already denied time in March I am assuming he is probably going to be denied in April....why would they hold it so long if they were not going to give it to him.....?? I guess I'll get the tickets and pray that he gets the approval...if he doesn't get the approval hopefully he will get to come home sometime within a year.
That is so frustrating! I know our sailors don't like us to intervene, but you may want to talk to the ship ombudsman. As an ombudsman myself at a college, I often help parents with issues like this - if not to resolve at least to understand why . Just a thought - I feel your frustration!
Here is the Ombudsman info:
USS George Washington Ombudsman
Who is the Ombudsman? The Navy Family Ombudsman Program is designed to provide better and faster communications between Navy families and Navy officials. Navy commanders and all deploying units, including reserves, have an Ombudsman; a spouse of one of the command's active duty members.
As official representatives of the George Washington families, Ombudsman are primarily a liaison between Commanding officers and families. They can speed up communications between the command and families by passing along information so that families are always informed.
In addition, an Ombudsman can give you information on services, upcoming events or help with a crisis in the event you are unable to resolve the crisis within your own capabilities or resources. The ombudsman program may include confidential information. This is defined by the CO as sensitive information about a service member or his/her family that is kept within the system for official use only and is relayed only on a need-to-know basis. You can put your trust in your Ombudsman!
An Ombudsman reaches out to individual families with friendship, information, problem solving and a helping hand. Although your Ombudsman may sometimes act as an advocate, they do not get involved in chain-of-command matters. Use your Ombudsman as a person who can quickly direct you to the right people to provide help for your specific concern.
The following individuals are GW's Ombudsmen and way's you can get in contact with them.
I agree with katlanta and yourself to buy the cheaper ticket and hope for the best. Yes, stephsmom, $7000 is like traveling there business class. Whew!
I am stoked that next week I will get to have dinner with my son and DIL (and g-baby to be) before they go to her family's for a few days. Then hoping we get to spend a couple more days with him before they go back.
I bought my son's ticket home for Christmas on Delta. I searched for the best route on line first and then called the reservation # to inquire about any special consideration for active duty military. I was told that while Delta doesn't give big discounts for military, they will waive any change fees if the passenger ticket is booked as active duty military. That's what Delta calls "military fares" which cannot be reserved on line. If the travel dates change after you book the ticket, you would be able to use the credit within a year and change fees would not be deducted.Perhaps the other carriers have something similar. Good luck.
I have always bought my sons tickets home from Japan on American Airlines. And up until August of last year I had 2 Sailors in Japan. I now have one in Japan and one in CA. And all I have done was booked and paid for the ticket online and then I called American and told them that my sons are Active Duty Military. They make a note on the reservation about it. That way if their leave gets cancelled or they get recalled there is no late fees or cancel fees. All they need is something from the command about the cancellation or recall. Booking online is alot cheaper than trying to book a Military Fare with the airlines.
Also I don't know how many of you follow the GDUB's facebook page. But the Skipper did say on one of the questions he was answering that they are gearing up for deployment. Which could be a reason also for leaves being denied. They have to do qualifications and such.
On Delta with a "military fare", my son could change his flight for any reason and not incur a change fee. It had nothing to do with having an approved leave. And I was lucky that the price I paid by calling the Delta reservation # was less than any of the fares I was able to find on line. Another time he was traveling back to the states on orders to attend a training conference and wanted to change his flight on American so he could take some extra time at home. There was no change fee to rebook, we just had to pay the difference in fare which wasn't much.
My son's leave is still a few weeks away, so there is some time. They do spend their time in port preparing for deployment, that is what they do. Saying that they are preparing for deployment doesn't mean they are about to deploy, it is their job when in port to get ready for the next deployment. Does that make sense... so the Skipper's answer would be accurate in Jan. or April or anytime they are in port.
katlanta - wonderful news! So happy for you and I hope your son will like it back here in the states. It sounds like he has a great attitude and ooooo a possible marriage in the future!
navymomfromCT - Keeping my fingers crossed for you and your son.
I got the plane tickets....I went with Delta for $1,600.....he can change them without a fee if he does not get approved this time....still no word on approval.....I will tell him to keep checking and go to somebody with higher authority....it is so ridiculous...I don't know what he is getting the run around......he also went down to the narita shuttle to reserve a van to the airport and the system was down....so he has to do that still....
Katlanta - So happy for you to hear that your son is coming back to the States and so much closer to home. Perhaps his lady love wouldn't mind a trip to this part of the world to see how she likes it.
