Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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. 

AgnesB -- Navy Moms... Better Intell than the FBI/CIA/Homeland Security/ NCIS Combined!!  Plus we have the Navy Mom Posse and we WILL hunt down sailors who don't call home regularly!! Don't make us use our Powers!

1StepForward  -- It'll be fine.  As long as it's a single stamp on the envelope they don't have to open it in front of the RDC's.  If it's extra postage they do but there should not be an issue with stamps and Envelopes. If you send anything that stands out (Like Chipmunks Smiley face Stickers), They may get razzed for it but likely no real harm.  If they ask for anything it's OK to send that item (Moleskin, Bandaids, Chapstick, Makeup.) RTC has confirmed that they should be cleared for the item and if not they will have to accept the consequence.

Boot Camp Moms... Please be Sure to come back here and let us know when it's your PIR week.  We like to celebrate the Sailor Calls and PIR's as well as encouraging you through the hard times.  Most of us are not in the Smaller PIR groups so you have to share with us!   (Remember don't share dates or times for BS21!! Saying "SR has BS21 coming up/This week" =Ok to Say. Saying "SR has BS21 Tuesday night" = NOT OK. OPSEC and PERSEC Violation. (No names either)  After the Fact -- "Congratulations to SR/Div" or "I have a Sailor" = OK!! It's after the event and can be shared!

1StepForward -- The unofficial Mottos for the Navy are "Hurry up and Wait" and "Semper Gumby".  I can assure you that before your journey is over you will likely be blindsided by odd changes at least once!  Knowing that makes it a little easier to bend and not break!  That does not mean it will be easy to accept the change or that it won't hurt but accepting that this is the Navy way sure beats standing in the path shaking your fist at the Storm that is coming and doesn't give 2 hoots about you.  Lost is a normal feeling for moms at the start of this journey. I PROMISE we will not abandon you to navigate this on your own. Those of us who have stuck around are here because we had to chart our path through with the help and advice of those who went before.  Now we are the Beacons to show other new moms the way through and hopefully one day you will be able to do the same for those who come after you. Navy life is a tempest at times but we will always be a safe harbor till you get your sea legs!  There will be smooth sailing ahead, you just have to weather this first storm.  I for one am thankful that the Maelstrom that was COVID is finally for the most part behind us!

partyofseven...my sister was a Navy Corpman. She became an RN and got her BSN and then worked as a nurse. She even volunteered to go to Khandahar Afghanistan. She retired from the Navy (22 years in) just before Covid, but still working as an RN. She went to school in GL. 

Informed Delivery is so great! It didn't pick up the letter from my son today so imagine my surprise when I found it in my mailbox!! It sounds like he's doing so much better. He doesn't have a special job. The shots weren't bad, even the PB shot. He said he is keeping to himself so he doesn't get in trouble for talking, which they got IT for.  Food is a 9/10...tells you what kind of cook I am! 

5-6 days out of the week I am dropping something in the mailbox or from Sandboxx for him, even if it's just a short I love you, hang in there. He loves it and it makes him happy and keeps him motivated. I've started writing some really good dad jokes in his letters now. 

I love it here. Thank you to everyone for supporting us <3 

nursekim-- Glad to hear the new "Stealth" mode for mail is working! ;0)  I'm thrilled you got a happy "Surprise" letter and that he's doing well!  That does make the weeks go faster!

Bootcamp Moms -- Here is a Link to a site that talks about the various Ratings.  This will help you understand your Sailor's Job more.
http://navygirl.org/RatingCards.htm

Ladies, This is a Regular Announcement: Please put this information in your Phones:
I have a contact labeled {sailor ICE} with this 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 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}

· 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.

Please have this 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)

belovedbyHim - great info! Does it apply to beyond BC when our sailors are deployed or on-shore duty?

