900's division sailors

Mary Beth Congratulations on your new sailor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So happy to see that your officially a Navy mom. Have a wonderful weekend at PIR, it will be so special. Let me know if you have any questions.

Just a note to new parents on this site. Be aware that we heard when our son was in bootcamp that the RDCs to sometimes check this group to pick up stuff about the recruits in their divisions...so don't say anything or repeat anything on here that you wouldn't want to have get back to them (like real personal stuff). They have their hands full already and don't need any source of special attention. Also a good idea to not have your last name or the recruit's last name on your profile.

Got my first letter today. Christian made band playing saxophone. I'm so glad that he's playing again. He hasn't played last 2 years in h.s. so he's pretty excited. Dad and I are also proud he made it. Don't know about performing at his own PIR, no mention of it, but I'm sure he'll keep us posted. I'm very happy mom getting the first letter. Proud of all our kids! Good evenings and fantastic weekends to all.

Hey thanks April. Letters are short, don't really say much except "doing fine" Hoped for a phone call, but no such luck, maybe this weekend. I"ll have to ask him next time I write when his first PIR performance is. He loved band but you know how it goes in high school, sports, girls, required classes, DEP. something had to be pushed aside.

Ship 06, Div 945 marching in the Labor Day Parade today in Zion IL. If anyone sees any pictures or video let me know, would love to see. I only have 18 more days til my son's PIR, getting pretty excited, can't wait to see him and experience the PIR (I hear so many WONDERFUL things about it) God bless our kids and all Navy families...GO NAVY!!!

Mara, go with address your sweetie gave you...He's there, the recruiter isn't. My son's address changed within a week after he left for bootcamp.

900 divisions are "honor" divisions....they get kids for band, color guard, drill teams. They usually have a couple extra weeks of bootcamp but worth it. These kids work even harder to do well with their Navy training but have extra drill instructions and rehersals so when they go out they represent the USN and RTC with pride!!! It's a wonderful thing these kids do I'm so proud of them! Go Ship 06, Div 945...you're a week away from PIR!!! God bless you and all families.

Ship 06/Div 945 is at battlestations tonight. Prayers for them to do well and give us moms a wonderful phone call tomorrow as USN Sailors...God bless our kids and all Navy families.

O.k. I'm spamming all the groups I'm in I know, but I'm so dang proud and happy right now. Ship 06 Div 945 just won Captain's Cup today 9/19. And confirmed Battlestation21 date is Tues 9/22. WAY TO GO 945 today and do well on Tuesday night, can't wait for the phone call on Wed.

O.k. Division 945 is preparing for BS21 as we speak. Please keep them in your prayers tonight. They have worked so hard up to this point and pray that God keeps them safe and they work as one unit for a successful exercise. God bless our kids, God bless ALL Navy families.

Dear Lord as we the mother's and father's of new and soon to be sailors gather here tonight bless us with your unconditional love and give us the strength required to get through the following days. Protect our son's, daughter's, husband's and brother's as they complete this, the first leg of their journey, in the service of our country.

Take our worries from us and help us and guide us as we unite here one family in heart and soul.

In Jesus's Name
Amen

WOO HOO!!! Got the phone call about 2:30 PDT BS went fine, Div 945 passed with aces! So no longer a recruit but a SAILOR mom!!! So proud of the division, can't wait to see them on Friday.

Me and my Sailor,Christian. The kids did an Awesome job performing, so proud of Div 945, and congrats to all the grads. God speed in A School. Thanks y'all for the warm thoughts and wishes.

Angie ~ The October 1st post is very helpful! Thank you.

JulieR ~ All good stuff for our SRs and we are sooooo proud!

~kk

Here we go....YES!
TG 01 (07) Divisions (001-006 & 901) Graduate Friday, 20 Nov 09

Hey mom's with upcoming PIR's.You will want to use the Illinois Street gate, not the main gate. If you show up prior to 6:30 a.m. the guards at the gate will kindly turn you around and tell you to come back. They have the parking line blocked off the night before PIR. We didn't want the hassle of waiting in the parking line, so we parked at the Metra Station, only a block away on Ohio St, next to the base, it was 2.00 for day parking, then walked back to the base and checked in. After PIR we didn't have to worry about parking at the Metra Station and went right into Chicago. If you have any questions, feel free to ask and if I don't have an answer right away I can contact my PIR alumni and probably get answers for you. God bless our sailors, recruits and ALL Navy families.

