Ship 5 Moms(Formerly Ship 17)

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For loved ones and graduates of Ship 5(17) no critics!This is a haven for the above, not for those seeking to attack those in need of support! PLEASE READ THRU MASTHEAD. MANY QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE!

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JeanneT

Thank you. Me too. :-D

Dec 22, 2012
TxNavyDad

Hello family!!

I hope everyone's SR is home and if they are not home. they will be shortly, before New Years.

Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all.

Please update us with those who are not home yet, so we can say an extra prayer for God's speed to get them home.

Dec 24, 2012
cpursley

Merry Christmas. I hope everyone is home or will be soon.

Dec 25, 2012
JeanneT

Merry Christmas to all of my "ship 5" family. Hope everyones day is filled with laughter and lots of hugs. Gos bless.

Dec 25, 2012
JeanneT

God bless. Bad typo.

Dec 25, 2012
sdcel

Hello everyone - my son arrived home at 9pm Christmas Eve. It was a wonderful gift and we are so happy to have him home. We are going to take a few days to decompress before we think about the future. God bless you all - here's hoping 2013 brings good things for everyone!

Dec 26, 2012
JeanneT

Sdcel. Enjoy! There is an adjustment period for sure. Especially if your son didn't want to leave the navy. We will get busy after the holidays are over. Right now just enjoying family. God bless you and your family. And back at you about a great 2013. :-D

Dec 26, 2012
TxNavyDad

@batmom... So sorry to hear your son is on S5. Ours was also, but he's now home. When did your son get sent to S5 and for what reason?
Usualy the way things work is, they get sent to S5, then they have meet with with legal (our kids are under contract just as the Navy is) so legal has to give his options with regard to his future with the Navy. Sometimes this can take awhile, sometimes not. Then when he's done with legal, his paperwork goes to his CO to sign off and then his paperwork goes to Transportatio to finalize his departure and get his flight info.
I know, it's allot to happen before he comes home.
There's many of us in here who have gone thru this or are currently going thru this. We are all here to help you get thru this and try to answer as many questions as possible. There are plenty of shoulders to cry on, ears to listen, plenty of prayers for you and your son.
We all are family here. We all support each other here. You are not alone here. I will do my best as will many others to help you and make you a little easy as this transition is just short of total madness. We have all gone thru emotions never before thought possible in so many different ways. Don't be shy, as there is no judgement here, just compassion and understanding. Don't hesitate to cry out, YELL OUT or lash out. We understand as we too have done just that and helped each other along this very rocky road.

Dec 27, 2012
TxNavyDad

batmom... Well... his recruiter never should have told him not to disclose anything. He knows better than that. They would have found out anyway whether his knee locked up or not. They would have found out more on his background and about the Ritalin. Failure to disclose is a big issue, however, I've never heard of any prosecution because of failure to disclose, especially since his recruiter told him not to. I'm sure it can happen, I've just never heard of it. As long as they are still active duty, even on ship 5, as I understand it they are still bound by the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice).

If I'm incorrect, please someone correct me on this.

I'm not trying you scare you batsmom, just give a little background.

There have been allot of our sons/daughters get sent to ship 5 for medical issues, so your son is not alone in that regard. I can't comment on the SO contract as I've never heard of that.

Contacting the Red Cross certainly couldn't hurt. I don't know how much it would help, but I don't know that it would hurt things either. I'm sorry that I'm not allot of help right now, but what I can say is, We will keep you and your son in prayer for a speedy outcome and for a non-risky back surgery for you with fast and complete healing.

Dec 27, 2012
JeanneT

Batmom. My son was sent to ship 5 on Dec 7 and got home on Dec 21. Felt like an eternity but just as texnavydad said, we are here if you need anything at all. I got thtough it because of these fine people on this site.

Dec 27, 2012
Janet

My son was heartbroken to be sent to ship 5 after an optometrist said he had keratoconus during the processing eye exam. This is an inherited eye condition that disqualifies you from Navy service. However, I don't think the diagnosis was correct -- he has no symptoms or family history and it has never been diagnosed before. He doesn't even wear glasses. Has anyone experienced this situation and if so was it possible to get a second opinion on the diagnosis? It seems to me like he deserves that before he's just sent home. Any advice appreciated!

Dec 27, 2012
Robynkm

I know a mom who's son was sent to s5 for about the same thing, I will tell her about this maybe she can help. Her son stayed & fought it & went back in training & graduated.
Batmom, call your Congressman they really help. You may get the run around at first but don't take "NO" for an answer. We are all here for you.
Ship 5 Moms/Dads are the rock!

