Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

To everyone with a loved one at RTC or soon to be there, we say, "Welcome!"  To those who are sticking around after PIR to help those who are just beginning this awesome journey, we say, "Thank you!"

**BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 2023, RECRUIT GRADUATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY THURSDAY (NO LONGER ON FRIDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, WHEN GRADUATION IS ON WEDNESDAY.

This is a place to talk, ask questions, and share stories. It is our desire that this Group will provide the information, encouragement, and support you need while your loved one is at RTC in Great Lakes. Enjoy your time here and feel free to Comment and join in the Discussions. Be sure to check out the "Pages" to the right, located under the pictures of the Members, especially OPSEC and PERSEC (Making Changes to Your Profile), (Click "View All" to see all of them.)

Please, if you no longer want to be a part of N4M's consider NOT deleting your profile as everything you have ever posted will disappear when you delete it .  You can leave a group but don't permanently delete your profile!

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  • Phoenixmom

    So Glad that you are feeling Better My Friend. How is the weather up over there?
  • Phoenixmom

    C'sMom I am not sure what Facebook you are speaking on, I apologize.

  • C'sMom

    Anti M: thanks for explaining that.  Wasn't sure how it worked!  I didn't understand why he is just waiting to leave but doesn't have his orders in hand!  Really praying this is the week he gets to leave, but I know he may end up in PAC Fleet waiting some more.  

  • partyofseven

    Phoenixmom- Good Morning and thank you for our prayer. How are you? It's good to see you on here. I was thinking about you yesterday and I said prayers for you and Bud as well. 

    I have been praying for this family as well and can not imagine what they are going thru. It is just so heartbreaking.

    My Sailor made it home safely on Sat night and we gave each other a great big hug and he said I missed you mom. Made my heart so happy. But I did give him an extra squeeze for that Sailor's family and was just thankful he made it home safely. Now for some long over do mom to son talks and time together.

    Anti M- That is good that you are feeling better. I think we are always tired!! :) 

    C'sMom- Good Morning. Big hugs to you. I also count and am thankful for my blessings whether they are big or small. 

    I hear you and am praying and thinking of you as well during this time. Hugs!!!!

  • partyofseven

    C'sMom- There's a Navy Boot Camp 101 group that I found.

    Natalie's is the only one I know. BBH and LBF may know some more.  :)

  • Phoenixmom

    Hi PartyofSeven, I've been trying to reach out to you by Text But unsure if I have the right Number. I'm so Happy that your Son is here with You, That makes for a Great Christmas in your Home! Yes, do catch up on the Mom and Son thing, hat is always fun as well! I've been waiting to hear from Bud, but nothing as of Yet. I know there was quite the chaos on the ship but praying all is settling down. and Yes Please do pray for this Father and Mother as this was their only Son, and they are trying to figure out why, as I received a letter this Morning in regards to the Mother who isn't doing to well right now. So much needed Prayers!
  • ellen0502

    Northwoodsmom, There is not a way to prioritize the "Pages." I did feature it under the "Blog" tab so it will show under the "featured" blog posts.

  • warriorprotector

    Good morning Ladies

    Phoenixmom:  Our family has been praying for this dear family, their son, and the entire crew of the ship. I want to hug every sailor. It is so heartbreaking for his parents and family. 

    May God grant each of you a peaceful day and moments of Joy.

  • warriorprotector

    Covid PIR Celebration Idea:  For families and recruits it's hard knowing you can't be there for their moment, can't hug their neck so hard they squeak and can't look in their eyes to tell them how much you love them and are so proud of them. 

    So, being the "extra" mom that I am, I decided to have signs made (18 x12) with a congratulation message for our son.  I am mailing the signs to family and all his close friends.  They will take a selfie with the sign and we will all text him our pictures on his PIR day.  It's not the same as being there, but he will have no doubt we are all celebrating him!  Of course our family will all be wearing Navy shirts in our pics!  

  • Phoenixmom

    WarriorProtector what a Great Idea! Love this! it surely will make his Day!
  • Phoenixmom

    Thank You WarriorProtector!

    Thank You Ellen0502, so glad to see you hear posting, you have been missed! Hoping all is well!

  • partyofseven

    elen0502- Thank you for that. And it's great to see you on here. 

    WarriorProtector- That is a great idea!!! I love it.

    Phoenixmom- I will try again.

  • partyofseven

    Phoenixmom- I sent you a text just now.

    Let me know if you got it or not.  :) 

  • Shortcake

    Good morning everyone!!! 

