Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Hugs and thoughts for all of those with PIR tomorrow!!! Keep us posted!

Good luck to all ♥️

We have quite a few new members and I just wanted to say hi!! I haven't had a chance to welcome you, I don't know if any of the other ladies have or not but we are glad to have you with us. This is our chatting place and more people will see your posts here in this comment section, so be sure to come introduce yourself. 

My son left for BC June of 2017 right after graduating high school. I stuck around this group because of our experience after PIR and how I had to learn Semper Gumby to the extreme. My son was flying to SC for his A school and it wasn't like things I had read. Then I stay on to help watch for other members whose loved ones are my sailors rate. I also started a group for anyone whose sailor has graduated BC and they want a place to come hang out and keep up with life after BC - Beyond BC group. Life is very busy for me right now so I am not on as much as I use to be, but I keep checking in. 

Hi Chipmunk! You gals are great. I originally put my introduction in the discussion thread so in case folks didn't see it it's really nice to meet  all of you. We are in Indiana so not to far from GL. This is my first military experience although my hubby is a Marine. He was out before we met. Our oldest daughter (Belly) is at bootcamp now. She arrived July 21st and is supposed to attend A school in GL. I am living vicariously through the momma's that have gotten letters so far. I don't know about the rest of you but other family members calling to ask me if I have heard anything every day somehow makes it worse. I politely asked them to stop and promised to send up flairs when I do get something.

Linda and Trey ... very exciting. Congrats to you. 

Mustangmom65 - I really hope work got better for you and the week is going to end on a high note. 

Jenningmom - you are getting so close to graduation :)

 A month in and still no form letter though lol.. I think tomorrow starts the 4th week of training for him so maybe soon. The ups and downs are exhausting I'm finding, empty nest also has ups and downs right now.. He was our only one.  

It seems that about the halfway mark they get a phone call that is mandatory or at least that is what I heard and read somewhere. 

Trey:  you really can't depend on a schedule when it comes to phone calls. I would sit there reading my PIR group and keep reading about these divisions getting 2 or 3 calls. My sailor's division did not receive phone calls at all until the Saturday before PIR. And they weren't allowed to do the I'm a Sailor calls either. It was 2 or 3 days after PIR before I heard from him and it was when he was on his way to the airport to fly out for A School

I know lol..I have at least heard from him and got one letter. Guess it really seems to random and dependent on the division. I have made it this long.. Same amount of time to go.. I'm just trying to stay busy, hard to do with Texas heat/humidity.

Good Morning All, hope this thursday finds you all well, well I have to say all these post are really good, so glad the new comers are getting the hang of things, basically a sit and wait for right now. But it will get better! I see so many mommas doing such a great Job, I can say better than I did when I first started I was a total wreck! felt like I was mourning my Son and he was in BC. the hardest thing I had to experience was my Baby leaving the home and growing up to be the Man I knew he could be!

Have a great day Ladies!

GRADUATION TICKET PICKUP INFORMATION

Everyone planning on attending a graduation ceremony MUST personally obtain a ticket, which will be distributed at the Recruit Family Welcome Center the week of your recruit's graduation. A guest cannot pick up a ticket for another guest as both guests must be present. Tickets are free, but you must have valid photo ID to obtain your ticket (driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport, or, for minors, a student ID, driver's permit, SSN card, birth certificate,) AND you MUST also have your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. Once you receive your ticket do NOT lose it, as this will be the only ticket you will receive. These tickets are not transferable and are the only means to access the base for attendees.

WELCOME CENTER ADDRESS/GPS: Navy Exchange (NEX) Burkey Mall, 2650 Green Bay Road North Chicago, IL 60088 (Do NOT use generic terms such as NEX, Recruit Training Command or Naval Station Great Lakes).

RECRUIT FAMILY WELCOME CENTER HOURS:
Thursday [10:00 AM to 7:30 PM] and Friday [5:30 AM to 8:30 AM]

Plan accordingly so each person can check in to receive a ticket for the graduation ceremony. If you don't have a ticket you will NOT be allowed entry to the base. Tickets will only be issued to guests who the graduating recruit has verified will be attending. Please ensure those who check-in to receive their graduation tickets are the same as those who were listed on the security form.