Hey all, I thought this was a pretty good item to share... Sign up and sign it!
It's a petition to reinstate the military tuition assistance, which all of our kids have earned and deserve!
My son is home for a couple of weeks!!! Had dinner tonight with him, his wife and her family. We will get to spend time together this weekend...so happy to see him!
Please pray for safe travels for my new daughter-in-law who is flying to Japan on Friday to visit my son. She's a very independent young lady (20 yrs. old), but it scares me to death she is making this trip alone.
Thank you all for your support. I love this group!
Hello everyone. I'm in need of information. My son left this morning for Yokosuka, Japan and will be stationed on GW. Can anyone tell me about cell phone usage? They told him to get a cell phone when he got there. He has his old droid which is verizon, but I'm sure it will not work. We were told once he got a phone over there we could us the app viber to call/text free. Is this true?
My son also got a new phone when he got to Japan (in November). He and his wife downloaded an app thinking it was free messaging. Their first phone bill was over $900! The app used minutes, not data, which my daughter-in-law has unlimited, but not my son. My son has very few minutes, but has unlimited data. So they did more research and found a different app that uses data. It's called LINE, and we use it as well.
Aaron's mom, I'm sure she will do fine. My DIL went there by herself last year while my son was out at sea. She got their apartment, had a lot of their stuff out of storage and had found her way around pretty well by the time he returned home for a couple of weeks. Everyone is pretty helpful.
We use Voxer and it is like a walkie talkie. My kids like it so they can leave messages for their brother and it only take him a second to respond and leave them messages. We used LINE for a while but just for texting and I like hearing his voice. HE can even send pictures thru Voxer and it was a free app.
my son bought a local prepay phone when he got there. He had a new verizon droid and was not willing to buy another. He has is set up for text messages that go to his google ( too much technology for this mom), but I can call him when I want to talk to him with a calling card we bought here for 20 cents a minute. Works for us! Of course he has a computer and tablet for skyping but we don't do that often. He is our tech man and he is on the other side of the globe. LOL
Aaron's mom, will look forward to hearing how your dil travel went, she will do fine. The world is so small to young people today.
NAvyMomfromCT I think of you and your sailor often. Praying it all works out.
Katlanta nice news your son is coming home. He'll have to bring that cute lil lady for a visit to his world and you can meet her then. :) My son will be looking for a move next year, hmm where will it me :)
Mary (Chris' mom) and lmnadelady, thank you for the comments. You're right, youngsters are so brave these days! I'll let you know how it goes.....she's there for three weeks!!!
For those moms that are questioning how to keep in touch with your sailors, my son Tim told me about Line which you can download to a smart phone for texting and free telephone calls. I think you can also put it on you pc provided you have a micro phone so you can call from it. :)
My son got a phone when he got to Japan....its about $100 a month.....we skype or we use Viber....
Still waiting to hear on the approval. He did call to tell me he made the Varsity GW Softball team.....he sounded really excited....they played a game the other night and they won and from the sound of his voice he was beaming!!
Thanks guys...he called again...they won another game....he had a small fan section watching and routing for him which made his day!!.....still waiting for the approval.....I am staying positive that it will be approved.....got the airplane tickets...he has a reservation for the shuttle to the airport....its gonna happen!!! If it doesn't I will be a blubbering idiot on Navy for Moms....LOL
Crickets - LOL I felt like you were talking directly to me! I know I'm not on here much but you ladies are always on my mind and I do read all the posts. Keeping up with my youngest (age 15) most days I don't know if I'm coming or going! He's very involved in sports but I wouldn't want it any other way. Definitely helps to keep busy with Sailor son so far away and Sailor calls frequently to get updates on his bro.
NavymomfromCT - Keep those positive vibes flowing!!! and WooHoo for your Sailor making the ball team - awesome! Still got fingers crossed for trip home.
AaronsMom - Hope your dil is having a wonderful time in Japan. At her age she probably didn't even blink an eye making the trip alone. Anxious to hear stories and see pics when she returns.
Mary(Chrismom) - So happy your son is home. I hope you had a wonderful weekend.
Boxes getting to Japan can vary. I have had boxes get there with in 5 days and a box that took 8 weeks. The box that took 8 weeks is because it got quarantined. My son asked me to send him some shampoo so I did. Well a cap on one of the bottles broke and leaked out. So they wanted to make sure it wasn't anything hazardous. The boxes take less time to get to them when they are at homeport verses being out to sea.