Dec 27, 2012
Robynkm

I know a mom who's son was sent to s5 for about the same thing, I will tell her about this maybe she can help. Her son stayed & fought it & went back in training & graduated.
Batmom, call your Congressman they really help. You may get the run around at first but don't take "NO" for an answer. We are all here for you.
Ship 5 Moms/Dads are the rock!

Dec 27, 2012
sdcel

We were advised to contact our Congressman and ask for an Crongessional inquiry if we felt our son was being railroaded. His veterans affair staffer has been very helpful. Although it maybe be a long fight, he made us feel it was a process we could win.

Dec 27, 2012
cpursley

Most of us here have went through the same thing. The most important thing is to make sure your son knows you are proud of him and that this is not his fault. My son was sent to Ship 5 the day before his graduation, so he was REALLY upset that he had to leave. He has been home almost 2 weeks now and can't make up his mind if he wants to try to get the waiver and try to re enlist. This is sad to me because the military is all he ever wanted to do. MOST of the people on here want to support you, beware there is one that I think tries to help BUT is very rude most of the time.

Dec 28, 2012
colormecrazy

Hi everyone! I feel really bad that I haven't been back to update y'all. But my husband made it home the Friday before Christmas! With my new job, the holidays, and wanting to spend every few seconds of my free time with him I just haven't had time to get back on here!

Batmom - I'd never thought I'd make it to the point where I'd be giving the advice. Every day goes by so slow and honestly nothing makes it better. We stayed pretty strong up until my Husbands mom decided to tell him that his grandfather was on his deathbed 2 days before he actually came home. He had a break down after finding out he wasn't on the departure list on the day they told him he would be- or the day after.

I called the Red Cross which can help if an immediate family member has gotten into a life threatening accident,life threatening illness, or death.They couldn't help me because his mom wouldn't release the medical info...which really ticked me off...like why tell him in the first place?

So then I called legal, and explained the situation and that I had a meeting with my congressman that Friday because I was running out of options. He put me on hold for a bit then came back to tell me my husband was on the departure list for that Friday. Not sure if it really helped. If you do decide to call them, know that they actually are REALLY nice people. When I called I sort of had a defensive tone at first- expecting a fight. But he was very very helpful.

I know how incredibly awful this situation is. I was deeply depressed. I think only got out of bed a couple times a week. Keep your eye on the finish line though, and stay positive. That's the best thing you can do for your son. He needs someone to be strong for him.

Dec 31, 2012
mmyers01

Hi ladies!! I just wanted to drop in and say a few words. I just got home from ship five about 3 weeks ago. And I can honestly tell all of you ship five sucks!!!! But as for me...coming home was the worst part. I just wanted to give you guys a little bit of advice...first off if you have the seps address send your family member something...even if it is just funny jokes if you don't have the address it is as follows and this
Doe, John
Ship 05, Seps (f) or (m)
3610 Illinois st
Great Lakes, il
60088
Sending them something may not seem like a big deal since you get to talk to them often and they are coming home soon...but I promise am hour seems like days in separations. So send them some funny jokes to pass around...send them funny pictures, send them movies or even send some girls some coloring books or word searches...the smallest thing brightens thier day.
Second thing is...when they come home...don't hound them with questions. Or even when they call. I know your eager to find out what happened but they are all above the age if 18 and adults so they will tell you if and when they are ready. And just be kind and supportive when they come home...I mean if you kid is like me they had their whole life planned around being in the military and now everything is change in an instant for them...and don't push them to do something they don't want to. Some people coming home have been told they can reenlist but some may not want to. My family is pushing me to have some pointless mom life threatening surgery that I can't afford just so I can reenlist...which I'm not sure that is the right option for me. So listen to your kids wants and just try an be supportive...and when they do call don't sound frustrated or upset on the phone hold it in until the call is over cuz that just hurts them more...just try and have a conversation about stuff that doesn't involve the military like tv shows and family events!!!
One last thing DO NOT SAY " what did you so today" or "how was your day" because they so the SAME thing every day and 90% of the time their day sucked.

Jan 1, 2013
TJsMom

Thank you to all of you for your posts!

My son is in ship 5 waiting to come home. He has been sick since the first week of BC-he said they told him he has asthma and he is coming home (that was 2 weeks ago). I know he is very upset about this but I haven't pressed for too many details over the phone.

I pray he will be home soon and ready to start his Plan B.

Jan 1, 2013
Janet

When my son first got to ship 5 he got to call me several times but now I haven't heard from him in a week, since Christmas Day. Anyone else heard from their SR lately? It's so hard every day that passes with no news about what's happening with his case.

Jan 1, 2013
Janet

Batmom - I thought it was something like that. It seems so wrong that they are treated like a "division" and everyone is grouped together - those that want out with those that desperately want back in.

