Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Anti M, 

Hey and Happy New Year. Hope your holiday was good. Thanks for sharing as always. I remembered about that. Thanks for the heads up.  :)

Phoenixmom, How did it go with the little on today? How was your day? Are you receiving any of my texts? Have a good evening.

Hey ladies, hope your day was good and your evening too.

How are we doing new moms and dad? :)

Luci -- Verify his DL-- Will it expire or will he turn 21 while at BC or A school? Have him check with his local DMV on Military Renewals. Even if he doesn’t need it now it’s still good to know for the future. Passport.  At least get it started.  My opinion is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.  They can only travel international on Orders.  There are places and times they may want to travel for pleasure and not having a passport can be an issue.
He needs to leave instruction with folks back home about what/ who he wants to be notified and when. With COVID it is most likely that he would NOT be able to come home for parents/siblings and they are almost never allowed to come home for Grandparents/Aunts/Uncles/ Friends/pets... . With COVID, If they did come home they need to realize it will be short and they WILL have ROM after.  Do they want to know right away or after BC? Does his loved ones have the Red Cross info handy and know what information they need?  Again better to have it and not need it than need it and have to hunt for it.

mom2blondies-- It’s not uncommon for Females to have a slightly shorter BC experience. Usually because there are fewer of them they get processed through a little faster and may be more likely to end up in a Push Div.

 NewMilmom-- It should still be under warranty. HE likely will need to contact the Manufacturer however. Better that he do it sooner than later. For other Moms-- I suggest they NOT spend the big bucks on Laptops! They have a tendency to grow legs. (or get broken due to dropping) even for gaming they are often limited by Ships WiFi (when available) so they may not be getting all the speed they think they are paying for. An inexpensive ($200-600) Laptop will likely serve them well and hurt the wallet less. Just my $.02.

Here are the links to the current PIR groups.

PIR: January 2021

       January 07, 2021 No Graduation

       January 14, 2021 No Graduation

       January 21, 2021 TG 09 14 Divisions (065-078)

       January 28, 2021 TG 10 14 Divisions (079-092)

PIR: February 2021

       February 04, 2021 TG 11 6 Divisions (095-102)

       February 11, 2021 TG 12 13 Divisions (105-116, 807)

       February 18, 2021 TG 13 14 Divisions (117-130)

       February 25, 2021 TG 14 12 Divisions (131- 144)

Please note: Your recruits original graduation date may change due to additional quarantine during training. Your recruit will let you know if this happens.

Good Morning Ladies and welcome to all of our new moms,

Hope you new moms and dad had a good day yesterday. We are here for you if you wanna ask questions or post or just to talk.

Keep those phones on you at all times and those ringers on loud as you never know when a call will come thru.

As you can see ellen0502 posted the links to the current PIR groups. 

Keep writing those letters so you can send them off right away when that form letter comes.

ladyblueFire- How is everything going? Is your Sailor still home? How did the pics turn out? How was your New Year's? Just checking in.  :) 

We started back to school yesterday. What a long day!!

Good Morning to all our regular ladies, may you have a great day today.

Happy Taco Tuesday!!!

Partyofseven, prayers your day flys by today, I know teaching can be rough especially when so many students are at much different levels after doing virtual for do long.  I truly don't know how you and others manage that. My heart breaks for them as they struggle to catch up to what is expected of them.  My day was just so wonderful but of course I was as giddy and excited as the kids. Feeding them is alot different than the frustration of teaching them. May God strengthen and provide direction to all of our teachers, they need our prayers as well as our support.

NewMilmom - I sent you a PM about your sailor's computer and also how to maybe help him.

Ellen0502 - Thanks for getting the PIR group set up for Feb!!

Anti M- Thanks for telling Mom2blondies about the mail between recruits. When I saw her posting about her son sending letters, I wondered if that would be okay or not. 

It is my understanding that even bunkmates were not allowed to share personal information (mailing addresses) with each other. My son's bunkmate was so adamant about following that rule that even after PIR, my son was never able to get his bunkmates address or contact information to be able to keep up with him. - That made me sad, because my son really bonded with his bunkmate and I think they would have been lifelong friends. 

Re: Computers - I agree with BelovedbyHim - My sailor found a small laptop when he went to A school at the BestBuy in Charleston. I think he also received a military discount with it as well. I am fairly certain that he paid less than $700 on it and it has served him well over the last 3+ years. I did buy him a larger size external hard for it for Christmas this year. He still keeps it stored in the original box (completely duck-taped) and packing and it fits in his BC issued backpack. 