Ship 06 Div 901 PIR 11/20/2009 ~ come join us!

http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir11202009900seriesdivisions

Elizabeth, the 900 divisions are not just band, they are ceremonial drill team (rifle drill), choir, band, color guard (US, Navy,etc) IF your son is in a 900 division he will have one or two extra weeks of bc. They have practice around their basic training exercises and there's lots of practice time on Saturdays. Good luck to your son in BC, the time will go by slowly at first, but as each day passes it's one day closer to graduation and you'll be amazed of how a fine young man becomes a better, stronger, more confident young man. We're here for you at anytime.

Angie...Yes! It seems that my son's BC is 9 weeks as he had to wait (not really waiting - that was silly - he was very very busy!) for the division to fill. So many Recruits came in with an 8 week BC. Some mom's do not realize that some in the division have already been there. And Yes! It is a tougher division, due to the extra responsibilities. I have acknowledged this to him in letters, pre-addressed and stamped envelopes, and stated a few lines will make us happy.

So the 11/6 and 11/13 PIR families will see my son. I have to wait until 11/20. Maybe there will be a Youtube : ) ~ kk

Angie, just my son's personal experience, he had almost 2 extra weeks of bc with his division as to his friend who showed up for bc over a week after he did and graduated same day. Just how it works sometimes I think, but I've heard other moms from 900 div say same thing. I could be wrong, but that's been my experience.

Not a problem Angie. I probably didn't use the right words, but I'm still pretty new at this too, (get caught up in the excitement of everything). All I know I loved our son's PIR, he felt honored to be in the band and part of the performance division (they won Captains Cup also, extra proud of that); can't wait for the dvd to get here so I can watch it again. So much I probably missed because I was zeroed in on my son (haha). Everyone has a different experience from the same ceremony (for that PIR date), I'll personally never forget it. Now counting down the days before he'll be home for Christmas from A school...yeah. I can handle him being away for Thanksgiving, was a little worried about Christmas, but looks like he'll be able to come home after all, it might be the last Christmas at home for a while.

Are the body snatchers the guys/gals walking the ranks making sure nobody passes out? We saw a couple of kids lock their knees and went down, they were quickly taken to the "back room" and I really don't recall if they rejoined their division or not. Yeah, Div 945 was pretty stoked that they won Capt's Cup. Other divisions at PIR??? I remember seeing a few of them, actually my son's friend from high school was in another division, 337, and I've met some wonderful moms from other divisions from our PIR date group. Total count was like 776 sailors graduating, so I recall seeing more then one white crackerjack uniform with a dixie cup! (hehehe)

I figure the dvd will be top notch quality, I don't think anything the Navy does is second rate! Should have that within the next month or so, it'll be here for the holidays so my son can watch it! I wish I had taken my film camera instead of the digital, I just bought the digital so pictures aren't best quality. I know how to work the film camera and get better shots, faster sutter speed for sure. But we got some good pictures and we have the memories of a wonderful weekend with our son. My youngest son also wants to join Navy after graduating high school but he's only a Jr, so I have at least 2 years before I get to repeat the fun of bootcamp! See you online, bless you and yours.

Danny'sMom ~ When the recruiter told me my son's division (and was really excited ~ I might add ~ lol), he asked if he played an instrument, and stated it was a "special performance division." I said, "Unless they march with guitars, NO!" Then I remembered he played the tuba in junior high school. I started laughing with the visual of my 6'6" SR, with BCGs and a tuba! No way! Then I thought, "Did he take my harmonica?" WHEW ~ it is still on my desk. Based on his letters, he will be carrying a flag. I think a state flag. You have to add the comedy to get through the "mising my son waves."