**DO NOT GO DIRECTLY TO THE BASE WITHOUT FIRST PICKING UP YOUR TICKET**

All graduation information may be found on our website:
www.bootcamp.navy.mil

PIR AUGUST 2021

PIR SEPTEMBER 2021

Good Morning All, here is some info for shortcuts and maps.

SHORT CUT AND MAPS

chipmunks discussion

What PIR weekend may be like for those flying out of GL

Downloadable version of Map to Graduation Ceremony

Mrs. Party's Scripture

Morning Prayer

Loving Father, too often my mind is deflected from Jesus onto the things of the world, especially when times are difficult, but I want to keep my mind on Christ, knowing that this is Your best will for me. I pray that I become increasingly aware of the Spirit's promptings in my life, so that day by day, my heart and mind may become saturated with the lovely Lord Jesus. May His nature be reflected through my actions and attitude and may my life be transformed daily, by the renewing of my mind. Help me to prove in my life what Your will for me is, and may I do only those things that are good, and acceptable and perfect in Your sight - for Your praise and glory, and for the benefit of others. I pray in your name Jesus, AMEN.

Here is the site in regards to calls.

• Phone Cards and Phone Calls

Belly'sMom25 - family members checking in  - Yes! That can be exhausting!

Trey - I don't recall, was yours one that may have had to do ROM before starting? If so then that is why your form letter is likely behind. We had some last year who never received form letters. and depending on what job your SR might have their time may be so busy and hectic, that you won't get much written home, but as soon as you get a ship & division # let us know and we can help you get the address if you don't have it to start sending letters. 

Emptynesting is no joke and definitely something to get use to. 

Im sorry - I was playing with my phone and deleted my account.  (fat fingers and not being able to see - did not help me) Thanks for letting me back in

Belly’s mom 25,

I know it can be so hard when family and friends keep asking. I told mine the same thing and then I said when I get his address you can write him to. Lol  Hang in there and just keep smiling at them.   :) Hugs!!!!

It is nice to meet you to.

Trey,  I know. We wish they had more schedule phone calls but with the amount of ST’s they have in there and only a certain amount of phones it can get pretty busy with the phones.

For me and son his calls were timed while other divisions did not do that. My blessing was that I got an unexpected call in the middle of the day. He called during class and my students already knew my son was at camp amd that if he called I would answer. Lol 

They we’re awesome about it and I was so happy to get the call. It truly makes your day when we hear from them!!! 

It’s pretty humid here to. Ugh!! 

Linda,

Awe man you are right so close but not close enough. I’m sure your loved one knows your thinking of them.  :) 

I was also a bundle of nerves the whole month of his PIR and I couldn’t wait to get there just to see him!!! 

Pizanche - I saw your request and I thought to myself, don't we already have a Pizanche?  Well now I know it was you!  Welcome back lol.

B'sNukeMoM - Yes - that was me thinking i was way more technological than I am! LOL.

Pizanche, I know exactly how you feel. I got removed one time because of computer problems and I almost went insane. I am sure some of the seasoned Moms would attest to this. It was like someone unplugged my lifeline and I freaked.  Talk about a panic attack. So please be careful that you don't hit the blue highlighted area that removes you from the site.  So happy you are back Pizanche!

Pizanche- Hey and I said the same thing as B'sNukeMoM MMN. Lol

Glad that you are back and no worries. We all have those moments at one time or another. 

LAST-MINUTE GRADUATION REMINDERS:

* All guests are required to wear a mask indoors to include, but not limited to: RTC visitors center, Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall and the Navy Exchange. No mask, no entry.

* Shuttles, taxis and share rides are not allowed on base at RTC. Guests will be dropped off at the gate, and then it is about a quarter-mile walk from the gate to the visitors’ center where all guests must check-in before proceeding to the drill hall.

* Flowers, banners, posters or gift bags are not allowed inside the drill hall. Guests entering the visitors’ center with such items will be asked to either return said items to their vehicles or leave at the front desk reception for retrieval following the ceremony.

* The use of strollers is discouraged due to space. Guests are not allowed to keep their strollers in the bleachers and will be directed to park them in a designated area inside the drill hall. Guests will not have access to their strollers until the conclusion of the ceremony.

