Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Good Morning and welcome to 0914mel we are glad that you are here.

No question is ever dumb and someone will answer you. 

We are here for you. And we all have been where you are at now.  :)

Good morning all! 

My son called his girlfriend on Saturday night. I'm a little sad about it, but I understand. That was the first real phone call he could make. When is the next time they can call again? (He’s been there just over 3 wks)

thank you and welcome 0914mel!  

Good Morning Everyone!!

Nursekim - Oh, I am so sorry that you got bumped for the gf!! That is hard. I have always been my son's first call, even when getting back from being out to sea, until just recently. Now that he is married, his wife gets the first call, but that is easier to handle somehow than a gf. 

As far as when the next call will be, there are no guarantees. Even if the division gets to make calls, a SR might have other duties that prevent them from being able to call with the rest of the division. During the height of COVID and no PIRs, we even had a couple of moms who never got calls after battle stations - not till they were on their way to A school. So, now that you know the worst-case scenario, I believe my son called again around the 6-week mark and it was at about the same time of day on a Saturday as his 3-week call had been.  

Happy Monday!

Thanks chipmunk! Happy Monday!

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

Thank you so much for the warm welcome everyone. My son left to GL on 7/7 and I have yet to receive a letter from him so needless to say I was shocked to have received his first call last night. I honestly thought I could shake some of this sadness after hearing from him but to be honest I just feel worse. He never said it with his words, but his tone and sniffles told me he is hanging in there as best as he can. He too seemed discouraged with, in his words-"one of the worst divisions here" so I know he is enduring lots if IT. I pray to the Lord that he give him and all our loved ones strength to continue each day.  I really am so grateful to have found this group. 

Just thought I would share this with anyone who was curious about the flight deck "skittles"   

This was posted by the USS Gerald R Ford on Twitter!

0914mel-- I know those first phone calls home can be tough.  They may have the Ricky Crud (They are exposed to germs from all over so getting sick is normal.  They are still testing for Covid to make sure and they watch for more serious illness.), and they are Missing home.  Every thing they do is wrong, even if it's right and Every Division is "One of the worst Divisions EVER!!!" no matter how well they may or may not be doing.  At 3 weeks in they have been torn down about every thing.  This is part of the process of getting them working together! I Promise it's not nearly as bad as his mind is telling him or your imagination may be making it in your mind.  That DOES NOT mean it's easy, just that they all go through this.  Around week 4/5 they start "Getting it right!!"  (remember BC used to only be 8 weeks so they are 1/2 way through the "Hard stuff" and they are on the rebuilding side of things now.  The 2 new weeks are for "Sailorization" Basically life skills that used to be covered at A schools but was more random and haphazard, Now it will be done for ALL Sailors before they leave so no one slips through the cracks, but the process of going from Civilian to Basically Trained Sailor is still mostly completed in the first 8 weeks of BC. (At least as far as I can tell from the Info gleaned from those who have recently been there.) )
I hope you had the presence of mind to ask for his address and PIR date since you didn't get a letter yet.  Hopefully that letter arrives soon!  I know it's hard but try and keep a positive outlook.  It will get better as you (and you SR) get stronger!

Thanks belovedbyHim. Good to know that about the divisions in the beginning. I guess that's why they call it growing pains. And yes, I was very certain to get his mailing information and PIR in September :) Can't wait to hug him!

Hi Everymom, if you haven't already, sign up for Sandboxx. My recruit arrived at Great Lakes 7/20. I opened an account same day. Today, 5 days later, I got a msg from Sandboxx saying he signed up as well and they matched him to the phone number on my account. I was able to send him a letter an hour ago with tracking so we get an idea of when he gets it. I am so happy right now. Its about $5 but its faster than usps for them to get that first letter asap. Plus you can send an image with the letter. Link to sign up https://link.sandboxx.us/XsTFVqrzXrb

SoS_Survivor_45 -- Yes Sandboxx can be helpful in BC but it's a tradeoff.  EVERYTHING you write on that app CAN be seen by  the Sandboxx employees.  DO NOT put sensitive or personal info in those letters!! Also DO NOT EVER, FOR ANY REASON, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL SAILORS  Use Sandboxx after Bootcamp!! Close the Account, Forget it exists!! Just Don't use it!! It is NOT OPSEC or PERSEC compliant.  It can cause Nightmares for Sailors and those around them! 
My Sailor is a Sea Bee. They fly to and from their deployments instead of taking a slow ship.  Flights are usually under 20 hours and often have at least 1 layover. (They are not River City for long or often!) Well, when my Sailor was due to come home from his first Deployment a girlfriend decided to send a "Booty Call" Sandboxx to her returning SeaBee, Complete with dates, times, and from what I heard some explicit suggestions!  As a result the first wave of Bees who were already en route got to spend a few nights sleeping in an airport hanger till the food was gone (Vending machines only! This included the Bee who the letter was addressed to!)  Our Bee was supposed to leave a few days later.  He called us to tell us not to come to his base since he wouldn't be there and didn't know when he would arrive.  We were en route to Welcome him back from his first deployment. We adjusted our plans and visited his brother and my sister before we had to head back home.  He arrived home in the middle of the night to no Welcome home committee (As did the group who had left before him. ) They had to call and get family to come get them in the middle of the night or find rides if they lived off base.  We were so sad.  We have not been able to arrange our schedules (or not have a medical issue come up) that has allowed us to attend a homecoming since.  All because instead of sending a standard text message, a girlfriend decided to send a Sandboxx message!! 
DON'T Do It!!!

