Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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.

@AnchorsAweigh and @3B'smom...you all are awesome, but we are Man U fans!  Really, only because everyone says my son's style of play is like Rooney's.  We LOVE soccer and watch it too much.  Real Madrid and MLS All-Stars will be playing on Aug 2 at Soldier Field, if anyone is going up early for Aug 4th graduation.  There was a major game being played when we were there, but the game would have gone too late and my son didn't want to spend the money on the tickets if he couldn't stay for the whole game.  

Is there a way to find out what A School your SR will be going to?

you can ask his recruiter what he choose as a trade and he should also know where he will be going to school. hope that helps.

It's crazy... The first couple of weeks I just didn't know what to send. I didn't want to distract my son and make him homesick. People say to "remind him why he's here" to inspire him and make him strong. But his wasn't a noble reason... he didn't have great grades and he didn't want to go to college! I sent "you can do it" messages and reminded him of how tough his football and wrestling coaches were... He did ask for photos of his toddler niece and I sent pics of his dogs. He also said that it was mentally boring because there is so much repetition. So he wanted brain twisters. I ended up sending... Garfield and other comic strips... I bought a copy of a muscle car magazine and sent articles... I looked through his netflix history (he binge watched series) and sent trivia and bloopers from IMDB... I didn't tell him about new episodes of his shows... he wouldn't want spoilers... although I'll be surprised if he hasn't talked about the new GOT! I also went through the day by day list of boot camp and asked him for specifics. Of course he's not a writer so I didn't get answers but I felt that would remind him that we are thinking about him.

Nicknukemom I understand what you are saying my SR is complaining about being bored also, and I let him know that they all need to be focused on what may be coming up. a lot of them have no clue as to what BST-21 is or anything like that. I really believe that we know more of what is too come than they do. so we need to keep telling them to stay focused and to come together as  Brother Divisions if they know who that may be because they will need to depend on each other when that time comes to be able to help each other. I have to also keep reminding my son why he is there.

Yes I feel the same, and it is concerning...But like I said we know more about was is coming up for them than they do, and I don't understand why... but we need to let our SR's know that they are their for a reason, and this is what they chose to do which is great, and I can understand the repetition of doing things over and over can get boring, but practice makes perfect. so I have been speaking and writing to my son and explaining why he shouldn't be feeling this way...and focus , focus, focus! things will change and then when it does you will be so overwhelmed with the things to come....I feel it is important to let them know...thanks raising3247.

Leslie - Thanks for sharing that website.  My son said that almost everyone in his division had to have their wisdom teeth pulled but he didn't have to.  Hopefully your son can avoid it too.  

Mar3n1 - I am hoping that Div 253 and their brother division (254) pull it together soon.  

iMar3n1 I am hoping for the same. that they come together as a Team.... although my son hasn't mentioned anything about his Div. not working together or losing any privileges. I guess we shall see.... I hope you Ladies have a Good night and Great weekend.....

Every division takes at least three or four weeks to come together.  I experienced this back when I was in boot camp, when we had one in Orlando.  Completely normal.  They'll be so proud when they begin achieving goals and earning privileges!