Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Hey TrueBlue,

That is awesome. When did he leave for bc?

Hi Ladies, I have been following the conversation and taking in all the helpful info. I feel close to all of you just reading your comments and hearing your hearts. My SR left for BC on Aug 28. I can hardly wait for the next step, which is the Form letter with all the info so I can send her letters!  My daughter told me not to send pics or anything else with the letters for concerns that they don't allow these items.  However, I see that calling cards and moleskins are being sent to BC, is that correct? Does anyone know if we can send photos?

Thank you, Lisarenee. I feel the same!  I just want to hear from her and know everything is going well for her.  This site has been such a blessing.

serenity24 - according to my sailor, they have what is called "sick in quarters" which is what most of the recruits who had their wisdom teeth pulled in my SR's division were doing and why he had extra night watch responsibilities for a couple of weeks. They seem to not be allowed or expected to stand watch and a few other things, but they are expected to do their book studying in their racks (bunks).

Re: letters and pictures, just keep in mind, no matter what you mail they only have a small lockable compartment to keep their correspondence in. This is why they don't recommend big, bulky items and also no glitter!! Look for the fun letter writing post, it was listed earlier this morning, I think.

plina - If you are on this group - in answer to your chat question, since you have left. I don't suggest taking a lot of clothes for your sailor to bc. If you are driving and can take a small rolling bag, they might be able to check it in as extra luggage and it not be too difficult for them to navigate the airport with, but you can always mail a box later if they need something.

The recruiters told me not to take a suitcase, but ladies on this group did say to take a change of clothes and favorite undergarments - because if you just hang out at the hotel room, they can change their clothes as long as they don't go out in public.  Also, if they have a favorite pair of running shoes, we did pack those in the drawstring bag that we handed over at the airport. My sailor very much enjoyed changing out of the dress whites into the casual tee shirt and shorts that had been a way of life since a boy. Even though it was only for a couple of hours and a nap, it was relished by my sailor. One pair of shorts went in the bag as well, which we took to the airport the next day.

So, no, they wear their uniform outside, but in the hotel room, they can change and lounge in what they enjoy wearing.

Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruit has info on what you can send to your recruit.

Hey Januaryice,

My son left on the 28th to. I am also awaiting my form letter. We can graduate together.  :) Where will yours go to A school after PIR?

My hubby left on the 28/29th as well!! Anxiously awaiting that form letter. And the darn box that will probably just make me cry haha. But....it's one step closer, right??

The Navy only does dental work that is needed. The dentists at the RTC consider if there may be a problem in the future and remove one, two, three, or all four of the wisdom teeth if needed. If there is a question, they may indicate that the teeth are to be checked at "A" School and removed then if needed. They also may put off removal of wisdom teeth until later if there is dental work that needs to be taken care of first. Some may not need any wisdom teeth removed; my son still had his wisdom teeth when he was retired after 6 2/3 years of service. If it is determined that the recruit does need to have one or more wisdom teeth removed, this is scheduled at a time that will be the least disruptive to training and often several in the division have it done on the same day so they are recovering together. The recruits have 2 days SIQ and have someone who checks to see that the recruits are taking their pain meds and drinking plenty of water as directed. They then have at least one day of LLD and must be checked before returning to full training. This is similar to the recovery time given in the civilian world. They are well taken care of and there have been recruits who were happy to have the time to rest and others who didn't have to have the teeth removed who wished that they had once they saw how their shipmates were treated while they had to clean the head or do other jobs in the compartment and continue with PT. Having any or all of the wisdom teeth removed does not normally change the recruit's PIR date.

If your recruit requires additional dental work, s/he will get that on board the USS Osborne. (See http://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/locations/USSOsborne.asp.)

Hi Partyofseven and and Nani, 

I do believe we should graduate together. :)  We can keep in touch and so we know for sure the date!  Sounds like there could be different PIR dates even if they ship out the same day.  

Yes, nani, that box is a bittersweet!  I received it unexpectedly and it caught me off guard.  It made my heart sink for just a moment but then I quickly told myself that this was a good thing!  I'm getting this box because my daughter is doing well and advancing to the next step. :)

Yes Januaryice! That is exactly what I keep reminding myself my attitude needs to be. "This is the next step! Pretty soon we'll be together again! Just wash the darn clothes and be grateful for this next step!" :P

Hi ladies,

yes getting the box is exciting. :) It truly begins the process for us while our loved ones are at bc. That's what I've learned so far. Hugs!

