Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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!

Hi Tootie - I was in Colorado at a family wedding over the weekend so I didn't get it updated - but I just did!  You'll see it there now ;-D

Oldest son and his wife (both navy vets) on the left, youngest and his fiancee in the middle and hubby and I on the right. <3

B'sNukeMom awesome pictures!!! What a beauitful family! Now I want to post a family pic from graduation! You've inspired me to share! Love seeing the faces here! 

CBMom - I too donated in advance to Sarge's - he's so appreciative of that - and it's definitely worth it - you get up front seating AND you get in line for the food first LOL.  One of the baskets I won was put together by Sarge and his wife - and it came in handy as it included a cushion that I definitely used on those hard metal bleachers at PIR! 

Kristin Welcome!! This is an incredible group. it has gotten me through the almost 11 weeks my sailor was at BC! We are here for you for support and encouragment and whatever else you might need! 

Tootie - Thank you! I sooo know how you feel right now. It's a journey for sure. And when PIR date arrives, you will marvel at really just how quick it passed (even though in the moment it feels painfully slow).

I've learned a lot (and still am) through this journey - and as hard as it is sometimes... I've learned to let go (not 100% but getting closer) and trust that I've raised a young man who can figure this out and do well. I'll always be here for support and encouragement - but I saw this weekend that he doesn't need me the way I once thought he did. He's out there figuring things out and if he needs to, he asks me a question - but he's got it. He is even initiating getting his own cell phone plan without my prompting! He's so ready.  Your recruits will be ready too! 

Funny little thing... today I called to have my son taken off of our health insurance... told her why...etc.  In the end she said "please thank your son for his service. And thank you for yours as well mom" - it brought me to TEARS!! I wasn't expecting that! First time those words have been said to me. 

Here's a pic of us at Navy Pier during his liberty - me, my hubs, our daughter and our sailor. Our bonus daughter was missing unfortunately but was with us in spirit. 

JNMnavymomOH -So glad you got the "I"m a sailor call" - and no news is good news. My son's girlfriend (her PIR is this Friday- same as CBMom) her division never made any calls after the run - at all. Praying all is well.  And he said BC is dropping back down to 8 weeks??? I wonder why that is! Seems strange - they will just add those 2 weeks on to A school since it covers things like life in the navy, finances, sexual harrasment....etc.  They have to get those classes one way or the other. Odd. 

MadreB Congrats to your sailor too!! I think the "i'm a sailor" call was my favorite call of all! 

tammy - love the picture - thank you for sharing!  I'm sure you all had a fantastic time!

Tootie -- Every one feels that way!  We haven't lost a mom yet... We'll be here for all 10 weeks or longer if you need us and once you get to the other side you can look back and see how quick it went and encourage those who are coming along behind you.

B's-- You picked a BEAUTIFUL weekend to visit my fair state!!   I hope you enjoyed your time in CO.  Where were you?

tammybikerunfaithlove -- You may hear those words again as well.  It is touching to know that others recognize that it is a sacrifice for our families as well as our children.  We are not serving but a big piece of our heart is!  I just thank them for their support.  You have a lovely family!! Thank you for sharing!

belovedbyHim - we stayed in Parker.  My niece and her husband live in Aurora and the wedding was at the Villa Parker (Sunday evening).  It was a beautiful weekend.  We went to the zoo on Saturday and the Rockies/Padres game Saturday night.  It was a busy weekend but we had a blast!

B's -- You were right next to my Daughter and about 15ish minutes from me.  It sounds like you had a fun and full weekend!!

Tammyrunbikelovefaith- what a great pic!!! That’s such a big smile he’s making! You all look so happy!

Awesome pics also B’sNukeMom- such wonderful pictures on here!!! 

Tammyrunbikelovefaith - So glad you had a wonderful time!!

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

 PIR DECEMBER 2022

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 2022

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

USPS Informed Delivery - Sign up and receive an email from the US Postal Service showing what mail you will be getting each day (if available in your area).  

Informed Delivery®

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

Be sure to RSVP for Sarge's Meet N Greet.  It's held on the Thursday night before PIR.  Here's the link:  

Sarge's Meet N Greet

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).

*** COVID PROTOCOLS ***
Recruit Training Command continues to operate in a COVID environment in order to protect the safety of both trainees and staff while meeting mission demands. This policy is subject to change as leadership continues to monitor the spread and impact of the Coronavirus. Therefore, the following protocols are in place:

• Guests 12 or older need to provide proof of IMMUNIZATION (14 DAYS POST FINAL DOSE,) in the form of a covid-19 vaccination record card to attend. If you are unable to provide proof of vaccination, you will NOT be able to attend, and will NOT be issued tickets to attend. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.
• To ensure the health and safety of all, every person attending is required to observe social distancing protocols while inside all RTC facilities and throughout graduation ceremonies inside midway ceremonial drill hall. REMINDER: Policies regarding the graduation ceremony can change at any time due to changes in our health protection status and policy. Please travel with a mask in case the requirement to wear one while attending the graduation ceremony is implemented. For those unable to attend we invite you to watch the ceremony online from home. Please continue to follow RTC social media accounts for updates and check www.bootcamp.navy.mil for the most up-to-date information. For specific questions and inquiries, contact the RTC Public Affairs Office at rtc.pao@navy.mil.
• Each sailor is allowed a maximum of FOUR GUESTS, (THREE GUESTS when 11 or more divisions are graduating,) on base for the graduation ceremony. No exceptions, and children 2 & under do not count toward the guest limit.

Catching up on posts! 

Welcome Kristin!

Congrats JNMnavymomOH  MadreBee and your Sailors! 

Tootie, congrats on your SR being in a 900 division! My son got there June 28th and didn't PIR until Sept 16, so he was definitely there a little longer. YMMV though. I was able to see my son in the 2 PIRs before his on youtube..it was awesome

JNMnavymomOH

CBMom enjoy PIR! I can't wait to hear how it was!

Tammy! I'm so glad you had an amazing time! 

Loving the pics! 

JNMnavymomOH I forgot to say I hope your SR Passed!