Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

JNMnavymomOH - when did he write the letter?  Maybe he was "thinking" he would be separated when he wrote the letter.  But when you talked with him on Tuesday things had improved and he will pass?  If he is separated he will call you to tell you that.  Hang on to the hope that he's still good to go.

I'm heading to Colorado tomorrow for a wedding on Sunday.  I'll be checking in but might not be as active.  Nice thing is my veteran's (son and his wife) are also flying in from MI so the whole family will be together.  I can't wait!

Tootie - My son was also not vaccinated.  He is about 1/2 way through BC, and he's never mentioned quarrantining or being behind at all, so I don't think that he did.  As far as I know, he's on track to graduate on time!

B'sNukeMoM - so the letter was written a week ago.  In it he writes that he probably wont tell me these things on the phone call. He believes that if he is separated I will be disappointed in him as I believe in him so strongly.  That he has failed me and he can't bring himself to tell me that over the phone.  Man, I was never so fast to shoot off a letter thru sandbox.  I know it won't get to him before Friday, but it made me feel better knowing that I was able to get it sent to them in time for them to send it out tomorrow. 

Safe travels!  I have never been to Colorado, but I hear it is beautiful.

Tootie - my son was not vaccinated, and the recruiter had told us many times that he would have to quarantine but there really was nothing different for him than anyone else once he got there(other than an extra shot or two). 
The recruiter had told us that he would do the “life as a sailor” classes the first two weeks (as part of the quarantine) but I don’t think he knew exactly what he was talking about. We got the Sandboxx info with address 5 days after he got there. We immediately started sending letters and it took a while but he got them all!

Our son just passed battle stations and will be spending the next two weeks, the LAST two weeks!!!! of BC doing the “Life as a sailor” classes. 
Can’t wait to see him in 14 days!!!

Hang in there! He is our first-born and this has been the weirdest, hardest, 2 months of our lives. But the call yesterday was so so good!! 

B'sNukeMoM️MMN --Welcome to Colorado!  This weekend will be sunny and Mild (Mid 70's) (Perfect Jeans and T-shirt weather!) You will want a jacket or fleece in the early mornings or evenings but the rest of the day should be warm and pleasant!  The last 2 days were quite chilly and wet as a cold front moved through and we had scattered showers.

JNMnavymomOH --  1) come visit!! It's simply lovely here! May -- you may get snow still. Aug-Oct are my Favorite months in CO but if snow is your jam... Nov-May will Suit. (April is our snowiest month of the year!) June and July are also wonderful along the front range.  Not super hot during the day or too cold at night.
2)  Oh Hon!!!! I hope he calls or sends a letter ASAP!!! I know the letter to phone call lag can be rough.  I hope he's well and still on this journey but if he's not;  Thank him for being willing to even try!!  He's still one of the few and for that we are proud of him no matter the outcome!!! Most kids won't even TRY!!

Ladies -- It's good to know that several of you are saying that quarantine is now a thing of the past!  We'll add that to the knowledge base and hopefully no other moms will ever have to go through what our "Covid Moms" went through!

WHOOP!!!
WHOOP!!!
WHOOP!!!
ATTENTION ON DECK!!!

WE HAVE A SAILOR!!

Congratulations to MadreBee and her Sailor!!
BZ  You made it!!!

CBMom - Yes he has struggled that is for sure, as have I.  He didn't actually tell me anything other than it was fun and he'd like to do it again.  He said "we had battle stations".  I said "yeah, and?" He said "I suppose you can no longer call me a sailor recruit." And that they would get to sleep for about 10 hours that night.  He was really looking forward to that.

Congrats to another new sailor...  lol  my sailor loved battlestations.. and when we got the call, he never actually said the words 'I'm a sailor".. we had to ask him if he passed and he said yes.. argh.. kids.. we were about to board a delayed flight and had been sweating bullets, he had to find a third phone that we could hear him on..