GW- I give you back a well rested, happy sailor. Please keep her that way! Lol! We had a wonderful 3 weeks with our daughter. So sad to see her walk away at the security checkpoint. We are hoping that it won't be another 1 1/2 year before we see her again.
Oh navtmomfromCT, oh I am so glad. I don't get on here much as my son is not on the GW when in Japan. He is with a Squadron at Atusgi. But I have thought of you every day and kept checking for news. Oh enjoy!
VERY small world we live in. On Friday I was chatting with a firefighter in my hometown (Maricopa,AZ) her brother is an AO on the GW! They don't live in Maricopa but she said he was just home on leave.Silly me, I didn't think to ask his name or hometown.
I just arrived home from my visit with my sailor in Yokosuka, these goodbyes never get easier. Does anyone know when the GW will be departing for their 2013 deployement?
A friend at work referred me to this website for info and support at having sailor overseas. My son celebrates his 21st birthday next week. Want to send a care package but don't really know what to send. We have only heard from him a couple times since he went to Japan in September. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Any info on contact etc would be great too. We send letters and emails and FB notes and messages and never hear anything back. We tell ourselves no news is good news but that is starting wear thin. Any suggestions?
Kimberly214
Cheryl, I'm SO happy for you! Congratulations and enjoy every minute!!!
Feb 27, 2013
Kimberly214
JChandlerGF - Don't plan on seeing him any time soon. Sorry to tell you that. I know the truth is painful. If they gave him leave before sending him to Japan and he went "into the hole" on his days, then it's even worse. You will find out how much you really need this group. The ladies here are so supportive and full of wisdom! It's good to have this resource, especially the ladies that have been going through this for a long time. They're good at explaining things and getting us all through it. Welcome aboard :)
Feb 27, 2013
CoCoBeansMom
Car rental done. Chile Verde ready. Almost packed. Welcome home banner done. Balloons when we get there. Family ready for arrival of our Navy Bean on Sat. morning!!!!! So Cheryl, we are going through the same feelings of anticipation. It's been 1 yr 3 months since we have seen our sailor. Can't wait to see her! Can't wait to give her a huge hug. Can't wait to kiss my daughter! Unfortunately we also have to drive down to Los Angeles (500 miles) first but we will be singing all the way! Blessings to all you mom's out there. I can't believe it's happening!!!!!
Feb 27, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
Kat, how funny! I am always crying too much (from joy) to say anything! Hugs and tears is all he gets from me for the first 5 mins!
Feb 27, 2013
TexasSailorMom
I am looking forward to seeing my sailor in April. He has been in Japan since Nov. 2011, thankfully he had leave before he left so we celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas early with him. He plans to marry his high school sweetheart when he comes home, so we will lose some time while they take a honeymoon. She' s a sweetheart though. Can't wait to see him! Congrats on seeing your sailor soon CoCoBeansMom!
Feb 28, 2013
mikeysmom /USS GW
Well I like the idea of the Presidental fund paying our way to japan. My son also went in the hole soo he wont be going anywhere soon..im not sure hes saving a dime as hes out to eat every day. Speaking of Holes---there is a young man from my sons bootcamp that fell down one of those 20 ft holes they call stairs..head first ..hes not in good condition and his mom is flying to san diego right now....wow.
Mar 1, 2013
Cheryl
Soooo- Our Sailor blew all my great plans out of the water! She arrived the day before she told us she was arriving, had friends plan to meet us at a local restraunt, had them pick her up at the airport, changed into her uniform and showed up at the restraunt with them! We were completely surprised! Too happy about her being here a day early to be more than a little bummed that all our plans were for naught! She still got the flowers and balloons, but the banner was still rolled up in the box. Oh well! She got us!!! Now to enjoy the next 23 days with her! Oh I was also wearing a Proud AIR FORCE Mom shirt! LOL!!! Serves here right!
Mar 2, 2013
kwassaimee
Hey ladies, so I've been looking up visas for the past six months for Japan. I was almost certain you don't need an actual visa for visits 90 days and under, just a return ticket and a passport. I am 100 percent correct on this, am I not? I hope so as my trip is in 3 days,
Mar 2, 2013
sparkyjo-PIR 09/21/12 Div 303
Mar 2, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Good morning everyone......my sailor called today and said there is still no approval for april 3 leave.....he talked with someone and they told him he would find out a week to 2 days before his leave.....Katlanta (he is still saying that)......the paperwork is past his LPO (??) and is now with the higher authorities.....they advised him to get the tickets and if it doesn't get approved he could always use the tickets for another time......What do you think ladies? should I get the tickets and hope it gets approved or wait a few more weeks and get the tickets last minute and pay the extra money.....I would hate to pay $2,000 and then have it denied?? I am so confused on what to do....HELP!
