Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Prattlebrat.. You need to do what makes you comfortable. With my older son, I left Sunday afternoon. Great, except my son had to on a bus at 3am Sat morning. We only got to see him Friday after his PIR until about 8pm Friday night. I spent all day Saturday riding around Wisconsin cause I had nothing else to do until I flew out Sunday. Some of the other Mom's might have a better feel for when you SR will leave for A school but seems like most go Friday or Sat. I will be in your same boat come Nov when my second son has his PIR.

4HisGlory17 - We entered North Chicago from the south. We could have avoided tolls but as it was 3 pm Google redirected my husband - so we ended up on I-294 headed north. We paid two tolls @ $1.90 and one at $1.50. As I recall from the signs - the passes that had to go through the toll booth (not sure which one) only saved $1.00. - It really wasn't a big deal. I came prepared with small bills. What I wasn't prepared for was the coin only toll into O'Hara airport early Sat morning to see off our sailor. We didn't pay any other tolls as I recall because my husband had Google Maps direct us on roads without tolls. - So be sure to have a roll of quarters and dimes. For us that toll was $1.50. Also side exits have coin only tolls I noticed as we were driving.

For us a pass would not have been worth it, because it is not compatible in our normal driving area.

Reesen our prayers are with you and all the others going to PIR this week. - Stay as rested and hydrated as possible, especially if you are driving a long distance, buy those flying need to as well. If possible, keep your return plans flexible. We drove 12 hours each way and split our time, but our youngest who went with us, still said, "I feel like I had jet lag and didn't even cross time zones!" - Be sure to have an extra jacket with you, it was cooler than we expected last weekend, and sort of a shock for us since we had left 90' weather. I had checked the weather, you just forget how cool 70's are.

 Prattlebrat - I assume your son is flying out for A school. Most importantly, get your sailor's flight information. We had a delayed situation after PIR and my sailor still had to get paperwork taken care of and orders until late Friday. But once those were in hand, my husband took a picture on his phone, because we didn't have anything to write it down on. - Instead of sending the card to my son with the flight info questions, I should have kept a copy in my purse!!! - Once we had that, we know when our sailor was headed to the airport, what gate, what terminal. If you are flying out on Sat from the same airport, you might be able to just go very early and meet your sailor there, then you can spend time with them. If you are flying out of a different terminal, you might want to get a gate pass to be with your son, then get your boarding pass later, as you would need to go through security, a second time possibly.

I agree with Sunshine, do what you are most comfortable with. Do keep in mind, if your sailor is flying out to A school, they may not go back to RTC on Friday with their cell phone. That has to be handed off to them at the airport. You might have to just take it, give it to your son and go back to your motel to rest until your flight.  - Every scenario is different - I pray God's peace and rest over you and wisdom to know what decisions to make, some of which won't happen until your sailor has their orders in hand.

Hi Chipmunk,

I am a newbie to. My son shipped out yesterday and he is at bc now. Thanks for the info. He had his wisdom teeth taken care 2 years ago. This is good to know. Hopefully it all works out. 

Kraftinkat - every situation is different, but I would say goodbye at MEPS. Our recruit left as soon as they had their orders after swear in and we said our good byes and then watched them board the shuttle van that took them to the airport. Due to the timing and other family circumstances that worked out. But I had received conflicting information. Our recruiter told us we could go to the airport, but MEPS and the shuttle driver  told us that we would not be able to go past security with our recruit and basically should not follow. My consolation was that we went to MEPS as early as they had told us we could be there and then they did not swear in until later morning.  My recruit was also able to text and call from the airport and when they landed in Chicago. That was the best phone call because we chatted for a few minutes, much different than the scripted call that came a couple of hours later.

Prattlebrat.. I had my son's phone with me for his PIR and Chipmunk is correct in that your sailor can not take their phone back to RTC Friday night. My son said they get in big trouble is caught with it. We did not meet my son at the airport and he said he really didn't need his phone. I guess he had gotten used to not having it. When he got to Pensacola he borrowed his room mates phone to give us his address. If you do that have a box ready to mail because in Pensacola they do not mail on the weekends. My son's box arrived Friday afternoon to late and he had to wait till Monday to get it.

Kraftinkat -  Regarding your other question as to whether they fly to boot camp or go by bus, that probably depends on your location in comparison to GL. Your recruiter should be able to give you that information.

Krafinkat..Chipmunk is correct in that evry situation is different. In NJ our recruiter was really busy so I took my son to the hotel the night before he left. Once he had checked in we went out to dinner and I dropped him back at the hotel. He left very early the next morning by bus to MEPS. After that he went by bus to the airport. He was able to text me from the airport and called when he landed in Chicago. We were able to talk a little longer at the airport before he had to leave to go to GL.

partyofseven - Hopefully he won't have any other issues with his wisdom teeth pulled. Keep in mind that he might have to do extra watch duty then until others are recovered and able to join in. Keep yourself busy and pray for your son lots. These next few weeks are hard for them, as is the rest of BC. Start writing letters just telling about your day or the rest of the family, it was easiest to just email my thoughts and then copy to a doc later. This way as soon as you receive his address you can mail a letter. The first week was the toughest for me. The box came and I expected a letter in it, but there was none.  Then the form letter came and I expected a personal note. Finally, the first handwritten letter came and then the 3 week or so phone call. After that I knew things were hard, but my recruit was okay.