CONGRATS to all the new sailors and their mama's :) 

JNMnavymomOH & Trey -- They don't know that phone call by that name.  We use those terms to distinguish the various calls home.
"I'm Here" -- The scripted short call home.
"I'm still alive" aka "Proof of Life" call -- The one that comes about 4ish weeks in. 
"Earned calls" -- Any calls made from week 5-7. 
"I'm a Sailor" call -- The call made following BS21. 
(Bonus calls may now also come in the 2 weeks following BS21 but they don't seem to be a regularly scheduled thing... At least I have not noticed a pattern)

My sailor also said BS21 was a ton of fun and He'd love to do it all again (Just not the rest of BC) and he would not tell me anything about it.  Once when he was home we got to talking about his service with family and they were asking questions... He replied that he couldn't talk about it.  I then pulled up the video on YouTube and showed it.  He reply..." Well, Damn... I guess you have your answers, but I have still been ordered not to talk about it."  He did answer a couple of questions about the VIDEO because he was talking about the video NOT about BS21!!  I also pointed  out that we were putting him in an unfair place since he was in fact ordered not to talk about it and we did back off.  My niece was really curious because he was/is her favorite and she wanted to know what happened to him because he had changed so much!

BelovedbyHim- Thank you for that post - made me feel better. I tried to tell him I watched on YouTube also and he continued to say as well he can’t talk about it. I’m glad they are taking it seriously it’s just weird they can’t talk about it when it’s on YouTube but I get it…

JNMnavyMomOH- yes mine was exhausted too and said they still weren’t going to get to sleep for a bit but would get to go to bed earlier. We were hoping to get a call after the PFA yesterday but didn’t so hopefully next week. Hoping no news is good news. 

MadreBee - Thank you for replying to Tootie!! And Congratulations, BZ to your new sailor!

We look forward to hearing the stories when all of you return from PIR!

Amouse - Thank you also for your reply to Tootie.

Trey - I had to ask my son the same thing!!

JNMnavyMomOH - Oh My, I will be praying for your son tonight!!

Thank you thank you!!  I feel so much better knowing he probably is not quarantined and wont' be delayed.  Congratulations to all the new sailors (and to you Moms)!  I'll be praying for all those still in BC along with mine!  This is like something I've never been through so it's nice to hear from others going through the same thing.

JNMnavymomOH - so if I choose to sign up for SandBoxx they will not send a form letter?  Doesn't the form letter have their PIR date on it, Division, TG, etc?

Tootie - The new information that we have is that Sandboxx App will send you the division # & Ship # and with that we can help you find the PIR date and address. I think the form letter is online, I am not sure.

Be sure to also familiarize yourself with the RTC website - Recruit Training Command Home Page (navy.mil)

Chipmunk - thank you!  My son has to opt in for Sandboxx though, correct?  When does that happen - at the end of P days?

Tootie -- Yes it is our understanding that your SR has to opt in to Sandboxx.  We have heard of some moms getting notified the day after their SR arrived. (Melissa -- Didn't you get your Sandboxx email on P2?) IF your SR DOES NOT opt into Sandboxx, then it is our understanding that the form letter is still mailed on W1TD1(Week 1 Training Day 1) and will take 3-10 business days to arrive.

This is a Change from how RTC has done things for years so it is still very new and there are tons of variable.  YOU can still choose to pay for Sandboxx and use that if you want but they will not notify you sooner of the address as far as we know.

The Sandboxx email has the address and DIV. Once we know that we can help you determine the PIR date if that info is not also included in the email.

As always, No News is Still Good News.  This means your SR is progressing as expected and there is nothing to be concerned about form RTC's point of view.

Yes, belovedbyHim, I got the text with my SR’s address from Sandboxx on day 2. I was totally shocked! We are now in day 23, so I can tell you that I didn’t get the form letter. I can also tell you that my SR got all the Sandboxx letters from the first day I sent one so they get the letters even if you send them before a recruit is trained to sort the mail. 

Thank you belovedbyHim and Melissa!  This is very helpful information.  I'm trying to be patient lol!  It's so hard not being able to communicate with him when we're so used to sending a text anytime we feel like it :)  Melissa, sounds like you got lucky to get it so fast!

Honestly, I have no idea why I got the text so fast, but I’ll take it!