    3 days and then I find out if I have a Sailor! I'm so anxious and excited!  

    Shanny - Huge hugs! 

    My heart is grieving for the family that lost their Sailor.  Honestly one of my biggest fears.

    Partyofseven: So exciting your Sailor is home.  Very happy for you.

    Have a wonderful day everyone!  I'll check in a little later.

  • NewMilmom

    Yeah for Everyone with Boots in the House!!!!  Yeah for phone calls for others too!  For all those in the “great silence” of ROM & Boot Camp know that many of us are thinking of you & praying for you and your SR’s as well.

    Still praying I will be having my baby home for a few days soon too…. His oldest sister text me this morning if he is coming or not … she still hasn’t grasped concept plans change not on our say, but the Navy so just keep praying & hoping.  Plans have been made & ticket bought for it but, I Know it is still a bit iffy.  Not getting hopes up too high & today fighting the Mom “Allergies” & lots of emotions from memories of the past & family that we have lost (yep, looked at a few photo albums from when they were all home & growing up last night too)…

     And the overwhelming Sadness for the lost young sailor & his family in Texas seems more than I can handle today.  My emotions are high with it all as it is for many.  

    I dug out the large Christmas tree this weekend we haven’t put up for a good number of years…too many to count & dug in top of garage rafters for lights & a few ornaments as a surprise for him.  Swore my middle daughter to NOT spoil surprise if she talks to him.   We didn’t put too many ornaments on tree as they are priceless memories of years when they were small.  (I gave my oldest daughter all hers a few years back when she got married).  My middle daughters “baby” (dog) has not seen a big tree with lights & ornaments just our little table top that Momma went to using about 8-9yrs or so ago…  Don’t want her deciding anything is a “chewable”…so we hung a few of the special ones up high & lower were generic ornaments.

    Momma also hung the Sailor one I ordered on Etsy (& hubby noticed I had his rank on it too & was suitably impressed…Hey!!  This Momma doesn’t skimp on kids ever)… I also had ordered wire anchors with a blue bead I found on Etsy that will eventually go in my kitchen window (ordered for my folks & a dear beloved friend who we call his “other mother” as well).  And picked up 1 of the last 2 anchor ornaments that Target had on Saturday night as one of you dears shared.  

    Now what ornament to get the middle is my BIGGEST quandary… And not getting done as Hallmark ended the series she had…Dang it!!!   She states she is missing a few years for some odd reason which makes NO sense but, I will have to look for those at a later date.  I ordered 2020 ornaments on Etsy this year for oldest daughter plus extended family. 

    Think I have an “Etsy” problem this year… rofl!!! 

    We are trying to support small local artist & business’ this year more than ever.   So many of our dear friends are in that horrible situation of losing everything due to ongoing shut downs.  We may not have a lot but we each can make a bit of a difference for good however we can to help support others. 

    AntiM- aww kittens!! Love tiny furbabies…and they do keep one on their toes at all times. Prayers that you continue to get to feeling better and stronger each day.

    Shoosh- give that wonderful girl a big hug from me when she gets home.  She is an amazing young woman & I know she is feeling like she has to “be strong” but, expect her to fall a bit apart when she gets home (home is the “safe place” to let it all out. Note: warm homemade cookies Always Help during those times.

    C’sMom-Giant Hugs & Prayers for you & your sailor!!  This has surely been an ordeal for both of you.  Praying that it gets resolved soon. 

    warriorprotector- What a Fabulous Idea!!!  

    May today bring each of you & your family blessings, strength & love.

  • Phoenixmom

    PartyofSeven No I haven't received it!
  • DoriBry

    partyofseven-I am so happy for you that your sailor is home. Enjoy every moment.

    warriorprotector-I love the sign and tshirt idea!

    shortcake-Yay for you-it sounds like your week is going to end very well.  

    My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young sailor.  I cant even imagine.

    Update on joining Facebook: I have to provide them with a picture ID to verify my name.  It can be anything from DL to voter ID card.  Did anyone else have to do this?  I just want to be sure this is safe.

  • partyofseven

    proud and grateful- Good Morning and thank you. I thought I had responded when I realized no I had missed your post!! Lol

    Have a great day!!!

  • partyofseven

    Shortcake- Good Morning,

    It won't be long now. You are in the home stretch. Yay!!! Thank you it has been a long time coming for me to see him!!

    NewMilMom- Yay for bringing out the tree and yay for yours coming home to. Thank you. I am very happy as well!! 