Your user name is partyofseven, I assume that means you have a family of seven. I do as well. Honestly, that was probably the biggest help to me, I had many other things going on and summers always go by faster than my projects can get accomplished. Support each other!!

Good morning Moms!! Many of you may be counting down until Friday. For those of you still waiting for the "I'm a sailor" call, keep in mind our recruits may not know it by that name.

When my sailor called - about 3 hours before our planned departure, since we were driving - the first words I heard were, "Have you left yet?" My brain computed that as - 'Don't come, I failed BS.' Instead my sailor was just trying to find out if we were driving or such and could I talk!!

Keep in mind they will be tired. Rest well yourselves, keep your phones nearby, pack your bags, clean your house or dishes, go about work, and know you will see your sailor in a couple of days. Prayers for those driving or flying, and if driving - especially long distances, take rest breaks!!!

AHHHHH, I just got my box!!! Just now!!! I'm afraid to open it. I might start crying!!! They tried to deliver it yesterday but I was at work so I had to sign the card and they brought it bad today. He left on 8/23 so it took 6 days for them to get it here but it took 7 for me to actually get it. For those who are waiting on a box. I'm in PA so I guess it will vary depending on how far away from GL you are. Ok, here I go, I'm going to open it now. 

4HisGlory17 - How true!! - I looked for a letter too!!

 NNLori - How are you holding up!!

NNLori...I did the same thing...hoping for a secret note or something.  When the first letter arrived, I felt the same way...just wanting to know how she was holding up and feeling.  It's hard and time moves slow. Although I understand better now that no news is good news, I miss her everyday. I have moments when I'm ok, but others when I'm not.  This group, and others I have found on FB, really help!!  I love the support and understanding from other parents and spouses. NMH 

I've heard others say that you can put a note on your door asking them to leave the package from Great Lakes Illinois and I think they will. I didn't think to do that in advance. Does that work? Has anyone done that and had Fed Ex leave the box?

I got my box last Fri.  What a delightful surprise!!!!  I was sooooo hoping his address was enclosed.  No such luck.  It contained his clothing but also his address book and bible that he took with him? Along with his phone and charger.  A couple more days and I hope the letter comes!!!

 Re: the box - I honestly don't recall when or how we received ours. I do know that I have had issues with where Fed Ex likes to put my packages or not, so I had called them regarding another issue prior to this. You might be able to get ahold of your local Fed Ex service station and ask if they will hold the box for you so you can pick it up, change delivery time, or just have them leave it for you.

mom of two - Depending on the size of the address book and the Bible, those might have been accidently included, especially if they had been in a pocket.  They won't have much time to write anyone else but you, probably, but if you think your recruit needs your phone numbers, be sure to send them with the first letter you are able to write. You want to be sure to get your phone call around week 3.

I figured that was probably what it was.  I am not worried.  At first I was a little upset, but he was probably nervous as all get out!!!  But he knows his address and phone # (I hope...lol) so we should be good.  I cannot wait to hear his voice at week 3!!!!!!!!!!!

mom of two - I just found out last weekend that my recruit almost forgot to include the phone!! It was sitting to the side of the box, which already had the top taped up, and so they had to slide it in at the bottom!!

Hi NNLori, I'm glad you got your box already! I thought my husband's box will be smelly too, but I can still smell his perfume on it. It almost made me cry. And hooray for the 1st week! <3

My son left on the 23rd and I got his box on the 29th.  I happened to be home for lunch when Fed Ex came.  The box was pretty beat up and the tape on the top looked like it had been tampered with and was open enough for me to put my hand in.  I made the Fed Ex lady stand there while I opened it to make sure his phone was in the box.  His phone was there and nothing seemed to be missing, but I just couldn't believe how beat up the box was.  It was hard to see all his things, but not have him.  I miss him so much and so does his twin brother and his dad!!  I am patiently waiting for the letter with his address and PIR information.  He knew he would get new glasses when he got there, but he was told he could keep a contact case with his contacts in and a small bottle of saline solution and wear his contacts for pictures and PIR.  He sent the contacts home.  Is this something new?  I love reading everyone's comments on here.  It helps a lot knowing I am not alone!!  I guess we are all in the same boat.....LOL!!! 

I agree with CJ  And from my experience your SR/Sailor wants their phone and their own underwear. And do not be surprised if you go out to dinner your SR/ Sailor does not openly talk. They have not been allow to speak unless spoken too.

Cj, NNLori and 4HisGlory17,

Cj no that does not sound harsh at all. That's what I had planned on doing since I don't know how much time we will have with him. And you ladies are right, they will want to catch up on social media and sleep. Lol Me to 4HisGlory17 that will be enough for me. God bless you guys.

Well, it has been 24 hours since the call.  I was told by the recruiter that I should be able to call them tomorrow and they would have his mailing information.  I am really hoping that is the case.  A few less tears today, but I don't really want to walk past his empty room anymore either....I really didn't think it would be as hard as it was.  I am just looking forward to PIR!