tammybikerunfaithlove - Thank you for the Sandboxx update!!! That is good information to know. And yes, I used the RTC website as my first go to for information, especially since I did not know about this site. I was not on FB so I did not check their information, but my husband would. 

Amy - May you have safe travels - You too Katharine!

Thank you tammybikerunfaithlove  for the Sandboxx info. When you mention the "Guest Access Form" that is for PIR, correct? Also, I saw on the RTC site that most graduations are 3 guests and I thought they got 4 tickets. Anyone have any insight on that?

I think guest numbers vary based on how many divisions are graduating... more than a certain number 3 guests. otherwise 4. when we went last year it was 2 because of covid restrictions..

Good Morning and Happy Monday!

Melissa - it's normally 4 guests but when there are 11 or more divisions graduating they limit it to 3 guests.  It's been at 3 guests for a couple of months now but the latest November PIR is allowing 4 guests as it's got fewer divisions.

HELP!! I just got a phone call from area code 847, but it only rang twice so I didn't answer in time. No voicemail either. What does that mean?

847 is Waukegan area code and 99% is from GL.. keep nearby and turned up.. the phone banks are so broken and out of date that they sometimes have to try several phones to get one that works.. it's a shame they don't repair them or switch to cell phones..

Melissa - what Trey said!  Yes, the phones really do suck at GL.  They've been like that forever!  My son was there in 2012 and it was an issue then :(  I'm guessing your SR may have needed some info and hopefully will be calling back.  Keep your phone close and ready to answer!

Just got the I'm a sailor! call!! Was sooooo good to hear his voice. He sounded exhuasted (has been up since 6 am yesterday) but sounded good.  He's feeling confident about the final PFA. Has a few other hoops to jump through but he's feeling positive. 

Woot!  BZ to you and your Sailor.. 

Tammy - WooHoo!!! Way to go!!

Woohoo tammy!

MomofJoseph-Thank you for the vaccination information.  I'm thinking to just go and do it so that I don't have to stress about it anymore.

Tammy-Congratulations, I'm so happy for you!  And thank you for the Sandboxx information.  I've been waiting for the letter to arrive, and now I'm thinking that it won't. 

Does anyone know when/how we can verify their address so that we can start to snail mail letters?

Trey, They do update and repair the phones in the phone bank. Remember there are literally thousands of recruits that use those phones weekly. It only takes one bad pull on the receiver cord to cause the phone issues.

I'm sure they do try, but that equipment is so old now.. they should buy a ton of low end cell phones and let recruits use those.. bet companies would love that publicity too.

I remember sometimes our sailor on his third phone 

Amouse - I am really not sure how to reply to your question about the Form letter, especially after what was shared today with regards to the Sandboxx App.

I don't know if any of our recent PIR graduates have any information or opportunity to ask their new sailors, if they know anything. It does seem like this is something that should be discussed before a SR leaves for BC. Do the parents plan to use Sandboxx and if so, what this means if a mailing address does not get sent?  To me this seems like it could cause a lot of confusion. 

Tammybikerunfaithlove, congratulations I know your heart feels like it is about to explode with pride. Enjoy every minute!

Chipmunk- Yes, I'm definitely confused, and anxious to send my letters!

Congrats Tammy! It's so exciting to get that call!!

I got a final call from my Sailor tonight saying he passed his final PFA. He is so excited to get his old underwear for A school and wants steak! 

I tried searching but I couldn't find recent posts...should I take my son off my health insurance now or wait until PIR? 

tammybikerunfaithlove-- Thank you!! Well... That now adds to the confusion!  I guess it will be up to you BC moms to teach us "Old hands" a thing or 3.  Sandboxx still costs you more than a regular USPS letter but maybe you can ask them to let you know how soon they got your sandboxx letters compared to when you sent them so you can let us know if it's worth it.

Fingers crossed for the call to come soon and relieve your anxiety!! You are down to just 3 weeks!! Can you believe it's almost over already!!

Nursekim -- you can Take him off now or after PIR, Either is acceptable.  He's completed BS21 and the final PFA so He's a Sailor!! If you have time, You can do it now since the odds of him "Finishing" boot camp are 100%!  The only reason we say wait till PIR was if they for some reason didn't complete... Injury or illness or other SEPs reason early on or failing the Final PFA or BS21 at the end.  He just has this final week of Warrior training so he's good to go!

Chipmunk - I knew that my son would not be paid until August 1. Which I just got his statement and he did get paid August 1, but did not receive Aug 15th (statement end 8/23/22) but did receive a separate deposit about Aug 11th for a much smaller amount.  Not entirely sure how much he is supposed to get paid, so I suppose they could have split it like that.  I thought it might have been re-imbursement for the uniforms, but unsure.  Maybe his next statement will have more info, but I know that without his earnings statement I am only speculating.  I only know that he said he did not receive his Navy Fed CU card yet and that he needed stuff at NEX.  I did ask my SR for a better understanding of what happened in a letter.

Congrats to those that have Sailors!!!  Enjoy your time and safe travels!!