Mom2blondies - I sent you a PM!

Mom2blondies, just during bootcamp.  They can both write to you, of course, but forwarding their letters will cause trouble.  There's so little privacy in boot camp, and word gets around fast.  It is not worth it.  They can wait, and if they cannot, then it is best to break it off. They need trust and fortitude to get them through.  Obviously they know, or they wouldn't have asked you to forward the letters.

The first two years I was married, as dual mil E-6, we saw each other for a grand total of 28 days.  No cellphones back then, and he was at sea.  Minimal communication, letters maybe once a month.  We lasted for 31 years even with a rough beginning.  That's extreme, but not all that unusual.  

I wish I could convey tone better, I don't intend to sound all doom and gloom and strident.  It's just such a minor thing to potentially lose everything over, I worry.  Sorry, I want them to succeed.  

AntiM, no I appreciate it. I have zero knowledge or experience in this world, nor does my SR so I do think it was totally innocent. I have not heard from her at all, this was not a plan they had ahead of time. When my SR called home he told me he had written her while in ROM and asked if I gotten any mail from her. I told him I had not but was trying to get in touch with her dad to see if he had. He had mailed off letters as soon as he got out of  ROM along with the form letter and said he sent the ones for her because he didn't have her address. I'm not sure when the 'talk' about this comes in the process but he hadn't yet started bootcamp when we spoke of it. Now I'm wondering if he knows and is freaking out with no way of telling me NOT to forward his letters to her??? UHG! 

Thank you all for the information. It has been very helpful!

Another question, at Boot Camp is there a chaplain or do they have any services on Sunday? I know they are very busy training, so I don’t know if that’s available at BC

Joy Yes there is a Chaplain and they use to be able to attend church but don't know how this is working with Being Quarantined.

Joy - Sunday morning use to be set aside for attending chapel as I understood, or also time for the SRs to get other tasks caught up on for the week. It is my understanding that with social distancing they are now holding chapel services on different days for each different "ship" that the SRs live in. 

Also, Joy, since letters can get lost going to BC, I would mention it in a few different writings to your son that you are waiting until after BC to share his letters with her. I would also make sure her father knows the proper protocol as well. 

OOps that last part was for Mom2blondies - sorry, I am replying on the fly by ...!

There's many services, but not all of them are held on Sunday.  There's a meditation room too, for those who need alone time.  However, like Phoenixmom said, with Covid, no telling how it works.  

Good Morning All, Happy Tuesday, sorry I am on Late. But been in meetings already this morning. Hoping all is well with you all.

Thank You Ellen0502 for the Feb. PIR.

Thank You Party for scripture

Whew!  Hello Warrior Moms!  My family always turns off electronic devices on holidays so I have a lot to catch up on (did keep my phone on...not crazy!)

Got a call on Sunday night late (that's why you have to keep that phone on) from my recruit and talked a really long time.  He had to have his toe nail (big toe) removed after it got ripped on some metal on the bunk.  OUCH!  His only concern was that it would affect his performance on Marlinspike yesterday and his run time today.  Just told him to muscle through and tell his brain "I got this!"  He was really upbeat about it!

When my younger son went through BC we only had two 10 minute calls.  I feel so spoiled because we've had five 60 min calls. I know that's more than I've talked to him in the past 5 months when he was home!  He tends to be a quiet guy and he's so verbose now. 

The most wonderful thing are his letters, I read them every night.  He sent the most beautiful letter to his little sister and even drew a Christmas tree with animals all around.  

Joy: On one of my calls with my recruit he did mention that each division has a Religious Yeoman and he does devotions every day.  This works out great for my son since his job as Lead Yeoman means he misses the services (and they are on different days for each div, 086 is on Tues). Yikes about the letters, glad it was caught before they got in trouble! And was that also the case with Mom2blondes?  I think I got some things mixed up when I was reading.

Hope each of you are well!  Peace and Hugs!  Shout out to Chipmunk, DoriBry, Party, Phoenixmom, Blessed, Proud&Grateful and all you lovely ladies!  

Fighting those damn NavyMom allergies bad again today...reason??? just random want to totally break down... so far holding it together at work but, when going to pup sit my newest grandpup tonight I not sure I will be able to hold it back... So for all you newer Moms/Dads Yes! it is real & on-going for some of us those damn NavyMom allergies.