* When returning Sailor from liberty, be mindful of the time as they cannot be late and there will be a line of cars at the gate. Recruits will be dropped off in a parking lot on base and must walk the remaining way back to their barracks. Also, all guests inside the vehicle must have a ticket or they will be denied entry. Once your Sailor has been dropped off, guests must leave the base and are not allowed to freely drive around the base or guests risk receiving a citation.

Congratulations to the award winners from this week's graduating recruits!
The following is a description of the six awards:
• NAVY CLUB OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY EXCELLENCE AWARD: Presented to the graduating recruit who best exemplifies the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military appearance and behavior, self-discipline and teamwork. This is the highest award a recruit may earn.
• NAVY LEAGUE AWARD: Presented to the graduating recruit whose enthusiasm, supportive attitude, and willingness to help others during their training period exceeded Navy training standards.
• MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA AWARD: Presented to the graduating recruit whose meritorious performance in recruit training demonstrated exceptional professionalism, maturity, integrity and leadership.
• MILITARY ORDER OF THE WORLD WARS AWARD OF MERIT: Presented to the graduating recruit whose meritorious performance in recruit training demonstrated motivation and dedication to duty.
• ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD: Presented to the graduating recruit who maintained the highest academic and assessment standards throughout all phases of training.
• UNITED SERVICES ORGANIZATION SHIPMATE AWARD: Presented to the graduating recruit whose enthusiasm, supportive attitude and willingness to help others during their training period exceeded Navy training standards.
Remember to follow us on Instagram Rtc GreatLakes

Congratulations to all of our new sailors!!

Welcome to our group: JElise, jonna18, Lizsmom, Nyckki, and a Nicole. These are who I have been notified about since I follow who joins the group!! We are glad you have joined us!!

Hi there and thanks Chipmunk for directing me here! My son just landed in IL this evening so our journey begins, although technically he left us yesterday for MEPS San Jose. 

Imftnavymom21, Hey and I’m glad you already signed up for the informed delivery. Isn’t it great.

I’m glad you posted on here. You will find a lot of great people on here and a lot of support as well. Now your journey begins.

Keep your phone with you and your ringer on loud as the scripted I’m here call will be coming to let you know he’s there. 
Hugs to you. 

I just got the scripted call and made sure to talk over him and let him know that we loved him and are so proud. I love the quarantine piece of the script. Who knows what will happen since he is vaccinated. Our journey has officially begun and I just got really overwhelmed knowing that I will have no idea about my child, who is still 17, for at least a few weeks! 

Thanks for being so welcoming everyone!

Hello  lmftnavymom21 I'm in CA as well, mine left out of San Diego in December, seems like forever ago!! I can't imagine sending him off at 17y/o as mine is on the older side and turned 21y/o in boot camp. It for sure is a strange thing for us moms who raised our kids with cell phones to be completely disconnected for 2+ months. The longest I had ever been disconnected from my kid was for a week when he was at Fire Explorer Academy but I had the #'s to the fire fighters that were working the academy so I still felt somewhat connected and he was just about an hours drive away rather than across the country. 

Welcome to all the new family members! I hope everyone is doing well! Stay strong, you got this!! 

Good Morning - So I got a letter from my son yesterday and it breaks my heart - the self doubt he is all of a sudden feeling. He is doing all his pre-testing and I assume (no phone calls) is passing, but he will be starting Battle stations next week and all the final tests. He got his rate (ET and eventually N) and seemed happy in one letter and now it seems like the doubt is growing.  I don't know if it's just growing pains or he's scared and nervous.  Have any of you gone through this when your recruits were just about done with boot camp? He said at one time he will be very glad when this part is over! I am being as encouraging and as upbeat as I can when I send him letters.

Pizanche, My heart goes out to you and your son. I haven't experienced this (yet) but it may be the cumulative of BC, testing and realization of beginning the next chapter in the "real military world". They are so glad when BC is over, but the expectations and standards they are held to now  must be frightening. At least, I can totally see this being the case with my son, who graduates in September. Hugs! 

Good Morning everyone!! We are up early today!!  K⚓️thanks for sharing such a cheery meme!

lmftnavymom21 - Welcome Aboard, I am glad you found our chatting area on the group!! Mom2blondies - thanks!! and good to hear from you. 