Melissa -- Thank you.  The standing policy of RTC for years was that they neither endorsed nor rejected Sandboxx and when asked they said it was a personal choice to use it but it was not OPSEC or PERSEC compliant so it was up to the SR.  I don't know what changed and I do apologize for the confusion and any hurt,  Melissa -- I was just telling you what we had been told from RTC for... Forever about the delivery of mail from both the Post office and Sandboxx.  I am so glad to know that they are delivering mail even in those early days.  That will make it better for you all at home and for the SR's who are dealing with missing home.
If we have any DEP moms lurking.... Please have this discussion with your Kids before they leave.  It sounds like you don't have to use Sandboxx to get the address. 

Still Unknown... What happens if they are moved to a different DIV? What happens if they don't pass the initial PFA?  DO they get snail mail letters quicker even if Sandboxx is not used.
If you get this information please share it with us.  We do want to be able to help all of you but again, we have no magic insights or behind the scenes connections (At least none that I am aware of) to answer these scenarios. 

Tootie -- I joked that it was the "Great Silence" when all communications ceased and we were left to wonder and wait.  It was the HARDEST time and yet... I see a benefit to it as well.  The good news is that as more and more information is coming out about Sandboxx you will not have to wait so long to communicate with your SR.  The down side is that some of you will experience this total cut off for the first time when your child is in the fleet and they go River City (communications silence) and you may not have the same support structure around you.
Either way, We are here. We have not lost a mom to Boot Camp and we won't start with you!  We will support and care no matter what and through the good times and the hard times. 

belovedbyHim  no hurt whatsoever! It seems that the times are changing pretty fast! I chose to use Sandboxx because it is so convenient for me, but other family are using the address that Sandboxx sent from my SR via text. The address works for USPS mail as well! I was really surprised to get it so soon after he arrived. Pleasantly surprised, I mean!

Melissa -- So mail sent via USPS is also being delivered in the first 3 weeks?  Just trying to clarify that bit.

Can you explain what you meant about they are using the address via text?

I was also shocked when you said you got the address that quick because I remembered that it had only been just over a day and you were struggling with the "See Ya Laters" that had just happened!  When I left the wedding and saw your post, I was shocked and sure it was something hinky that couldn't be the real address that quick!  In the 9+ years my sailor has been in and and in the experience of those who had come before me... that had never been the case.  Even those who went to the recruiters found that they didn't usually have the Div number till after P-days... Those were the "Good' recruiters!!
I am happy for you all that are getting this information this quick!! I will again caution you not to use Sandboxx after Boot Camp!!
Missing out on the one chance we have had so far to be there when our Sailor came home from deployment was heart rending.  He has been on 3 but life has conspired to prevent us from getting to go to the other 2. Don't let this happen to another Navy family.  Use all your Sandboxx credits before they finish BC.

Hi! So our family members have been using both USPS and Sandboxx and at the first call, my SR said he got everyone’s letters. So, the 2nd or 3rd day (I think it was the 3rd) we all got a text saying that our SR (they used his name) wanted to connect with us on Sandboxx. That text gave his address. There was also a link to sign up for Sandboxx, but not all of us in the family use it, but the address in the text was correct. We have all been using it. 
i hope this helps and no, I won’t use it after BC! I have also warned family not to use it after BC. 

Tootie - I am glad that Melissa and BelovedbyHim were able to reply to your question. We all sort of tag team on this site and some of us are in various groups on here as well, so keeping up with everything can be busy, especially if one of us is in the middle of other family or life things as well. Plus, we are all in various time zones!

For my two cents worth: I think it is great that the "Great Silence" might be lessening, but I still see great value in it for both the families and the SRs. As BelovedbyHim said, it can be a rude awakening for both sailors and their families when all of a sudden, they are out to sea and there is no communication. It is important to stick around and find your community and support here and we continue it with various groups on this site after BC as well. 

Chipmunk, Melissa and BelovedbyHim - I got the text from Sandboxx today!  He is Ship 13 DIV 952.  How can I find out his PIR date? That division is not listed on the RTC website under the graduation dates.  The last DIV listed on Dec 2 is 951.  I think I saw that the 900 divisions are usually there an extra week...is that right?

Tootie - That is great!! I would say you are likely looking at a PIR of December 9th. I do not believe the 900 Divisions are at BC for a longer time period. They can generally be seen the week or two before their PIR, because they are helping with the two PIRs prior to their own. 