**Thank you for attending my Ted Talk**

***Steps off Soapbox***

0914mel-- I'm glad you got the info and the call!  I know it's hard and it's so painful to our Momma hearts to think our kids are struggling but think of it this way... When you first start working a muscle that hasn't been used much or at all before... It HURTS!! It Aches all the time!! But eventually you get past that ache and that muscle keeps getting stronger and before you even realize it you are using it without even thinking!  Most all of us here were right where you are now, we kept offering words of comfort and encouragement and now we can't imagine not helping those new moms who come behind.

Hello!  I received a letter from my SR today. She is asking me to send her lotion, razors, chapstick, etc.  She says other SRs have gotten packages from their families and they just have to open the box in front of the RDC.  I have read over and over not to send packages so I am very conflicted about this ..please advise.

Amy - I would say that while our advice is to always not do something, if your SR has written you asking for specifics you might send her a note first and tell her that you are sending a small amount (I would not buy a large bottle of lotion, especially), so she knows to be prepared. I believe they are to ask for permission first, but I am also wondering if there is a shortage supply with getting things to the NEX and with it being summer, that is why they are saying okay on the ChapStick. 

This is a hard call - I would probably go with what my heart says is the best thing to do in this situation. 

0914mel - We are glad to have you here joining us and posting! 

Just in case you don't receive the form letter, one of the things you need to return to your SR is the Guest Security Access Form. If you go to the RTC website - Recruit Training Command Home Page (navy.mil) - In the large yellow band, there is a green oval that says Guest Security Access Form. If you click on it, it will automatically pop open a pdf file, so you can print it and then mail it back to your SR at his address. 

The addresses are there under the FAQ but it should link with this - Recruit Training Command - FAQ (navy.mil)

SoS_Survivor_45 - I am glad that you have found Sandboxx to be useful. I did not know anything about it during my son's BC. Here is the information we have about it posted on the main page - SANDBOXX APP for letters to BootCamp - Navy For Moms (ning.com) - I am always glad when BelovedbyHim is available to post her tale with regards to it though, as I can't quite do it justice. 

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to our group. We are glad that you are here.

0914mel- Hey, that first phone call and letter is always hard. They are adjusting and so are you!! I did the same thing with mine I choked up a little bit as he was doing the same. But I just kept telling him I was so proud of him and I supported him every step of the way. It is a wake up call for most of them and they do learn how to get thru boot camp. Your loved one will get stronger and get thru it!!

Some divisions have it harder than others as the ones that don't wanna learn make it harder for the ones that do. They will adjust and it's been known for the Navy to weed the ones out if they have to.

And yay for getting a phone call. 

SOS_Survivor_45- Hey,  Sandboxx is faster. Just remember that what you write they can see to. Also, don't use it after boot camp. It's for security reasons. :)

Amy- Whoo Hoo on getting a letter. I would ask her first if they don't have that stuff at the NEX and to make sure with her RDC that it's ok. Things could have changed again but I would ask just to make sure.

If it's ok then I would send a small bottle of lotion nothing to big.  :)

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

Amy - I agree with the other moms on here regarding a double check with your SR regarding sending "stuff". My sailor had a story of humiliation from someone in his division regarding underwear and socks sent by his mom. I would think if she is asking and it is specific it might be items that NEX doesn't have right now, but it wouldn't hurt to double check. 

Shanny - I think my husband was a white skittle. I'll have to ask him about that.

This is in NO way posted to scare anyone. 

It's just a reminder from GL to be careful if out with your new sailor after PIR.  Your Sailor will have been made aware of this by RTC too.

This was posted by Naval Station Great Lakes on Saturday.

Be sure to RSVP for Friday's Meet N Greet.  Here's the link:

Sarge's Meet N Greet

Hey is anyone planning to attend Sarges meet and greet the day before graduation? What say you experienced moms about this?

CBMom:  I did not get to attend-COVID sailor they didn’t have a real PIR. But I have heard from quite a few moms that Sarge’s Meet and Greet is a must!  I’ve heard only great things about it. I hope some of our moms that got to attend can give you some more info on it!

