Thanks again Debby. I figured everyone had to be careful. I thought of people looking at this site to see what we write, but I never thought of how the person I might be talking to might not be who they say they are!! You can tell I am a Grandma--not up on the "ways of the world" as much as I should be, and not as computer savvy either!
Mermaid, I have my sons pictures on my page however I have blacked out their last names in paint.. I also do not say my son's first names here because they are very unique they are of mixed heritage and I dont want them to become targets of racists :) So I refer to them as my Navy son and my Army son..
Connie, I think I will not say my grandson`s name for now anyways. I am so new to this site. But-- has your son been training someplace else this past week? My Grandson has, so that would give us an idea if they are together. Yes, I am curious too!
It is interesting to read what things there are to do in the area when the family visits VA.
Debby, It is too bad we have to think about people who might make mean comments! We should all stand together in pride and love for all the men and women that choose to go into the military.
Mermaid yes they do.. My son will be on his 3rd deployment he will have men under him who like your grandson is new to the Riverines.. he's in Rivron 1 Det 1. I know your grandson is in Rivron 1 do you know which attachment? 1,2 or 3?
You know I was just thinking after I posted that.. when my son went there the first time there were no other Riverines with them that had experience.. they had to rely on their training.. scary isnt it? or maybe not since I know the amount of training they get... The Riverines were last active during Vietnam so as you can imagine there really weren't any around to guide them through their first deployments..
Thanks again Debby for telling me they do have more experienced men with them. That is scary to think that your son didn`t when he first went. When my grandson first joined the Riverines, I looked it up on the internet, but all I found was about Viet Nam. I had never heard of them, nor have many people that ask me what my grandson is doing in the Navy. Many people think the people in the Navy are only on the big ships. I never knew, and probably still don`t realize all the Navy does.
I don`t know what attachment my grandson is in. I got the Squadron 1 from his address. Let`s just say he is probably the tallest guy there!
I don`t know my grandson`s rating. He went to boot camp in late April 2009, and has been to several different places since then. He will be deployed this April. I haven`t seen the training video. Where did you find that--on the internet? He doesn`t tell me a lot because he says he doesn`t want me to worry about him!! I guess he knows his grandma pretty well!
Can the family actually watch them leave base for deployment? I have seen on Tv families saying goodbye as their servicemen and women get on buses. I had a hard time saying goodbye after he graduated from boot camp, especially with so many families hugging and crying. I was crying for myself and the other people too!
Mermaid I have 3 of the training video's on my profile...I have personally never been to the goodbye or welcome back.. My son told me they don't do anything really for the Riverines.. usually the guys on ships.. I personally think he doesnt want me there.. so he calls me at the last stop in the US to tell me goodbye.. I pretend I am not crying because I dont want him worrying about me..
My grandson e mailed me that he was on his way to "somewhere" in the night last night. He will be visiting us here on his week off in April, before he deploys, so that will probably be our "goodbye" by the sounds of it. We haven`t been to Little Creek yet, since he comes here to visit us, or goes home to visit the rest of his family. I haven`t looked at the videos yet. My computer is slow, so I may not be able to look at them. No high speed out here in the country!
I am so glad I found this site! It helps just to talk to other moms. I don`t feel so alone in this now!
Debby, I tried to look at the videos, but my computer is so slow that it kept stopping. I will go to a friend`s house and look at them there. We need high speed internet out here in the country!
I haven't been on here in quite some time, so I just want to make a short comment here by way of introduction. I'm a retired Navy chaplain. Yvonne and I have a "home away from home" for servicemen and women in our home on weekends. On Saturdays we get together for food fun and games. On Sundays we have a big home cooked meal after church and then we relax, watch Christian videos, have Bible studies where the guys and girls can ask questions and hopefully get some answers.
If your sons or daughters get orders to the Norfolk-Virginia Beach area and you think they might be interested in getting away from the base for a few hours, into a "real" home, with a real family, let them know about us. We'd love to invite them over. Send us a private message on here and we'll give you our contact information. We've had several Navyformoms' sailors to the house. Some Navyformoms have even visited!
Hello to John and Yvonne Wagner,
That is a wonderful thing you are doing opening your home to the servicemen and women! My Grandson is deploying soon, but I will tell him about you for the future.
I am so excited! My Grandson is coming here to visit tomorrow. He is driving all night long to get here. Is anyone going to the picnic tomorrow? I wish I could be there. It will be short but sweet visit.
My son will be arriving sometime in July. He will be coming home on leave first and then I will be driving him to Little Creek. Any suggestions of where to stay?
