My son also left on Saturday. He was at the airport at 6:30 am but didn;t fly out until early afternoon. We went to the airport and stayed with him until his flight.
My son graduates basic Jan 11th I am wanting to meet him at the airport and wait with him until his flight leaves for Meridan. How do you know when they arrive at the airport or where to meet up with him? Also do we need a pass to get to the gate and if so how or where do we get that?
There is a USO room at the airport and he can call you from there. You can't go into the USO room but it is a good place to meet. The room isn't hard to find. You don't need a pass, but will go through security. They are very nice and helpful at O'Hare. There are plenty of places to eat and relax. Your son will be able to tell you what time his flight leaves. As I said, my son was there very early, but had time to spend with us. My son just graduated November 30th. Enjoy!! It is an amazing, emotional, experience.
Pammiesue14 I would stay close to Bonita Lakes mall. There are several hotels around there and plenty of places to eat. the base in away from town not much around it. We live in the area. our son is overseas..i joined this group just to help anyone out ...
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Everyone! I will be leaving this group - my son graduated A school and is now home until he reports to Norfolk in Jan.... Good Luck to ALL your Sailors through A school and beyond!!!
Sgknavymom: Thanks so much for the help. We live in PA so we are flying into the area. I had initially made our flight plans to fly into Atlanta and then connect to the Meridian Airport, which is slightly expensive. What are your thoughts on flying into Birmingham and driving to Meridian? Also, if we do fly into Meridian, do you know if there are car rental in the area? Thanks so much for your help!
My son is flying into Jackson tomorrow and said he would have to take a cab to Meridian. I saw that someone posted it was about $200 for a cab. Is that the only way he could get to base?
@ hunters mom. Unless he can rent a car. We do have a airport. But it is prob too late Our flights oly go thru Atlanta. It is pricey but prob cheaper than a cab.
We were having the same issue . That is why we drove to pick him up from Austin Texas. We thought about him flying back but the cab fair is crazy!! If he does end up flying he would arrive in Jackson at 7 pm on Friday evening. When will your son be arriving in Jackson?
My son has his car in Charleston and finally got approval to drive with his Dad from Charleston to Meridian. I just have to figure out where my husband is going to stay in Meridian and get him transportation to the airport when he leaves. He took a whole week off of work and is going to stay in Meridian for a few days. Got flight from Meridian to Atlanta and then on to BWI.
I am so sry. I advise him to stay near Bonita lakes mall and park. There is nothing near the base. These are 15. - 20 min drive but not a bad drive. I would be glad to get him to the airport if needed. This is why I am on this blog. Our son was stationed in charleston last year before he went to sea duty. We loved Charleston. Not a bad drive. Straight interstate. 9-10 hrs.
He said he would be reimbursed for the cab fee, but I just hate for him to spend that money. Who knows when he'll get reimbursed. We thought about driving to take him ourselves but we are hoping he may get to take a few days of his leave and then we would have to turn around and go back. It's a 6 hr trip for us. I just thought there may be a service other than a cab that would be cheaper. He is 21 but I think u have to be 23 to rent a car.
I read somewhere that they can not have their cell phones until Phase 2 at Meridan. I assume my SR will use his phone cards until then. Has anyone else confirmed this information?
NicksMom - yes, they can have cell phones in A school. They however, do not get to carry them to class and are restricted on when they can use them. My son would call during lunch breaks, when they were in the pod at night and on weekends when he did not have watch
What you read its not what actually happens! Your sailor can have whatever he whats at Meridian, they are very relaxed there. They can have anything from cell phone to car.
I know they can have it after Phase 1 but just don't want him in trouble from the beginning if he has it when he arrives instead of me mailing it in 2 weeks.
nicksMom- all I know available is cab - my son did not get reimbursed for that ride, but he did share the cab/van with 3 others and that helped defer the high cost
phones can be given to your sailor at the airport. He can definitely have it upon arrival in Meridian. He can also have a couple of civilian outfits. After the "shell shock" of basic it takes awhile for them to adjust to the priviliges they have at "A"school
My son left for Meridian today and his flight got delayed once he landed in Atlanta. His flight was originally supposed to leave Atlanta at 9:00 pm and is now delayed till 12:30am. He tried calling to let someone know that his flight got delayed and no one answered. Once he gets to the base, is there someone who will guide him as to where he needs to go??
