Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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

brynne21 that was me, thank you for your information. My brain is just so overloaded these days. Thank you again for answering my question about when I would be able to give my son his phone. Another question, I am sorry, for being a pest, but are we allowed to give them personal clothing to take back, I heard they can have their boxers back or lounging pants, etc. to sleep in

Thanks to everyone who helped with what to do while on liberty after graduation!  Wonderful ideas....and cautionary words.  I appreciate it all!  I will put some thoughts together and let him decide.  He may change his mind after we eat lunch!

During the I'm a Sailor phone call, my son asked if his grandparents could come.  I mentioned that only four could be on the list and he stressed about the chapel.  I can't find anywhere much information about the chapel, except that it may not be available...but he seemed confident it was. 

My son leaves today for BC.  I am worrying about what he needs to have with him.  He has a small thin black wallet, will he be able to keep this with him or will he send it home?  Will he need phone cards?  I understand that he can keep a small bible and possibly a small address book (which I am having a lot of trouble finding).  I was thinking that maybe we could write some addresses on a small piece of paper to keep in his wallet if he is able to keep it.  Any advice is welcome. 

My son left with just his wallet and a small phone book Bank Information. whatever can fit in a wallet is what he took. His Recruiter had told him not to take anything but what fitted in a wallet.

I have seen mini address books on Amazon.  Also, if the pocket bible has blank note taking pages, you can write numbers and addresses there.  To test the size, put it in a standard tube sock!  That's what they do at RTC.

If you search for mini address books, you can find one which is slim and fits inside a wallet.

https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Wallet-Address-Book-Contact/dp/B01E...

My son left with just his thin black wallet, a calling card and a small handheld composition book I'd found in the Dollar Tree. It came 3 in a pack. We went that route because I also had trouble finding a small address book. I got his box yesterday and it wasn't in there so I assume that he was able to keep it. Also, I started not to purchase a calling card prior to him leaving, however, the night before he left at the hotel check in- one of the Petty Officers mentioned he would need one. I ran out and got a $20 card from a nearby gas station.

I found my son a real nice mini address book at Wal-Mart or you can get them at Walgreens or CVS.

If you have extra guests, I would highly recommend they stay at the hotel and watch the live stream from there.

Extra guests may or may not be able to view the ceremony on base. If they can not view the ceremony on base they will be asked to leave base and return to the hotel. 

Many of the hotels have the ceremony live streamed at the hotel. Some in their lobby, and others in adjoining rooms. Check with your hotel (I know the Navy Lodge streams it).

Gundo Girl, Calls can come on any day of the week, but some will find the day of the week for their recruit is constant.

Look forward to a call at anytime, but never expect one. Call privileges can be given, and taken away at the drop of a hat.

@JoeysMom98 - Be sure to put bandaids in the wallet if you still have time.   I did for my sailor and it saved a trip to medical.