Amy - welcome home and hopefully you had a wonderful time.

This shows up next to the "Add Comment" box on here.  Make sure you have clicked on it.  Somehow you may have "unclicked" it.

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Here’s what it looks like.

see below 

Mine says stop following, wonder if my email is not working right?

Welcome back Amy! What makes you say to use the shuttle? The place we plan to stay does offer one but I’m afraid of getting there late? I want to be like first in line at 630!

The place we stayed offered shuttle service starting at 6:15 but when we checked in it was full so we took the 6:45 and got there just before 7:00. They went some back way and we didn't have to wait in line. It was a bit of a walk from the gate but I got to see my girl as soon as we walked in!

Good Evening Amy - I was just thinking about you and had planned to suggest that you or anyone else that had been to PIR recently, should chime in and tell about your experience. 

There is also a possibility that you clicked one of these two items in the email feeds - 

To stop following this group, go to:
https://navyformoms.ning.com/group/bootcampmoms?unfollow=1&xg_s...

To control which emails you receive on Navy For Moms, go to:
https://navyformoms.ning.com/profiles/profile/emailSettings?xg_sour...

Or that you clicked on the right of your email, and I think there is a way to "block" emails. 

CBMom - We were going to take the shuttle, and had signed up for an early one, but when we went the next morning, our names were not written down on the list. We ended up driving over. We managed to park in the garage. I am glad that the shuttle worked out well for Amy. 

Amy -- I find that when I'm on my phone it's easier to click the "Stop Following" option.  Once you log back in here on a computer it usually defaults back to notifying.  I hope you got it all straightened out!! 
NOW>>> YES!!!! I'm so glad you had a great Trip!!! Once you have a few minutes to get your thoughts together We'd love to hear all about it!  Congratulations again and I look forward to hearing how your SR does on the next steps!

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

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

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

Welcome home Amy! I hope you had an awesome time with your Sailor! 

We got here last night. My son called me to tell me we have special reserved seating bc he’s the recruit commander. We have to report by 0715! 
We’re going to the meet and greet tonight so that should be fun! 

nursekim - Enjoy your time!!! Bravo Zulu to your new sailor!!

BZ to you and your sailor nursekim...  so exciting.. and wonderful..

nursekim - how exciting!

BZ to your Sailor!

Nurse Kim oh how exciting! Congrats to your sailor! Enjoy every moment. 

As for shuttle (though I won't be at PIR until next week) I heard that the shuttles tend to be able to bypass traffic lines and just drop you off. How was Sarge's Meet nGreet? I'm excited to attend! 

nursekim--  Best seats in the house!! The ones that allow you to see your sailor!!! I'm so excited and happy for you!! Get plenty of rest today since it will be the last time you sleep till you get back home!! (jk but only slightly!) Enjoy every second!!

Congratulations to all!!!!  Such excitement!!  Enjoy your time with your loved one :)

I don't always post, but I do read them.  

Just received a letter from my SR.  He was told that if he is set back from failing the OPFA, he will not get a normal PIR.  He said he would get 3 day leave.  He originally told me that if he failed he would be set back in training to W1D1 with a brand new division.  He is a NUKE, but was told there is a 6 month back up and he would have to stay at GL until he could go.  Any one with experience with this?  I did ask questions about the NUKE stuff in that group.  

Good Morning Everyone!!

Nursekim - Thinking about you this morning and I know that you are one proud Momma!!

Amy - be sure to come share more about your PIR experience. I don't know about you, but it took me about 2 weeks to be able to think about anything "normal" that I needed to focus on. I watched that video stream over and over again, trying to get the timings marked and everything so that I could share with family and friends, and let them know when they could see my sailor son. 

Please join me in welcoming lapdja to our group. 

Here's the link to watch today's PIR:

LIVE PIR SEPT 16.2022

Glad to be here!!! This is all new to me.  My 20 year old is leaving for RTC in two weeks so I have lots of questions.  I'm finding a lot of good information on this site so thanks to you all!!  I look forward to getting to know many of you!  It's an exciting time for us as a family.  He is leaving from Texas to Great Lakes the first week in October!

lapdja - Feel free to ask away!!

