Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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!

a few photos.. no bigger than 4x6. they don't have a lot of space. yes. the rollercoaster of emotions is just crazy.. I still deal with it a bit and mine is graduating A school Friday. stamps sure too.. not sure about moleskin it is at the nex and there is medical if something happens. my sailor in boot got an infected blister on his heel.. they took care of it with meds and a shoe chit.  big hugs..  

nursekim - texted my sailor as he was in San Antonio, he said beds were twin, he wasn't sure about if XL or regular. He just used what was issued, he said it was acceptable. Though purchased his own pillow. He said there wasn't a fitted sheet. Most people didn't know how he did it, guess state patrol camp taught him something. Maybe you have your bed drug into the hallway because you didn't get the sheets on properly and it sticks with you. He said some people did spend quite a bit on their own bedding, but since often were flying to their duty station ended up just giving it away. Couldn't take it on the plane, maybe didn't want to ship it?? Anyway, he is in a barracks where he is now and his bed is a different size so he was glad he didn't worry about it.  Considering this was a kid who spent years of scout camps sleeping on top of his sleeping bag I'm not sure he's the best resource :) Maybe go with a fitted sheet and a pillow? He did say the blanket was wool. Hope that helps, good luck!

FYI - my sailor and his buddies get a kick out of my Navy For Moms references. My sailor said at BC they were "warned" about us. We had the good fortune of going out to dinner with a group of people he is stationed with. I told them all they got Navy hugs from the moms on here and people were praying for them. One guy said "but you all don't even know us". Told him it didn't matter. We are all in this together. 

Danamom - I printed photos on the back or bottom of letters to save space.

Oh wow. After receiving the letter, we chose to return it with brief messages from us, even the dogs joined in. I did add 2 stamps and 2 small envelopes. Hope the envelopes wasn't pushing it.

So the advice I received from my son’s recruiter before he shipped was:  if the letter requires more than one stamp, don’t send it because you have too much. He said the RDCs will notice the extra postage and wonder if there is contraband in the envelope. They said don’t send anything in the colored envelope-use white only. No cards that play music or have glitter or confetti type things on them. If they play music, RDCs have been known to make them stand and open the card over and over again until it is worn out and will no longer play. Confetti and glitter get all over everything and the cleaning punishment will be ridiculous. The goal is to not draw any attention. 

for pictures, I opened a word document and inserted pictures in a word document. Then I used it like stationary and wrote my letters around the pictures. My son said the recruits will lay in bed and reread letters late at night. So he appreciated having the pictures too. I also bought moleskin and cut it into bandaid sized strips. Then taped it to the letter inside so it wasn’t obvious that there was something in there. He said it was fine that I sent it. He didn’t need it so he shared with the other guys in his division that did need it. 

when my son called this past weekend, he asked for more moleskin.  I had sent him a strip in his wallet when he left, so I just sent him the remainder of the piece.  I made sure it wasn't making the envelope thicker, still only needed 1 stamp.  I cut some pictures smaller to fit his wallet so that he had it when he got there.  

I will just chime in - I agree with what Shanny and JNMnavymomOH said about the moleskin - and no it is not easily available at the NEX which is why it gets recommended to send. I honestly don't recall if they had bandaids at the NEX either, because before we left my son to fly out, we went looking for some so that he could take them with him. 

The dress shoes rub as well and they cannot "run" in their dress uniform, so my son was doing this fast walk back and forth across the base to get his orders cleared with medical, etc, and then flew out early the next morning in his dress whites. Needless to say, I am sure he was glad to get out of those shoes. 

I initially was sending my son a folded-up SASE envelope for him to use to write letters back to us (I knew nothing about this site) and he told me that he did not need envelopes, but he did use the stamps, I believe. They have stationary packets for sale at the NEX with paper and envelopes. I also did not know about white only envelopes. I put those smiley face stickers from the ads for Highlights magazines on the back of each and every one of his letters, I think. - Stickers are a NO NO  as well.!

Also, DO NOT send newspaper clippings, the ink can rub off and cause issues with their uniforms as well. 

JMNnavymomOH- Hey,

I also sent mine moleskin and pictures. You can send them a piece of it or you can cut it for them to make strips. Either way is ok, the RDC's knows the SR's use them. So that is ok.

The picture I printed out for him and sent them in his letters. I would send 2 at a time so as not to make the envelope to thick. It was ok.

Yes no glittery or music cards. These are a big fat no no. No copies I printed everything off that I sent to him. The copies will rub off of there uniforms and they will get into trouble for it.

Danamom- Hi and welcome to our group. We are glad that you are here. It is good to see you posting and getting to know everyone. We are here for all of you ladies and this roller coaster ride that you are on is totally normal.

You will make it thru boot camp we all do. It is ok to send moleskin and some stamps if you like. I took the cover off the book so it was flatter in the envelope. Print your photos off and send a few at a time. I wouldn't send no more than 6. No music cards or glittery cards. They will get into trouble for that.

Start writing now so when you get that form letter you can mail those letters off right away. Let us know when you get your form letter.

1stepforward- Welcome to our group. We are glad that you are here. Keep posting ladies it's good to learn everything and we are here to help you.

Yay for receiving the letter whoo hoo. No you are good. I did the same with moleskin and I sent him some photos as well. Just print them out, don't copy them. 

have a wonderful evening ladies!!!

nursekim- hey,

Mine is a Hospital Corpsman. 