NewMilMom:  the Navy Allergies are real. Today has been a rough one for me too. I went to pick up something else I ordered for my sailor that he requested. I have a huge box waiting to be mailed. And he still doesn’t have an address. He has been on ship for over a week. How do I not have an address to mail to?!?  And he has gone silent in the last few days. 4 days since a real conversation. Got a quick message just saying he was exhausted. That’s it.   I am just waiting. I still send a Snapchat in the morning. So I at least reach out. But yeah. The emotions are running here today too

Good evening, 

I have a question. My Son got his report date for his PDS which is March 3 He wants to get married between the time that he graduates and when he has to report. does anyone know about that little limbo of time between graduation and reporting? Does he need to request that time is that free time? I just need to be able to tell the bride’s mother. Because right now my son doesn’t know because he only got his orders yesterday

He gets a couple travel days, but if he wants the rest off, he needs to request leave "en route".  Hopefully he has enough leave on the books, otherwise he has to borrow days from himself.  That's not good.  He needs to talk to his chain, and to the travel office.  He'll need to put in a special request chit, they should be able to guide him through it.  The Navy will arrange his flights, but he pays the travel office for the leg home.  

With Covid, not sure how this works, but that's the usual routine.  Tell the bride's mother to stand by, stay flexible, because the Navy ends up setting the date. No deposits which do not have a refundable military clause. I'm a fan of the courthouse wedding, with a nice backyard celebration.  Inexpensive but intimate.  Also, giftcards are perfect for the military couple. Never buy them stuff they have to move.

Question about sending packages...  the post master at the post office told me to not send his laptop by USPS. She said it was safer to use UPS or Fed Ex. But when I go to their website it says they can't deliver to Military bases. So the only way to ship anything to my son is USPS?  Is that correct?

*I should say for anyone who doesn't know, do NOT send packages to boot camp!!!  My son is in the fleet*

Thank you Anti M. I will pass this information along to my son. I really appreciate it. 

Have a great evening ladies!! 

Hi Shanny! Is your son stateside? Maybe he could get a po box at a ups store that would have an actual street address and keep his stuff safe until he could pick it up. 

Have a great night ladies! Hugs!

I have another question...I read somewhere an idea is to send a calling card with your recruit to BC. Do they use the calling card when they are allowed to make calls? Also it says something about buying things, how do they pay for things at the store when they are at BC?

thank you all for your answers and patience with newbies!!

Joy:  yes they need a calling card to make calls when granted. If you choose to purchase one before they leave, make sure it is for use on a land line. They use good ole pay phone  phone booths.  If you cannot find one, don't worry, they will have a chance to purchase one at the NEX (Naval Exchange)  They are given a card that has a certain amount of money on it (the amount escapes my mind right now) for purchasing things at the NEX. It is an advance om their pay i believe. They will also have the opportunity to set up a bank account with Navy Federal Credit Union during  processing days for direct deposit of the pay. They receive their debit cards while there. If they choose to keep using the bank they have at home, make sure to send the routing and account numbers so they can set up direct deposit!  I hope that helps!  If I missed anything let me know. On my way out the door but wanted to make sure I answered!  

Hey, Ladies. I have a question. Is there a way for me to get word to my recruit about his great-grandfather passing away? 

Joy, my SR bought a phone card there, he said it was $10 for 2 hours of time....but then he had to figure out how to use it, haha!! As soon as he got back to GL they gave him $150 to purchase necessities and he said they have everything he would need when I asked him if he needed me to send him anything he said 'no, I  can get everything here.' He brought his bank card and credit card and some cash so with the $150 allowance he was set. 

Jennifer, from what I understand, at the email I received, that communication is done through the Red Cross. I'll copy the info I have from the email here for you (I hope this is not a violation of the rules as this came directly from the Navy/Red Cross). If you aren't needing him to return home but just wanted to inform him then you might just do so through regular mail if possible. I'm sure the other ladies will have better info for you. And I'm so sorry for your loss! 

One of our most important services are emergency communications. If you or an immediate family member experiences an emergency that requires your service member to return home, the Red Cross verifies the emergency to assist the command and the service member in making support and emergency leave decisions. If you have an emergency, you can access assistance 24 hours a day/7 day a week by calling 877-272-7337, going to https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/emergency-commu... or by accessing the Hero Care mobile app. The app can be downloaded by searching for American Red Cross in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android or by going to https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mo...l.  

Mom2blondies - Thanks for sharing the Red Cross information with Jennifer!

Jennifer - Our sincere condolences on your loss. 

Joy - When I bought the calling card for my son (I think I found his at either CVS or Walgreens) I had him activate it before he left for BC and that way he knew how he was to use it. 

Shanny - I think NewMilMom has a good suggestion. And No I would not mail his laptop via USPS to the ship address. 