Yes, Maria there will be someone to tell them where to go and what to do. Lots of liberty in Meridian, but they also have rules and regs still in place. In-doc will take care of most everything. Since this is a holiday, he may have a few days just to get setteled in and aclimate. My son arrived on a holiday weekend and was thrilled to have a few days to sleep and get setteled in. They will take good care of him
Thanks Marmee!! He just texted me this morning that he got Meridian at 2am. No cabs so he had to stay at a hotel. Is on his way there now. Thank goodness they are allowed to have their phones.
Hi everyone, quick question! My bfs been in Meridian for almost a month, I'm heading down to visit him mid January. He told me on the phone today that only someone related to him (his sisters coming) can take him out for the weekend. Then he told me whatever car we drive on base to get him with has to be registered to her, or rented in her name. Can anyone clarify this? It just makes no sense to me, we were planning on driving my car down, it wouldn't work if she was driving my car when she got him?
My son is on flight heading to Meridian now. Left ATL @ 5:30 EST I found a phone number for cab company yesterday and had him put in his phone. Told him to eat in ATL just in case got to base late and no food available until tomorrow. The Mom in me I guess lol
To Knittycat10...My son was just there less than 2 months ago for A school, and I just asked him about what your asking, and he said unless they just changed the rules you didn't have to be related. Most usually all bases if your a visitor will ask to see registration of the vehicle. In Meridian he has to be picked up on quarterdeck, so you actually have to go in passed the gates, safety and rules. My suggestion to you would be to go with his sister. The guards at the gate will tell you if it's not okay and tell you what you need to do, just make sure you both have ID with you.
For starters, I was just there yesterday and you can't go through the front gate without your sailor. He has to meet you at the front gate. We called our son on his cell and he came up to the front gate while we waited at the building right outside the gate. We had a rental car, and needed our rental agreement and driver's license and my son showed his military id. If you have your registration for your car and your license, you should be okay.
My boyfriend graduated from BC on the 28th. He is now in Meridian, MS for A School! He is trying to buy a cell phone out there. Does anyone know if there is anywhere that he can get one or do I need to try to send him one?
My daughter is heading for Meridian hopefully sometime in January. She's not coming from Boot Camp, but from Goose Creek, SC (she failed out of Nuke A-School). Does anybody have any idea when classes are forming and what she might have to expect travel-wise? Thanks.
Ctav, from what I've read they fly to Atlanta than to Jackson mi where they either have to rent a car or taxi to meridian. Doesn't sound like an easy place to get to. I read here that the cab was $200 ride so she should be prepared to pay that fare. Good luck to her. My son will arrive 2/2.
I was able to get my son a flight from Atlanta into Meridian. Then he shared cab with others heading to base. If it was just him the fare was only going to be $30.00. About a 30 min ride
My son flew from Dayton Ohio into Atlanta. He had a 3 hour layover then left ATL at 530 and flew into Meridan airport approx 600. They are an hour behind on Cental time. Took cab from airport to base. I read that they only do 2 flights a day from Atlanta to Meridan
greetings to those who have sailors heading to Meridian. My son left there in Dec. He really enjoyed the freedom, the classes, and the chance to see some of the beautiful country around that area. The time there is short. Encourage your sailors to study hard so they are in a position to have good picks for next duty station. Congrats on BC completion!!!
How soon does there time start? My son should arrive there Saturday? Also when can they go off base? Are there places on base to eat or hang out if they can't go off base?