Hi, my son just got verbal orders that he will be heading off to Little Creek, VA to be on a PC crewin what I think Patrol Craft Alpha as an enginmen. I see there are Seabee moms here as well as Riverine moms. Anyone have any thoughts, advice or maybe tell me what this might be all about. He wasn't real forth comming in information so I thought I would check to see what all the great Navy moms might be able to tell me. Thanks in advance for any information you might be able to pass along.
Hi Cherie, Wow that's great! Yes, I would assume he will be living on base seeing he is still single. He is really looking forward to getting there. He hasn't gotten his written orders or transfer date yet but we hope soon. So is your son on a Patrol Craft or something else? Its like just when I get to know what's what things change and I have to start all over asking questions.
Hi everyone. My son will be reporting to Little Creek next week. I understand that he will be on the USS Ashford. Looking forward to learning something from the rest of you!
Where could I find information on the leave mileage? I'm pretty sure we're out of range of anything, but want to know. My parents about halfway between us and Va Beach, so maybe we'll be able to meet up with our sailor there sometime.
Hello fellow LC families. My son is currently training in NC but stationed at LC and in Riverines 2 and absolutely loves what he does. I have done everything possible to learn what I can. He sent me a shirt so I now know he is the "brown water Navy" He loves every aspect of his job and that thrills me. Now if we could put them all in a bubble wrap would the world be in a better place.
Doesn't seem to crazy about it. I think he just needs to get used to it. He's trying figure out where everything is and how to get around. At GL he got used to using the train to get around. He also got to know people, now he's starting over. How about your son?
Yes, I think it is about the same thing. He does not have a car and he says it is a long walk from wherever he sleeps to wherever he has to go for 'stuff'. I don't think there are a lot from his boot camp stationed there, but he is pretty outgoing, at least that is in his favor. He does plan to buy a car over Christmas and I know he is looking forward to that!
For those of you who have sailors that are new to the area, or if you are in the military and new here yourself, there are two things I'd like to let you know about. First, my wife and I live in Virginia Beach. I'm a retired Navy chaplain (I also spent 10 years enlisted).
We have a fellowship in our home for servicemen and women. We get together Saturday evenings from 5-9 and eat, play board games, watch DVDs, go miniature golfing, and do other special events types of things. We also get together on Sunday afternoons from 1-5 for a big home cooked meal (Yvonne is a great cook!) and fellowship.
If you have sailors stationed here, or you're stationed here, and want to meet people, make friends, and have some fun doing it, we'ld love to meet you. Check out our profile page and if you're interested, contact us.
That was item number one. Now for item number two. I am also one of the pastors at Azalea Garden Church in Virginia Beach. If you're looking for a good, family oriented, friendly church, come check out our services. We're located at 1541 Centerville Turnpike in Virginia Beach.
Please don't feel lonely here. You have friends here that you just haven't met yet!
Hi everyone, I just wanted to stop by and say hi and introduce myself. My name is Lora, everyone calls me Lala. I have been on this site for well over a year now. My daughter had PIR July 23rd last year and is an AO at NAS Oceana. She got married during A-school and her husband had PIR in October last year as well. They met in DEP. He is based at Little Creek. She has been in VA Beach since September and he has been there since Valentines day. My daughter's ship is dry-docked and my son-in-law is shore duty. I hope everyone is having a great summer.
Nice to see faces and names that I recognize on here when I joined--John and Yvonne, Iowa moms, LaLa....my son will be stationed at LC in March unless he transfers early from Great Lakes where he's been an instructor. He's looking for someone to share an apt with. Actually, would prefer a female sailor as he says they're neater, but if you've got a son who needs to share an apt and isn't a slob, he'd like to talk. He's really looking forward to being at LC, and we're excited to be traveling to VA again after three years. You'd think we would have seen him more since he's only 200 miles away, but we'll probably see him more when he's out East. He has two little girls that we'll bring to see him next summer.
Just in case there are any new sailors in this area that won't be going home for Thanksgiving, Yvonne and I have room at our table for about eight to ten. Most of you know that we open our home to servicemen and women on a regular basis. Most of those who fellowship with us regularly are going home. So I just thought we would let you all know that there isn't any reason for your sons or daughters to be alone during the holidays. But do let us know to help us plan.
Hi, Is anyone on with a sailor at Little Creek? I noticed that this group hasn't been active for quite a while. My son got to Little Creek about 5 weeks ago and is training for LCAC on board engineer.
Hi rmwicpa, My son is in the barracks there at Little Creek. He doesn't have free wifi but he does have a smart phone, so that helps. I think they have to pay for that service.