Good Night Everyone!

jennifer-- I am so sorry for your loss. 

Red Cross Information post to follow.

Ladies (and gentlemen), Please put this information in your Phones:
I have a contact labeled {sailor ICE} with the Red Cross phone number and text number as the phone number under the contacts, then I have the needed contact info in the notes section. The info in Italics below. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it or have to remember where or what you need! In the event of an emergency I can just pull up the info on my phone and hand it off if I’m not able to think clearly!!

If an emergency (such as a serious illness, death or birth) of an immediate family member (Parent or Guardian, Sibling, Family member who took the place of a parent in raising the Military member) takes place then military families can initiate a request for Red Cross emergency assistance. The message will be verified and then delivered. If the emergency requires leave for a service member, the Red Cross will verify the emergency to the service member’s commanding officer. Eligibility for emergency leave will ultimately be determined by them. Throughout the process, the family member will be able to track the progress of the message from anywhere in the world online, by phone, through our mobile app or in person.

To best prepare for an emergency, please have this information ready when reporting an emergency message:

• The service members name, rank, social security number and unit address {SR Davy Jones, 123-45-6789, Great Lakes Naval Training Center Ship 99, Div 1904.} {In Fleet This would be their Ship Name and number}
• The name of the person with the emergency and the nature of the situation {King Neptune, Hospitalized in critical condition, Elizabeth in preterm labor Baby Will at risk }
• The name and contact information for the medical authority to contact regarding the status of the emergency {Doctor Jack Sparrow, Barbados General Hospital, 555-123-4567}

To access these services through the Hero Care Network, create an account and send the message here or send through the Hero Care app by texting “GETHEROCARE” to 90999 or call a Hero Care specialist at 1-877-272-7337.

This is a reason to have the discussion before your sailor leaves or ask in an early call or letter (Reassure them that all is well at home but you have learned you should have asked sooner.) No one likes to talk about the possibility of death but it happens and it’s easier if you have a plan for how to handle these situations. When you can, ask if they want to know about anyone not parent or sibling while in boot camp (They likely will not be allowed to leave anyway), ask if they want to come home if it’s a parent or sibling ( It will be short 2-4 days at most then 2 week Quarantine and a delay in BC training-- Fleet still short followed by quarantine.)
Keep in mind that the Red Cross cannot pay for their travel or guarantee leave.  They are however essential to getting all that lined up.  They can provide short term travel loans and assist in transportation arrangements.

Good Morning Ladies and welcome to all of our new moms,

Joy- Good Morning, I got mine at Walgreen's and set it up for him before he left. You can set it up for him and that way it is all ready for him when he is at boot camp. They are able to buy things at the nex they get money to purchase items. Have a great day!!

jennifer- I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.

BBH- Thank you for posting that. I was looking for your post.  :)

mom2blondies- Thank  you for posting and sharing your information with jennifer. Have a great day!!

Shanny- I wouldn't send it that way either. I would be nervous that it wouldn't make it there. Good Morning.  :)

warriorprotector-  Good Morning, and I know right? Some days are definitely more chatty than others.  :)

Have a great day!!

VintageGal- Good Morning, How was the day? 

Anti M- Good Morning and thanks for all the info. How are you?

Phoenximom- Good Morning and how was your day yesterday?

I have a question, but I want to clarify to the new parents on here, this is relating to my son who is at A school.  He sent a picture of his address, and it had PSC number that didn't quite line up with the rest of the address.  I asked him if that was included, and he said no.  Now I'm reading on the MA group that they think that stands for postal service center and should be included.  We sent him something shipped from Amazon, and he got it in two packages on two different days.  We also sent him two cards in envelopes, and a package.  The tracking for the package said it was delivered on the 29th.  He hasn't received the envelopes or the package.  Do you think they are lost?  There was nothing of great value in the package.  Just a blanket wrapped up for Christmas, some tshirts and underwear, and christmas goodies and other boxed snacks.  What do you all think from your experience?  

Good morning ladies!  Hope everyone has a lovely day! 

Jennifer: Prayers for you and your family.  This is just my opinion but if you think that your son would be very upset by the passing of his great-grandfather I might wait until you could tell him later in his BC experience.  I know my own parents said if anything happened to them during BC to wait to tell my SR until the end because they want him to stay focused and not be worried about the family. If it's not a concern then a letter would be your only option.  The Red Cross is only if you need them to decide to come home and as you read previously, that's only for immediate family members. 

Party! Thank you for the scripture, as always spot on.

BelovedbyHim: and M2B:  Thank you for all the details re/emergencies and the Red Cross.  So important to have it there if you need it. 