Jan 1, 2013
Janet

Batmom, He must have come in about the same time as my son. I too have left messages with legal several times with no answer, but I understand they were closed for a 4-day weekend. Hopefully tomorrow...

Jan 1, 2013
mmyers01

@nicksmom well I was in the female separations and from what I understand things were a little easier on us because we didn't have as many people as the males do. Pretty much they wake up at 0600 clean the compartment and go to chow...depending on behavior of the group that day the daily routine is filled with watching movies some time to go to the lounge and get on Facebook which charges $6 and hour. More movie time...twice a week they get to go to the nex. And then watch more movies. They go to sleep around 2200. The worst part is the waiting. When you first get to separations, you go to indoc on your next buisness day. Then you wait anywhere from one to two weeks to go to legal then after that its between another one to two weeks. I got stuck there during vet. Day and thanksgiving so I was in separations for four weeks almost. Don't really listen to the horror stories of people being there for a year those are special cases usually fighting for med board. If your child is getting an RE 3 or 8 I would honestly tell then it is easier to fight your case once you get home...

Jan 1, 2013
mmyers01

I have an RE 8 and I have been told I can re enlist. The code that you do not want is an RE4. Tell your kid if they have an RE 4 and they know they want to reenlist to fight the code BEFORE they come home. Because once home that code will not change....but 3s and 8s are usually ok

Jan 1, 2013
mmyers01

Yeah the girls are lucky and get phone calls every day. There was just too many guys to do that. And apperantly right after i left the girls jumped to around 120. There was only 85 max when i was in there

Jan 1, 2013
TJsMom

@mmyers-Thanks for the information about the daily routine. My son called a couple of times last week and now I have not heard from him at all. It makes sense if he has to pay for FB too-the messages have slowed down quite a bit. The not waiting and not really knowing what is going to happen makes it so hard to be patient. If he has his check card is he able to use it at NEX and for fb time?

Jan 1, 2013
momof3

Hello .. I like to ask if any knows about separation ? Once sailor is separated and sent home, are they eligible to apply for unemployment if they only were in boot camp for 3-4 weeks?

Jan 2, 2013
cpursley

My son was told at separations he could. When he went he was denied, because he never worked before. In Georgia you have to have 6 months of working experience.

Jan 2, 2013
momof3

Cpursley: thank you for reply. I'm in California, I will have to look into it tomorrow. My son was also told he can apply for benefit. Hope for something positive feed back.
Appreciate your time, enjoy your evening & happy new year !

Jan 2, 2013
cpursley

We thought it might be, which is why we told her what states we live in.

Jan 2, 2013
TxNavyDad

Hi Ladies

Sorry I have AWOL from here, but I've been tied up with stuff here. The easiest way that I have found out about unemployment benefits for your respective states is to Google "Your state Veterans Unemployment Benefits". I did that for Texas and it came up with a lot of very helpful info.

Hope this helps.

Jan 2, 2013
cpursley

Tex... did your son get benefits? If so had he worked before? And Angie... good job, its a new year and you are off to a good start.

Jan 2, 2013
cpursley

I think my son wants to try again. We just have to try to get the waiver.

Jan 2, 2013
TxNavyDad

CP.. He has not tried for unemployment. He would get if he applied, not because of Vet status, but because he has been working since he was 15 yrs old. He worked for an educational software designer at age 15 with a waiver from us, designing and creating educational software for elementary school curriculum.

Then he went to work other places, then to college, working full time while in college. So he has paid into the system as it were for many years. He doesn't want to have to rely on that if possible, but would rather get his job back at his last employer, which looks like they have open arms for him to actually put him back in the system as if he had no lost time in grade at all.

Reenlistment is still up in the air. He knows what his options are as a Navy spook and is seriously considering them. Time will tell. I told him my main concern is that 20 years down the road, he doesn't look back and say... " I should've gone back."

So, we shall see. He has an RE3E reenlistment code, so we are good to go there.

He knows that we will support him no matter which decision he makes.

Jan 2, 2013
momof3

TxNavyDad:

With the code your son received RE3E is there a time frame the have if they would like to reenlist ? My son was also separated with that code as well. I also fell the same- want to support him which ever decision he makes. He may be looking to reenlist with Army.

Jan 2, 2013
cpursley

I think he was told 6 months to a year. But with his medical reason, I'm not sure what they will say. I didn't think he would get a code to re enlist in the 1st place. So we have to check to see what the next step is.

Jan 2, 2013
cpursley

I was thinking the same thing. I guess it depends on their mood that day. I was wondering if performance has anything to do with it?

