Norfolk Sailors - Family & Friends

Dear MJ and Claudia so sorry to each of you for your loss my prayers to both your Sailors and Families- God Bless Navy25

Agree about the Navy Lodge and Hampton Inn.  There are some lower-priced ones on this site military-hotels.us

thank you!!!  my condolences to MJ and Claudia it s so hard to loose a family member ..harder to loose a child  sending prayers your way

Thanks for the info, zipsue!

There was a mom and daughter on their way to PIR last week from Arizona. Driving.  Accident.  Mom received a broken back; sister was killed (she had planned on going into the military in 2013).  News didn't get to their sailor(daughter/sister) before PIR.  Other N4Moms missed the mom/sister at MeetNGreet.  They saw the daughter sailor after PIR with a big smile on her face, looking for her mom/sister.  So heartbreaking.  So glad that the ladies were there to embrace their sailor.

omg that's horrible.... so sad  my prayers to that new sailor

This is so horrible and scarey, I will be leaving next week to see my son in for homecoming.  We have a 1000 miles of driving, been worring about this drive.  This doesnt help at all.  My prayers are with this family.

Greetings group:

I am a new to this group and my sailor is new to this ship.  I am excited for him.  My sailor was captain of the swim team and waterpolo team.  But of course that did not prepare my sailor for sea sickness.  It is all under control now.  I cannot wait to hear of adventures that await...

Hey everyone, DH and I are getting ready to send in our application for Runaway Bay Apartments in Virginia Beach - We're not even close to the area but I was hoping to get a couple of reviews from ANYONE! Thanks!!

is this new sailor in Norfolk?

Good morning everyone! Just a note, my daughter's BF has a cute little Subaru for sale in case anyone is in the market. PM me for the info. Thanks!

Caityrose, I'm visiting the area, so I took a quick look at Runaway Bay for you.  The grounds look very nice and well kept.  Pool, two tennis courts, even a pretty fishing pond in the center that's catch-and-release.  It's a big complex, with covered parking for an extra $35, and a few folks have small boats and RVs parked in the back.  

I talked to a resident (nice young guy, Joe, walking his Boston terrier).  I asked how he likes it and he immediately answered "I love it!"  He recommends getting a third floor unit, as quieter and they have fireplaces.  He went on and on about the place and was very positive.  Hope this helps!!

Hi,I'm from New York-my son and nephew's  are stationed in Norfolk. My son has been with the Enterprise for 15 years attached -flies to and from the ship .Hope to get to know you all Margee'

Thank you Theresa

  Has anyone heard about cuts and non-reinlistments ? Some have over 10 years in and can't re-inlist ,so they  have to take a lower rank or join the reservist * sp* to stay in the Navy?  My son has 15 years in - never heard this before? They come home when they are on reserve.

Yes, this isn't fair to the ones that would like to stay in and being let go, while others want out and they have to stay.  Don't understand but I'm new to all this. My son has only been in 1 1/2 yrs and 10 1/2 months he's been deployed on the USS BATAAN.    Homecoming SOON!!!!!

i've heard alot about that here.  i think the problem is there are so many people wanting to go in that they can bring in new people at a lower pay.  with the budget cuts the government is doing it's happening everywhere.  it's sad. 

  I can't understand this: my son and my nephews wanted to make this their career, put in their 20 years then go on with what the Navy offers. They only have 5 years to go. I thought the milatary was the most safest job serving your country that there was. You could go on to bigger things- not get fired? They all have clean records, no problems yet to hear that makes me sick. This is what the outside world does in business-not the milatary . what about the Chiefs, CO's and even higher? Are they getting rid of them also? Some have 25-30 years in . My son is only 29 with 5 years to go for his 20. He planned to go further then the 20 because this is all he knows. For him to rejoin the outside would cause problems , he would have to find a job and all. This makes no sence. If they want to put a halt on the milarty- don't sign anyone up for a while -do a freeze. Don't cut these young lives off esp. when they have families.

We we can make it to see Obama voted out of office for he is the one that really does not care about our military or having a strong military.  Anytime they have had to make cuts in the military before they allowed the ones that wanted to get out to have a choice to get out first, also they have offered early retirement.  I know last year the US Coast Guards were offering their members so much money and benefits or something like that to get out.  My grandson has only be in the Coast Guards 4 years and really loves and and plans on making a career out of it and he was telling me this... but he refused the offer... But I believe when we have a change in leadership we will see much more respect for our military.  Romney, Newt and Santorum have all said that they would build the biggest military and it will be the top and stay the top in the world etc... so we just have to hope and pray that these people that want to stay in will have a chance... prayers are with all of them... when you lose a job now days it is very hard for someone to find another one.  

I found an article on this. With the wars in the Middle East, it's inevitable that all military branches have to cut back, especially in jobs that are at high demand in war time but not in peace time. It's sad, but sailors are offered the opportunity to change jobs to something that fits the "needs of the Navy." As a Navy mom, that phrase has come to put chills down my spine.

http://www.stripes.com/news/navy-job-cuts-lack-of-retirements-put-t...