JNMnavymomOH - I don't know much on what to say with regards to the PIR and your son's BC schedule. I do believe that there are instances when a SR fails BST the first time and they had to retake that, they were not allowed to stand in formation during PIR, but sat in the stands (as they would have been too tired to have stood at attention that long.) Since they have extended BC now and doing final PFA after BST, it may have something to do with that. I really can't answer. 

I gave you the link for the THU group. The lady who started it, her daughter, I think, was in THU for a while. It is not uncommon for Nukes and others to get held in THU at GL. One of the reasons that my son's PIR day was different than most, is because he was trying to get his medical waiver dealt with, so he wasn't stuck in THU. And around the time he left GL, there were a # of sailors staying for whatever reason. Another delay occurs if there is a hold-up at the new base due to hurricane season and evacuations or flooding in the area. If they can't safely get the new sailors to their A schools, they hold them at GL. 

I wish I could give you more information, but unfortunately this is one of those situations where "needs of the Navy" and "your sailor knows best" apply. Even if your sailor doesn't know that much, they are the one you ultimately have to get the final information from regarding their travel status and details. 

lapdja--- Welcome.  I'm still working on updating my Blog since we have confirmed new Information regarding Sandboxx and the Form letter.  You can read back to last weekend to see those posts but the TLDR is Below:
New SR's can opt to send the form letter via Sandboxx or via a physical letter.  If they send it via Sandboxx, you WILL NOT get a form letter later.  You will know their address sooner (We do not KNOW if they get those letters sooner than the old Snail Mail way.) Please discuss the COST with your SR prior to their leaving. Each individual letter is $4+ vs USPS at $.60  (It may be less per letter if you buy the bigger package, Still researching that with other life stuff.) DO NOT use Sandboxx after Bootcamp so do not buy "extra" thinking that eventually you will use it. They may contact you via email so be sure to check your SPAM folder if you are expecting to hear that way.

Any Current BC moms using that app have any more detailed answers, We'd love to hear them. 

Feel Free to ask any and all questions here!  (Or in your PIR group once that has formed) 
You will running right up against the Holidays so He may or may not be granted Leave at Christmas If he's in A school.  Hope and Pray for it but be aware that it may not happen.  (It really is a wait and see on that one! I just didn't want you to be expecting one thing and then learn it's different!)

You're off to a better start than I was.  Enjoy the heck out of these last 2 weeks!!

hi lapdja.. I'm in Texas as well.. my sailor graduated this time last year.. welcome and feel free to ask/vent about anything..  

This link has all the pertinent info on Sandboxx, including the pricing - which does include a discount rate for multiple letters.

Sandboxx app while in BC

Welcome Lapdja!  My SR shipped 9/12, and I received her address from Sandboxx today. (That's the extent of my experience with the app.  This group has lots of helpful information. 

Just got the I’m a Sailor call!!! So excited!!!

CBMom  CONGRATS!!!  BZ to your new sailor

Hi!  I've been following along for a little while and really appreciate all the information! (We're also a Texas family.)

My SR arrived at RTC on Tuesday. We had a discussion with him before he left regarding Sandboxx vs USPS and he decided that he would refuse Sandboxx at RTC knowing that we could sign up for it later. However, I just received this message from Sandboxx:

"Here at Sandboxx, our mission is to keep military families connected. ***** has arrived at RTC Great Lakes and wants to hear from you. Send a letter with Sandboxx today. DoD endorsement not implied. Reply STOP to opt out.

https://link.sandboxx.us/ahBzYW5kYm94eC1wcm9kLTAxchELEgRVc2VyGI/gl-...*****"

So, I'm wondering if my SR signed up, or if Sandboxx somehow gets access to parents' phone numbers and sends this message to everyone? 

I don't know whether to reply, or wait for the form letter!

Thank you for any insight you might have!

jog6 - I think the only way for Sandboxx to get your info is for your SR to give it to them.  RTC won't just release your phone # without consent.....he probably just decided it was easier (and faster) this way!

CBMom - BZ!

CBMom - WooHoo!! Bravo Zulu to your sailor!

Rosanne - I am glad that you have an address now! May the flow of letters begin.  Are you able to help jog6 out? All of this with Sandboxx and the form letter is new. 

jog6 - Did anything actually say, your SR is in Div# , Ship # and relay that information to you. Did they send the form letter to you?  - I just went to the RTC website - Recruit Training Command Home Page (navy.mil)  on the yellow banner, it reads - If you have received a text message or email recently with a link from Sandboxx, please click here.