    I know I get those moments of sadness to, they just come out of now where sometimes it seems. And then hearing about that young Sailor just really gets to you. It's so important for all of our Sailors to know that there is help out there for them and for them to be able to get the help or be able to talk freely to others if they need to!!!

    God Bless you to and have a great day!!

    DoriBry- Good Morning and thank you. I am to.  :)

    Really, that is odd? I have not heard of that before but no one else has said anything about having to do that on fb. Not sure if it's a scam or not!! Has anyone that you know have they joined recently and then maybe they could tell you if they had to do that as well.

    Let us know what happens!!

    have a great day!!  :)

    Phoenixmom- I restarted my phone and sent you another text that said test!! Did you get that one?

  • Phoenixmom

    Not yet PartyofSeven!

  • Phoenixmom

    I'm wondering if you received any of my messages?

  • NewMilmom

    Hi Everyone!!  

    Need a bit of "clarification" saw where they have to have "coyote brown" 100% cotton tee shirts but, when I search for those I get a couple different shades of coyote brown (some lighter some darker)...

    Not sure which to order -- oldest daughter wants to order gift so I thought she could do some of the tee shirts but, as finding coyote brown in different shades not sure what to tell her at this point...

    Any ideas/help or particular place you get the approved coyote brown shirts would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks!

  • Phoenixmom

    NewMil Mom the lighter color I had to order some for my Son as well and I didn't know which one so I bought all shades LOL!
  • Phoenixmom

    I anyone having problems with this page? all morning its been acting funny
  • Phoenixmom

    Coyote Brown Special Operations Tactical Fleece Jacket

  • Phoenixmom

    NewMilMom this was the color.

  • Shanny

    I seriously didn’t think it would be worse than leaving for boot camp. But this time I had to make the 2 hour drive alone back from the airport. I don’t recommend doing it alone. But I guess that is the way of my life. Cried the whole way home. He wouldn’t hug me said he just couldn’t. And his chief called as he was walking away. If that isn’t the slap in the face that he belongs to them now I don’t know what is. Back to hiding away as I sort through all the stacks of things he left for me to take care of

  • C'sMom

    Doribri:  I didn't have to do that.  I wouldn't give them that information.  Sounds scary to me.  

  • warriorprotector

    DoriBry: Do NOT give your photo id on FB.  That has to be a scam!  You should never have to do that for a social media site.  Be careful!  

  • Phoenixmom

    Hi Shanny I'm so sorry...….this has to be hard for him as well. He will be ok, you have to know that. He is growing up Now Mom and needs to prove to you and himself. That still doesn't make it any easier. If you need to talk I'm here for you!

  • partyofseven

    DoriBry and C'sMom- Thank you. I didn't want to sound all paranoid on here. That's why I suggested she ask if anyone had set up a fb account recently. I was thinking that is was so odd.

    So thanks ladies for the back up.  :)

    Shanny- Oh Shanny. I know, I know. I am sending you a big hug momma and just let it out.  If you feel like tackling that stuff today that is good. If not tomorrow is a new day.

    I don't think we ever get used to them leaving again from when they are home. I still get teary eyed every time, it never fails and it's ok. Just breathe and know that it will be ok.

    You will start to feel better when you can start communicating with him again. Just remember those memories and maybe write him a letter to let your feelings out but don't mail it or send it to him!!

    Hugs!!!!

  • belovedbyHim

    Morning all, I slept funny and have messed up my neck so I will not be on much today. I think Admin has to pin my blog post but I'm not sure just how that works. It would be great to have it there for sure. I do try and go straight to the pages of all our new moms that join on here and post directly on their page so they have that information. I need to update it for Ft McCoy and the new longer BC.( If any of our newly graduated moms want to get intel on ROM at McCoy or Warrior training that would be great-- What week in relation to P-days, Swim Quals, MarlinSpike and BS21... NO DETAILS on what happens.)

    I'll be reading through your posts and answering as needed but since I cannot turn my head and my arms are numb typing is a challenge. Hopefully Later today the pain meds will kick in and this will improve.

    Welcome to our new moms!
  • NewMilmom

    Phoenixmom - Thank you for clarification.

    Shanny - My heart is hurting for you!  I can't imagine a 2 hour drive home after dropping them off all alone... giant HUGS.  Know he probably wanted to give you a big hug but, felt not allowed.  Not sure if allowed or not but, I imagine mine would have done same.  