Oh my goodness, that is exactly what it takes in this journey is keeping an attitude of thankfulness and focusing on the positive side of things.  I had a really hard time doing that at first, as nothing could console me! But then I found you all :)

Good Morning Ladies,

I know NNLori, hopefully our letters come soon. Always thankful and can't wait to hear from my SR.  :)

Good morning partyofseven-

One day closer to that letter!  I keep hoping it comes before I leave on Thursday.  I will be calling the recruiter again today to get the address, just in case.

Yes NNLori lol

Greeb2Blue I know. Will you be gone long? I'm gonna call mine to just to check in. Have a great day ladies.

I am gone Thurs-Tues.  Way too long to be waiting to open a letter!! 

I agree NNLori!  I am not liking the mail delay with the Holiday!  I have letters waiting to go, too.

Good morning Ladies,

Green2Blue, is there anyone you trust that can get your mail wihile you're away?  Someone that could call you if you get a letter and read it for you?  

I'm not sure about a good time to book the flight.  I need to get all that figured out too!  :)

I called the recruiter today. It's been a week as of yesterday since my daughter shipped out.  He said he will text me her Div# and PIR date today when he's has some time to look it up.  He said he will not likely have an address for her yet.  

Ladies if its any help I booked my flights about a month out, when you  speak to your Son/Daughter find out where they stand with the program and if they have passed the fitness and swimming, some SR'S have trouble with that part, if you like you can make reservations to hotel those you can cancel without charge but flights you cant. just stay focused on what they are having a hard time with or not. some SR'S get pushed back because of this. when time gets closer and all is good then I would book the flights. I stayed at the Residence in had a suite with living room and kitchen it worked for me, but I hear Navy lodge worked for others. Resdidence INN, Springfield Inn, candlewood Inn all near walmart and restraunts and near the graduation also. they all have shuttle to and from also. we paid $4 a person. we were at gate by 6:15 in morning. picked up right after also and then headed to the main gate around 2:30 to pick up our Sailor, we were able to see them march in from there new stations was great to see. if you got to the meet and greet here on the Left side Sarge has alot of info for the upcoming Graduations. Wishing all your SR'S the best!

If yiou go to PIR information you will get alot of info there also. it will have your graduation date and there is so much info given. Have a Good evening Ladies.

I texted his recruiter this morning and he was able to give me his DIV and PIR.

He is in the 900 division.  He really wanted to be in that performance division, so I am glad he got there!.  His PIR is scheduled for Oct 27.

My parents will be staying at the house while we are gone.  Someone's got to take care of the fur baby while we are gone!  I will give them the heads up about the letter.  Hopefully informed delivery will show the day it arrives so I can clue them in!

Let me know when you find out your sons DIV and PIR.  Looking forward to meeting those of you on the same PIR!

Here are the current PIR groups:

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

PIR: September 15, 2017 TG 45 - 11 Divisions (287-296 & 945) 4 guests

PIR: September 22, 2017 TG 46 - 7 Divisions (297-302 & 946) 4 guests

PIR: September 29, 2017 TG 47 - 9 Divisions (303-310 & 947) 4 guests

PIR: October 6, 2017 TG 48 - 14 Divisions (311-322, 822 & 948) 3 guests

PIR: October 13, 2017 TG 49 - 9 Divisions (323-330 & 949) 4 guests

PIR: October 20, 2017 TG 50 - 9 Divisions (331-340, & 950) 4 guests

PIR: October 27, 2017 TG 51

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

Yes NNLori lol

Greeb2Blue I know. Will you be gone long? I'm gonna call mine to just to check in. Have a great day ladies.

Hi Ladies,

I got my form letter today. I was sooooo happy. Yay. He is on Ship 4 Div. 338 PIR 10/20/2017. Thank you Jesus.

JamieA, book your flight and make your hotel reservations as soon as you know the PIR date. See Saving Money PIR Weekend and PIR Day and Liberty during PIR Weekend.

JamieA, book your flight and make your hotel reservations as soon as you know the PIR date. See Saving Money PIR Weekend and PIR Day and Liberty during PIR Weekend.

yorkshirelass - I think my call didn't come until almost 11:30 CDT - I almost missed it, because I was heading to bed.

I had spoken to him on the phone when he got to Chicago, and so expected him to be calling me a lot sooner.

Keep the phone next to your bed.

Seven- glad to hear you received your letter today. Now you can start planning your motel reservations and send off those letters you have been writing!

My son just phoned. He landed at ORD, and won't get to Great Lakes until after midnight. He sounded fine and just ate at the airport.

ORD is Chicago O'Hare Airport. He flew from CA to AZ to IL today.

I know Chipmunk right? Now I can't wait for his letter and phone call. :) I'm sending out a batch tomorrow that I have been writing.