CBMom- I’ll be there with hubs and daughter. I’ve heard great things about it! 

Thank you everyone! I can’t sign up yet cause 9/30 isn’t available yet. I will once it shows:)

Because if Covid they canceled our Meet and Greet the Monday before. I had my Auction Basket all ready to go. Like all of the Moms I was devastated and heart broken. Here are a few if the things I made for my basket.

Good Evening Everyone!! Working on deadlines so trying to limit my socializing on the computer, sorry!

So, my experience was 5 years almost and pre-ticket pick up.

Sarge's Meet n Greet - It was a very enjoyable night, but I will say it can get late, so keep that in mind with ticket pick-ups and early morning at RTC. For those of you attending, please either make a donation online, before or after your dinner, or be sure to take extra cash to put into his donation jar. Sarge and his wife put this all on out of the goodness and generosity of heart. 

Be prepared for a few dollars in cash as well for the drinks. At least when we were there, the location that was housing the meet up, provides the space to Sarge, so in return, they sell soda and maybe beer for a few dollars and there are no other drinks. 

RSVP -- Please, please, our group almost ran out of food, and he had a nice buffet for us. 

You will be seated in groups by your sailor's division so you might get to meet some people, you may never connect with again, but those two families, we stuck like glue throughout PIR, their sailors were delayed as well, not as long as mine, and we waited at the NEX for them. (Not sure if that is still allowed.) Then we all meet our sailors at the airport, bright and very early - like 1:30 AM! and watched them at the gate till they flew out of site. They left on one of the first flights out of the airport. 

At the Meet-n-Greet, there were in my time, also raffle baskets that moms had made. We only paid for a few tickets, since I did not realize how much cash we should have with us for the weekend. The proceeds from the raffles also go to help support the dinner. 

There used to be a company that had memorabilia for sale. My youngest still wears his Keep Calm My Brother is a Sailor shirt (although he might be slightly outgrowing it.) If you are there early enough, you might check them out first as the line gets longer throughout the evening. I will say it does take a bit to get through the food line. 

Then Sarge takes time to explain some of his hints to get to PIR, talk about his Taxi service, and also to have time to just honor our Veterans, and to take pictures with your division families. - At least that was our experience. 

Regarding cash - PIR - This was our experience, but I think someone mentioned that the sales places were only taking cash. - There was a snack booth outside the Great Hall that was selling as a fund raiser - that was cash only. I did not realize that there would be food for sale inside. Mostly bottled water, and breakfast type snack food. At that time, those you could use a debit / credit card for - not sure now. 

Then the NEX was there so you could buy the challenge coins for their division and ship. Also, they had the division T-shirts for sale, but my son had ordered those for Christmas presents and then I was able to order a couple of extra later on. Not sure if that is still a thing or not. 

Pictures were able to be taken with the families at the photo Nex. Also, I was able to order additional pictures which were like a graduation announcement, that they printed, and I picked up there - After all - If you have read my discussion - What PIR weekend may be like for those flying out of GL - you will know that I spent most of the afternoon waiting for my son to get his orders finalized. I had lots of time to shop for pictures! Again, I was there under a different command and before COVID so I do not know what is open and what is not. 

Northwoodsmom - have you posted that picture up in the Blue Candle Discussion? I need to see if mom2blondies can edit that to say Blue Candle / PIR ideas - or some such. You did such a wonderful job. I would have loved to have bid on your basket. 

Amy -- Since your only way to check is snail mail I'd go ahead and send the requested items if you are able.  She asked so she will need to accept responsibility for any consequences.  If they DO NOT ask DO NOT Send anything! ONLY Send if they ask.  They have always been able to get stuff that they ask for.  The reason we stress not sending stuff is because it is tempting to jump the gun and send stuff that you think they need or want and that is contraband and NOT allowed!! If they ask for it.... What ever that may be, then you can send it (Assuming financial isn't an issue.... It may be for some of our moms.)  Shoes, Make-up, Contacts and solution, hygiene items... All ok. Do not send Food, Medicine, electronics or cash or anything not specifically asked for!
I know this is a conflicting time and there have been many varied answers but I did check with RTC and they said if the SR asks, they have permission.

CBMom- If you are wanting to go plan to arrive on Wednesday!  I was supposed to fly in on Thursday morning to go to Meet & Greet that night but weather delayed our flight and we didn't even get to our hotel till nearly Midnight Thursday!! (up at 5 on Friday, PIR, Nap Friday afternoon for 2 hours while our Sailor had Watch, back to get Sailor for Dinner, back to base then to  hotel for nap, Up at Midnight to go to the airport to hang with our Sailor till his flight before noon.  Back to hotel to sleep.  Up the next day (Sunday)- to visit Chicago & Lake Michigan then to the airport to fly home. Back to work Monday.... I wished I drank Coffee!!!)
I did sit next to a mom who was at Sarge's and she was also a mom I knew on here.  She filled me in on some of the stuff I missed (Tips for getting around & Places to go)  I still wish I had been able to go.