This is the information in the pop up window from RTC - My apologies, I don't have time to read this all the way through, and comment, but hopefully it can give a little bit of clarity.

Sandboxx Information

Recruit Training Command (RTC) allows recruits and their families to regularly communicate. All RTC families will receive the recruit’s mailing address and information about graduation. The general information is also on our website www.bootcamp.navy.mil located under the “Graduation” tab.

Recruits may regularly receive letters from families via USPS or other mailing services. Another alternative is communication through a private company, Sandboxx. Should your recruit opt-in to the Sandboxx service, you will receive a text message and/or email with a link to create a profile. Once you create a profile, you will have expedited access to their mailing address, division number, and graduation date, in addition to recurring updates about what your recruit is experiencing during training. The information is FREE to access once you have registered.

B'sNukeMom - That's good information - he probably changed his mind!

Chipmunk- yes, his name was in the message "*****" and in the link. 

Thank you for copying the Sandboxx info from RTC here - very helpful!

Chipmunk - I went to the post office on my way home from work to make sure my letters went out today! LOL

Jog6 - I had told my daughter not to bother with Sandboxx either because of the cost, but I am guessing they told her it was free to sign up and only cost $ if you use it, so she went ahead.  

Thanks to all the great women here! Could never have gotten through this without you! Thank you!!! He’s so serious…still very focused on the final PFA. Says he’s not a real Sailor till graduation…things can still happen to delay you. He could only talk for a few minutes cause others were trying to get on the phone. Hoping he is just real tired. So proud/hope he can take on some of it. 

Take in I meant…enjoy some of the moment. 

CBMom - I understand how your son feels. It is honestly really awkward to actually call them sailors now after the BS21 - when we know they still have the final PFA. But it is still a proud moment and a lot to rejoice with everyone. They are extremely tired, and they are still expected to stay awake for a certain amount of time. 

jog6 - You are welcome!! I only had a minute to check on my emails and try to figure something out before I had to be back out the door. 

I agree with Rosanne and sort of what I figured.

My personal opinion is that Sandboxx is "offering" their services and encouraging the military to save postage by notifying the families through their avenue that is much faster than USPS, hoping people will buy their letters. Another learning curve for us to figure out, I guess. 

Rosanne, I am sure your SR will enjoy your letters!!

Thanks Chipmunk. He just sounds so different I still can’t believe it. 

WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP!!!!
ATTENTION ON DECK!!!!
WE HAVE A SAILOR IN THE HOUSE!!!!

Congratulations to CBMom and Her Sailor!!! BZ!! Congrats to YOU both!!!

jog6 -- I don't know the answer to the Sandboxx question.  I'd guess it's similar to the Red Cross notification. (Also not a "Military" organization)  It looks like from the information from RTC that this will speed things up a bit.  Rather than 3-4 weeks of silence you will have the address about a week in.  DO be sure to wait till you have the FULL address!! (SHIP and DIV) That usually happens once they complete P-days and the initial PFA (~1 week from leaving home +holidays if there are any)  Does it cost anything to register with sandboxx?  If not, It then is a personal decision to register and get the address that way or not.  It's for sure quicker than waiting for the form letter the old way.  This would be a HUGE change for RTC and communications.

Rosanne-- That is a good call!

BelovedbyHim- Thanks so much! I’ve been waiting for your whoop whoop/it to be my turn and to take a screenshot of it since you do that for all of us when they make Sailor!  I love it! Thanks to all- this group rocks! Even when we are quiet we are still following and reading everything. 

Question for those that have gone through PIR. My son is likely flying out the next day. How does that work at the airport? So he won’t know when he leaves until PIR night and will call from his phone then once AT the airport? And then just 2 of us can wait with him? How do we get permission to wait? Several family members want to see him at the airport but only 2 can right? Just trying to plan.

CBMom - Have you read my discussion above - What PIR weekend may be like for those flying out of GL ? If I have a chance, I will reply to your questions there and then post them here as well.

BelovedbyHim - I think one of the biggest confusions with Sandboxx sending out the Div & Ship #, is my understanding is that the families will no longer receive the form letter. The form letter is being sent in the Sandboxx message. (See the screenshot post from last week.) Only the families whose SR does not send their Div & Ship # via Sandboxx are still receiving the paper copy of the Form Letter where the SR would have been handwriting in their address, which you have always shared was after P-days & initial PFA. 