Mar 6, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
MomfromCT, you can pay more and get an insured ticket that if he is suddenly denied his leave they would refund the majority of the ticket. It's a shame they are doing that to him. I know that is not a lot especially in tough times like these where every dollar counts but...I imagine his ticket is so expensive because of the Easter/Passover holiday travel. A multitude of Spring festivals here, Cherry Blossom festivals there, etc. Or call several airlines and see if you purchase the ticket now maybe you can get an open date on it to use later if needed?
Mar 6, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
The refundable ticket is $7,000......I can buy three non-refudable tickets for the price of a refundable...
Mar 6, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
If he was already denied time in March I am assuming he is probably going to be denied in April....why would they hold it so long if they were not going to give it to him.....?? I guess I'll get the tickets and pray that he gets the approval...if he doesn't get the approval hopefully he will get to come home sometime within a year.
Mar 6, 2013
Amazonmom
That is so frustrating! I know our sailors don't like us to intervene, but you may want to talk to the ship ombudsman. As an ombudsman myself at a college, I often help parents with issues like this - if not to resolve at least to understand why . Just a thought - I feel your frustration!
Here is the Ombudsman info:
USS George Washington Ombudsman
Who is the Ombudsman? The Navy Family Ombudsman Program is designed to provide better and faster communications between Navy families and Navy officials. Navy commanders and all deploying units, including reserves, have an Ombudsman; a spouse of one of the command's active duty members.
As official representatives of the George Washington families, Ombudsman are primarily a liaison between Commanding officers and families. They can speed up communications between the command and families by passing along information so that families are always informed.
In addition, an Ombudsman can give you information on services, upcoming events or help with a crisis in the event you are unable to resolve the crisis within your own capabilities or resources. The ombudsman program may include confidential information. This is defined by the CO as sensitive information about a service member or his/her family that is kept within the system for official use only and is relayed only on a need-to-know basis. You can put your trust in your Ombudsman!
An Ombudsman reaches out to individual families with friendship, information, problem solving and a helping hand. Although your Ombudsman may sometimes act as an advocate, they do not get involved in chain-of-command matters. Use your Ombudsman as a person who can quickly direct you to the right people to provide help for your specific concern.
The following individuals are GW's Ombudsmen and way's you can get in contact with them.
Mia Pilling
090-9005-1873 (Japanese Only)
Julia Trogden
080-2208-6283
253-906-4542
Lindsey Todd
080-2208-6284
Sabrina Bishop
090-1040-1992
717-877-3525
Email
CVN73OMBUDSMAN@YAHOO.COM
Mar 6, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
I agree with katlanta and yourself to buy the cheaper ticket and hope for the best. Yes, stephsmom, $7000 is like traveling there business class. Whew!
I am stoked that next week I will get to have dinner with my son and DIL (and g-baby to be) before they go to her family's for a few days. Then hoping we get to spend a couple more days with him before they go back.
Mar 7, 2013
Navy Mom
I bought my son's ticket home for Christmas on Delta. I searched for the best route on line first and then called the reservation # to inquire about any special consideration for active duty military. I was told that while Delta doesn't give big discounts for military, they will waive any change fees if the passenger ticket is booked as active duty military. That's what Delta calls "military fares" which cannot be reserved on line. If the travel dates change after you book the ticket, you would be able to use the credit within a year and change fees would not be deducted.Perhaps the other carriers have something similar. Good luck.
Mar 7, 2013
momof2sailors
I have always bought my sons tickets home from Japan on American Airlines. And up until August of last year I had 2 Sailors in Japan. I now have one in Japan and one in CA. And all I have done was booked and paid for the ticket online and then I called American and told them that my sons are Active Duty Military. They make a note on the reservation about it. That way if their leave gets cancelled or they get recalled there is no late fees or cancel fees. All they need is something from the command about the cancellation or recall. Booking online is alot cheaper than trying to book a Military Fare with the airlines.
Mar 7, 2013
momof2sailors
Also I don't know how many of you follow the GDUB's facebook page. But the Skipper did say on one of the questions he was answering that they are gearing up for deployment. Which could be a reason also for leaves being denied. They have to do qualifications and such.