Jan 2, 2013
cpursley

Look at you Angie, nice two times in a day. :) I agree no 2 are the same, I still wonder where is the line that makes it eligible or not.

Jan 2, 2013
TxNavyDad

momof3 he was told to wait 6 months then reenlist if he chose to

Jan 2, 2013
Robynkm

I may have this wrong but we were told after 6 months to apply for Navy wavier & medical wavier. To get this wavier will not be easy but is possible. Then he can re enlist. Also told he may or may not have to go into DEP again.My son was given an RE3E also. I have to say after reading his medical file they were not trying very hard to send him home. The doctors notes are very positive. One doctor told him that he wanted to see him back there within a year. He was seped over a medical wavier we didn't know he needed. A MRI in 2009. BUT there were other things that were said & done have taken his dream away. I will be very surprised if he re enlisted. I have now come to terms with it, so now me move on.
Way to Go Angie!!!

Jan 2, 2013
cpursley

The first time..... my son signed and left a week and half later, so he never went to a Dep. meeting. But I know his case was not normal. Nothing about him and the Navy has been normal. As far as I've seen he got the closest to PIR without graduating before being sent to separations, day before.

Jan 2, 2013
Robynkm

That is what his recruiter told us, seeing that this was the Navy's mistake. But I don't think it will be an issue any way.

Jan 2, 2013
JeanneT

Hi everyone.....ditto on the traumatic experience. My son said maybe in a year and just do reserves. We will see. Happy New Year to everyone.

Jan 2, 2013
TxNavyDad

batmom... I believe that I speak for us all when I say that WE are always keeping everyone's SR's and their families in our thoughts and or prayers whether we post it or not.

As it has been posted many times, we are a family by virtue of what we have all gone thru with our SR's and continue to go thru even though some of SR's are home.

That is why we are still here and will continue to support each other, in our out of S5, we still care.

Jan 3, 2013
TxNavyDad

Batmom... No no no!!! You didn't say anything offensive at all! I was just reiterating that as a family we are always praying for each others SR's and families. Sometimes when things get really rocky, we tend to forget sometimes that others do have our backs and are there for us no matter what.
I'm sorry if it came across that way, it was not meant to be at all.
Just a reminder that as we have all been thru this and some still are, we all are still here for each other.
Fear not batmom... Family is here...

Jan 3, 2013
JeanneT

Amen Texnavydad! Glad you're still around! :-D

Jan 3, 2013
JeanneT

Batmom. My son has been home since the 22 of December and I still cry at the loss of something he had wanted so bad and his shattered dream of the navy life. So far it has been baby steps on another path. With lots of love, encouragement and support, our kids will all be okay.

Jan 3, 2013
TxNavyDad

Batmom... That is so awesome!!! Thank you for letting us know. It just reaffirms the power of prayer and support that we give each other. All the heartache that we all go thru, comes around to be words of healing, wisdom, guidance, compassion and support.
Batmom... This verse is so perfect fit all our situations:
Jerimaih 29:11-13
So happy to hear your son is coming home. Please keep us updated.

Jan 3, 2013
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW

Teri - Hi, I check in here from time to time :-) (I'm mainly on the PIR groups but "see" some of the moms come over here and check to see how they are doing :-))

Is that Box 24 that says Discharge "General" rather than an ELS? I ask because earlier you stated that they were questioning the Uncharacterized/ELS.

OR is it somewhere else on the DD214?

A General (Under Honorable Conditions) is very different from an Honorable or an ELS from what I have been reading.

The Financial Aid link explains a little bit at the bottom about characterizations. Here are two links that explain them as well:

Entry Level Separations - What is an ELS? about.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honorable_discharge#Honorable

(Though I don't think the about.com article explains the General (UHC) thoroughly. It does the ELS though.)

Jan 4, 2013
Thetwoj

Terri, I combed over my sons DD214. I don't know how far in the process you got with FASFA, but our school seemed to have no issue once I provided the DD214. Under Character of Service ours says Uncharacterized (Entry Level Separation) the Seperation Code is JFC and the Re-Entry Code is RE-3E. Does yours say something different than that?

I looked over all the information I could find as well as everything Angie and FireTeam provided and see no reason for your issue, if your DD214 says the same as mine?

Jan 4, 2013
TJsMom

Good Morning to All-A few days ago there was discussion about calling our congressmen to help move things along and get our children home. My son has been waiting for almost three weeks and I am ready to step in if it will help to get him home. I have had one fb message in a week and a half, he said he is missing the phones and computer because he has been on watch. He went to legal last Friday, so is there something I can do to check on his status and possibly help to get him home faster? Thank you for your advice!

Jan 4, 2013