Pizanche - The SRs go through a similar emotional roller coaster ride in BC to what we experience. They are realizing that they are not really their own anymore, it is needs of the Navy and all the expectations that go along with it as well. Encouraging words, and letting them know that you are there to support them and they may share their feelings with you, vent to you, and even question their decision with you. You need to continue to be a safe place for them to express themselves when they are not sure who or what they can say to those around them. I hope that makes sense. 

Congratulations to all of our new sailors!! Happy PIR!!

For our new members, Friday is known around here as RED Friday.

Check out the link above (the blue letters) to read the story behind it. Also, where ever you see blue lettering on this site, underlined or not it is a hyperlink to other articles of interest. 

For those of you wondering what is going on at BC, be sure to look at the videos that are posted on the upper left of this page. If viewing N4M on a mobile device be sure to set it to desktop mode. Personally, I prefer to post and explore the site on my computer as it is generally easier to navigate. Have a Wonderful Day and choose JOY! 

Once you have a sailor - be sure to change their status on your profile page to Enlisted!!!

 K⚓️ and Chipmunk - thank you.  Yes it makes sense.  I hope his next letter sounds better! He knows he can vent to me or share joy - whatever he needs. 

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to all of our new members. We are glad that you are here. When you can come and post and let us know where you are in this journey. We will help you along the way.

Pizanche- Yes it is totally normal for them to have second thoughts and to doubt themselves. Just keep encouraging him as you've been doing. They are all glad when boot camp is over.  :)

Big hugs to you!!

K- Good Morning and thanks for sharing. Yes this is true as well. they are almost finished with one part of their journey and they are not sure what will happen next. 

Imftnavymom21-I know that scripted call home can be hard sometimes. It also marks the beginning of our journey and you start to realize that our lives are going to be different and sometimes the same.

Staying busy is key and start writing those letters now so when the form letter comes you can mail them off right away!!

I always say boot camp is for us as much as it is for them. While they are getting stronger so are we!!

Let us know if anyone has any questions and we will answer.

Please be safe and healthy out there if you are in one of the hot spots.

God bless and happy Friday!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR BRAND NEW SAILORS!!!! MAY GOD PROTECT THEM AS THEY BEGIN THEIR NEW JOURNEY!!!!

HOOYAH!!!

ON FRIDAYS WE WEAR RED TO REMEMBER EVERYONE DEPLOYED. PLEASE KEEP ALL OF THESE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN IN YOUR PRAYERS TODAY. PRAY THAT THEY FINISH ALL OF THEIR EXERCISES SAFELY AND WITHOUT HARM TO ANY OF THEM. 

PRAYERS FOR ALL OF THEM TO STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE!!!!

Here's the link to our first live PIR in over a year - with families!

LIVE PIR AUG 13

We have 3 October PIR dates now:

October 1, 2021 TG-45 (429,430,431,432,433,434,435,436,437,439,440,908)

October 8, 2021 TG-46 (441,442,443,444,445,446,447,448,449,450,451,909)

October 15, 2021 TG-47 (453,454,455,456,457,458,459,460,461,462,463,464,910)

Here are the links to the  August and September PIR groups:

PIR AUGUST 2021

PIR SEPTEMBER 2021

Be sure to join your group.

It's been almost 9 years since I was at PIR for B but watching this right now and knowing that families are there live again is actually giving me goose bumps!

BZ Sailors!

Pizanche - My oldest son is 24, and married, and he left for BC June 1. It was his idea to go talk to the recruiter, and to take his siblings with him. He was a mess the first few weeks of BC, and then he started to settle in. It took a while, but he did get better. He's in A school now, and he's having a ball.

Son #2 - Well, if he's had his doubts yet, he's keeping them to himself. He told me before he left that quarantine was going to be the hardest part, and he was getting that out of the way first.

It's going to be interesting to see how my daughter deals with things. She is wired more like my oldest. She was already worried about dealing with the drama of an all-female div, and then my son shared some stuff that went down with his sister div. Didn't help!

Both my Navy husband and our recent BC son have said A school and fleet aren't like BC. My son loved A school and is really enjoying his job where he is stationed. Hard days, sure, but you don't have someone in your face yelling at you all the time. Remind your sailors there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It won't always be this intense.