    Be good to yourself today & the stuff he left can surely wait for another day!   Pamper yourself!!!  Curl up in a blanket & binge watch a movie and/or cry/scream/rant etc... Whatever you feel like doing.  Make a large mug of hot chocolate, coffee or tea or drink of choice & just take care of you!!!   We are here for you!!!!

    belovedbyHim - ouch! I've done that in past & it is NOT fun.  sounds like you really tweaked it good.  Rest it and maybe alternate warm & cold compresses to the area ... that always seems to help me.  Take care!!!

  • partyofseven

    beloved byHim- Ouch. I hope you get to feeling better.

  • Shortcake

    DoriBri - Absolutely not!  There are typically 2 questions asked.  When is the PIR date and when did they leave for RTC.  That is it. I hope it's not too late.

    There are "I'm a Sailor" calls starting.  Everyone is in a frenzy on the FB group.  Some high tension and stress manifesting in some not so nice conversations.  I decided to stay away for now.

    Beloved byHim  - I have been in your shoes, not fun and I wish you a speedy pain free recovery.  

    Shanny - I am so sorry you did not get a good-bye hug. I would have felt the same way.  I'm continuing to send you big hugs (although, I know it is not the same).  Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you even from afar.  

  • Phoenixmom

    December 17, 2020
    TG-6
    053, 054, 055, 056, 057, 058, 059, 060, 061, 062, 063, 064
  • Phoenixmom

    December 24, 2020
    (No Graduation)
    December 31, 2020
    (No Graduation)
  • Phoenixmom

    January 7, 2021
    (No Graduation)
    January 14, 2021
    (No Graduation)
  • Phoenixmom

    January 21, 2021
    TG-9
    065, 066, 067, 068, 069, 070, 071, 072, 073, 074, 075, 076, 077, 078
    January 28, 2021
    TG-10
    079, 080 ,081, 082, 083, 084, 085, 086, 087, 088, 089, 090, 091, 092
  • Phoenixmom

    Yes for those having PIR this week calls will be coming in so keep phones close!
  • Phoenixmom

  • partyofseven

    Shortcake- Yes keep that phone on you at all times and that ringer on loud. You don't want to miss any calls.

    Do not listen when they are going to be all negative and not being nice. I just keep scrolling by and don't even comment or let it get to me. Big hugs to you too!!!

    Phoenixmom- Thanks for posting these PIR dates. You rock!!

  • Phoenixmom

    So while out I like getting Nut Cracker figurines and I came upon a Navy one a Marine one and Army one. Fry's had some and I believe home goods did also.

  • Phoenixmom

  • partyofseven

    Phoenixmom- I love the Nut Cracker figures. I have one like this but he is holding an anchor and not the flag. I will have to see if I can find some today at the store. I know things are getting slim out there.  :)

  • Shortcake

    Pheonixmom -  The Nutcrackers are awesome!!!

  • Phoenixmom

    Frys Had them for like 4.99 so when I saw them I grabbed them up plus some I decorated my Husbands Plot with them. and a little Christmas tree. LOL!
  • Phoenixmom

    I thought they were so cute! I still yet to decorate my Inside of my home just waiting for all to be done. spent the whole weekend cleaning dust. My poor kachina dolls we loaded with dust made me so mad. had to clean each one by hand and then some. cleaned all day Friday from sun up till about 10:30 that night and started up again sat. until 6:30 pm. was so worn took a hot shower and to bed for me. floors being put in wed. so I told them any cutting needs to be done outside and my door closed and all mess needs to be picked up and dragged away. don't have the time or strength to do this again. Ugh!

  • partyofseven

    Phoenixmom- That was a great deal!! Awe I bet they look good on both!!

  • Northwoodsmom

    DoriBry, I belong to three different Navy sites and not one of them asked for a I'd. I mostly read them for the information but it was on there I found a Mom very close to where I lived and met up with her. You just need to be extra careful. The adminstration on one of my sites takes her job quite serious and will kick anyones butt off if she feels they are not being nice and trying to stir the pot. I am not on the Boot Camp one and am sure that is where most of the problem is. Emotions run high for a Mom during this time and people just need to learn to simmer down! We all handle stress differently and no one needs to criticize someone else. Thank my sweet Jesus for this site. Nothing but Love on here.

    I wouldn't recommend FB until after Boot Camp really. Most of the Sailors are going in different directions after PIR and they will have closer friendships with recruits they go to school with, now this is only my opinion. I do recommend FB after PIR because it allows you information from their ombudsman that I find very helpful. If you don't feel comfortable with it that's okay too, but remember you don't have to comment back, you can just read others comments.