HM (Hospital Corps) "A" School in San Antonio

Sailors becoming Hospital Corpsmen at A School in San Antonio, TX - best rating in the Navy!  The Hospital Corps is the Navy's only enlisted Corps and the most decorated in the Navy.  Families, friends and loved ones, join in!  

WELCOME!! 

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  • CDMom

    Congrautaltions to all the up coming graduates from A School.  I'm going to Graduation May 7th, so excited, and will take pictures and try to post them on facebook for those of you who cannot come.  I am flying into Dallas and visiting all my family there and my cousin and I are driving down to San Antonio for graduation.   My sailor than works at the VA Hospital for a week, comes home for eight days and than leaves for Japan for two years.  I better renew my passport. So proud of him.

  • dadyellow

    CDMom our son also Graduates on may 7th but we will be unable to attend. Thankyou for taking pictures and sharing. What facebook link will you post the photos on? Our son does not have to be at his Duty station untill late  May. So we are looking foreword to spending some valuable time with him. Congrats to you and your Sailor

  • fab229

    Thanks txbabydocmom!!!!! :)

  • fab229

    Whoa I read that wrong..okay you will know on Monday..lol got it!! Hope to hear from you sooon!!!!!! I really gotta know asap because we would need to change the ticket we bought to thursday night instead of the friday night..although the "changing" fee is waived..we still have to pay the fare difference and the prices are just going up up up!!!

  • Katze90210 (3/113)

    txbabydocmom I keep hearing about these flash cards, study guide and work books. Could you please tell me the name of these and where I can get them? Thanks

  • Katze90210 (3/113)

    txbabydocmom  thank you I just ordered them. And thank you for the quick response. 

  • CDMom

    Daddyellow.  I'll post the graduation pictures on the HM San Antonio Facebook page.  If you scroll up on that blog page you'll see the share, tweet and facebook icon.  I'll try and take a picture of each one as they come up so that you'll each have a picture of your Sailor graduating. 

    When I think of my Sailor going to Japan my stomach flips or gets the feeling you have when you are looking down from an incredible height.  I know he will be fine, but Japan is so far away.  Just saying.

  • MomP(Helen)

    Dadyellow, public affairs also takes pictures of graduation. Our daughter graduated the 23 (we were unable to go) They got 2 pics of her that I wouldn't have been able to take. Basic Medical Technician Corpsman Program - Photos | Facebook

  • fab229

    txbabydocmom, Please let me know asap when you find out about that Friday, memorial day weekend :)

  • LeysaNavymom

    cdmom.......we will not be able to go to SA for our son graduation May 7, we  will appreciate the photos on that day...thank you.  He said he will come home Monday 16th since he has to stay another week after graduation for practices or something like that.

    Our son also is going to Okinawa Japan, I wonder if the troops going there now will have to go somewhere else...since they are reducing military presence in Okinawa...pls read below

    The last Thursday, holders of Defense of United States, Leon Panetta (pictured), and Japan, Koichiro Gemba, agreed to the departure of 9,000 US troops in the southern archipelago of Okinawa. EFE/archive

    Washington, / (EFE).-the first Japanese Minister, Yoshihiko Noda, will meet Monday with the President of the United States.UU., Barack Obama, just after a historic agreement to reduce by half the American military deployment in the archipelago of Okinawa.

    Last Thursday, defence of United States, Leon Panetta, and Japan, Koichiro Gemba, holders agreed output of 9,000 US troops in the southern archipelago of Okinawa, which houses most of the military presence of the United States.UU. in Japan since the end of World War II.

    This agreement meets the demands of Tokyo, complained of strong pressure and friction with the civilian population posed by the presence of some 19,000 soldiers in a so small island territory. This agreement, which transferred thousands of soldiers to American Guam, Hawaii's Islands and other Pacific bases, represents a change in the strategy of United States and partners in a strategic area.

    Noda and Obama speak at their meeting in Washington on security in the area Asia Pacific, in which, despite the fact that is not openly, weighs the ever increasing percentage.

    The two leaders could discuss details of the agreement on Thursday as the possibility of that the armed forces of the United States.UU. and the self defence forces of Japan share military facilities in Guam or the Islands Northern Mariana between. By constitutional mandate the self defence forces of Japan may not have an offensive role.

    According to the White House, the official visit of Noda, will deal with issues in which China has odds with Japan and EE.UU., as the democratic process in Burma or Korea of the North, which tested the launch of a rocket that Tokyo and Washington consider as a long missile.

    Washington has stressed that relations with Tokyo are better than ever and that both countries have common views on other international issues, such as measures to put pressure on Iran to put an end to its nuclear program or on the transition process in Afghanistan.

    On the economic agenda of Obama and Noda will be how forward the Transpacífico strategic agreement of economic partnership (TPP), which aims to put an end to the barriers to trade between the coastal countries of the Pacific.