If we're going to get political on this site, I just want to say that history shows the military getting more pay raises and benefit increases from Democratic presidents than from Republican presidents. It seems that the Republicans are quicker to use the military, while the Democrats are slower to put their lives in danger and take better care of them.

Oops. I meant with the wars in the Middle East coming to an end, it's inevitable that all military branches have to cut back on personnel...

Thank you DebbieinCA. This site is to share our stories about our sailors. Political issues can become such a touchy topic especially like the comment that was made. Your comment was right on point. Let us not lose focus on the unity of this not and not develop a separation.

Thanks, Marine-NavyMOM,   I can't get into political views (that I keep to myself) best way , but your answer makes sense to me. As for my son, what he was trained in is all he knows and like me don't care for change . I had the same job for 30 years, so I believe he would love to stay in the Navy and climb the ladder as I did in my job (retired). He went in at 17 1/2-he's 29 now . He could have left after the 4 years , but liked it so much he kept re-signing & kept climbing the ladder to an E-6 right now and I know he wants to stay. He even bought a house down there to be near the base,for him to do so would tell me he wants to retire there to the highest he could be. Not pushed out. I think if they offer him tons of money- he might just reject it to stay. What kind of job on the outside would he get that all the Navy provides. This kid is single yet-no family. I was most surprised when he didn't come out after the 4 years,then I figured by talking to him -he is just like me & sticks to one thing. Thats not a bad thing, if it can be done. Iworked for the GOV. also but there rules were 30 years or 55 years of age. I worked 37 years in total .I'm still young yet but this kid is only 29-what would he do or what kind of job? He would have to go back to school for something?  I just feel for these kids who want to do right and retire with the Navy esp. if they have families to support and to be pushed out? We have to do the wait & see approach and hope for the best. I just pray-thats all I can do.God has a plan. Margee'

Thanks for some answers,Jess & Marine Navymom.I hear so many different stories abut this I have no idea whats true or not .I hear the higher-up CO's, Captains- so on are being offered incentives to retire to bring in lower paying people? The rest are being pushed out by not letting them re-signing again.If it was my daughter she would be looking to go to school like yours M/N mom, but my son no way.I guess he figured  he don't need to have college credits for what he does  & still climb up. He has his training from different schools they send him to for his job. I like you worry about this world & whats going on. One old Mentor of mine told me years ago -- Change is Good.. Is it? I wonder. Margee'

M/Nmom: You & I  heard the same which is a shame. I guess I will know for sure when I see on my front door step with his sea- bag?  Lord hope not. If the worst happens maybe with his traing he will find a job, but now they don,t give benefits, penions, healthcare even 40 hours and I say they corporate America. I know with the city if there is to be cuts -they do a hiring freeze . Would they do such a thing in the military? Keep the experiance ones ? Don't let this be a money as usual  cutback. That would make more sense, but these (boys & girls ) willing to give their lives to the military should be albe to feel safe in their jobs /rates no matter , even the PIR;s new ones. This is NOT some run of the mill job. I could never do or be commited to. These kids are special in my book. Margee'

* MY SON*

Thanks for the article, momofbp, good to read.

The Navy's needs are changing, as marine_navymom said, and is affecting even top-notch sailors. 

Jess,  By no means he's any kind of angle, remember he went in at 17. I'm not there to see or hear all that happens. Plus he's human like any other young man or young women. Everyone makes mistakes at some time or another . I don't think he has had any or few run ins in the last 15 years,but I don't think anyone is spotless. If he wasn't doing his job he won't be promoted to E-6, but that doesn't seam to matter these days . I really feel for the ones who have families and depend on this for their life support hoping to go on to better things with the Navy. After all the years they put in-now its like now what? Thats a big kick in the head. You have to re-route your whole thinking. I couldn't do it-start all over again (esp. at my age) I would sit there and cry. These kids got to think quick about what they are going to do with the rest of their  lives, when they thought  they had this as their career and retire. And alot of jobs outside are crap esp. when you have a family to support. THERESA: I'm with you on praying . Hope it does some good .

I'm happy to see this ship home (1 year is a long time to be gone) & worried about this other ship thats in the Stra. of Horrums *sp) ?  I hope things work out over there,but if not -that the ship comes home without problems. My prayers are with them . Its funny thinking back-no one wanted to be in the military at one point and if you wanted to stay it was more likely you did get to retire . My older brothers did, my Dad also with his brother . They were begging good ones to stay. Now its changed. Its more like a business. I just hope the cuts make sense. The ship  thats coming home or home now... how many are going to be handed pink slips? Told they can't re-sing

*RE-SIGN*

momofbp : On your conformation- does it say where it went? Usually it has where it was sent. Can you track it? Also did you put a return address on it? The post office is suppost to send it to the address thats on that package, did your son have to sign for it? I can't imagine sending something to an address & it not being there-where did it go from you to him? I put my or my son's return address, so I know it will go back to one of us(out to sea) if on land, I make him sign for it. Can the conformation you have be FAXED to the place you sent it too?  They will have to do the tracking  for this. I hope some of this helps you. Your son is right -why should good things get lost or expensive. I would track that like you were hunting . It just don't disappear ?.......JESS,  I know people who have 25 + years that been looking for jobs  in their fields for more then 3 years. 60 days is not a long time and after the 60 days , then what? Does that go for the benefits and the NEX also? I rather be in the reserves then if that was my choice.  Margee'

