Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Ok, thank you, Chipmunk 

G'sNavyMom - You are welcome! I understand. I mailed SASE to my SR and I think even a sheet of paper and he told me not to bother, because he had paper. When we attended PIR and visited the NEX, I saw the packets of writing paper and envelopes they had there for the SRs to purchase. It has a nice little letterhead on it as well. 

Here is some specific information from: Letter writing and fun stuff/questionnaire

If others have not read it yet. -

At first recruits are only permitted to write during holiday routine on Sunday and later they may be able to write on one or two other days as well (often Tuesday and Thursday) and some Divisions may earn the privilege of writing every day if they are doing really well or if the RDC feels that providing that privilege will boost morale. Letters are put in the mail bag on Sunday and the RMPO mails them on Monday unless Monday is a federal holiday. Any letters written throughout the week won't go in the mail bag until Sunday during holiday routine. Some RDCs permit letters to be placed in the mail bag only on Sunday afternoon with mail going out Monday morning even when they can write on other days and others permit them to put letters in the mail bag on the day they are written for the RMPO to mail the next morning.  It is up to the RDC and there does not seem to be a "norm" for this.

My son is enough of a rule follower, that if he was allowed to write any other day later on, he never said he could. And his division may not have been. Also, he was a "stick" / a flag bearer and so there were other duties that he had to be at more than some of the others, plus helping his bunkmate out on Sundays with tasks, so I just cherished what little communication I received and wrote him as often as I could and shared his address with others so they could write as well. They have limited space to keep their mail, so some people do send a folded up larger envelope for them to keep their letters in and maybe give back to you after PIR before they go to A school. But I would wait to mail that until a little later into BC. A large Ziploc also works, not the kind with the slider closure as that might not go through the mail as well. 

Thank you for this information. 

G'sNavyMom - As I was skimming back through the Letter writing post, there is information in there about mailing a manila envelope for their letters. Please forgive me if I sounded discouraging. I do understand where you are coming from, I was so eager to make sure that my son could write me back. I think I even sent him a SASE with his grandmother's address, and he never wrote her. He enjoyed receiving all of the cards and letters from people, but he also felt really bad that he could not write them back. Even later in A school, I learned to tell people to just email him. 

Each of our kids are different, but I had to learn early on how to take cues from my son, as to what worked best for him. Thankfully, my son was still a communicator after BC, and I had the freedom to answer his calls whenever it was convenient for him to call. We are so eager to hear from them and make sure they are okay, but part of this silence is to train us for the days and weeks ahead when they are out on the ship or underwater and you have to live with no communication at all. 

It's ok, Chipmunk.  This is new to me and my family. We are learning as we go along. We are told one thing, then another, then another. I honestly don't expect to hear from my son much. I completely get that. I just want to do my part as a mom and supporter without being overbearing or overstepping boundaries. I appreciate the advice and direction. 

G'sNavyMom - Finding that balance is hard, but just sending letters of love and encouragement are great, and one sheet of paper in the first letter or so, maybe with a SASE envelope is not overbearing, nor overwhelming for him. Especially if you can share with him, "Hey, I heard you might have access to writing materials, but if not, I wanted to make it easy for you (especially if you do one of the questionnaires - I did not have those when I sent my son to BC) to just send me a quick reply, since I know you probably don't have a lot of time to write."

I think if you can convey to him that you understand his time is limited, but you still want to hear from him. Make sure that he understands he is the only one, now and throughout his Navy career that can relay information to you, especially with regards to his whereabouts or going ons. Sometimes I think if we share too much with our SRs about what we know they are doing at BC, they get an idea that we always know what they are up to and that is not the case. I hear over and over that after BC and in A school, moms don't hear back from their sailors hardly at all. It can be hard to find the balance with communication, so if you can share your expectations, it can relieve them of feeling like they have to give you a long discourse. There were many nights when I would hear nothing from my son during his Nuke schooling, and then occasionally, I would get a "Goodnight" text on my phone. It was enough, to know that all was hopefully okay. 

G'sNavyMom - Thank you!! 

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

PIR OCTOBER 23

PIR SEPTEMBER 2023

 PIR AUGUST 2023

**REMINDER** BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 2023, RECRUIT GRADUATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY THURSDAY (NO LONGER ON FRIDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, WHEN GRADUATION IS ON WEDNESDAY.

