Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Thank you, Ladies!!  It’s a good idea to have him leave me a voicemail!  I’m going to do that and look into the voice recording app.  I appreciate the suggestions.  Were your kiddos allowed to keep a slim wallet?  I was wondering your thoughts on sending a phone card and/or stamps with him. 

Reminder: For those of you living where you need to change your clocks for daylight savings time - It is early tomorrow morning Nov 7, 2021!!

HappyInTheValley - I just left some information on your profile page. Yes, they may have a wallet (be sure all accessories including watch are all black!), a pay phone prepaid calling card, and a few stamps.

Happy-  Stamps Yes.  Phone card??? I vote No simply because it is so difficult to find one for PAY Phones... Cell phone calling cards are everywhere but Pay phone card can be tricky to find and I don't want you to spend your precious time running around looking for a needle in a Haystack.  They can buy one there and it's easy to find.  You may want to go over how to activate one though. 
Yes they can keep a slim wallet.  They are getting yelled at so he will need to remember that this IS allowed and NOT to put it in the box even though they are yelling that everything goes in the box!!
He can also keep a Bible or other religious text if he wants.  that's a good place to write another word of encouragement to him.

Good evening everyone….

Just saw some conversations about phone cards so thought I would share. If you google att phone cards and go to their site they have military cards. I selected the one for Navy and they can be used on landlines. I purchased online and printed it out. Then I laminated it after writing the number and PIN on the back so he can keep it in his wallet. I also added a little note on the back because I couldn’t resist. 

Hope that helps!

Jrdsmama-- WOW!! That is Awesome help!!  I wish I'd known that sooner!! I'll for sure edit my blog post to include that helpful tidbit!  Did they need to activate it or was it already activated since you bought it online?

Hi Happy in the Valley.  

My daughter left me a letter she wrote me before she left that I keep with me in my wallet so I could read it often while I was waiting for her first letter from BC.  I didn't read it until she left for BC and basically it said how she felt this is the right decision and how she would miss her etc.  It really helped me and I still carry it with me.  PIR is 18 days away for me and MomOfJoseph!  Btw, her advice to record the scripted call is great advice.  I tried to do it when I had her on the phone using the screen recording app on my phone but it doesn't work if you're on a call.  

As for the phone card, I looked all over the place for one, and I live in a big city and couldn't find one.  My niece finally found one in NJ and sent it to her.  Not sure she needed it though, but wish I had known about Jrdsmama's idea.  That's a good one.

I did send her with stamps though and an address book so she could have our phone numbers and addresses with her.

Jrdsmama -- If you have a link to the calling card that would be helpful.

Link to the Navy calling card: https://www.virtualprepaidminutes.com/Navy_prepaid_calling_cards.aspx

On the calling card, it is reloadable as well. I created the account and I can add minutes to it when it gets low. I will try and come back after we use it a few times and let y’all know how it goes!

Jrdsmama-- Thanks, That would be great!

Good morning everyone!  PIR was wonderful and it was sooooo nice seeing my son!!  I’ll tell you a little bit about my experience for the mom’s headed to PIR soon.

We live close enough to drive to Great Lakes so we drove and we stayed at the Spring Hill Suites.  We got our reservations a long time ago (as soon as we got the form letter).  We obtained reservations that could be cancelled or changed and were so glad we did.  We made reservations through Sunday, however we only had Friday until 9:00 p.m. with our son, so we cancelled Sat. night and left Sat. morning.  The hotel staff was very accommodating and we enjoyed our stay there.  They gave us a 10% discount because we were going to PIR.

We arrived in Great Lakes Thursday afternoon and picked up our tickets at the Welcome Center, which is inside the NEX but not on base.  As you enter the NEX (opposite side of the commissary) there are people there to greet and guide you.  They also gave us a map from the NEX to the gate you will need to enter for graduation the next morning.  The Welcome Center closes at 7:30 p.m. central time by the way so get your tickets before then.  Don’t forget your ID & COVID vaccination card to pick-up your ticket.

Friday morning we arrived at the gate around 6:10 a.m. and there was quite a line already.  Once the gates opened at 6:30 it moved rather quickly.  Show your ticket, ID, COVID vaccine card and registration & insurance if you’re driving.  They directed us to a parking garage to park and then directed us through a small museum you walk through on the way to the graduation hall.  

We were seated a little after 7:00 a.m. and pretty much had the pick of our seats; there was plenty of room in the stands at that time.  Look for your sailor’s division sign and sit in front of that, but at an angle (as opposed to directly in front of) so you can find your sailor.