    While no specific announcements are expected, these talks will seek ways the Forum of Asia-Pacific economic cooperation (APEC) countries catch up the groundwork for an agreement that will benefit emerging economies of Asia, Latin America and North America.

  • fab229

    My husband does not have watch that weekend and he has already put in a chit to leave but he didn't know whether book the flight for thursday night or friday morning. Is it safe to assume that Thursday night would be okay - he has already done all the paperwork.

  • RedHeadedNavyWife

    Hi All,

    Does anyone have recommendations for hotels around Fort Sam Houston?  I am hoping to visit my Husband at the end of May.  He told me there were some hotels on Base, but I looked into those online and they seem to be full.  (Or should I call them...)  I am looking for something that would have parking, not too terribly expensive ($100 or less) and is in a safe area.  I tried the Military Hotel website (I think that's what it was...) and there are just so many from which to choose.

    (I tried wading through past posts for the information, but I am having a rough time finding the info I need.)

    Thanks in advance for any and all help! 

     

  • sheryl Navy 2

    Hi Red Headed Navy Wife ...we stayed at the Sheraton Four points Northwest back in January .it was very clean , had all you needed in the room and it wasn't too far from Ft Sam . River walk and shopping was nearby , as was 6 flags , and the water park , not that they were open . Also Hotel Indigo are excellent hotels nationwide .
    Good luck
  • 1proudmom

    Dadyellow, thank you for the info. Thats wonderful about your son.

    I hope mine does as well.

  • shinystuff

    My Sailor is in San Antonio on hold for a month after PIR on 04/27. They let him have his laptop and phone! He will be on phase two already as of this Friday. He said his hold time will consist of lectures and PT. He is rooming with one other Sailor who is already halfway through training. So far he is loving it and trying to get used to his semi-freedom since bootcamp. It's so nice to be able to text him and we skyped yesterday!

  • Teach

    Welcome shinystuff. My son arrived 4/14. We are hoping he will start class by Memorial Day. Yes, it is definitely better now. My son has gone spend crazy but I think that is common. LOL He has an experienced roommate...hoping it rubs off. Ehere do you live? We are in Florida.
  • Katze90210 (3/113)

    Welcome Shinny I remember you from BC site. My son got to SA 4/6 and hopes to start school 5/16. he likes it so far. But it seems the start time changes week to week. Depends on how many reservists there are. I ordered him some study material and hope to get it this week to mail it to him so he can study. His room mate already went through A School and and helping him also. GL to your Sailor!
  • shinystuff

    Hi Katze. Wow, that's quite a long wait! What is he doing in the meantime? Lectures and PT? What kind of study material did you order? Good luck to your Sailor as well! So nice to be able to communicate with them, isn't it! LOL!

  • shinystuff

    @TeacherMom: Thanks for the welcome! Funny you should say your son has gone "spend crazy." One of the first things we had to do when we left PIR was head to Best Buy! His paycheck was burning a hole in his pocket. We live in Kansas.

  • ashley1026

    Do any of you ladies know if they get free time while they are in A school? Do you think we will have time to get married before he gets his orders? Thanks! :)

  • ashley1026

    Ok. Do you know how long it takes to get to phase 2? I just want to try and prepare so I have an idea of what's to come :P

  • shinystuff

    My son told me that he would be at phase two as of today, which would be one week since PIR. He said he was told that once he was in phase two, he would get time off campus on Fridays and Saturdays until midnight and get to wear civies.

  • Katze90210 (3/113)

    It took my son one week to get to phase one. They do get to leave base once they've done their work for the day. It's great being able to talk to them almost anytime. My son is reading some material and flash cards that I ordered thanks to docs mom reccomendations. I think it's still in the earlier posts and it's through Amazon so it's not that expensive
  • Katze90210 (3/113)

    Also they have to leave with a buddy if they go off base and be back by a certain time. My son gets back an hour before he has to just to be on the safe side. So far 2 weekends ago they went to Six Flags and last weekend Seaworld! That kid is doing more then me! Lol. Ad long as he is studying and getting familiar with the material I don't care. He also gets on the computer once a week to check his bank account and is doing pretty good
  • DaniHMItalyMom

    My son will graduate boot camp on 5/11.  His orders state that he will start HM on 5/22 and graduate on 9/4.  Could his start date and graduation date change or is it okay to book my tickets/hotel for the 9/4 graduation date?  

  • cindylou61

    I am so sorry to hear about your son...I will keep him and your family in my prayers.

  • RedHeadedNavyWife

    You and my son are in my thoughts!  I hope it works out. 

  • JAsmom

    Txbabydocmom, you have been such a help for so many of us, please know that there are many moms praying for you and your son that everything works out for you.

  • 1proudmom

    Also sorry to here about your son. You are both in my prayers.