Hi all! My sailor arrived in Meridian yesterday and I have to admit, I love A-school better than boot camp already! I just spent 15 minutes on the phone with him and my husband talked to him 20 minutes earlier today. :) The weather in Mississippi is much warmer than in Great Lakes of course, so he loves that. lol He doesn't actually start "school" for a couple of weeks, but will report for duty tomorrow. I don't think he will get to leave the base for a few weeks, but he said they've got everything he needs right now and the food there is pretty good. Guess we'll have to just wait and see if he still agrees once he can leave the base for "fast food". lol I am confident that he's gonna do well there and especially excited for the day when I can see him again in person. :)
My sailor arrived Saturday. I feel like you do. So kuch better to he in touch. He called everybody. Yesterday they were shown around base. Hung out at bowling alley. Watched the Superbowl. Said the same as yours. Liked it alot better. Weather great. His room is nice. Has everything he needs. We are planning a trip out there on the 15th. He attached to a Marine group which made him a little nervous. Their PT and all is alittle more strenuous. What is your sons rate?
DonnaB
My son also left on Saturday. He was at the airport at 6:30 am but didn;t fly out until early afternoon. We went to the airport and stayed with him until his flight.
Dec 17, 2012
tracy1220 (ship 14 Div 055)
Dec 17, 2012
DonnaB
There is a USO room at the airport and he can call you from there. You can't go into the USO room but it is a good place to meet. The room isn't hard to find. You don't need a pass, but will go through security. They are very nice and helpful at O'Hare. There are plenty of places to eat and relax. Your son will be able to tell you what time his flight leaves. As I said, my son was there very early, but had time to spend with us. My son just graduated November 30th. Enjoy!! It is an amazing, emotional, experience.
Dec 17, 2012
Pammiesue14
Where is the best place to stay in Meridian when visiting our Sailor?
Dec 19, 2012
Sgknavymom
@ Pammiesue14,,,,,,I would
Dec 19, 2012
Sgknavymom
Pammiesue14 I would stay close to Bonita Lakes mall. There are several hotels around there and plenty of places to eat. the base in away from town not much around it. We live in the area. our son is overseas..i joined this group just to help anyone out ...
Dec 19, 2012
durrichShip03/Div354
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Everyone! I will be leaving this group - my son graduated A school and is now home until he reports to Norfolk in Jan.... Good Luck to ALL your Sailors through A school and beyond!!!
Dec 20, 2012
Alison(LS A school)
Thanks sgknavymom, any local assistance would be great. I hope to come there in march and will def need advice.
Merry Christmas to all.
Dec 23, 2012
Pammiesue14
Sgknavymom: Thanks so much for the help. We live in PA so we are flying into the area. I had initially made our flight plans to fly into Atlanta and then connect to the Meridian Airport, which is slightly expensive. What are your thoughts on flying into Birmingham and driving to Meridian? Also, if we do fly into Meridian, do you know if there are car rental in the area? Thanks so much for your help!
Dec 24, 2012
marmee4 (alumni mom)
Enterprise has a rental - don't know if there are others
Dec 24, 2012
Hunter's mom
Dec 27, 2012
Sgknavymom
Dec 27, 2012
sheltonhome
Dec 27, 2012
Pammiesue14
My son has his car in Charleston and finally got approval to drive with his Dad from Charleston to Meridian. I just have to figure out where my husband is going to stay in Meridian and get him transportation to the airport when he leaves. He took a whole week off of work and is going to stay in Meridian for a few days. Got flight from Meridian to Atlanta and then on to BWI.
Dec 27, 2012
Sgknavymom
Dec 27, 2012
Sgknavymom
Dec 27, 2012
Hunter's mom
Dec 27, 2012
NicksMom
Dec 28, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
we gave our son his phone at the airport the morning after PIR. They can't have them at RTC, but A school is ok.
Dec 28, 2012
marmee4 (alumni mom)
NicksMom - yes, they can have cell phones in A school. They however, do not get to carry them to class and are restricted on when they can use them. My son would call during lunch breaks, when they were in the pod at night and on weekends when he did not have watch
Dec 28, 2012
navyboy2012
What you read its not what actually happens! Your sailor can have whatever he whats at Meridian, they are very relaxed there. They can have anything from cell phone to car.