Hi Proudkmom- thanks for the info. Our Sailor has a laptop and does not have a smart phone. I am sure he will be able to figure it all out when he gets there. We live on the West Coast and were hoping he would be sent somewhere closer. Little Creek is so far away. He will be on the USS Carter Hall. Thanks Again!
rmwicpa- good to hear from you. We are also on the west coast near Portland, Oregon. When our son was sent to Little Creek in April, we were pretty bummed too. We were sure hoping for west coast. It is very far away. Our son is training to work on hover crafts and is almost finished up with training.
Proudkmom-we live in Portland! I see you are in Newberg-my Dad lives in McMinnville. Sounds like your son will have an interesting job. Ours is Damage Controlman. He just finished his A school in GL and is home for a 9 day leave. Nice to talk to someone that lives so close to us. :)
rmwicpa-Our son is coming home in a couple weeks. He hasn't been able to come home since Christmas. We are so looking forward to seeing him. He has been helping the new guys arriving at LIttle Creek. He sometimes picks them up from the Norfolk airport. When is your son scheduled to arrive at Little Creek?
If anyone in this group lives within driving distance to New Port Richey FL (surrounding areas include Holiday, St Petersburg, Clearwater etc I will be there on vacation and I am going to have a get-together for all of my navy Mom friends who would like to join us on Wednesday afternoon/evening. I will have goodies/food and we can all sit around (or in if you prefer) the pool and just have a fun time getting to know each other and talking about our recruits and Sailors. If anyone is in that area and would like to join us please send me an email and let me know. My hubby will be away on a fishing trip and we were gonna do it Monday because he wants to be there but that is our 1st wedding anniversary <3 So, I would love to have you join me and others and you will get to meet my Sailor as well :-) The date is Wednesday June 27th. If you would like to meet but that afternoon or evening isn't good for you let me know and we will set up a another time while I am there :-) I am so excited to meet some of my navy Mom friends!!! My email is uniquememorymakers@yahoo.com
Sesalle-thank you for the information. Do you know which company he needs to buy a modem/router with? He has one with Clear but they do not cover Little Creek. Thanks.
Hi All, I have not heard from my son in about 4 days - he is new to the area (arrived on the 23rd). I am a little nervous with all the storm reports on the East Coast right now. I am not familiar with the area at all but it looks like Little Creek may be in the storm area (?) Anyone have any updates? It would ease my mind some to hear if all is okay in the area. Also, he is assigned to the USS Carter Hall - maybe they are back out but had to dock for a water problem in the middle of last week. He is not responding to my text messages. Thanks.
Mermaid
Mar 24, 2010
Mermaid
Mar 24, 2010
Debby
Mar 25, 2010
Mermaid
It is interesting to read what things there are to do in the area when the family visits VA.
Mar 25, 2010
Mermaid
Mar 25, 2010
Mermaid
Mar 25, 2010
Debby
Mar 25, 2010
Debby
Mar 25, 2010
Mermaid
I don`t know what attachment my grandson is in. I got the Squadron 1 from his address. Let`s just say he is probably the tallest guy there!
Mar 26, 2010
Mermaid
Can the family actually watch them leave base for deployment? I have seen on Tv families saying goodbye as their servicemen and women get on buses. I had a hard time saying goodbye after he graduated from boot camp, especially with so many families hugging and crying. I was crying for myself and the other people too!
Mar 26, 2010
Debby
Mar 26, 2010
Mermaid
I am so glad I found this site! It helps just to talk to other moms. I don`t feel so alone in this now!
Mar 27, 2010
Mermaid
Mar 27, 2010
Mermaid
Mar 30, 2010
John and Yvonne
If your sons or daughters get orders to the Norfolk-Virginia Beach area and you think they might be interested in getting away from the base for a few hours, into a "real" home, with a real family, let them know about us. We'd love to invite them over. Send us a private message on here and we'll give you our contact information. We've had several Navyformoms' sailors to the house. Some Navyformoms have even visited!
Apr 5, 2010
Mermaid
That is a wonderful thing you are doing opening your home to the servicemen and women! My Grandson is deploying soon, but I will tell him about you for the future.
Apr 5, 2010
Mermaid
Apr 15, 2010
Debbie
Jul 1, 2010
Jakesmom
Aug 15, 2010
Jakesmom
Aug 19, 2010
sjr23
Oct 4, 2010
sjr23
Oct 9, 2010
navymom02
Oct 15, 2010
sjr23
Nov 4, 2010
sjr23
Nov 17, 2010
lori_proud mom
Nov 18, 2010
sjr23
Nov 19, 2010
lori_proud mom
Nov 23, 2010
sjr23
Nov 23, 2010
John and Yvonne
We have a fellowship in our home for servicemen and women. We get together Saturday evenings from 5-9 and eat, play board games, watch DVDs, go miniature golfing, and do other special events types of things. We also get together on Sunday afternoons from 1-5 for a big home cooked meal (Yvonne is a great cook!) and fellowship.