Today's PIR happening live now:

LIVE PIR JULY 28, 2023

BZ to 452 of the newest and sharpest Sailors in the U.S. Navy!

Just a reminder if you're looking for something to get involved with you can join your local Blue Star Mothers group.

Here's the link - you can look for a group in your area.

https://www.bluestarmothers.org/

Here's the Wikipedia link:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Star_Mothers_of_America

And here's the link to the Blue Star Mother's group on here:

Blue Star Mothers

G'sNavyMom-- Late to the party but If you send any letters through Sandboxx they INCLUDE a return stamped envelope with your address.  I don't know if they include paper but your SR has access to paper as well.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Be sure to keep your phones close by and your ringers on loud! 

Good morning everyone, we got our first phone call Sunday from our son. He is doing great, he didn't complain about one thing. I am beyond happy and proud of him. We received a letter from him on Thursday saying at times he did feel like he made a mistake but he was hanging in there. I asked him about that and he said it was just the initial shock of how long he was going to be there, first time being away from home that long. But he sounded great, he even said the food was good. We only has 20 minutes with him, can't wait for the next one. He said send more letters!

Sandra

That's great news, Sandra! First phone call is amazing. Happy to hear he's doing well. Celebrating right along with you!

That's wonderful, Sandra! I think they all go through a bit of the "what on earth have I done" phase at the start. It's such a shock to their systems! Every phone call I had with my sailor while he was in boot camp was better than the one before as far as feeling like he was doing what he was meant to do and feeling like he was going to succeed. (although mine never liked the food much...ha)

awesome news Sandra.. most times you can definitely follow them and their growth through the chain of letters and phone calls. my sailor hated the food.. their galley was ranked the worst and more than one session of food poisoning occurred.. I believe letting contractors inside the military for things like cooking/housing was a major mistake..

Sandra - I'm happy to hear your phone call went well!

I also received my first 20-minute phone call. It was good to hear his voice, but it didn't sound like he was doing great. He asked if I received his letter (which is actually being delivered today) so he didn't have to explain how things. He's on track but until I read his letter I cannot really comment on the stuff he did tell me. So hopefully it's just him in shock and missing home.

Logan's Run- I know it's hard for you and your son, we just have to stay strong for them. My biggest problem is always being there to fix things for him, this is totally out of our hands. His letter on Thursday was written on 7/20, was not as confident as the one dated 2 days later that my husband got. They will have good days and bad I'm sure. Keep the letters coming, I sent another one today and included some news articles I thought he might like to read, nothing negative. I also sent him some funny meme's, just to keep his mind occupied. 

Sandra

Sandra - Thanks for the support. I really needed to hear what you said. It is true about wanting to fix things, and now I have to accept that he has to do this himself. He will come out on the other side feeling accomplished and stronger. I'm in the support role now. I'm super proud of him!  I know the next call will be better; I'm looking forward to it. I have sent him 6 letters with funny pictures and memes as well. I told him that Aliens are Real. LOL. That's probably the only news I shared. Trying to keep it light, funny, and supportive. His friend is getting shipped off soon and will be on the same ship because of their MOS. Not that they'll get to talk, but it's nice to know your "bro" is close by. 

Apparently posting in Boot Camp Forum was not the same as posting in Boot Camp Moms. You'd think I'd have this figured out by now! So I'll post here, too:

"I just wanted to double check. Can you send a letter that requires more than one stamp to RTC? My kid is in RCU with an injury and will be there a couple more months. He is desperate for things to do and read. I'm happy to enclose some puzzles, questionnaires, magazine pages from his favorite mags (appropriate ones, like Scuba etc) and that sort of thing. His Dad had a couple envelopes that were just over an ounce and put a second stamp on them (in #10 envelope). Is this going to be a problem?

I really thought I saw something about this on this site before and haven't been able to find it specific to the number of stamps used. Thanks!"

Logan's Run - Sandra is right on. And the thing that kept me going was knowing that, in most cases, BC lasts only 10 weeks. Hoping that after PIR, when your son is in his A school training for what he signed up to do, he'll be much happier. It's a process...

