Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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! 

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

 PIR DECEMBER 2022

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 2022

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

Good Morning Everyone!! I have had some busy days so just wanted to say Hi!! 

For our newer members, the more you chat, the more we reply so don't hesitate to post. 

Welcome to all our new members! 

Be sure to scroll back a few pages and you'll find lots of valuable info posted. Also read through the top "Answers to Common Questions". 

And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have!

So glad tomorrow is FRIDAY! And... I finally own a red shirt! Bought one from the NEX last weekend! Glad I work from home so I can wear it!  Happy Friday Eve all! 

CBMom - have so much fun tonight! My son's GF's parents and sister are there tonight. They are SOOOO excited to see their girl tomorrow. And, God willing, my son will see his girl for a few hours before he has to return to A school and she heads to the airport for her A school.   Enjoy that big mama hug with your sailor tomorrow! 

Tammyrunbikelovefaith- Thanks!! Driving home from Sarges now back to the HR hotel. Such a great night! Won 2 baskets but not Sarges though his basket was sooo cool- I mostly wanted the coin so I’ll have to see if they have them available  at PIR tomorrow. Time for bed! ..if I sleep!!

Congrats to all who PIR tomorrow!!  

My son was set back again. His retest was Monday but he only just called me tonight to tell me.  I know there is nothing that can be done, but this back n forth rollercoaster, waiting until the last minute is stressful.  

CBMom - Have a wonderful time tomorrow!! They should have some coins available for sale. 

JNMnavymomOH - Oh man, I am sorry!! That unknowing of what is going to happen is one of the hardest things with the Navy and just life in general, I think.

Welcome joe-mom to this group!! We are glad you have joined us. 

JNMNAVYMOMOH- My heart aches for you reading this. He will get there! Sending prayers and good vibes the next pass will be the one to clear him. 

CBMom, so excited for you, enjoy every second and give a big hug to your Sailor from all of us!

CBMom - Congratulations!  Today is going to be so amazing!  Enjoy every minute of your time with your new Sailor!

JNMNAVYMOMOH - Hang in there...I know this must be so hard but praying that it all works out for him in the end. Sending lots of positive thoughts and virtual hugs your way.

I received the Thanksgiving letter in the mail yesterday - I was so excited just to see the envelope that my son had addressed lol!  

Thanks Tootie! Feel like you are all here with me! I remember how excited I was to see his writing on the form letter even though there was no dialogue just the address. BelovedbyHim and Chipmunk and Tammyrunbikefaithlove- I am front row waiting!

Thank you also Northwoodsmom!

CBMom - FRONT ROW! So awesome. Going to be incredible! I didn't get a coin in my basket from sarge :(  I did find an empty chinese food take out container (clean - the kind you might put a small amount of rice in). I wonder if it was supposed to be in there? Oh well - my son bought himself a bunch of coins. You will have opportunity this morning (as I'm sure you know by now) as well as at the NEX to get coins. Definitely give him a big hug from all of us! I felt you all with me in my joy last week too - truly Navy Family! It's such a blessing! 

JNMNavyMom - I'm soooo sorry. That hurts my heart to hear. Have faith though - he will get there. They will work with him and he will beat that run! Praying for him and praying for your mama heart! 

Welcome Joe-Mom! This is an incredible group - it is a huge part of what got me through the weeks of BC. 

I'll be watching PIR online today - my son's girlfriend graduates today. And then he gets to see her once he gets liberty until she flies out to Pennsacola. Grateful they get some time together since it will likely be a few more months before they see each other again. I can't wait till she gets her phone back so I can congratulate her.  

CBMom - Take it all in!!!  

Tootie - That is great! My son graduated in the summer, so I am not as familiar with the way Thanksgiving works for some at RTC, but I believe B'sNukeMom posted something recently for anyone else that wants to scroll back and find out what you are referring to. Seeing their handwriting does something to your Momma heart, I agree. 

Tammybikerunfaithlove - I hope you are able to spot your son's GF. 

Here is the livestream link for anyone that would like to watch - I always recommend that you at least watch a live stream or one of the recent video replays (then you can FFwd) so that you have an idea of what to except for PIR. 

RTC Public Affairs - YouTube

JNMNavyMom - I'm sorry to hear about your son's setback. It's so hard not knowing what's going on with them. I kinda know what you're going through - my son almost didn't pass initial MEPs physical because of a misdiagnosed heart condition. Made it through eventually, but then RTC never received the correct documentation from MEPs, so he was ASMO'd during P-Days and got pushed back a week. We weren't sure what was going on for about 3 weeks! Hang in there - he'll make it. Prayers for him and you!

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

 PIR DECEMBER 2022

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 2022

Today's PIR live:

LIVE PIR SEP 30

CBMom - Hope you are having the best day! Congratulations!

JNMnavymomOH - praying for your son!

 tammybikerunfaithlove - Hope you can see your son's GF!

Welcome all new peeps!

I'm more of a lurker than a poster, but I try to chime in now and then.

USPS informed delivery tells me I am getting my first letter from my girl today.  Can't wait to get home and read it.