Norfolk Sailors - Family & Friends

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For families and friends of Sailors who are stationed at Norfolk; for either Sea Duty or Shore Duty Sailors. Just make sure to keep OPSEC issues in mind and not disclose ship movements in advance.

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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'

Feb 5, 2012
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'

Feb 6, 2012
Margee'

* MY SON*

Feb 6, 2012
Jess_0411

Yes, I agree that this isn't your average run of the mill job, and our service members shouldn't have to stress, at the same time, if you're not classing upo as you should, and not living up to the requirements expected of you when it comes to your PRT tests, or if you have had some type of disciplinary action, why should the military be required to keep you? When you enlist, you sign a contract, and if you are not living up to the standards outlined in that contract, they are well within their right to not resign you. There is this woman I know who's husband failed his PRT test. They told him that they would give him another chance to re-test. He re-tested and failed again. As a result, he's getting kicked out. Is it sad? Yes. Do I feel bad? I really do. I really like her, and her husband is a great guy. But do I understand why the Navy is doing it? Yep.

And my husband said that through his career counseling, he has not come across one person with a perfect record being asked to leave. That doesn't mean it's not happening, but it isn't common. The sailors who are passing PRT, classing up on schedule, and have clean records are the ones that the Navy wants to keep. So Margee, don't stress about it. If your son is as wonderful as he sounds, I'm sure he will be fine (:

Feb 6, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

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.

Feb 6, 2012
Margee'

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 .

Feb 6, 2012
Margee'

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

Feb 7, 2012
Margee'

*RE-SIGN*

Feb 7, 2012
Jess_0411

Well, it's not like the Navy is throwing everyone out on their bums. There was a link to an article here yesterday that stated that the Navy will be doing everything in their power to make the transition back to civilian life as smooth as possible. They have the Career Resource center over at Fleet & Family that is very nice, and the staff is very helpful and efficient with helping sailor and spouses in finding careers that match their skills and background. They are also extending benefits so that those facing ERB are still able to use the commissary and the NEX after they have left the Navy. Everyone gets 60 day job hunting leave so that they can have time to find something before they are out. And you can also go reserves. One of the guys my husband counseled, he set him up with the reserves back in his home town. He makes reservist pay, and will have the opportunity to go back to active duty. So it's not like the Navy is handing people pink slips and showing them to the exit. They are trying to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Feb 7, 2012
Jess_0411

Tell him to go to his chief and find out where you go to pick up mail on base. I'm pretty sure there is more then one place. Is it possible that it could have gone to his ship and the people in charge of mail on there have it? It might be a good idea for him to get a P.O. Box at the post office because the mail on base is a bit unreliable. One of the guys my husband works with has important things, like his registration for his vehicle sent to our house to make sure it doesn't get lost in the shuffle. I'm sorry ): I hope it works out for ya!

Feb 7, 2012
Margee'

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'

Feb 7, 2012
Jess_0411

Margee: Did you read the article that was posted? The benefits to the NEX and Commissary are extended for two years. The Navy is making special i.d. cards for those sailors to use. And the 60 day leave that was in the article is 60 days that you can take consecutively or here and there depending on what you need. You can attend seminars, job fairs, go on interviews, whatever you need to do. They are also allowing those sailors to use their GI Bill to go back to school. While I know the economy is awful, there are a lot of tools out there for military members who are being let go. It's awful, I know, but it's not the end of the world. At least the military is giving them the tools to be successful after the military. In the civilian world, you lose your job, that's it.

This is such a negative topic. I vote that we move on to something else. Yay for all the ships that came home today! I have several friends that are very happy to see their husbands again (:

Feb 7, 2012
Jess_0411

Theresa: I know the economy is awful. It took me almost two years after graduation to find a job. I had to work retail at my job that I had during college in the meantime so that I could pay my bills. It wasn't until we moved to Norfolk that I was able to find a career in my field because the economy here is better then where we moved from. I'm well aware that there are no guarantees, but I'm trying to point out the fact that the Navy is not callously throwing people out as others are making it sound. This is rough for everyone and I understand that not everyone is safe. Which is why it's in every sailors best interest to have a Plan B in case the worst should happen. We have a Plan B just in case it happens to us. I understand that as moms you're worried, I'm worried too. But there is really nothing we can do about it other then hope for the best and pray that our sailor isn't affected by this. I'm sorry if you think I'm being callous, but I'm just trying to make sure everyone understands that if their sailor gets ERBed, there are tools and resources the Navy is providing to make sure they are successful. If anything, I'm attempting to ease the worry. Again, if it's coming across any other way, I apologize.