Growing up as an only child and Navy Brat, I always had copies of my parents wills and we openly discussed what would happen if anything were to happen to either of my parents (I know it sounds morbid, but it allowed me to not worry about the future).  Those discussions are just necessary in the military family, it actually will set you at ease if something were to happen.  As parents of two in the military, we have had these discussions so their wishes will be followed.  I have cried after those discussions, but know it's what's needed. 

Later ladies! :)

Good Morning All, Hoping his Wednesday is finding all well.

WarriorProtector Thank You for Explaining to Jennifer.

This Subject of anything could Happen in these trying times is a good subject to bring up for those that have a Loved One going into BC. The question is would you like to know if anything whatsoever the situation be like to know, especially a Passing of a Loved One? That way you would have the answer. I know when My Son went in I asked and he said "Mom I'm going to be studying and working on passing the PFA if it isn't you or dad or sisters then No, I'm not trying to be inconsiderate in any way but there is nothing that I would be able to do, and I don't need to have that on my mind as It may cause me to fail if on my Mind. So that is a calling for parents to make. If it could be told after BC then I feel it would be a better solution, but if you feel he needs to know then by all means you make that call. It is a touchy subject as some feel the need to let one Know, but at the same time will it be distracting to your Loved One who is working hard to achieve his Goal at becoming a Sailor. so there are many factors that play into this. and with Love and respect Mrs. Jennifer please except My Sincerest Condolences to you and Your Family. Prayers are being sent your Way!

C'sMom I would put it on address anyways and if it doesn't mean anything the rest of his address will be on envelope. it may be his Dept. or Building Number or something. Packages will be sent to their Post office all A schools should have one on their base. And when given a chance that is where they will pick up. At least that is how it was done in A school GL. My son would have to make time to get to their Post office to pick up his packages.

Wishing you all a Fabulous Day!

Prayer for This Mornings scripture:

Father thank You that Christ not only died for my sins but has died unto sin so that the power of sin no longer has power over me – Help me to make the right choice to follow you and listen to Your voice day by day, in Jesus name I pray, AMEN.

Good Morning ladies! I just had a quick question, while in quarantine before starting A school are they allowed to receive and send packages? I’m trying to put together a “late” Christmas/BC graduation gifts for my SR! 

Mykenzie that would be nice , but I would wait until he is actually in A school, and in a Barrack before I ship it out. so many things can happen in between times. and that way you have an actual address for your Loved On in A school. I Hope that makes sense?

Here are the links to the current PIR groups.

PIR: January 2021

       January 07, 2021 No Graduation

       January 14, 2021 No Graduation

       January 21, 2021 TG 09 14 Divisions (065-078)

       January 28, 2021 TG 10 14 Divisions (079-092)

PIR: February 2021

       February 04, 2021 TG 11 6 Divisions (095-102)

       February 11, 2021 TG 12 13 Divisions (105-116, 807)

       February 18, 2021 TG 13 14 Divisions (117-130)

       February 25, 2021 TG 14 12 Divisions (131- 144)

Please note: Your recruits original graduation date may change due to additional quarantine during training. Your recruit will let you know if this happens.

Mrs. BelovedByHim's Blog

 Read my blog to give you an idea of what the first few weeks may look like.. First Things First-- The Quarantine Edition 

New Pics of Loved Ones Marching in Formation, check out

https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand and http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/.

Phoenixmom- Good Morning,

Amen!!

How is the little one doing? 

I did the same thing with mine before he went in and he said the same thing if it's not you, dad or the my brother or sister I don't want to know.

 I would send his packages there as well when he was in A school and he could only go certain times to pick them up.

Hoping your morning is going well. 

Hello all, I've not posted in awhile but do try to read as many posts as possible each day. The holidays did put me behind a lot lol.

Welcome to all the new moms and another dad I saw (now there are 2)!!!

Vintage - I saw your question and Anti M's  response. I had asked my son about the time from graduation and his PDS in hopes of another visit. He didn't have a definite answer but did tell me he would have to make the Chit request from his new duty station. He didn't think he would come home from PDC after arriving because after the holiday visit he would be minus 1 day from what was earned through BC and A school. He said he would only earn 1.5 days for December as a result. I'm guessing our son's earned days are on about the same timeline but your son should have more time earned by the time he graduates (guessing late Feb. early march??)

Good Morning Party Little one is clear from Covid, Thank the Lord! He just has runny nose and I began giving him breathing treatments again as the smog has been really bad here lately, Had a cough. other than that I am good, hoping you are as well.