Mar 7, 2013
Navy Mom
On Delta with a "military fare", my son could change his flight for any reason and not incur a change fee. It had nothing to do with having an approved leave. And I was lucky that the price I paid by calling the Delta reservation # was less than any of the fares I was able to find on line. Another time he was traveling back to the states on orders to attend a training conference and wanted to change his flight on American so he could take some extra time at home. There was no change fee to rebook, we just had to pay the difference in fare which wasn't much.
Mar 7, 2013
momof2sailors
They still have quals that everyone has to go thru. And sea trials before deployment.
Mar 7, 2013
momof2sailors
katlanta,
Why would you put that? That would be considered a OPSEC violation.
Mar 7, 2013
TexasSailorMom
My son's leave is still a few weeks away, so there is some time. They do spend their time in port preparing for deployment, that is what they do. Saying that they are preparing for deployment doesn't mean they are about to deploy, it is their job when in port to get ready for the next deployment. Does that make sense... so the Skipper's answer would be accurate in Jan. or April or anytime they are in port.
Mar 10, 2013
MaggieMay
katlanta - wonderful news! So happy for you and I hope your son will like it back here in the states. It sounds like he has a great attitude and ooooo a possible marriage in the future!
navymomfromCT - Keeping my fingers crossed for you and your son.
Have a great day ladies!
Mar 11, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
I got the plane tickets....I went with Delta for $1,600.....he can change them without a fee if he does not get approved this time....still no word on approval.....I will tell him to keep checking and go to somebody with higher authority....it is so ridiculous...I don't know what he is getting the run around......he also went down to the narita shuttle to reserve a van to the airport and the system was down....so he has to do that still....
Mar 11, 2013
Navy Mom
Katlanta - So happy for you to hear that your son is coming back to the States and so much closer to home. Perhaps his lady love wouldn't mind a trip to this part of the world to see how she likes it.
NavyMomfrom CT - fingers crossed for you.
Mar 11, 2013
Lisa FLNavyMom
It's a petition to reinstate the military tuition assistance, which all of our kids have earned and deserve!
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/reinstate-military-tuitio...
Katlanta I'm so happy for you and John, my son would give anything to come back stateside, cheers!
And for what it's worth, my son got his May leave approved...
Prayers and positive thoughts for those studying for their E4 test this month!
Mar 11, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
My son is home for a couple of weeks!!! Had dinner tonight with him, his wife and her family. We will get to spend time together this weekend...so happy to see him!
Mar 11, 2013
AaronsMom
Good morning, everyone!
Please pray for safe travels for my new daughter-in-law who is flying to Japan on Friday to visit my son. She's a very independent young lady (20 yrs. old), but it scares me to death she is making this trip alone.
Thank you all for your support. I love this group!
Mar 12, 2013
MamabearK
Hello everyone. I'm in need of information. My son left this morning for Yokosuka, Japan and will be stationed on GW. Can anyone tell me about cell phone usage? They told him to get a cell phone when he got there. He has his old droid which is verizon, but I'm sure it will not work. We were told once he got a phone over there we could us the app viber to call/text free. Is this true?
Mar 12, 2013
AaronsMom
My son also got a new phone when he got to Japan (in November). He and his wife downloaded an app thinking it was free messaging. Their first phone bill was over $900! The app used minutes, not data, which my daughter-in-law has unlimited, but not my son. My son has very few minutes, but has unlimited data. So they did more research and found a different app that uses data. It's called LINE, and we use it as well.
Just be careful with those apps!
Mar 12, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
Aaron's mom, I'm sure she will do fine. My DIL went there by herself last year while my son was out at sea. She got their apartment, had a lot of their stuff out of storage and had found her way around pretty well by the time he returned home for a couple of weeks. Everyone is pretty helpful.
Mar 12, 2013
TraceJ
We use Voxer and it is like a walkie talkie. My kids like it so they can leave messages for their brother and it only take him a second to respond and leave them messages. We used LINE for a while but just for texting and I like hearing his voice. HE can even send pictures thru Voxer and it was a free app.
Mar 12, 2013
lmnadelady
my son bought a local prepay phone when he got there. He had a new verizon droid and was not willing to buy another. He has is set up for text messages that go to his google ( too much technology for this mom), but I can call him when I want to talk to him with a calling card we bought here for 20 cents a minute. Works for us! Of course he has a computer and tablet for skyping but we don't do that often. He is our tech man and he is on the other side of the globe. LOL
Aaron's mom, will look forward to hearing how your dil travel went, she will do fine. The world is so small to young people today.
NAvyMomfromCT I think of you and your sailor often. Praying it all works out.