Dec 28, 2012
NicksMom
Dec 28, 2012
NicksMom
Dec 28, 2012
marmee4 (alumni mom)
nicksMom- all I know available is cab - my son did not get reimbursed for that ride, but he did share the cab/van with 3 others and that helped defer the high cost
Dec 28, 2012
marmee4 (alumni mom)
phones can be given to your sailor at the airport. He can definitely have it upon arrival in Meridian. He can also have a couple of civilian outfits. After the "shell shock" of basic it takes awhile for them to adjust to the priviliges they have at "A"school
Dec 28, 2012
NicksMom
Dec 28, 2012
Maria
My son left for Meridian today and his flight got delayed once he landed in Atlanta. His flight was originally supposed to leave Atlanta at 9:00 pm and is now delayed till 12:30am. He tried calling to let someone know that his flight got delayed and no one answered. Once he gets to the base, is there someone who will guide him as to where he needs to go??
Dec 28, 2012
marmee4 (alumni mom)
Yes, Maria there will be someone to tell them where to go and what to do. Lots of liberty in Meridian, but they also have rules and regs still in place. In-doc will take care of most everything. Since this is a holiday, he may have a few days just to get setteled in and aclimate. My son arrived on a holiday weekend and was thrilled to have a few days to sleep and get setteled in. They will take good care of him
Dec 29, 2012
Maria
Dec 29, 2012
Knittycat10
Hi everyone, quick question! My bfs been in Meridian for almost a month, I'm heading down to visit him mid January. He told me on the phone today that only someone related to him (his sisters coming) can take him out for the weekend. Then he told me whatever car we drive on base to get him with has to be registered to her, or rented in her name. Can anyone clarify this? It just makes no sense to me, we were planning on driving my car down, it wouldn't work if she was driving my car when she got him?
Thanks!!
Dec 29, 2012
NicksMom
Dec 29, 2012
navyboy2012
To Knittycat10...My son was just there less than 2 months ago for A school, and I just asked him about what your asking, and he said unless they just changed the rules you didn't have to be related. Most usually all bases if your a visitor will ask to see registration of the vehicle. In Meridian he has to be picked up on quarterdeck, so you actually have to go in passed the gates, safety and rules. My suggestion to you would be to go with his sister. The guards at the gate will tell you if it's not okay and tell you what you need to do, just make sure you both have ID with you.
Dec 30, 2012
DonnaB
For starters, I was just there yesterday and you can't go through the front gate without your sailor. He has to meet you at the front gate. We called our son on his cell and he came up to the front gate while we waited at the building right outside the gate. We had a rental car, and needed our rental agreement and driver's license and my son showed his military id. If you have your registration for your car and your license, you should be okay.
Dec 30, 2012
RobsPrincess12
Dec 30, 2012
Sgknavymom
Dec 30, 2012
RobsPrincess12
Dec 30, 2012
ctav01
My daughter is heading for Meridian hopefully sometime in January. She's not coming from Boot Camp, but from Goose Creek, SC (she failed out of Nuke A-School). Does anybody have any idea when classes are forming and what she might have to expect travel-wise? Thanks.
Jan 3, 2013
Alison(LS A school)
Jan 6, 2013
NicksMom
Jan 7, 2013
destinee
Jan 18, 2013
NicksMom
Jan 18, 2013
destinee
Jan 21, 2013
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Jan 25, 2013
destinee
Jan 25, 2013
marmee4 (alumni mom)
greetings to those who have sailors heading to Meridian. My son left there in Dec. He really enjoyed the freedom, the classes, and the chance to see some of the beautiful country around that area. The time there is short. Encourage your sailors to study hard so they are in a position to have good picks for next duty station. Congrats on BC completion!!!
Jan 25, 2013
destinee
Jan 26, 2013
marmee4 (alumni mom)
My son is AZ and is now in San Diego and is really loving the weather! LOL
Jan 26, 2013
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Jan 30, 2013
GA2thfairy(Ship 04 DIV 087)
Feb 3, 2013
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Feb 4, 2013