You may join the December PIR Group - Groups - Navy For Moms (ning.com)

And you may start writing letters - RTC - Contacting Recruits

So my SR did not pass the run again.  He is definitely getting discouraged and disappointed.  He isn't sure what is going to happen should he not pass the retake.  Especially since BS21 has happened.  He said that he was told BC will be going back to 8 weeks instead of 10, which he thinks is going to create an issue for him.  So if that does happen, it's quite possible that I won't get to see him PIR. :(  He also got his E3 stripes (Nuke), but did not get the rate he wanted.  He does understand the needs of the Navy decide what he does, but not sure which of the other 2 rates he is getting.  

Hello!  I have just been catching up on all the posts, somehow I'm still not getting the emails. which I miss.

Tootie - awesome news on your SR being selected for a 900 Division!  You must be very proud.  My daughter just graduated a couple of weeks ago and she was in 900 division also.  It did add an additional week for her, but SO worth it.  

JNMnavymomOH, I'm sorry to hear about your SR, hopefully it's just a temporary set back. I suspect there are some that are working with him to help him to pass. My daughters friend did not pass the final run test and ended up being put in another division and was able to graduate a week later. She said there were several members of the division that actually ran along side her, encouraging and helping her keep pace.  

Amy - Thanks for clarifying that the 900s do have an extra week. I wonder if you clicked on something in your email to tell it not to give you the posts from Navy4Mom?

JNMnavymomOH - I am so sorry to hear this about your son!! 

JNMnavymomOH -- I'm so sorry that your SR is having such a hard time passing the run. 

Tootie - Did you delete your post? I saw it in my email feed. Do you have any further update on the possible Sandboxx address mistake? 

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

 PIR DECEMBER 2022

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 2022

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

I hope everyone south stays safe and dry!! Looks scary! I hope it passes fast.

Got a call from my son today. He passed the final PFA and is going to graduate. He’s a little down some friend got ASMOed. He says he’ll relax only after graduation…there’s always something could happen. I guess his division is tied for first…don’t really know what that means. 3 more days!

Today was supposed to be the retest for final OPFA.  No calls so either he passed (AMEN!!!) or they didn't have the test today.  UGHHHH.....so frustrating.  

Congrats CBMom!!!

JNMnavymomOH - Staying hopeful!!!

CBMom - The divisions compete for various awards and honors. If they win something, they have a flag bearer ("stick") carrying a flag for their division to show what test they won and were awarded the flag for. The most flags means first place. 

CBMom-- Are you getting excited yet???  At this point they have to do something really, REALLY stupid to not graduate!! The good news is they aren't given enough time to do that. (AND most of them are still too tired to think!)

JNMnavymomOH-- Praying that when your phone does ring, it's all good news!!! Everything is crossed and your SR has been in my prayers!!

JNMnavymomOH- I’m so hoping the no news is good news here!!!Prayers for him. On FB they have only been saying they got calls if they didn’t pass and we didn’t get a call last week when my SR did his so I’m really hoping he’s through now.

BelovedbyHim and Chipmunk- thanks for the division info! He’s still saying I mustn’t get complacent…very serious my son.

Chipmunk - I deleted that post about the Sandboxx mistake because I found out that I got wrong information from the FB group.  The address I received from Sandboxx was correct after all.  I took the comment down b/c I didn't want anyone else getting the wrong information.

CBMom- Congratulations!!

JNMnavymomOH - I'm sure no news is good news!  Your SR is in my prayers (along with all the others!)

Tootie - Thanks for clarifying! So, the information that you received from Sandboxx was correct. That is good to know! Be sure to go to the RTC website and read through the information there. I think they are to have the form letter posted there or someplace, sorry, I have not looked for it. The security form is there as well. 

CBMom - Nothing wrong with him remembering to not let his guard down. That is also good to remember when they go to A school and start having more liberties. Especially if they are under 21. 

Quick update and check in (will skim through old posts later - was sick after our return from GL yesterday and now I'm just scrambing to get caught up with work and life).  

Had an AMAZING trip this weekend. Sarge's Meet n Greet was so wonderful. Sarge asked to take a selfie with me- what a great and sweet guy. Even won 2 baskets. Food was amazing. Great to meet so many other families. AND - his shortcuts to base were awesome - especially when we had to return our sailor for curfew Friday night. He had 15 minutes to spare while there was still a line of traffic trying to get on base. 