If you have sailors stationed here, or you're stationed here, and want to meet people, make friends, and have some fun doing it, we'ld love to meet you. Check out our profile page and if you're interested, contact us.
That was item number one. Now for item number two. I am also one of the pastors at Azalea Garden Church in Virginia Beach. If you're looking for a good, family oriented, friendly church, come check out our services. We're located at 1541 Centerville Turnpike in Virginia Beach.
Please don't feel lonely here. You have friends here that you just haven't met yet!
Happy Thanksgiving.
Nov 24, 2010
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
Jul 28, 2011
Ruth, Gun's Mom
Sep 2, 2011
Proud Navy Wife
Sep 16, 2011
John and Yvonne
Nov 7, 2011
Ruth, Gun's Mom
My son should be arriving in Virginia Beach late today. He was in PA last night, pulling a trailer with his motorcycle and furniture from Great Lakes.
Mar 2, 2012
Ruth, Gun's Mom
If any of you are members of Seal Moms, would you let me know? I have some questions.
Apr 11, 2012
Trevorsmommy9710
May 26, 2012
Proudkmom
Hi, Is anyone on with a sailor at Little Creek? I noticed that this group hasn't been active for quite a while. My son got to Little Creek about 5 weeks ago and is training for LCAC on board engineer.
Jun 2, 2012
rmwjcpa
Hi, My sailor will be there on the 23rd - next week. Does anyone know if he will have wifi or will he need to pay for service? Thanks.
Jun 16, 2012
Proudkmom
Hi rmwicpa, My son is in the barracks there at Little Creek. He doesn't have free wifi but he does have a smart phone, so that helps. I think they have to pay for that service.
Jun 16, 2012
rmwjcpa
Hi Proudkmom- thanks for the info. Our Sailor has a laptop and does not have a smart phone. I am sure he will be able to figure it all out when he gets there. We live on the West Coast and were hoping he would be sent somewhere closer. Little Creek is so far away. He will be on the USS Carter Hall. Thanks Again!
Jun 18, 2012
Proudkmom
rmwicpa- good to hear from you. We are also on the west coast near Portland, Oregon. When our son was sent to Little Creek in April, we were pretty bummed too. We were sure hoping for west coast. It is very far away. Our son is training to work on hover crafts and is almost finished up with training.
Jun 18, 2012
rmwjcpa
Jun 18, 2012
Proudkmom
rmwicpa-Our son is coming home in a couple weeks. He hasn't been able to come home since Christmas. We are so looking forward to seeing him. He has been helping the new guys arriving at LIttle Creek. He sometimes picks them up from the Norfolk airport. When is your son scheduled to arrive at Little Creek?
Jun 19, 2012
rmwjcpa
Proudkmom-Glad he gets to come home soon! Our son will be arriving on Saturday (the 23rd). Maybe they will meet :).
Jun 19, 2012
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
If anyone in this group lives within driving distance to New Port Richey FL (surrounding areas include Holiday, St Petersburg, Clearwater etc I will be there on vacation and I am going to have a get-together for all of my navy Mom friends who would like to join us on Wednesday afternoon/evening. I will have goodies/food and we can all sit around (or in if you prefer) the pool and just have a fun time getting to know each other and talking about our recruits and Sailors. If anyone is in that area and would like to join us please send me an email and let me know. My hubby will be away on a fishing trip and we were gonna do it Monday because he wants to be there but that is our 1st wedding anniversary <3 So, I would love to have you join me and others and you will get to meet my Sailor as well :-) The date is Wednesday June 27th. If you would like to meet but that afternoon or evening isn't good for you let me know and we will set up a another time while I am there :-) I am so excited to meet some of my navy Mom friends!!! My email is uniquememorymakers@yahoo.com
Jun 19, 2012
rmwjcpa
Sesalle-thank you for the information. Do you know which company he needs to buy a modem/router with? He has one with Clear but they do not cover Little Creek. Thanks.
Jun 21, 2012
rmwjcpa
Hi All, I have not heard from my son in about 4 days - he is new to the area (arrived on the 23rd). I am a little nervous with all the storm reports on the East Coast right now. I am not familiar with the area at all but it looks like Little Creek may be in the storm area (?) Anyone have any updates? It would ease my mind some to hear if all is okay in the area. Also, he is assigned to the USS Carter Hall - maybe they are back out but had to dock for a water problem in the middle of last week. He is not responding to my text messages. Thanks.
Jul 1, 2012
Ruth, Gun's Mom
Jul 1, 2012
rmwjcpa
Ruth-thanks so much - that makes me feel a ton better!
Jul 1, 2012