You are very welcome!

Yes it does make our hearts happy when we see that.  :)

Have a great evening!!!

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

The first couple of weeks of silence can be hard. Staying busy is key and start writing now so when that form letter comes you can mail those letters off right away. 

Another thing always keep your phone on you at all times and that ringer on loud. You just never know when a call will come thru.

Informed Delivery®

This is great. You can sign up and see what mail you have coming every day. I still use it even after 5 years.  :)

Any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Chipmunk- Good Morning. School will be starting soon and I can't believe summer is almost over. We are getting a lot of rain so this is very good for us. 

Stay safe out there everyone!!

Good Morning Everyone!!

Hi Partyofseven - Yes, school is starting here soon as well, and my husband was lamenting that our daylight hours are going to be shortening. He likes leaving when the sun is up. We finally had a light rain shower yesterday. Hopefully my cloudy sky this morning will bring some more, maybe?

Ladies - friendships - encouragement - that is what this site and our groups are about. Checking on each other when you know they are going through rough times at home or have not posted for a while. 

Reminder: Bookmark this site - RTC Bootcamp website - the link for the live streaming is there on the front page as well as a lot of information. It was my only go to until I found this site right before BC. 

Wear RED on Fridays

Finally, for those of you who have received the "I'm a sailor" call or have been to PIR - I invite you to join the 

 Beyond BC  group.

This is a group that I started so that anyone could feel like they had a place to go and stay connected after BC. Not all of the specialty groups are as active as they used to be now that more FB groups are out there, but I feel strongly that we have a worthy site and mission here to help families of new recruits and we need to stay connected once they are at school or leaving for their duty stations. 

Some days we just chat, some days we answer questions, or talk about the hard stuff with our kid's life in the Navy. The group also helps to keep us bonded so that you have more people actively replying to your questions as well on this group. 

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

Thank you ladies for the mole-skin info, very helpful! I'm borderline grateful RTC days are slow as molasses here. Next stop is Nuke training. Ooof. If he wasn't broke before... 

Don't worry 1StepForward - he's got this!  And here's the link to our Nuke moms group:

Nuke moms

1StepForward -- We stop repeating ourselves when we die!  Till then.... Well, we can hope maybe they'll listen before then!

Danamom  -- You can send pictures but the better thing is to print them on the paper and then write around them.  They don't have much room.  You can send stamps but they get some when they buy the "Mail Kit" at RTC so it's not necessary. (Mine never used the ones I sent). Mole skin and Bandaids fall into a grey area.  If you add a bit here and there  they may be ok but they are supposed to go to medical for those things.  Some RDC's don't care but if they are looking for reasons, that can be an issue.  I know others will say send it and as long as they don't need to cut it they should be ok. DO NOT send anything else!  No Gum, food, Pills, musical or glitter anything!!  Also no newsprint!  The ink rubs off and that can be a problem. 
I Get the grieving feeling.  That was exactly how I felt when mine left. I was such a mess that my Husband found this site. They were the only ones who understood what at complete and absolute mess I was and how this felt!  There were several messages encouraging me to buck up and put on my "Big Girl Navy Mom panties" and Get on with it!  Needless to say that just caused me to melt down even more!  I Called the recruiter... He didn't reply (Summer and I think he may have taken vacation too!) and then when he did get back to me with a Div and PIR date the letter came the next day.  (I think he took pity when he heard that I'd called 5 times and broke down sobbing once) The first guy I spoke to wouldn't give me any info because he didn't know me and I would have to come down to the office. (Hubs vetoed that idea).  Then I missed his call home.  That was the last straw.  I went to his room and put his Senior Picture on his bed and let it all lose!! I screamed, I Cried, I Beat the bed, I cursed (a very rare occurrence for me) I Said ALL.THE.THINGS. Fears, anger, Worry, Pride, LOVE, excitement...What I didn't do... Was warn the family!  After a while I looked up to see hubby standing in the door.  He was so worried.  He asked if he needed to call someone to help keep me safe.  (Bless his heart! He thought I'd had a complete mental break down, I was that broken and that much a mess. More than just moping.) I burst out laughing!  I actually felt so much better and I advise that others do the same. Get all those feelings out in whatever way works best for you.  Write them down Then Burn them in a way of release, Give them voice by putting their picture in a chair and speaking to them that way.  Punch a punching bag while saying all the pent up feelings!!  It's very Cathartic and useful to get it out!  I have dealt with depression my whole life and this was a technique I learned in my teens but hadn't used in ages.  I have found that it is the best way to deal with anxiety when I don't want to worry my Sailor.  You are not alone and this is a safe place to vent, Scream Ask, share.  Just know that it will be ok!

1StepForward:  they will all split up and go their separate ways to A School. Those with the same rate (jobs) will be going to the same schools. My son is stationed with some of his closest friends from bootcamp. They went on to the same school and ended up on the same ship. Doesn't always happen that way. Probably rarely does. He does have other friends from bootcamp that are stationed all over the world. They remain friends and talk frquently

1StepForward — His division will go a lot of different directions after BC. There are a lot of A schools all over the country, and only a few are likely to stay together. 

Even if you aren’t ready to join the Nuke moms group yet, you can take a look at the info on that page. My son just headed to the fleet after finishing the Nuke pipeline, and I read everything I could find so I would have an idea of what he was going to do.