Stayed at the Navy Lodge - awesome! So many other families there to connect with. Took the shuttle to PIR - didn't leave the hotel until 7:30 and we still had plenty of time to arrive, buy stuff and get a good seat. And our sailor got to ride back to the hotel with us. 

PIR was incredible - and emotional - so much pride and love when looking out at the sea of sailors!  Enjoyed the BEST HUG EVER when I finally found my sailor on the floor (and my sweet daughter caught it all on video). I cried tears of joy! 

We had Friday, all day Saturday and a couple hours Sunday with our sailor before we had to head to Ohare for our flight home. Spent Saturday in Chicago - Navy Pier, the Bean...etc. It was a WONDERFUL day! 

As much as I didn't want to say "see ya later" to my sailor - I surprised myself with handling it rather well. I had a couple tears fall as we drove away - but really I felt fine. It helps because he's staying in GL for A-school - and I have business trips there (including November0 so I know I will see him fairly soon.  He also gets liberty from 12/16 to 1/3 - all A schools at GL (GL only) have what they call "mass exodus" for this time frame every year - so it sounds like a guaranteed thing. 

It's also wonderful with him having his phone - knowing I can reach him is helpful. WIll enjoy it while I can because when that first deployment comes - I know everything changes. 

Last thing about this that I'll say - boy oh boy has my boy changed!! WOW! They really did turn him into a man! So much more mature, thoughtful, considerate.... He was a good kid going in for sure... but WOW... some of the littlest things he did spoke volumes about the changes he's made. And it's funny to see him be so timely and tidy! 

I'll catch up with all of you later - but I did want to pop in and share my PIR experience.  It was sooooo worth the wait, the momentary tears, and all the ridiculous $$ we spent to get and stay there.  

CBMom - CONGRATS!!!! Safe travels this week to GL! And enjoy that big sailor hug!!! 

Tammybikerunfaithlove- So wonderful!! So glad you had such a great time!! Oh I hope I win a basket lol! I listened to the other Navy moms on here and donated early and got a seat reserved up front. I am leaving on a shuttle for base at 610 and was worried about getting a good seat so glad to hear will be fine. We will probably only have Friday since he has school outside of GL…I’m so happy you were able to leave him without as much emotion as you dreaded. I’m worried about that too but we’re planning about her trip if possible during A school too. Lol no vacations for awhile - He told me he’s sad we won’t see Chicago. I said my fave site/sight will be him no place can do the same!!!

tammybikerunfaithlove -- Where are all the Heart Emoji's when you need them!!! I'm sorry that you got sick coming back, however.  Yes it is a ridiculous amount of money for 1-3 days but I agree... It's worth every penny!!!
Most A schools have that same "Mass Exodus" for that same time period.  The Navy encourages students to go home for part or all of the Holiday Stand Down (That way the staff gets a break too!)
I think just knowing we can call them really makes a HUGE Difference!! It lessens the tears some.  I'm really just so happy for you!

CBMom-- bring something to sit on. That's going to be a long time in the bleachers.  Sit on the side nearest the stairs so you can get down quicker.  If you sit down low you are able to get on the floor quicker but if you sit up toward the back you can lean on the wall and see more.  I told my Sailor that I'd stay in the bleachers and he can come to me... It's easier for them to find you that way.  Once you get on the floor... It's a sea of Humanity!  The other option is to tell them to stay where they are in the formation and you'll come to them.  IF you don't get to speak to him prior to Friday morning, don't worry... I've never known a family who couldn't ever find their Sailor at PIR!!!. I'm sending you a link for the FB group and some info that you will need for that too. 

Kristin -- Welcome!! How can we help you with the last few weeks of Bootcamp?

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

 PIR DECEMBER 2022

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 2022

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

B'sNukeMom - My SR is in DIV 952 and his PIR is 12-9-22.  The December PIR group looks like it doesn't include that DIV or does it just need to be updated to include the 12-9-22 PIR?

tammybikerunfaithlove - Congratulations!  Sounds like you had a great weekend for PIR.  I'm so jealous that your waiting is over - I think it's gonna be the end of me lol!  It will be worth the wait though if mine turns out to be "tidy and timely" like yours haha!