Best part of having my son in the 900 division? Didn't have to fight the WAVE of families looking for their sailors. We got to sit in the stands and our kids came to us after they put their equipment away! Once Liberty call is called it's a ZOO! It's very exciting, but CRAZY! I lost my husband twice inside the building, thank goodness for cell phones. And for the kids with the state flags? those aren't "little" flags, they look to be 8x10 flags but maybe 5x7 and although they have a harness to carry the flag, they are anything but light, and they "snap" those flags when needed. Oh, it's such a wonderful ceremony, and everyone who performs does an outstanding job, they've worked hard all through bootcamp and it really shows how much pride they have in themselves and their division! My son will never forget his experience being in a 900 division!

Christine ~ I am so excited. I am still counting the weeks ~ not the days (too early). I am proud of my son. Life would have been so much easier for him to have just resumed his classes at the university. He knew the university would still be there after "A" and maybe "C" school. He has a great goal.

I think about so many recruits probably dreading the early wake up call. He had practice; opening up a coffee shoppe between 5:00 and 5:30 AM. So those early morning watches work for him. ~ kk

My heavens ~ I think I just sounded like a mother!

Christine ~ I forgot! Thank you for all of the good information about the hectic Liberty call. We will make sure we take the cell phone from Dad just before this happens. I am sure he will find his way back to the Navy Lodge! ~ kk

You know I am joking! ; )

We have a couple of 11/20/2009 PIR groups. If you are a Division 901, please become a member of our group : ) ~ kk

Division 901 PIR (Graduate) Friday, 20 Nov 09

Comment by Stacy Williams removed due to a violation of Community Guidelines: Don’t Solicit for Products, Services, etc.

Elle

(Angie - Thanks for the note in this group & the others regarding this!)

Hello! Does anyone know, or have experience, with Battle Stations running earlier with the 900 divisions? Thank you ~ kk

Thank you April...that is what others have experienced too. I wonder the 8th or the 15th? hmmmmmm

DAVIDSmom~~~ Maybe our sons will tell us in our letter next week!

mamabear, Christian's battle station date was Tues before PIR, I know they try to keep to some type of schedule but sometimes things happen and they don't get to stick to it. your son should know a few days to a week before they have bs21. I do know it's after the "gas" exercise. Is everyone doing o.k? staying on track for PIR date? I pray all are well and will graduate on time. I know of kids that were suppose to grad with mine on 9/25 that fell ill and still waiting to grad, that's tough for the kid as well as the parents so I pray everyone is well and healthy.

Christine ~ Thank you so much for the information. I will post it on our Division site

We have 9 N4Ms in Div 901 PIR 11/20/2009 so far. I opened the page as soon as I received the form letter. Our experiences (those first approximately 5 from start); Ricky Crud (you know the shot stuff), colds, flu, sinus infections, pink eye, more flu ~ you know the routine. Our recent batch of letters were so upbeat, informative, and humorous. I can speak for myself and say that I was sad, but supportive after our first phone call to speak of.

arlietz ~ We may have had one due to a needed surgery. I am not sure of the outcome. I am not sure how many are in the division to date. ~ kk

Hello 901 ~ That was my son's question too! "I wonder what the last week will bring."

Is anyone going to Pensacola for "A" School from the 901?
~kk

Mamabear...last week of bootcamp is battlestations, then get ready for graduation!!!! Prep the uniforms, make sure everything is AJ squared away.

Charlene, pictures???

Christine...yep BS 21 on Sunday (so far)! Do they get a nap on Monday after BS 21? LOL ~ kk

Charlene! GREAT PICS!!!! Your sailor is quite handsome. I love the sea of Navy blue crackerjacks! Christian graduated in whites, it was pretty impressive also, but I'm a true fan of the blues. Your pictures bring back wonderful memories, and it was just 6 weeks ago that I was back there. Christian is now in A school, started Monday, finally! Where does your sailor go now for A school? PO1Sailormom...congratulations, what an honor for your daughter! She graduated her last division, where is she off to now?