There are booths for refreshments and there are booths to buy a commemorative coin with your sailor’s division flag, a coin with your sailor’s ship, a division photo calendar and a division t-shirt.  Get in line ASAP because they were sold out before we got to the front of the line (except we did get a coin).  The coins and calendars are cash only.  I believe you can use a card for the t-shirts but I’m not certain.

After PIR we were allowed onto the floor to greet our son (which was glorious lol).  Our son’s A-school was in another state and he was scheduled to take a bus early Saturday morning so we only had Friday until 9 p.m. with him.  All he wanted to do was pick-up food and go back to the hotel and visit.  He talked for hours all about his experience and it was a wonderful day!

We took a bag of some of his belongings, but all he took with him was some personal underwear lol.  He really wanted that.  He couldn’t take food or electronics back on base and he was not allowed to have his phone yet.

We took him back to base an hour before curfew.  We went into a different gate, but we just followed the cars because we weren’t sure which gate to go into.  It wasn’t the same gate we entered that morning, however it was the same gate we exited upon leaving PIR so you may want to make note of that.  

We were able to drive as far as the chapel to drop him off.  The base was dark and not really well lit after we passed the gate, but again we just followed the cars in front of us.  You will see a NEX Recruit Store on your right and then not much further is the chapel parking lot on your right.  

Our son got his phone back an hour before departure (the next morning) from Great Lakes and we’ve been back in communication ever since!

And now I’ve joined the Beyond BC Mom’s group so don’t forget to do that when you return.  Thanks again to all the experienced BC Mom’s who stay on here and guide us through this process.  I honestly think I would have been lost without your guidance & support.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Thank you for the information Ging

I wish I knew about this site before my son left for BC. I didn't make sure he had stamps or his vaccine card. I didn't know about the prepaid calling card? LOL. Thank you guys for the valuable information. I know what to send him when I get his address :)

I didn’t know about the calling card either so I mailed the info from a virtual AT&T card I bought online.  My son had trouble using that one and preferred buying one himself at the NEX.  He did find it helpful sending stamps with him.  The more information we can give each other the better right?!  Hope everyone is having a nice Sunday.

Hi, love4Leo25.  I was in the same boat (no pun intended lol).  I didn't find this site until after my son went to BC and I had a complete meltdown when I read about the phone card.  So when I got his address, I used Sandboxx to write him a letter, apologizing profusely for not sending the phone card with him.  I sent him a NEX gift card via Sandboxx so he could buy a phone card.  (DON"T do that, btw.)

When he called the first time, he told me that they "give" them a $150 gift card for the NEX (it's deducted from their first paycheck) and he used it to buy a phone card and stamps.  (But he was grateful that I sent him stamps in the first batch of letters - just so he didn't have to buy more.)

So please don't fret about that.  For him, it was easier to buy it on base than for me to try to send him one.

Same here about phone cards, the ATT one I bought he had a hard time using for whatever reason and just bought ones from the NEX.  Maybe once he is on a ship it will be useful then. 

Ging -- Sounds like you had an amazing day!!

love4Leo25-- It's ok.  I didn't find this site till my sailor was at MEPS swearing in the next morning! 
Others have found us even later.  We will take you where you are and help you learn what you need to know moving forward.  All the rest of it .... Well, Your sailor is an adult (in the Navy's eyes!) and they will figure it out!

Just a Note on the calling cards... Unless you can test it before they leave, Let them buy one at the NEX.  They know those work and it will save you stress.  Once they have their Cell phones back they will almost Never have a need for them. The RDC's will make sure they have a chance to buy one and they have money on the NEX card they are issued at arrival to cover this.  I PROMISE they will not miss out on the opportunity to call home over not having brought a card or you not sending one. 

Good Morning Moms!

Thank you Ging for the PIR Info.  My recruit called last night, short call, but was filling us in on PIR day and how we can hug her but can't linger in our hug and no kisses on cheek?  And during liberty while shes in uniform same rules.  My youngest daughter said, Hmm, sounds like you're making that up because my recruit is sometimes ok quick hug, that's it , kind of person.  LOL

Love4Leo25, I searched everywhere for a phone card, couldn't find one and then my niece found one in her state and mailed it to my recruit and I find out last night during the call, it doesn't work for public phones.  But as MomofJoseph said, don't worry about it.  They get a phone card while they're there and she's been able to call me twice so far without me giving her a phone card.  

As for stamps, I would include an envelope with a stamp in every letter I wrote her.  I didn't address the envelope in case she wanted to write someone else other than me. I asked everyone who wrote her to do the same.