Feb 7, 2012
justinmom

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

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

Feb 8, 2012
Margee'

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

Feb 8, 2012
Margee'

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.

Feb 8, 2012
Grasshopper

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!!

Feb 8, 2012
Grasshopper

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

Feb 8, 2012
Grasshopper

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.

Feb 8, 2012
Jess_0411

Momofbp: 2 things. I will look into where the Post Office on base is for you. I'll have to ask my husband. The only things I can really find on base is the ship, church, and gym. But I'll get back to you asap. And number two, from what I've read and the way it has been explained to us, ERB is only affecting E4-E-7/8. They want to keep the new guys in so there isn't an experience gap. So if he's a new guy, he doesn't have to worry. And this isn't something where they are cutting 10,000 guys at once. This spans between now and 2014.

Grasshopper: Well said and dually noted. I'm glad you were able to help your son figure out a Plan B.

Margee: Yes, my husband is very safe in his field. He is very dedicated and is often held up as an example to the other sailors. However, that doesn't mean that we still don't have a Plan B in place should the worst happen. And it doesn't matter how young you are, any logical, responsible adult has a Plan B in mind should the worst happen. I understood that concept when I was 16/17 years old an applying for colleges, scholarships, and had not just Plan B in mind, but C, D, E, and F. Because let's be real, in the real world, Plan A rarely works out. If your sailor does not have a Plan B in place for life after the Navy, you need to help him/her figure that out. They can also go to their department career counselor who will help the apply for colleges, scholarships, technical training, ect so they can still be successful in the event of an ERB. Is an ERB desirable? No. But is it the end of the world? No. It simply gives you an opportunity to rediscover who you are and what you want to do with your life.

Feb 8, 2012
Margee'

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

Feb 8, 2012
Jess_0411

Actually, the Navy counts as family whoever is on the sailor's page 2. The page 2 is not just exclusive to wives and children. The sailor can add parents, legal guardians, brothers, sisters, whoever is in his immediate family. These are also the only people that they (technically) allow you to take emergency leave for. Like when my mother-in-law had a stroke, since she is on my husband's page 2, he was allowed to take leave to see her. If you are not on your sailor's page 2 and therefore not classified as "family" by the Navy, that's an issue you need to take up with your sailor. As for the person who said that at boot camp, they were not only wrong but rude.

Feb 8, 2012
Jess_0411

As a mother you are eligible to sign up to receive e-mails from the FRG and Ombudsman that contain information on not on the ERB, but different going-ons with the ship and what not. All you have to do is e-mail the FRG and they verify your information with your sailor. This information is not only valuable to Mom's, but to all family members.

Feb 8, 2012
pschip

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

Feb 8, 2012
Sandy's_sailor son

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

Feb 9, 2012
Sandy's_sailor son

My mother died on January 25th. My mom was a very important part of my life and my children's. The Navy allowed my son to come home for her funeral. Of course we had to go through the proper channels. ie notify the American Red Cross.

Feb 9, 2012
Sandy's_sailor son

Who knows what the future holds for our Sailors. A lot of the talk of downsizing our Navy is upsetting to us all. However, remember that the needs of the Navy change from year to year. Maybe next year things will be better.

Feb 9, 2012
Grasshopper

Theresa...My son is an MA and stationed on base not on a ship. Do you know if they have an FRG for those Sailors not stationed on a ship. He will be leaving for Naples, Italy in a couple of months and I would love to be able to be a part of something like that in Naples. Where would he need to list me for this?

Feb 9, 2012
Jess_0411

Grasshopper: If he isn't on a ship, I don't believe they have an FRG. I'm currently on the Executive Board of the FRG for my husband's ship, and he keeps asking me what I'm going to do in 2013 when he goes to shore duty and I can't be apart of a FRG anymore. When he goes to Naples, will he be on a ship or shore duty?

Feb 9, 2012
Grasshopper

Jess...He will be still be on shore duty in Naples.