April ~ I do not know about the nap : ) But it sounds good to me! I bet they get a Hollywood shower (hot & long) and some good food at least. ~ kk

Hello! The 901 won the Captain's Cup today...and...they are currently in first place for the Hall of Fame! We had many happy phone calls today! They run their BS 21 on 11/17 - 11/18 : ) ~ kk

BOO YAH Div 901!!!!! To win Capt's Cup is a thrill! Now they need to keep that team effort for BS 21. Bravo Zulu Div 901! Job well done!

Marcia, my son was div 945 and they were triple threat too! Hope your sailor is doing well. 11/25, what a great Thanksgiving gift for your recruit and you..to become a US Navy Sailor.

Davids & Momabear: be sure to inquire about your son's "capping ceremony" it's pretty emotional for the kids. It's where they take off their "recruit" cap and exchange it for the Official "NAVY" cap. My son said it was very emotional and even the guys had a hard time holding back the tears of pride! Our kids have chose to serve a very special calling in life, to serve their country in the Navy. God bless them all and all families for their efforts!

Hello Christine! Thank you for all the great information and for supporting the 901! I hope they get a Hollywood shower after BS 21 before the capping! They are probably so tired. BS 21...then Liberty...then ship out to A school!

Angie Thank you too! ~ kk

Division 901 all passed BS 21...we are heading for PIR!

Congratulations Div 901!!! Mama, did you cry when you got the phone call? I did, I was so proud and I know how you're feeling now. Safe travels for PIR and I hope you have wonderful weather and a great time, that weekend will FLY by! Happy thanksgiving too!! Love ya

mama, p.s. give baby bear a hug for me too :-)

wow! I can see the flu has put me behind in my responses. So here goes...

Christine ~ The Illinois St was a perfect entrance. We were #3 in line : ) ~ not too eager! I did have tears when I received the call. I was sitting in the lobby of a VA Medical Center wiping the tears as I spoke. I was being watched by several veterans and their spouses. They listened and smiled! Love ya too!

Marcia V....did you find our Divison 901 page?

Happy holidays friends! Received a wonderful phone call from Christian on Friday~~he has been awarded OS/QM A School Best of the Best. It's an honor for the top 1% of the OS School and it's based on classroom and test scores, inspections, and an interview. He is so proud! He gets to wear a red badge that reads "OS/QM A School Best of the Best" over his name on his uniform as well as a letter from the Navy. His dad and I are also very proud of him, we know he's been working hard in school and now he has reaped a wonderful reward. Only 16 more days til he comes home for Christmas!!!

Christine ~ Congratulations to the entire family! I do not know which part of the holiday my son will be coming home ~ but he was told a partial. Still hanging in there to book a flight ~ but there are many to two available airports. He did get a compliment on his boots and then taught a class to 20 his maintenance/polish technique! ~ LOL Have a wonderful holiday : ) ~ kk

Angie, I don't know if I can fill your shoes dear but will try my best! Thank you for the congrats, I pass them onto Mr. Christian and he's very grateful for all the well wishes he's received! His dad and I are very proud of him, one of my other mom's said he's like a duck in water with the Navy, a natural. I'm glad he is because this is what he's wanted to do since he was 8.
Mamabear, whatever time your sailor can come home will be like Christmas! Right now I'm praying for good weather for Christian's travel, he said it's snowing and windy, but it's still 2 weeks out so maybe the good Lord above will give us good weather for his travel days and I won't stress out! Much love to all!

I booked the flight! We are so happy to have a liberty that includes Christmas Day and New Years Eve. We are traveling a distance to an airport with the best flight times for him. The prices were all over the board - as were the layovers!

Angie ~ The best best best ever to you! I know you will still be watching the progression of our Sailors. i am sure we will chat again : ) ~ kk

Christine ~ get typing! lol

Mamabear...what do you want me to type? LOL!!! I learned so much from Angie as well as other vet Navy moms on the website! I'm so glad that your sailor will be home for the holidays! Christian is torn because he's splitting his leave between home, CA, and girlfriend home, SC. I don't care, I get him for Christmas and New Years, we'll be celebrating his brothers 16th birthday NY day since his birthday is the 5th and Christian has to get back to GL on the 2nd. Enjoy your time with your sailor, I know I will, and remember it's more then a weekend with curfew....(oh memories of PIR weekend) Much love to all!