Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

My Son is on Ship 04 Div 270. I was wondering if anyone knows what the number looks like they call from does it come up as Great Lakes on a cell phone?

@Trillsmom , Lady Bug, 3B's mom - the area code there is 847.  But since my sailor has been at GL, I have gotten serious about answering any calls.  I can always hang up if it is an unwanted call.  (And believe me, prior to now, I have NEVER answered calls that I didn't recognize the number.  Your whole mindset changes!)  Have a good day, all!!!!

@Path to greater things. That has happened to me as well.  What a letdown - but also what a relief.  "No news is good news" but sometimes you feel desperate for ANY news. Hang in there!!!! Prayers for you and your sailor!!!!

I had an appointment all set up for removing wisdom teeth at home...and then found it was too close to when he shipped.  I was super upset.  Hoping if they remove them now he recovers fast!

@librarianmom - I would be anxious, too.  I took my sailor to the dentist about a month before his ship.  Xrays showed he only had one wisdom tooth - but he DID have 2 cavities that we had cared for here.  I am praying that all is well with your sailor.  "No news is good news"'; but, "no news" can drive you crazy!!!

The call I received last week from my son said "Vietnam".  It was an 847 area code. So, don't avoid any calls!

Scootergirl thank you for the update, so basically your saying everywhere beside the hotel he has to wear his uniform? so inside the hotel he can lounge correct. say if we were to BBQ outside the hotel will he still be able to wear his lounge clothes or would he have to be in uniform? just want to make sure I know what to take for him. Now once the Guys/Girls go to their A school will they be able to take anything back with them? I want to make sure before I leave that he Has what he needs. so is their a list of what can be taken back with him to his A school there in Great lakes? Thank you any advise would help!

I concur with the others about the phone calls.  My calls said "goverment" or a shortened version.  

ok thanks for the update, but I thought I read that they can go swimming also, and most hotels have those outside does he need permission? Don't want my Bud to get into trouble so that is why I am asking silly questions, just want to make sure he can enjoy himself with his family and relax. Thanks!

NicksMom,

I didn't know they can send emails at all from BC?

dont worry LIbrarianmom, military trained Dentists have an unusual amt. of experience in removing wisdom teeth. I was in Dentistry 30 yrs, worked with several Military trained Dentists, they are great at Wisdom teeth.  If they are partial bony extraction (tooth partially errupted) they will be a piece of cake.

ScooterGirl, my son will be staying at GL for A school, so when will he be allowed to have his cell phone, computer, etc, items I am bringing to PIR? From what I am gathering, I can give him these items at the Navy Lodge after PIR, during his Liberty? Do I have that right? Thank you in advance for your advice.

Thanks, I will be looking back later for a replay.

Duplicate post from PIR July 21:  I have really enjoyed everyone and their questions and learned a lot...but have mostly stayed quiet.  My son asked what we are going to do  after graduation and I told him that I figured he would want to sleep some, take a good shower, etc and that we could go out to eat.  He does NOT want to sleep when he is with us and waste that time, he wants to be with us.  YIKES...what can we do?  

HI  My son did not have his wisdom teeth removed.  he was 18 at BC,  he is 19 now, in Norfolk VA.  his wisdom teeth were FULLY IN and causing no issues apparently, and they did not remove them.

Soccer Mom -  we took the train (https://metrarail.com/maps-schedules/train-lines/UP-N/stations/GRTL...)   out of Great Lakes station into downtown Chicago to Navy Pier and then grabbed a local bus to the (free!) Lincoln Park Zoo, and went out for Pizza.

Since we are bringing my son's girlfriend, I think he will want to do something instead of sleep too.  But we will have some "relaxing" time at the hotel too I am guessing.  

dagem1:  Thank you so much.  That sounds like a great idea!

@TessaNator unfortunately only SRs in ship 03 get a tablet that they can email from

ShawnMom: good advice.  I'm gonna let my SR son choose what he wants to do, I think he would love to go into Chicago....but we shall see.

I'm hoping I get a list of 'A' school wants I can pack and ship too. Its been 3 weeks since he left.  I have been in Hawaii for 11 days, just got home.  It was easier not to think about his 'as much' there because we were sooo busy, but now I am home and missing him so much today.

When he comes back to the hotel to visit, I would be happy just watching him sleep or scratching his back (he loves this), or whatever. 

I know we will only have till about 8 pm to visit because he flies out to GC in SC next day. My time will be cut short.

I will be visiting SC a couple times this year for sure.

We miss our kids