Ummi-- I did share this in the Beyond page as well.  AND please feel free to share in other groups and pages!!
Yes this information applies for as long as your Sailor is Active Duty (Including those in the reserves if something happens during their training time).  I hope to NEVER need to use it but when my DH had a heart attack 6 years ago on Aug 6 I thought I might.  My Sailor was on Deployment.  We weren't sure at first what was wrong so I held off calling because I didn't see a reason to panic anyone if it was nothing.  Thankfully it was minor and we had good news to share when we called.  No one needed to come rushing home to be by their father's side but it can happen unexpectedly.  Heart attack, Car accident, sudden illness or even a household accident can all be cases of Emergency that you need your sailor to know about.  by contacting the Red Cross they will also contact the Command Chaplin just in case you don't want your sailor to get the news alone and have someone to support and check on them. 
For Shore Duty, They will need the Red Cross to confirm to Command for expedited emergency leave. (Helps cut through the red tape)  Please keep in mind this does NOT mean they ALWAYS get to come right home!  There are times and Circumstances they cannot!  Married Sailors will want this as well if they are expecting.  Notifications will get through to expectant Fathers quicker. (Pregnant sailors are NOT deployable)

This is also a reason to have their Civillian Passport.  If they need to leave a foreign country quickly they may not want to take the time to wait for hard orders.  Having a Passport means they can leave sooner than if they have to wait. (and get back easier too).  Again this is not a guarantee that they can come back but it is the "Official Channel" that the Navy wants us to use. 
You can of course call your sailor direct if they are in a location that they can get calls, but this is what you need to use if you want them home or they need support.

Today's PIR - going on right now:

PIR JULY 29, 2022

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

Hello All!  Just caught up reading SEVENTEEN pages of posts! :)  I had to take a little break from my obsessing over navy stuff - I was starting to drive myself crazy with worry/fear (mostly just of the unknown ...unknown ANYTHING).  It was good to reshift my focus.  

I've enoyed catching up with all the posts. Happy for those who got calls or letters. Welcome to the new moms here - and so appreciate that BelovedbyHim shared her story with you - it helped me about a week ago when I thought I was losing my mind.  

My son arrived at GL on July 11th. It took what felt like FOREVER to get his form letter - but that arrived on Monday - he's Ship 11/ DIV 313 - graduation date at this point set to 9/23.  TODAY ... I got an actual letter! He sounds so incredibly upbeat!! He's made a lot of friends already. Says the RDCs  are "Decent"  that they can be rude but they are good for that job.  And he is his divisions "head PO" (unofficaly petty officer rank) - which shocked the heck out of me honestly (my son is great, dont' get me wrong - but he's a sarcastic goof so this is just such a proud mom moment for me). 

I'm chuckling though at the 'don't send an envelope that needs more than 2 stamps' because my first one absolutely did!  I sent my letter (that i had been writing for the almost 2 weeks until his form letter came) plus stamps, a couple envelopes, and a couple pictures.  Thankfully nothing that he'll get in trouble for but.... OOPS!  I'll know better next time. 

for some reason on his letter he asked me to use sandboxx. I haven't used it yet - partly because I"m cheap - but also it just seems weird having someone else print off my letters and such. I definitely have heard about problems with it for sailors when families use it post-bootcamp because someone has shared info (like ship location/dates...etc) that wasn't meant to be shared. 

Anyway... I'll post a little more consistently. This is just such a journey... a roller coaster. So many emotions. So many unknowns. I'm trying to learn to embrace the journey, "embrace the suck" when it happens.... and just trust that God has this. 

for you mom who just recently sent your SR off.... BNMHs to you. Lean on this group - these ladies are awesome. And just know... you're not crazy... not even when you're breaking down in the middle of the grocery store because you saw an item that you always bought for your SR and now you realize ...he/she isn't home to enjoy that right now ;)  

Happy Friday ladies!!! 

tammybikerunfaithlove, awesome raw emotional post. Even after over 2 years in I enjoyed reading the true side of Navy Moms experience. I am quite sure this will help someone dealing with uncontrollably emotions. Thanks for sharing!

Mine left 6/30.  I haven't done much except go to work and to the store for food stuffs.  I ventured out yesterday.  My SR had requested that I bring something to PIR so he can take it to A school.  I went looking for a new case for it.  Well.......they had something in stock that my son had been asking for quite some time.  I bought it, no hesitation, no second thoughts.  Then I got it home.  As I was bringing it into the house, I realized he wasn't home to enjoy it, and I don't know when/if ever he will be able to enjoy it.  It was a devastating feeling.  I really thought that I was handling this better, but now I don't think so.  I'm sorry if I seem like always a downer.  I am trying to follow all of your advice to other moms.