We're only 16 days away from PIR and I'm excited but last night's call left me worried.  She said she's in a yellow zone, I think that was the color.  Meaning she's been depressed this past week.  She had a hard start and then was doing great and now this.  I'm chalking it up to it's near the end, she's exhausted and she said she feels like shes been there forever.  

Hi all - Happy Monday!

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links:

PIR JANUARY 2022

PIR DECEMBER 2021

My recruit called for the first time last night!

It was a wonderful 25 minutes. He was able to give me information about where he is on his training journey. Also, he provided his date for Battlestations so I know when to pray extra and to expect his "I'm a sailor" call.

We both got a little choked up twice, but I tried to keep things as positive as possible. He said that all the letters have really helped and on his lowest day--3 arrived!  (Thanks for the advice to mail lots of letters.)

Love4Leo25--I also stressed about not sending him with a calling card, but he had no problem calling me or his nana.  Your recruit will find a way to call you once they have a chance.

Ging-- thank you for the PIR details. I was starting to worry that we wouldn't be allowed to hug him.

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Elina -- That's Awesome!! 25 minutes is a good call!  Now you know your timeline so it gets easier.  I really firmly believe that it's the unknowns that cause us the most grief and stress!

This should answer all questions about hugging [ see pic], they hated each other growing up until they were separated when my oldest went to Great Lakes

sherrbrii4-- Wonderful Picture!! Congratulations!!!  Those hugs are the BEST!!!

sherrbrii4 - What a fantastic picture!

Elina - yay for phone calls!

Elina, I thought we would have to meet up with our son outside (due to COVID) after PIR because that was the latest I had heard.  I was pleasantly surprised when we were allowed onto the floor immediately afterwards.  We had a big family hug with masks on right away and then continued outside where we could take our masks off.

Thank you ladies for the encouragement. I feel a lot better not being better prepared :)

mytidbitz - good idea about the stamped envelopes

When we were there. some divisions stayed inside while others went outside in a couple of areas.. and yes, even back in Sept. we got hugs, a few minutes to visit, then off to barracks before coming to our hotel

Congrats on PIR, phone calls & letters!! 

Hang in there!! And just when you think your Semper Gumby muscles have stretched enough, gotten strong enough, well your sailor calls with once again another change, so those muscles get another workout!!

Good Morning!  Love that picture!  So many feelings evoked just from the picture.

Speaking of Semper Gumpy, since my recruit graduates the day before Thanksgiving, I made reservations for the next day Thanksgiving.  Thank goodness I made reservations at two restaurants because one called last night to tell me their reservation system is buggy and the reservation I made for Thursday was canceled because they weren't going to be open for Thanksgiving.  

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links:

PIR JANUARY 2022

PIR DECEMBER 2021

Hi, Does anyone know do they only allowed family on base if they have tickets to the PIR? I am bringing my younger son and not sure if I have to leave him in hotel or if he can come and stay in car to see his brother right after. He won't have a ticket being that they are only allowing 2 per recruit. 

MAV, at this point they are not allowing anyone on base without a ticket. My father-in-law is retired military, and he thought he could get on. But we contacted the base, and they said they are a restricted access base and no one can get on base without a ticket.  (We're in the same boat ourselves.) 

Just a reminder that PIR this week is Wednesday, 11/10. Ticket pick up is today and tomorrow morning:

RECRUIT FAMILY WELCOME CENTER HOURS:

Thursday [10:00 AM to 7:30 PM] and Friday [5:30 AM to 8:30 AM]
Nov.10, Nov.24 and Dec.15 all are Wednesday graduations. For these, ticket pickup
will be on Tuesday and Wednesday of those weeks, with hours the same as those on Thursday and Friday.
**Certain federal holidays may require adjusting days and times.
Please refer to the website for those specific updates**

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.

B'sNukeMom - Thanks for the reminder! I had missed that one!

Welcome to all of our new members!! We are glad you are here. We all volunteer our time on here, so some days we have more chances to post than others. But please, please come introduce yourselves here to the group. This is the best location for you to post your questions, share where you are at in your Navy journey, be open and honest about your feelings and emotions. More of our members will see your posts here and are able to reply. 

WE understand and we will help you through all of it!

MAV -- Also keep in mind that when you return your Ssailor to base only those with tickets are able to go on base then as well.  If your younger child does NOT have a ticket you will need to drop your sailor off at the Gate. (A longer walk, they CANNOT run, so allow more time!)  Enjoy PIR!!