Great relatively new website to help our military vets find jobs.  Check it out!

http://www.mynextmove.org/vets/

  Jess,  I  for one who is a mother wants to know whats going on -who heard what ,who knows what & whats being done about it? I think many Mothers would like to know any and all information that we can talk about- defer to different websites about this subject & learn ourselves what the military is doing. I can't help you find that negitive in any way, I & most want to know & what to expect if this happens to one of our kids ? If I didn't have a bunch of Moms who care about this subject -who brings out this websites to read & to talk about ,I would be in the dark as most .  I applaud all the MOMs here that are concerned about their kids & whats going on. The more knowledge we have -the better we can help our children.   Your suggestion is not the only one we can go to but its important to us , & I don't find any subject that HELPS our children Negetive ..    Yes I'm glad all the ships are home and safe but how does that help our children? Your husband as a CC for the Navy- is he a  safe in his field? I sure hope soo                     

Before I forget- alot of the sailiors are stiil in their teens -20's newbies just PRI or first deployments-don't even have a place to live so they stay on a ship- these kids and many don't even have a plan A- most less a plan B in their heads . These are the kids that need the most help ,whether they are yours or mine, thats what this subject is about -not Negivtivy. Its about information & how to help our young ones. This was their Plan all along. No plan B in the works.

I have been reading posts and taking in everyone's comments.  First of all, I am grateful to all my N4M Sisters that I can share and learn from.  My son had already talked to me several months ago about the situation of our Sailors not being able to stay in the Navy.  Please understand, my Son is only 20 ,almost 21 :-), has been in just over two years and was fortunate enough to pick up Petty Officer the first try.  Since he talked to me about this though I have had time to deal with my anger and frustration over this situation and realize the reality that our Country is downsizing our Military.  We may not like it, we may not think it's fair but it is reality.  Now that I'm over stomping my feet (which I think we all have the right to do cause when you hurt our babies you hurt us Moms!) I'm trying to support my Son and help him figure out what his options are IF he doesn't get to stay in.  To be honest at 2 years in, he's not positive if he wants to make it a career yet.  I know each of our Sailors are at different points in their careers and lives.  I also know that each of us are learning about the downsizing at different times in different ways.  I hope we can all try to do what we do best...Support each other!  If you're just learning about this and feeling hurt, try to take advice from some of the others that may have gotten a little further along.  If you have gotten further along and have a Plan B, try to understand how a Mother Lion feels when her Cub is in danger.  Sorry for the long post but thanks again for all the love and support to ALL my Navy Moms!!!  I would never have survived the last 2+ years without you guys!!  Ya'll Rock!!

Oh yeah...A HUGE WELCOME HOME to our latest ships returning from deployment!!!  Happy Days!!!

mommfbp...your Son is fine for now.  This applies to Sailors as they re-enlist or higher ranking sailors if they don't make meet certain criteria within certain time frames.  It's my understanding there are two different programs involved and one primarily affects the younger guys and whether they are allowed to re-enlist and the other is for the guys that maybe have been around a bit longer...I could be wrong though...it's all a bit confusing.

Momofbp, I'm so glad your getting to the bottom of this mail yes it sounds like a hassel to get something to your son- imagine on deployments? It could be easier ? I sent 3 packages to my son on ship, he got 1 . I put his return address on all the boxes so the 2 went to hhis house when he got back. Now why only 1 he recieved & not the others? I hope he gets it soon. Jess, I'm glad also about your husband being safe . The plans you talk about- its mostly by females that think that way noy guys so much esp. young men, they don't know what they want. Mine is E-6 , so I guess we have to see and do a plan B but I know school is out, maybe like you said a trade / training. But the outside job market is horrible ,maybe if they took the years of military to their resume' . I know alot of places just want part time/ less money / no benefits - & when you come out of a 15 year military job to this ,its a BIG shock on you . My son didn't discuss this before ,I found out about this some months ago & asked him if he knew? He thought is was geared to new one's just coming in ( and no its meant for me -I have all this time in ) well it does mean him and others above & below him . His Captain had to retire right before he deployed in July..Captain Honors. They sailed with a new Captain . (I don't even know his name?) I just hope & pray that everyone is safe from this happening , but as a Mom I need all the information I can get my hands on to help . Its not an exciting subject but an important one for mothers. It should be important for all and talked about . The military don't tell the parents much, like they do a wife or husband, this is because ( according to the Navy) I'm not his Family- His family would be a wife and /or kids. Thats what I was told at boot camp- something I never forgot. I just gave birth to him, but that doesn't count I guess. So I welcome all information or when this happens .  Thank you MOMS

Kept my son in your prayers  he was working today and a cable snapped and he was cut pretty bad it took 47 stitches  It hard being here and him there 

pschip, I am so sorry about your son. I will certainly keep him in my prayers.