Feb 9, 2012
Micki1465

Can anyone tell me the best place to get ongoing information about the HSC22 det on the Iwo Jima?

Feb 9, 2012
Margee'

Jess this was told to me & his father when we went to the Nex in Great Lakes- for a sailor his family would be a wife/ husband and any children. Parents and siblings don't count as family according to the Navy. We are on some sort of list that when something happens or he deploys we know. But I would never forget that I didn't count in my son's life- Also was told the Navy owns him now & he is a man (17).. Rude-you bet. I wanted to bash this person's face in, but my husband & I walked out.

Feb 9, 2012
Jess_0411

Margee: I think you misinterpreted it wrong. To shop at the NEX, Commissary, Package Store, gas station, ect., you have to be a sailor's DEPENDENT. A dependent is defined as a sailor's spouse or child. We get a dependents i.d., we are eligible for Tri-Care, we can go on base, we can use the MWR facilities, and we can use the NEX and what not without our sailor present. Parents cannot go on base, cannot use the MWR facilities, and cannot shop at the NEX without their sailor present. And even then, parents cannot purchase anything. The sailor has to. The cashiers at the NEX can get in serious trouble if they accept monies from anyone other then the sailor or the dependent. Also, when they are doing 100% i.d. checks, ONLY the sailor and the dependent can access the NEX with their i.d. If you forgot your i.d., you're SOL. I've walked into the commissary with my husband before and accidentally left my dependents i.d. in the car, and they've made me run out and grab it because you absolutely CANNOT shop at the commissary without your military issued i.d. I have a friend who works at the NEX and she tells me that she has to deal with irate parents all the time who expect her to break the rules because the sailor is their child. I'm sorry if that made you upset, but that's the policy. It sounds like the person at the NEX said "family" to you when they meant "dependent".

And yes, the Navy does own him now. Navy needs are first, those of the family are second. You said that your father was Navy and your brothers. This should not be shocking news. Hard to swallow, sure, but not shocking. I've known since we started dating that as long as he is in the Navy, I will always be second. But this is the life that I agreed to, so I don't complain. Not to mention, the Navy is really good about working with sailors when it comes to things where family has to come first. The gave my husband a couple of hours off of work a few weeks ago when I was sick so that he could take me to the doctors. They didn't have to, but they did.

Feb 9, 2012
Margee'

In the Nex it was said Family- even dependent -at 17 he was still my dependent till 18 (outside world ) . I know from the time I was born the Navy owned my Dad ,till he elevated to Ambassador to the Canandian Gov .,We held duel citz. I 'm the only one not owned by any country- lol. Like my freedom . I can understand the parents if they were told like I was ( they used the wrong words to them ) & them like me did get irate, after all I did give birth to him as many Mothers would feel.

Feb 9, 2012
pschip

Thanks to everyone who prayed My son is feeling better today still in pain i guess it will take time

Feb 9, 2012
joyce

Ok ladies have not been around for awhile. Need some info. My sons gf will be moving off base shortly. They are planning on getting married. Can anyone tell me of a safe place not to far from the base. Looking for a one bedroom. Yes there is a baby on the way. Life is full of surprises. We have not met her yet but hopefully soon. Just want them to find a nice safe place to live. Would like suggestions

Feb 10, 2012
deedees473

HELLO IM NEW! MY SON JUST ARRIVED IN NORFOLK LAST WEEK. HIS SHIP WAS ON DEPLOYMENT, HE JUST GOTNEWS TO PACK HIS BAGS HIS SHIP IS PICKING HIM UP! HE SONT REALLY KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON! NEEDLESS TO SAY I DONT EAITHER! WILL THEY SHIP OUT OR WILL HE LIVE ON THE SHIP IN NORFOLK?

Feb 10, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Welcome DeeDee. FRG is Family Readiness Group. Your son's FRG likely has a Facebook page. ps no need to shout, we can hear you just fine! lol

Feb 10, 2012
deedees473

thanks for all your replies! i wasnt shouting just writing fast as i was at work! lol my sons ship will be on a 4 day deployment next week, then his ship will be discommissioned (sp)? he is still trying to find a place for him and his new wife, but as we have been hearing norfolk is not the place to live! i have been trying to help them find a place close to the base and so he wont have to deal with traffic to much. any ideas would be greatly appriected!