Just an FYI for those of you going to PIR -- You sailor DOES NOT want to be late getting back from Liberty. In the Navy, ON TIME is Late!!! It happened that a sailor in my son's unit was late and my son said that the RDC's came in Yelling and screaming and removed him from the compartment... that 's the last my sailor saw or heard about him since he left at midnight for A school and we didn't see him at the airport before he flew out that morning. So we don't know what happened after that but my son said it wouldn't be anything good.  He may have just had his arse chewed off or it may be more than that but why risk it!!

Even a few seconds late is UA (Unauthorized Absence).  This is not something smoothed over with an apology, it's an infraction. The consequences can be harsh, so set an alarm if you must!  

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday!

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links:

PIR JANUARY 2022

PIR DECEMBER 2021

Hey, ladies, reaching out for a little "pick-me-up".

I've been feeling very down and isolated since the high of my son's phone call on Sunday.

I'm anxious about trying to plan the most time with him when we drive out for PIR. We are a December date, and, with the smallness of the Training Group, I honestly feel a bit alone in my planning.

Granted, stress here at home isn't helping.

My father has been very ill and, per advice of this group, I discussed with my son in advance about such things. (He wants to stay oblivious until established in A School.) It was hard keeping things light with the phone call.

Complicating matters, my parents plan to care for his younger siblings (age 10 & 11) so my husband and I can attend graduation. We want to try to set up a Zoom call after graduation, but worry about timing. Don't want to run the risk of our son being anything but 30 minutes early.

Anyway, sorry to pour all my guts out, but my semper gumby muscles are completely out of shape. If my son called today, I wouldn't be able to keep it together.

Sending you hugs Elina - it's ok to feel this way.  Nothing wrong with it and we've all been there at one time or another.  Just know that it's only temporary....and I'm sorry your father is ill but it's good that you discussed this with your son beforehand.  Sending hugs & prayers your way.

Elina, this is going to be short because I have a tutoring appt in just a minute.  But big hugs to you and I can relate in so many ways.  I thought my son's phone call would carry me for at least a week or two, but 3 days later I was sad again.  :-(  

I'll reach out more this afternoon, but I wanted to say "Don't worry - it will all work out great -- you got this!"  Big Big Hugs to you!

Hi Elina,

Sending you big big hugs. 

I felt exactly the same way after my daughter's first call.  First I had to wait an extra week for my first phone call because her division didn't have time to call during their 3rd week.  Then I got the phone call and was on cloud 9 for a few days but then felt myself getting depressed again.  I thought the high from the phone call would last longer like it did after her first letter.  But this group really helped me get through until the next letter and then the next call and now we're at 14 days away and I'm a whole different set of emotions.  

The extra worries at home don't help.  We went through some stressful situations last month and I didn't want to put them in my letters to her, so when I was writing I felt like I wasn't writing from the heart because I couldn't share everything with her.

Please keep coming back here and sharing what worries you and we will be here for you.  ❤

Next PR will be my Sailor! I am so excited and nervous I can not stop thinking about it. I am super nervous thinking I will forget all the rules, be late or worse, not be able to find it! Then I read a sailor was late and did not fly out to A school. Now I am concerned about that.... Going through a lot of anxiety here... Any one else have a Nov 19th graduate? Any tips on keeping all this information straight? 

Elina, I am holding you up in Prayer. It is extremely hard on us not only emotionally but also physically. We are completely drained and not only is our heart hurting  but just trying to keep things together not only for ourselves but for everyone else around us brings us to total exhaustion. 

Try to find just a few minutes just for yourself even if it's just a few quiet moments alone soaking in a warm bath.  You need time to refuel your spirit and let your emotions come to the surface.  When the phone call comes you will feel more in control and able to do what seems impossible. Being a Navy Mom is as hard , if not harder than being a Sailor because we don't know what's happening and our minds go wild. Are they sad, struggling , making friends, being picked on, the great silence is the worst part. One of these Amazing Ladies once told me " us Moms are in Boot Camp too, while they are learning to become Sailors we are learning to become Navy Moms. 

You got this and all your Sea Sisters are here, cheering you on. Never thought I would make it but here I am starting my third year one step at a time, becoming stronger and more knowledgeable and compassionate. Hang in there!

Elina, hi again.  We are in a similar situation in that my dad is in hospice care (which my son knows), but my MIL is also in hospice care (which he doesn't know).  I was thinking if my dad passes before my son graduates, I am going to type my letters and send them to my BFF to "cheer-ify" them for me.  I figured she knows me well enough to take what I am trying to say and to make it sound like cheerful me.  My son is so close to finishing that i don't want to do anything to stress him out.

I'm sorry your father is ill.  I will add you and your family to my prayer list.  Big hugs to you