Katlanta nice news your son is coming home. He'll have to bring that cute lil lady for a visit to his world and you can meet her then. :) My son will be looking for a move next year, hmm where will it me :)
Mar 13, 2013
AaronsMom
Mary (Chris' mom) and lmnadelady, thank you for the comments. You're right, youngsters are so brave these days! I'll let you know how it goes.....she's there for three weeks!!!
Mar 14, 2013
CindeefromPA
For those moms that are questioning how to keep in touch with your sailors, my son Tim told me about Line which you can download to a smart phone for texting and free telephone calls. I think you can also put it on you pc provided you have a micro phone so you can call from it. :)
Mar 14, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
It sounds like she should have a nice visit. As always...pictures, pictures, pictures!!!
Mar 14, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
My son got a phone when he got to Japan....its about $100 a month.....we skype or we use Viber....
Still waiting to hear on the approval. He did call to tell me he made the Varsity GW Softball team.....he sounded really excited....they played a game the other night and they won and from the sound of his voice he was beaming!!
Mar 15, 2013
lmnadelady
navymomfromCT so good to hear of your son making the team, to hear the cheer in their voice makes ones day!
Mar 15, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Thanks guys...he called again...they won another game....he had a small fan section watching and routing for him which made his day!!.....still waiting for the approval.....I am staying positive that it will be approved.....got the airplane tickets...he has a reservation for the shuttle to the airport....its gonna happen!!! If it doesn't I will be a blubbering idiot on Navy for Moms....LOL
Mar 19, 2013
MaggieMay
Crickets - LOL I felt like you were talking directly to me! I know I'm not on here much but you ladies are always on my mind and I do read all the posts. Keeping up with my youngest (age 15) most days I don't know if I'm coming or going! He's very involved in sports but I wouldn't want it any other way. Definitely helps to keep busy with Sailor son so far away and Sailor calls frequently to get updates on his bro.
NavymomfromCT - Keep those positive vibes flowing!!! and WooHoo for your Sailor making the ball team - awesome! Still got fingers crossed for trip home.
AaronsMom - Hope your dil is having a wonderful time in Japan. At her age she probably didn't even blink an eye making the trip alone. Anxious to hear stories and see pics when she returns.
Mary(Chrismom) - So happy your son is home. I hope you had a wonderful weekend.
Hugs to you all!
Mar 20, 2013
momof2sailors
Boxes getting to Japan can vary. I have had boxes get there with in 5 days and a box that took 8 weeks. The box that took 8 weeks is because it got quarantined. My son asked me to send him some shampoo so I did. Well a cap on one of the bottles broke and leaked out. So they wanted to make sure it wasn't anything hazardous. The boxes take less time to get to them when they are at homeport verses being out to sea.
Mar 24, 2013
Cheryl
GW- I give you back a well rested, happy sailor. Please keep her that way! Lol! We had a wonderful 3 weeks with our daughter. So sad to see her walk away at the security checkpoint. We are hoping that it won't be another 1 1/2 year before we see her again.
Mar 25, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Two days before my sailor was taking leave and it is finally approved.....Thank God!!! He and I can hardly wait....
Apr 1, 2013
lmnadelady
Oh navtmomfromCT, oh I am so glad. I don't get on here much as my son is not on the GW when in Japan. He is with a Squadron at Atusgi. But I have thought of you every day and kept checking for news. Oh enjoy!
Apr 1, 2013
JoAnn7877
Apr 1, 2013
BADma
VERY small world we live in. On Friday I was chatting with a firefighter in my hometown (Maricopa,AZ) her brother is an AO on the GW! They don't live in Maricopa but she said he was just home on leave.Silly me, I didn't think to ask his name or hometown.
Apr 1, 2013
Alicia(12/053 - AO)♥
http://thestir.cafemom.com/in_the_news/153414/navy_pilots_adorable_...
Apr 1, 2013
kwassaimee
Apr 2, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Thanks guys for keeping tabs on me....I'm so excited....thursday cannot get here soon enough.....
Alicia: Very nice story!
Apr 2, 2013
sethsmom
A friend at work referred me to this website for info and support at having sailor overseas. My son celebrates his 21st birthday next week. Want to send a care package but don't really know what to send. We have only heard from him a couple times since he went to Japan in September. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Any info on contact etc would be great too. We send letters and emails and FB notes and messages and never hear anything back. We tell ourselves no news is good news but that is starting wear thin. Any suggestions?
Apr 3, 2013