Whoop whoop go Tammyrunbikelovefaith!!! So happy for you! When is PIR?

JNMnavyMomOH- My SR also got paid similar- correct amount on 8/1 but then about 1/2 as much 8/15. My friend whose SR just graduated said they do take out $ for the uniforms so I am thinking same as you. Waiting to hear what he says in a letter. He’s very frugal with his $ so he’ll definitely be on that lol. We got NFCU card prior to him going to BC so can’t help with that but that seems odd to me he wouldn’t get it right away. Are they allowed to use their own $ when there or maybe only the NEX card?

NurseKim- Congratulations!! So excited for you!!! Mine still has about 4 weeks but he’s asking for Chicago pizza. They know what they want lol—and the underwear!

JNMnavymomOH - You are correct that you would have to check his LES, and I think those are only online nowadays.  I am not certain, but I think they wait until the 2nd paycheck to take out the uniform $'s so they have that first early buffer for other expenses. 

The issue with the debit card does seem strange if he opened his account there at RTC NFCU. 

CBMom - Yes, they may use cash, debit, check, credit at the NEX as far as I know. As parents we were able to buy stuff there as well, we just had to pay sales tax, whereas the sailors do not. I don't know if the RTC NEX is still open for parents to shop at or not, since COVID. We were also able to go into the Photo NEX and purchase other photo items and challenge coins for our sailors. I will say, if they have them for sale before PIR that is when you want to buy their ship ones and such. I think they have switched to all of that being cash only ? not certain. That was the last I had heard several months ago. 

Amouse - I Know - confusion is no fun. 

WHOOP  WHOOP  WHOOP
ATTENTION ON DECK!!! We Have A SAILOR!!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO tammybikerunfaithlove and her Sailor!!!

Amouse -- It would appear we are in Uncharted waters on the letters.  I don't know the cost so only you can decide how much you want to spend at this time.  You all are going to have to tell us because it would appear that we no longer have accurate info... the Navy has Changed their SOP and we don't have a "Secret" back door to confirm anything.  Believe me, This is frustrating for us too!! We NEVER want to be giving you misinformation.  ESPECIALLY when it comes to communications with your SR!!

Melissa-- It would appear that our info is changing.  Only you can decide how many letters you want to send not knowing when they are going to be delivered.
The phone call could be for TONS of reasons.  DO not worry yourself sick over it! Just keep your phone near and your Ringer on Loud!! That could have been your SR calling for information, or it could be the Red Cross or it could be Spam and just a coincidence.
Yes the Guest access form is a form you can download from the RTC site and print out and send to your sailor.  They should tell you if they get 3 or 4 people so go ahead and send 4 names and info but know that it may only be 3.  Once you know the DIV number and PIR date we can help you figure out if you have 3 guests or 4.  There are Never more than 4 (Sadly & at this time!!)
Of course as you are seeing... Things can change too so....?

Thanks for all the congrats for my sailor! I am definitely filled with pride and really enjoyed our call yesterday (he sounded exhausted LOL). 

Sandboxx.... Everything I've seen, minus someone getting ASMO'd, has been that the address you get is accurrate. But yes - they don't get the mail until they division has been trained - so usually 2 or 3 weeks. Once the mail is flowing, according to my son, he gets sandboxx letters quicker than regular mail - usually in 2 days. I send a combination of both. Sandboxx isn't cheap - and I wasn't going to use it - but my sailor asked...and I just couldn't say no (which is really NOT like me ..but hey..he's in BC).  The nice thing about sandboxx is it has the paper and envelope with mailing addresses all filled out for your SR. I'm VERY careful about what I write in my sandboxx letters. Anything personal beyond our basic day to day stuff I save for regular mail. You can include a picture which they print out (on regular paper) -so I like that too (though rumor has it the quality is fair at best). I will be glad to be done with sandboxx after BC though - I'm looking forward to regular calls/texts as time allows for my sailor and being able to send fun little care packages at times. 

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

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

COVID Message Board

* * * The Latest Guidance as of September 1st, 2022 - Revised Pass-in-Review Policy * * *

Effective immediately, indoor mask policy is relaxed per CDC guidance. Naval Station Great Lakes (NAVSTAGLKS) returns to HPCON Bravo. Presently, Lake County, Illinois, has a medium level of COVID cases. Guests attending the graduation ceremony are NOT required to wear a mask while indoors, for ticket pickup at the Welcome Center, or while indoors at Recruit Training Command.

It really is no change, but RTC updated so I'm posting!

REMINDER FROM THE US NAVY RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND FACEBOOK PAGE:

Everyone who is planning on attending a graduation ceremony MUST personally obtain a ticket, which will be distributed at the Recruit Family Welcome Center the week of your recruit's graduation. Tickets are free of charge, but you must have valid photo ID to obtain your ticket (driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport, or, for minors, a student ID, driver's permit, SSN card, birth certificate,) AND you MUST also have your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.