Feb 11, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Like any city, there are good and bad areas but I think the area overall is great, lots to see and do. The Ghent area near the university and the base is a good area. Lots of folks prefer Virginia Beach. My son lives in Olde Towne Portsmouth & is very happy there.

Feb 12, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Lightning injures two sailors at Naval Station Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Two sailors on separate ships were injured by lightning while lowering flags on their vessels docked at Naval Station Norfolk Saturday evening.

Lightning injured a U.S. sailor aboard the USS Kearsarge and a French sailor aboard the French ship Mistral, said Navy Public Affairs Officer Terry Davis. She said the vessels, both amphibious assault ships, were docked next to each other at piers 10 and 11 when the lightning struck.

Davis said both sailors suffered minor injuries and were taken to local hospitals as a precaution.

The sailors were conducting evening colors, the ceremonial lowering of the national flag at sunset, when the lightning injured them.

Feb 12, 2012
Rod

Deedee473 - my son and wife just moved to Norfolk last month and found a 2br place at Walkers Chase on Tidewater. It is about 5 - 10 minutes from base. Helped him move and it is a nice place; convenient to shopping, airport. I noticed quite a few military living there. Hope this helps.

Feb 12, 2012
Margee'

Boy this weather is getting nuts, I remember it didn't snow in Virginia, or very rare, now they are getting bad stroms . My ex bought a house in North Carolina & he has had more snow then New York. I hope those saliors are OK after that. My son bought a house in Virginia Beach near the base,5 minutes away . I guess he likes that area.

Feb 12, 2012
annamichael

Hey everyone. I'm new to the group. My husband is finishing up C school in Pensacola (will have been there a year when he leaves in April) for IT. He received his orders a couple of weeks ago for Norfolk (which is great because we live in NC) and is assigned to the GHWB. He moves there sometime in April and I will follow in June (I'm a teacher and need to finish out the year). He will stay with a buddy until I get there so he doesn't have to stay on the ship. Any advice on my move? Where to live/job possibilities? What do yall know about the GHWB? All I know is that it is the newest carrier and just got back from a deployment in December. If you know anyone on this ship, please message me. ANY advice would be so helpful! Thank you! :)

Feb 12, 2012
duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

annamichael,

right now they are doing some work ups. depending on when he gets there in april he'll have 2 works ups to go on. they go into into the shipyard in july until next year so during that time the ship will be out of service. don't know what they sailors will be doing during that time. my daughter gets out in may, she's assigned to the ship. they just won the Battle E award for 2011 which is a great honor.

can't help you with housing. my daughter lives in NC about 1 hour from the base.

there's a Bush mom site on here, http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ussgeorgehwbush and we're a GREAT bunch of women, not just mom but also wives and girlfriends. there's also a Bush facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/USSGeorgeHWBush

carol

Feb 12, 2012
NavySweetheart11

Annamichael,

My husband is on the GHWB. I just moved to Norfolk in January so i'm adjusting to the area myself. There are some good areas and some bad areas. We live in downtown Norfolk which is great and everything is so close by. Feel free to message me if you have any questions about apartments in Norfolk. We absolutely love the apartment complex we are in. Some sailors choose to live in Virginia Beach, Hampton, etc. but you have to be careful because of the tunnel traffic. I'm a nurse so I'm in the process of looking for a job now. I'm having some luck and have my first interview on Thursday. I'm not sure how it is for teachers, however. Good luck!

Feb 13, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Feb 14, 2012
Margee'

Happy Valentines to all : & my son / his girlfriend ; my daughter & her husband and ESP;my GRANDSON TYLER,,,,my little valentines ,Hugs love Grandma xxxooo

Feb 14, 2012
Margee'

Say a prayer for the USS. ABE LINCOLN that is going through the Strite of Hosmus(sp?) right now & being shadowed by Iran as intimation .Hope all is safe. Fair Winds - Following Seas.

Feb 14, 2012
Margee'

M/N Mom, saw the USS Sterett & the Lincoln but it didn't say the othe ship . Then it showed the boats (small) about 3 , Planes and drones being used by Iran just to be spiteful and a pain to our ships . What are they trying to prove? I saw all we are doing to gear up for anything that arises . Do they really think they stand a chance?

Feb 15, 2012