Thank you so much everyone!!!!

CBMom- Hey and I know I'm late posting. I only heard great things about Sarge's meet n greet. You should plan on going if you can. If your flying out or driving to PIR I would go a day early if you can and stay thru the weekend after your loved one gets their orders. That way you may have some more time together.

Good Morning Everyone!!

May you have a wonderful day today! My letters did not arrive until Thursday in the week, but I was still writing and mailing. I was also staying very busy trying to prepare for my second daughter's outdoor wedding and the yard work where we were hosting it. As well as numerous other things that had landed on my plate that year. For me, I am glad my son was at BC during the summer as they always fly by faster for me than I want them to. 

Congratulations to your daughter, Chipmunk! 

what are the bed sizes in A school? I have some kohls cash to spend and would like to get my son some bedding. He will be in San Antonio. Thank you! 

Good Morning Everyone and welcome. We are glad that you are here. 
nursekim- I know they do provide their sheets, if I recall correctly :) their beds are twin size. I didn’t buy mine sheets but I did get him two blankets that he still has today.  :) 

what rate is your loved one? Mine went to A school in San Antonio to. It is a great base. 
Hope this helps. :) 

nursekim - Thank you!! That was five years ago and unfortunately, that marriage has ended in a divorce, but the sister that got married a couple of weeks before my son left for BC, she is expecting our second grandbaby and still happily married. 

As far as sheets, I am inclined to go along with Partyofseven. They should be issued sheets for their quarters, but he might prefer a larger bath towel than the ones they issue (even though my son still uses his and thinks they are just fine!) Or some of the moms at my son's A school in SC have also purchased the mattress toppers. Blankets are nice as well. 

I know we want to help to help them out, especially since we did not get a chance to help with a dorm room, but even some of the sailors, will say - don't buy too much, or wait until I know what I need. I realize that doesn't work when you have rewards to spend though. 

A small sized ironing board and an iron were also beneficial as was a hair trimming set. These were things given to my son by some of his roommates. My son just prefers to keep his hair really short, and it is easy enough for him to give himself a buzz cut and saves on the barber. 

Hi Party - it is good to have you back around!! I know you are gearing up for the new school year as well. 

Happy Wednesday!

And I second the going to Sarge's Meet N Greet if you are able.  We went back in 2012 and had a great time.  Also met some wonderful moms that I still communicate with today!

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

He's Master at Arms

thank you for the suggestions!

I saw that he used my credit card for a NEX purchase and I laughed. He didn't want to use his own card? LOL Or maybe he did it because he knows I would see it? It made me happy =)

1StepForward - Welcome Aboard!! I had a notice earlier that you had joined the group, but I post to this site on my computer, and I have been busy, so I haven't posted a welcome on your profile page. We are glad you are here and found your way to the comment wall!! 

Has your loved one been at BC long enough for you to have received the form letter with your PIR date? If so, then scroll down through the messages a little bit and see B'sNukeMom's link for the PIR groups. You may join one of those as well. Also, read back through a bit. We tend to repeat ourselves, here some, but going back through you will meet some of the others who are currently hanging out with us "seasoned" moms on here and posting. 

There is a site your husband might be interested in Navy Dads - it is not as active as our group, but I think I gave it to another mom recently who was wanting to share it with her husband. And we do have dads on this group and site occasionally. 

1StepForward - I approved you for the September group    ;-D

1StepForward - So true!!  Sometimes we can sound like a broken record around here though. I don't know how many times I have typed, "No News is Good News" in the last 5 years, but each new week, we have new members and they need to hear it as well. 

I will say, one of the reasons that we have all of the very helpful pages to the right of this group page, is because Lemonelephant was trying to make it easier for her, but it also is a great resource for us as well. She is not on much, but still answers when we call. B'sNukeMom is one of the admins on this site and does a great job!! I still get amazed at how well she task manages everything. 

belovedbyHim - thank you!

Hello everyone and thank you for the warm welcome and helpful tips belovedbyHim, Chipmunk and B'sNukeMom. New RTC mom from Pa.  My son arrived at RTC on July 15th, still waiting for my letter, but I did feel some relief once I got the scripted call, even tho I could barely hear a word. I still find myself on a crazy emotional rollercoaster...the letting go is like grieving, crazy. But I have been watching youtube videos and doing my homework on this new life for him, and understanding more is certainly a big help. Can anyone tell me, are we allowed to send small things in any letters we write to him, like photos?  I was even thinking of sending stamps and some moleskin for blisters. I do not want him to get in trouble! I am already so grateful for those of you here, the newbies and the seasoned Mom's, so Thank You!