Travelin Mom - I'm sorry to hear your son is injured. I hope he has a speedy recovery. In my opinion I would'nt think it's a problem to have extra postage because it contained MWR items. The reason is in the Sandboxx app you can send multiple pages and newsletters, plus there is a care package option in their store that you can send towards the end of their training. If he is in RCU you would think he could get more than just a single letter. I hope someone can confidently answer your question. 

Thanks, Joe's mom! I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but when you're in the thick of it, batten down the hatches because we've hit some stormy seas!!! lol. Couldn't help myself ;) Thank goodness for this forum!

Sandra-- What a WONDERFUL way to start your Sunday!!! Yep... They live for Mail call!! I mailed a letter or questionnaire almost daily!  The Letter writing article above is super helpful for when you can't think of anything new to say!  I'm so glad that his first phone call was upbeat and that he's enjoying it.  Yes, the reality hits them all differently

Logan's Run -- I'm so sorry that your phone call was less than stellar. Yes they have good day and bad ones.  (Stormy seas and calm seas) and yes sometimes you just have to batten down the hatches, Put your head down let the waves crash over you and face the Storm!  Our job back home is to be that Calm and Safe harbor that is ALWAYS there, ALWAYS Supportive, ALWAYS Loving and Always Reassuring.  We shine that light into their heart through our letters, keeping our tears at bay during phone calls and just being here!  (If you are a believer, also through our faithful and fervent prayers!)

TravelinMom -- Nope the Forum is all the moms but not everyone follows it.  This is the BEST place to ask your BC questions since more current and recent moms will see it.

The extra stamp should not be an issue.  They still can't get "Care Packages" but they can get mail.  They also don't get quite as strict scrutiny on letters, I believe.  Even in the Regular Div's they would still get the mail, they just may have to open it in front of an RDC. I'd write and ask if he can be sent magazines or if they are considered contraband.  The worst that would happen is he has to throw it out but better to ask him.  He will know what they allow or not.  I know during COVID they were bringing reading material around for the folks stuck in ROM Quarantine so they at least had something to do during the long hours but I don't know the current policy. As for including articles just make sure you don't send anything on Newsprint!! (Regular newspaper ink...) This rubs off and can get on clothing and cause a "hit" plus it's a pain to clean off their uniforms. reprint on a regular printer.

We usually say just 1 stamp because anything over has to be opened in front of the RDC's and you DO NOT want to call attention to your SR.  RCU is a bit different.  Hopefully of one of our RCU moms will pop over and answer.

Logan's Run -- They can get as many letters as arrive at any given day (1 or 100....) we just say only 1 stamp because those don't have to be opened in front of the RDC's.  2 or more or priority or anything not a regular First class letter/card are subject to that requirement. They are just checking to make sure no contraband is being mailed in.  So NO pain meds, chapstick, condoms, food items, chewing gum, large sums of cash.... (Technically bandaids and mole skin are not allowed either!) Of course if a SR gets 100 letters that is also likely to draw and RDC's attention but that does not mean they won't get to open and read all of them. (Now Storage.... That is a whole OTHER issue!!) RCU is a tad bit different but they still are SR's so they are still under all the original rules thus the reason for the question.  I believe they can ask permission for reading material to be sent from home and if granted they will not get in trouble for that.  It's just like SR's with contacts who are given permission to wear them for PIR or Girls to wear light make up at PIR.  They have to ask and once permission is given they will have to open the package in front of the RDC's but they will NOT get in trouble for it (Get Intensive Training because of it arriving.) IF you SR asks for something specific, Assume they have permission and send it BUT don't be presumptive and send items before it's asked for.

Beloved by him - Thank you for the reassuring message and the low down on letters! Certainly appreciate all the advice and rule knowledge :)

Logan's Run -- While this info is based on how it's been in the past, Remember that your SR/Sailor is always your best source of information.  In this case you were worried he'd get in trouble and I doubt that will happen but it's always best to ask your Sailor.  BC is an odd situation in a Navy career in that normal sources of Communication are not available.  It does get easier to communicate after this!

