Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

I got a response back concerning the hotels. The short version is that officially there are no hotels that are off limits. Unofficially one or more RDC may advise the new Sailors to stay away from certain hotels due to their reputation for drugs and/or prostitution. Check the reviews of any hotel you are considering and if it seems questionable, then look for another place. There is one hotel that new Sailors were advised against a few times last year that was also mentioned by a Sailor earlier this month.

Here are the current PIR groups:

PIR: July 28, 2017 TG 38 - 9 Divisions (227-234 & 938) 4 guests

PIR: August 4, 2017 TG 39 - 11 Divisions (235-244 & 939) 4 guests

PIR: August 11, 2017 TG 40 - 8 Divisions (245-250, 818 & 940) 4 guests

PIR: August 18, 2017 TG 41 - 7 Divisions (251-256 & 941) 4 guests

PIR: August 25, 2017 TG 42 - 9 Divisions (257-264 & 942) 4 guests

PIR: September 1, 2017 TG 43 - 13 Divisions (265-276 & 943) 3 guests (This is Labor Day Weekend. If your recruit will be staying in GL for “A” School or training, s/he will also have Liberty on Monday. The holiday weekend will not affect those flying out.)

PIR: September 8, 2017 TG 44 TG 44 - 14 Divisions (277-286, 819-821 & 944) 3 guests

Click on the date of your recruit’s PIR and join the group to connect with others with loved ones training with your recruit.

yelomoon, the Navy cannot check your medical records without your consent. That is part of HIPAA. How would they even know where to check for your records? What made you believe that you records were being checked?

CONGRATULATIONS yelomoon on the "I'm here" call. I don't understand your medical records being checked. Maybe they do that normally. Ask his recruiter or one of the admins here. 

yelomoon, maybe they were asking your SR about family medical history ... but nobody can legally access your medical records without your signed consent.

Mar3n1:  I know that you are so proud of your son.  I can hear it as I read your comment.  

Anchorsaweigh:  We didn't stay in the same town.  I travel for soccer ALOT and can't stand spending a lot of money on a hotel, but I really like clean rooms.  We stayed in Sprinhill Suites in Lincolnshire.  It is 12 miles away and took us about 18 minutes to drive and it was an easy 12 miles.  I love GPS.  The room was only $53 dollars a night as I selected the express deals for a 3 star or higher hotel.  

When we were waiting for my son on Saturday, I was hanging out in the NEX (next to the parking lot) and had the pleasure of seeing the soldiers come in for thier first phone call during week 3.  Some got in trouble and lost minutes on the phone.  It was hard seeing them come out afterwards with many having tears in their eyes at getting to hear their families voices.  When they were marching in, the lead person kept telling them "If you need a phone card get it now on the right".  They can use the $150 dollar card that they are given to purchase a phone card, but it does take part of their phone time.  FYI

Terrific story, Soccermom!  Thanks for sharing.  However, LOL, there are no "soldiers" at Great Lakes.  There are recruits/SRs, and there are sailors.  It really is a thing with us that we're the most unique branch of service, and the rivalry is an old tradition.  

Jacquiesboys- Same here, Hello!

Hello Navy Moms!  My son shipped out for Boot Camp on the 20th.  I got a call 2 days ago from his recruiter saying he was out of processing and he has his address.  I still have yet to get "the Box".  Is it sent via USPS or FedEx?  I've heard both.  I work all day and I don't want to miss it.  I've written my Recruit everyday since he ahs left.  An idea for other Moms- I got a bunch of long sticky notes, not the square ones, and they're different colors.  Everyday I just write a short note of what has gone on that day, as well as friends writing short encouraging notes.  Then I've stuck them to just plain white pieces of paper. (4 stickies fit on one page.)  I also traced our dog's paw and wrote a note from him too.  That way, the second I find out his address, I can mail it out and he hasn't missed anything!

Proud - My son's box came via FedEx and I had to sign for it.  

Dang it!  I hope I don't miss it!

Jennifer-  Oh geez!  I'm only on day 7!  It's so weird not having him home. Talk about empty nest syndrome!  I have no idea what to do with myself when I'm home, I'm not used to having free time.  I'd have his kitchen messes to clean up or have to cook something, now I don't.  Bigger change for him, I know, but this is quite the adjustment.  It is such a great opportunity for them though, I'm very happy he made this decision!

No photos?  My son just sent me a letter saying he could have a small photo and could I send one of his dog.  I will need to look into it more.  

Jennifer- I just read your post about instructions for sending stuff to Boot Camp.  Where are these?

Nevermind, I found it.  I'm worried because these last 6 days, I have written to him on colored post-its.  They're the longer rectangular ones. Just notes as I go throughout my day, but colored nonetheless.  Will this be ok?

is it best to buy a challenge coin online or wait until PIR?

@ Kristin - speaking from my experience at PIR last week, buy it on-line if you can.  It has to be picked up at the NEX at the same place where they pick up their pictures - if they didn't have them sent home.  And. The. Line. Is. CRAZY. Long!!!!

My son's girlfriend has sent him pictures and he hasn't had any issues.  I read that you can send anything that will fit in a flat envelope.  I guess it depends on their RDC and how hard nosed they want to be about things.  We also slipped some pictures into my sons Bible that he took with him.  

Mine just graduated from PIR.  To err on the safe side, I always scanned or uploaded pics and then copied and pasted them onto a document (and wrote a short note as well).  I always wrote with the thought that anything "might" be read before he received it.  Also, sending pics in document form made the letters less bulky for him to have to store.

Hi, When my son leaves the RTC and goes to school in California can I give him his stuff at the airport?  I was going to pack a suite case with some clothing,shoes, socks ect for him to take and have instead of sending it when he gets there.  If someone has the answer otherwise I was gong to call his recruiter.  I want to make sure he has what he needs but do not want to get him in trouble.  Our one family friend who was in the Air Force told him to keep his head down and don't draw attention to himself.  I would feel horrible if he was in trouble because of me and my need to mother him.

Tanya, you can take a suitcase to the airport, but be aware he is already carrying his full uniform issue, and will be loaded down with that.  He cannot wear his civilian clothes for a minimum of two weeks anyway.  He won't get in trouble, but it may be a hassle for him.  He probably will want new underwear for sure!  They all do.  I would ask your son what he prefers.  

Here are the current PIR groups:

PIR: July 28, 2017 TG 38 - 9 Divisions (227-234 & 938) 4 guests

PIR: August 4, 2017 TG 39 - 11 Divisions (235-244 & 939) 4 guests

PIR: August 11, 2017 TG 40 - 8 Divisions (245-250, 818 & 940) 4 guests

PIR: August 18, 2017 TG 41 - 7 Divisions (251-256 & 941) 4 guests

PIR: August 25, 2017 TG 42 - 9 Divisions (257-264 & 942) 4 guests

PIR: September 1, 2017 TG 43 - 13 Divisions (265-276 & 943) 3 guests (This is Labor Day Weekend. If your recruit will be staying in GL for “A” School or training, s/he will also have Liberty on Monday. The holiday weekend will not affect those flying out.)

PIR: September 8, 2017 TG 44  - 14 Divisions (277-286, 819-821 & 944) 3 guests

PIR: September 15, 2017 TG 45

Click on the date of your recruit’s PIR and join the group to connect with others with loved ones training with your recruit.