  • Teach

    Dani...do NOT buy tickets till he actually starts. Mine PIR'd 4/13 got there 4/14 and was supposed to start 4/23 per orders. He hasn't started and has been told 4-6 week hold. He doesn't even have a tentative start date yet.
  • SailorAiga

    Do not buy tickets ahead of time. Today i spoke to my son, he completed EMT and next week they have a Corpsman fundemental test and then they start nursing. he graduated from BC in February and did not start school until March, so he was free for like 4 weeks well not free persay because he had other duties. He has not given me a definite graduation date but im sure it is late June from what i hear other mothers talking about. He gets his orders next week he says.

  • buddy

    Our son graduates on June 11th he found out this week that he will be going to Pensacola Fl.  just 4.5 hours away from us.  We are fired up....Did I mentioned that we have a condo in Gulf Shores about 15 miles from the base!

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    Prayers and hugs, txbabydocmom, all will be OK...

  • JanRN

    Hi everyone-my son's PIR is 5/18 and then he will go to Corpsman A school in Texas-we don't know yet when he leaves for A school. We hope we can see him until Sunday 5/20!Does anyone have any experience with when they fly out after boot camp PIR?

  • Teach

    They usually fly out sat am. However Easter weekend i think it was Sunday. Ors had a 10:30 flight from ohare on 4/14. He got to airport at 6:30 so we met him and spent time together there. He flew american and they upgraded as mant as they could to first class. He got pampered after the 8 gruelling weeks of BC.
  • JanRN

    Thanks for the info teachermom-we are so hopeful that we can see him until Sunday!

  • 1proudmom

    My son graduated bootcamp 4-20-12. The bus took them to Ohare at 3am Sat. His plane was scheduled to depart for San Antonio at 6pm Sat. night., which it did.(15 hrs. at airport). Just be prepared!

  • 1proudmom

    I'm so sorry for you and your son.I know it's hard to believe this, especially right now , but things do happen for reason.
  • DramaSoul

    My son has just completed his first month of A school at San Antonio.  Any information is gratefully appreciated!  He is studying so hard!  I wish there were a day by day kind of information like we had for boot camp with Navydep.com. 

  • dadyellow

    Txbabydocmom Keep your chin up Just to be selected to go to boot camp is an honor I think it’s like only 23% of applicants are selected. It shows great character and moral values. I was never in the military but I serve my country every day by being a good productive citizen involved in my community. Sometimes God has other plans for us,

    Thank you for all the good you have done here on Navy for Moms.

  • LeysaNavymom

    Good wishes for your son as well txbabydocmom.   God has other plans for him.....stay positive!

  • dcmont (Ship 2 DIV 925)

    @JanRN.....my son graduated PIR Friday (4 May), boarded a bus to O'Hara at 4 am Saturday and got on an United flight at 3 pm, arrived in San Antonio around 8:30 last night....long day at the airport, but as others have said you are allowed to spend those hours with him...good luck

  • DramaSoul

    JanRN...my Sailor's birthday was two days after his PIR which was on 2 March 2012.  Guess the Navy didn't care whether or not he would spend his birthday with his family.  He was dropped off at O'Hare (with his fellow Sailors) at 0630 for a flight that left at 1845 for San Antonio.  His girlfriend and I spent the day with him and I really treasure those memories!

  • DramaSoul

    SailorAiga...I think my son is in the same class.  He got to SA on 3 March but didn't class up until 3 April.  And it wasn't free time, that's for sure!  He was really glad when classes started.  Just waitin' to hear when graduation is happening so I can make reservations!

  • JanRN

    Wow long day at airport Drama soul! We already decided that we won't be doing that as we have a 13 hr drive back to Philadelphia,PA and I am sure that our Sr would not want us to stay at airport with him. I REALLY HOPE HE CAN STAY IN GL UNTIL SUNDAY!

  • DramaSoul

    JanRN...it was a long day and even if we hadn't planned on being in Chicago until Monday, I think his GF and I would've still spent the day there.It was great to hear his BC stories and gave us more time to check out those automated toilets that change the plastic seat covers automatically.  You have to be careful not to move off it until you're done! 

  • DramaSoul

    txbabydocmom...sending you lots of prayers and light.  Thanks for being here.  Blessings to you and your family.

  • Teach

    Janrn..We had not planned to go to the airport either....until Friday. After 8 weeks, the time on Friday just wasn't enough. Going to the airport even for just the 3 hours we had was so worth it. We got to meet his sailor friends and hear lots of stories. We won't see him again for 10 weeks.
  • DramaSoul

    TeacherMom....I felt the same way.  The 8 hour liberty after PIR was just so SHORT! It's been another 8 weeks since I have seen my Sailor and I probably won't get to see him until graduation from A school.  I am sooo glad we spent that 12 hours at O'Hare.  We met his friends (having met their moms here and on the RTC site on FB.  I loved the stories.

  • keoquilts-corpsman mom

    so airport question,,,since you cant go thru security with your sailor,,,do they have a place where families can hang out with them?