JNMnavymomOH --- {{{{{BNMH}}}}}}  I remember coming home from the store with Sailors favorite treat... Only no Sailor to enjoy it. Other's have broken down in the store or church or driving and a song comes on... It's So HARD!!!   Honestly, it never really gets easier, you just get stronger! (but building muscle hurts in the process and this is the same thing!)  He will get to come home eventually and if he cannot enjoy the item at A school, he can enjoy it then. 

Most of the time If your sailor will be in A school over Christmas, they will get to come home for at least some of that time.  The A school Instructors don't want to babysit a bunch of students any more than the Sailors want to be there.  This is the Holiday Stand Down. This leave time can be anywhere from 1-3 weeks.  They are allowed to go in the Hole for this leave only!  (Normally they have to have the leave built up first.)
Deep breaths.  Lets just take today as it is and deal with tomorrow when it comes.  Slow and steady and you'll get through!

JNMnavymomOH - I don't think you are being a downer, I think you are being honest and there is nothing wrong with honesty.  This has been a difficult journey thus far for me as well.  I cry every single day, some days more than others, it seems to be the little things that really get me.  I  just miss my daughter.  I am counting down to PIR.

JMNnavymom:  first of all BNMHs. The first few times I went grocery shopping after mine left, I picked up his favorite drinks and favorite snacks. Stuff I don’t eat or drink. I eventually gave them to my nieces. My son left 2 years ago today for bootcamp. Just saw it in my Facebook memories his ship does a lot of underways. So gone for about two weeks at a time. I start sending emails as soon as I know he has left. He tries to email daily but it’s just one word maybe a sentence. But I still wait all day for the sound of a new email on my phone. The one thing to remember here is you can keep it real. We have all been there or are there now or about to go through it. We understand like no one else in our lives can understand. 

BelovedbyHim:  my current crying song is SOMETHING IN THE ORANGE by Zach Bryan. No idea why. He is/was Navy. He was AO. My son started listening to him when he played in dive bars-he say him in Richmond when he was new to Virginia. This song…. For some reason…. Volume all the way up, singing like a crazy person with tears. Every time. 

Shanny -- I LOVE that you have that way to connect even if the pride sometimes leaks out!!

Good Evening everyone!! 

I had a busy day and tomorrow I won't have access to my computer, so may you all have a wonderful day!!

Thank you!!  I am sure this won't be my last post about my struggles and proud MOMents.  I am thankful for this page and group of moms.  I enjoy reading all the ways to overcome the struggles and emotions.  I hope to someday be a light to other moms as you all are.  

Good evening everyone! Got my form letter yesterday! So excited. The struggle is real at the grocery store! I go to get his fave foods and then think oh yeah I don’t need that! Same thing with having so much less laundry haha I go in his room to see oh yeah there is none. It’s such a hard transition. I’m so thankful for you all here! We are in this together❤️

Just so you all know, we seasoned ones like it when you all post. It gets a little too quiet around here at times. The more you post the more we have something to reply to. 

So, talking about grocery stores - for me it is buying Rotisserie chickens. Yes, the family eats them, but my sailor would clean the carcass of all of the meat. I no longer felt it necessary to boil the bones and get all the meat off. Even after 5 years - I still get sentimental when I buy one. 

Shanny - Wow!! 2 years already. Honestly, after all we went through between Covid and Shock Trials, it seems like it should be longer than that!

CBMom - WooHoo!!! Form letter in hand, addressed letters out in the mailbox or to the PO!!

Tammybikerunfaithlove - I will have to catch up and read your post later tomorrow. It is okay to take a step back, but we are always glad to have you back sharing and posting. 

1Stepforward - I think you pick a good name for yourself!! Also, you and Tammy both have some similarities with your recruits. 

Some of the groups for the rates can seem a little quiet but be sure to actually go post and say hi. Just like here, if no one is posting, we go on with our busy days, but when you post, we do our best to respond as soon as possible. 

Chipmunk, same here with rotisserie chickens but he just always took the legs! JNMnavymomOH, know that you are not alone with these struggles. Whenever I really miss him, I lay down on his bed and think of how much this is a dream for him/what he wants. Still hurts but helps a little. So many different feelings though wrapped up in a ball and they can come any by themselves or a big glob of several together. Support here and focusing on the calendar and what he’s doing has been the best help for me but that by no means means it’s easy. We will get through this together;)