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

Here's a video posted online (6/13/22) that shows the 10 weeks of boot camp:

What US Navy Recruits Go Through

And if you are interested in seeing what happens during the "Confidence Chamber" aka gas chamber here is a video link:

Boot Camp Gas Chamber

Here is my discussion on the Sandboxx App - click on the link:

Sandboxx app while in BC

**Only to be used while in boot camp.

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

Sarge's Meet N Greet

tammybikerunfaithlove -- Thank you for the detailed update.  I will include this in my information.  It's good to know first hand that the sandboxx information is correct.

Happy Thursday!

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

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

Happy Friday Ladies!!! Is anyone in this group going to their sailors PIR today? If so... I hope you enjoy every second - especially those big sailor hugs!!! 

Happy PIR Everyone!! It is also RED Friday!! I won't be online much today, but please ask any questions, post your news or just vent your emotions. Others are available and if not, we will reply as soon as we are able. 

Good Morning Tammy!! - All the best to our new sailors who are completing their final PFA! 

PIR is happening now.  Here's the link:

LIVE PIR SEPT 9.2022

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

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

Good Morning Everyone!! Be sure to keep your phones close by you. My SR calls came in the afternoon on Saturdays, but they come at various times. If your SR has trouble with the connection tell him to push and hold the cord into the receiver to see if that helps. Or try a different phone. I know it can be frustrating, but this is the best I can offer. 

Liz I'm so sorry you are feeling like those who have been around this board and the navy journey a long time are telling you they know better. I must have missed something when I re-read all the conversations here about the mail and sandboxx...etc. I provided some info about sandboxx and form letters (stuff that has changed even since my son arrived at RTC in July) and belovedbyHim and others responded in an appreciative way of the new information because it only takes a short bit of time to realize that things can and will change in the military. I've been in this group since day 1 of my son shipping off - and have had this experience over and over again - sharing info, learning new things... the "old" and the "new" moms alike. This has been the most supportive and uplifting group for me. I am sorry you are not having that same experience. I might suggest that if you have a concern with a particular member, bring it to them directly through private messaging. We all make mistakes from time to time - but I'm certain intentions are always very good - that's why some of the "old hats" stay in this group - to provide support, encouragement and information to us "new hats" - their sailors are further along in the navy journey - but they stay here for us bootcamp moms. I'm sure getting called out in a big platform like this doesn't feel so great. 

I recently shared with all of you that I got the "I'm a sailor call" and that my son had is OPFA on Friday and then he had to complete a medical waiver to determine if he could stay in the navy and if he could then would he get rerated....  I have an update - though I didn't get to speak directly with my son.... he couldn't call me so he had one of his buddies call when they were making their calls after OPFA Friday. Funny thing was... first, my hubs and I were out to dinner with friends and when I saw the # on my phone, I about knocked my friend to the floor when trying to rush up and out of the restaurant - oops! (she was so gracious about it) -  when we finally got outside so we could hear, it was a confusing phone call at first - it sounded scripted and it sounded like my son was talking about himself in the third person and as if he had been crying. My heart sunk because he doesn't cry. Well... after a few questions of trying to understand what this young man was saying... we realized it wasn't our son (but WOW do they have the same voice!) Poor kid had a bad cold which is why it sounded like he had been crying. Anyway... he was able to tell us that while our sailor was off on watch, he is fine, he's staying in the navy and is not going to nuke school (exactly what he was hoping for).  The relief brought tears of joy (still does) because getting separated would've been so devastating. I think I may have tuned out the next 30 minutes of our dinner conversation with friends as I was too busy in my head thanking our Lord for this gift. Thank you ladies for all your prayers. 

On another but related note... this young man that called... well ... about 5 or so weeks ago, I asked my son if there were any recruits not getting any mail that I could write to so as to help lift them up through their training. This was the young man who I wrote to. I don't know his story (darn phones at RTC make it rather hard) but I learned where he's from, what school he's going to... and I learned no one is coming for PIR... so I invited him along to join us during liberty that Friday (he leaves early the next day for A school). I'm excited to meet him (he and my son have become good buddies and share a sense of sarcasm!).  

So now... I can breathe... not only has my son passed BS21 and final PFA, he's going to officially be a US Navy Sailor. My heart is bursting with joy and with pride!  And no one (in my civilian world) gets it ... but I know you ladies do.  So again - thank you! 

that is so awesome.. and good for taking that sailor under your family wing.. all family now..

Lily, I am sorry if any of us have every made any of our new members feel this way. I can assure you it was never any of our intentions. I know with following OPEC sometimes the statements feel a little harsh especially with ours emotions running high. My own feelings were hurt during Covid, everything was so unknown and such a mess, I followed my heart even though I was torn and I don't regret my decision. Everyone's experiences are different and when they concern our child we want to follow our heart, which usually serves a Mother well. We just always have to remember as long as it won't affect our Recruits and Sailors and others around them negatively go with your gut.

We are all working together trying to be helpful and supportive answering what we can with a compassionate heart, please forgive us if in our desire to help make any of you feel not valuable or belittled, it is definitely not our intention. I've been in 3 years and I am still learning. There is so much to learn and understand but after these years I have learnt my heart will be stepped on throughout this journey not only by other Moms but by the Navy and even my own Sailor. God Bless you all!