TravelinMom - my daughter was in RCU for few months recovering from stress fractures in her legs. At the time, in 2021, she was allowed to get stuff like word-find puzzles, adult coloring books (with colored pencils, NOT MARKERS), language study books, but not magazines. She shared them with other SRs because there is NOTHING to do in RCU and they were going out of their minds. They had an informal library. Check with your RCU because things change over the years. If you can send them, mail one book at a time, or the extra postage will cause the package/envelope to be opened in front of everybody. Not cool for your SR.

TravelinMom - I meant to say "check with your SR" !

Good morning Moms. I know my son didn't write much but the communication was so different between Dad and Son compared to Mom and son. I think we are their safe harbor and they can say things to us that there wouldn't necessarily say with their Dads and vice versa. At least that was the case with my son, even his voice was different while I listened to him talk with Dad. More assured, more confident but with me it was softer. I always tend to read between the lines but my hubby takes it for what it says. Mom's seem to pickup on things then worry about every detail even after BC this seems to be true. This is a long journey, I do overthink everything which makes it harder on me and I wish I could learn to go with the flow like my husband. The Navy is teaching me to trust that I have given him a great start in life. My son has thanked me for giving him great morals to follow which made me happy. You've done a remarkable job Moms creating strong kids who answered the call to serve and protect others. Now days that is so difficult to find. We sum it up as Pride but it is so much deeper than that!

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

PIR OCTOBER 2023

PIR SEPTEMBER 2023

 PIR AUGUST 2023

**REMINDER** BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 2023, RECRUIT GRADUATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY THURSDAY (NO LONGER ON FRIDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, WHEN GRADUATION IS ON WEDNESDAY.

@Ummi - My SR did say "he heard" that he could receive books. But I asked him to get confirmation and write me back. Scuttlebutt isn't the same as approval! But I've been mailing him a book I chopped up and weighed and have been mailing in 15 envelopes so he has something to read while getting the approval info to me! lol!

TravelinMom - That is some dedication!! Have you been numbering his envelopes, so he knows which order they go in. I am sure the pages are numbered as well, but if an envelope should go missing, that is something that is often recommended on here, to number your envelopes. 

TravelinMom - Chipmunk's right. Numbering them helps if something gets lost. I also used to take a pic of each page with my phone so I could re-create the letter if my SR said she didn't get a letter.

My SR, who was in RCU for roughly 4 months out of the 10 months in BC, told us to send a book at a time, because when he went back to his bunk, there was no room to store all the books (Maximum Ride Series, Stephen King novels, etc.) we kept sending. Basically what I'm saying is, send 1 or 2 books at a time. This is through our experience; things may have changed

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

PIR OCTOBER 2023

PIR SEPTEMBER 2023

 PIR AUGUST 2023

**REMINDER** BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 2023, RECRUIT GRADUATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY THURSDAY (NO LONGER ON FRIDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, WHEN GRADUATION IS ON WEDNESDAY.

B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN Thank you for the Blue Star Mothers information.  I had a lovely chat with my local chapters president and will be trying out their next meeting.

This is such a great source of information and support!

Thank you everyone!

The pages of the book are numbered already and I have stapled them into little packets. I told him he can pass them around as he's done with them or toss them, it didn't matter. No need to hold onto those. As for letters to him, I haven't numbered them but I have them all saved in Word files so could re-print if needed. I know I'd mess up the numbering after a while so figured it wasn't that big of a deal. 

TravelinMom - I wrote all of my messages to my son's email, then I printed them and mailed them to him. That way he had them and I did as well for future. 

New photos up on the RTC Facebook page.... https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=664718605696357&set=pcb.66...

**FB Notes.... Do NOT ask for specific Div's or SR's to be photographed.  DO NOT tag your SR but DO Click on the photo to save and share with your friends and family!
DO Thank the RTC Public Relations team for the opportunity to see your SR's in action (Even if it's not YOUR specific SR.)

Happy PIR Friday!!! Do we have anyone here this week???
https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand

Good Morning Everyone!! 

Did anyone receive a phone call this week?

Are we getting mail?  My letters generally arrived on Thursday. 

If you are still in that silent period - remember "No News is Good News" it means your SR is on track and moving forward with their training.  And you are getting stronger, able to bear those times of lack of communication, for some, during school but especially when they are out in the fleet.