So, the conundrum, is the address from Sandboxx correct, or will still be correct a week later for mailing postal letters? If a SR is reassigned to a new Div & Ship #, will their Sandboxx letters be forwarded to them or not? (In the past, our understanding, I believe, was that they would not be forwarded.) Therefore, while we have always encouraged our new families to wait to mail letters, until they have the form letter for an address, I no longer believe we have adequate information to understand if that is likely to happen or not. 

For our new members, I went ahead and posted the above here, not to call out BelovedbyHim but I did not have time to send a PM and repost several times. And because honestly, I am still confused myself, about all of this. 

Personally, I would like to share my thoughts, having been a mom who went through BC, not knowing about this site, not having Sandboxx, not even doing "tickets' at PIR, and still received the "kid in the box" (sailor's clothes, phone, etc) after he arrived at BC. My only source of information, came from the RTC bootcamp website, the form letter & motel brochure, the recruiter and letters from my SR. I did find this site a week before PIR and that is when I realized - every situation, every SR / sailor's situation is likely to be different, no matter how similar it is to someone else's scenario. And I have always tried to emphasize that. 

I am glad we did not have to deal with the "tickets", that would have been rough since we drove 12+ hours to GL and did manage to get to Sarge's Meet n Greet.  Holding the "box" for the Sailors to get afterwards, has been a reasonable change due to many families not being able to make it to PIR and give their sailors their phones at the airport. The Sandboxx - form letter - change is different.

I am concerned that trying to speed up the process of the "Great Silence" impacts the initial purpose of why that has always been the case - to prepare families and future sailors for the many times when we will know radio silence. There is a growth that happens in both the SR and the families through the "Great Silence" that I honestly do not think can happen any other way. And for me, this is my primary concern with the new changes. 

(continued) 

My secondary concern is that Sandboxx App is a for profit company, and not everyone can afford to be sending bulk letters to their sailors this way, not every SR is going to receive letters via Sandboxx and all the while, bottom line someone is making a profit, regardless of their initial well-being for supporting our military. 

That said whether you go ahead and mail letters with a Ship & Div # from Sandboxx or wait until you have a form letter is your decision. I recommend that you keep your initial letters short and basic, make copies of your letters (whether on your computer or otherwise), and be sure to # your letters so your SR knows whether they have missed getting one or not.

(I won't be able to reply much today, but I am open for more dialogue with anyone. Feel free to post here, PM me, or post a comment on my profile page.)

CBMom, first off a big congratulations so happy for you and your son. My experience was during Covid but you can ignore it if it is no longer relevant. My son called us right after the PIR and told us his flight information and what time to expect his bus at the airport. There were a few parents already there when the bus came in. I almost didn't recognize my son. There wasn't a limit in the number of family members to greet the Sailors, we had 3 but many had 5 or more. Not sure how many passes they allowed out to wait with your Sailor until his flight left. They let all 3 of us have a pass. I know you are excited, prayers for a safe and wonderful trip. I made posters for their arrival at the airport.

CBMom - I updated my discussion above to answer your question.  Be sure to read all the way through it, the update may be on the last page but it is written to be updated. I have a busy day today and I missed about the phone call. My son told us the night before when he was going to be leaving for the airport and we just left our hotel at the same time. That was 0100 - Yes, shortly after midnight!  I refrain from posting most dates just because it is good practice to learn not to give specifics. 

I see Northwoodsmom replied as well.  I also recommend that everyone read: PIR Weekend , we need to delete the Covid information, but the rest is useful information - remembering Semper Gumby!! 

Thank you BelovedbyHim for your info.

Regarding mail via Sandboxx and snailmail:

My SR made the "I've arrived safely" call on 9/14 at 0120.  I received a text message from Sandboxx on 9/16 at 1330. I used their link in the message, signed up for free, and was able to see my son's address with Ship and Div.  I sent him a short letter today (9/17) by USPS, and am about to send him a letter through Sandboxx. I have asked him to let me know when he receives each of those so I can get a better idea of how this is working now. I guess I'll find out if the address from Sandboxx is correct now, and what happens if there is a reassignment and the address changes. I will update you all when I hear from him.