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!
My daughter is stocking up but spending like it's her job! Waiting for classes to start is sucking her bank account dry! She sent me a video of chow the other day. I don't know if it was chicken or fish but the piece was so hard, she could whack her fork on top of it and it sounded like a rock! She couldn't even spear the fork into it!!!
Liz- love the analogy-spending like it's their job. Yep. That's it exactly. Plus, the nfcu gave him a 500 line of credit so he wouldn't accidentally overdraft. He decided he could use that also and they have now raised it to 1000. Plus, they gave him a credit card with a 2000 limit. I don't know why they are enabling these kids to get so deeply in debt already. It is frustrating to watch, but they have to learn. Some learned it early, but not my son. He always did feel like money was burning a hole in his pocket. I have a feeling he isn't going to learn the lesson until he finishes school and wants to buy a car but is already so deeply in debt that he won't be able to.
txbabydocmom....Thats great news. I dont comment on here much but you and your son have been in my thoughts since this all happened. Thats wonderful news for all of you. You must all be very happy!!!
txbabydocmom...they fly out of both, depending on when the tickets are purchased--I assume they try to get the best fare. Mine flew out on Saturday from Midway and his flight was around 0630. He thought for about two weeks he would be flying out of Ohare, but it changed on Thursday before PIR. That was in April.
Tx - mine flew out of ohare on American. Tell him to check in at the gate also to let them know he is there and just ask if he needs to do anything else. They upgraded our son to first class and he didn't even know it or ask for it. He found out about ten minutes before the flight left when they called several of them to the counter. He enjoyed the pampering after all the time in boot camp. American appears to do that automatically for as many sailors as they have room for in first class.
We tried to teach our son about the perils of credit but the temptations were just too great. He spent everything he saved in boot camp very quickly and it takes his full paycheck to pay back the line of credit every two weeks. I just watch his bank account silently and shake my head because talking to him does no good. He is an adult and is choosing to "learn the hard way."
Still trying to figure this all out, hahaha. So, I know my SN is 135, but we have received two different dates for his graduation. I did stumble across this:
Hey Amac23 - My husband is in 135 as well. (At least I am 90% sure - they just finished the EMT portion of their studies about a week or so ago...) He mentioned something about a July 23rd as a Grad date...however, he stated that it could change. I didn't see that date on the list you provided. I will post as soon as I know for sure.
Thanks, redheaded. I have heard that date a few times. I am so antsy because I own my own business and have two kids and have to make incredibly immaculate plans for everything to work out! I am hoping to find out asap so I can finalize things! Originally we thought it was the 30th, though I've no idea why. Do they always fall on a monday?
Woo-hoo.... In 8 hours we start the drive to Fort Sam.... I bet my daughter will love the car. And yes, her paycheck will start to dwindle once she start going to the malls down there.
Amac23...I understand the whole life-has-to-be-planned to make everything work and I will just let you know, the Navy is going to test that...A LOT! Even after my son found out his grad date after the EMT 5 weeks were up, he was told it could change. He didn't give me a firm date until he double checked his orders (online?) and confirmed where he would be going after graduation. I actually had to change when I return home because he is ending up with leave before he reports to his next training. It is EXPENSIVE to change!!! Craig...so excited for you!
Well, I got my official answer today from METC, and his date is a week earlier than thought.
So, here is the question: he graduates on a tuesday. I could fly out on monday and stay until wednesday or thursday and still be there for him.
Or, I could completely surprise him and come out in a few weeks.The con of course, is that I won't be there for graduation. The pro is that it will be a weekend so at least I'd have him to myself overnight! If it's during the week I would only see him a few hours each night...I think
Nevermind. Ignore below! I went with the graduation date. As much as I want to stay with him, I want to support him during graduation.
I am considering surprising him, but I am wondering how far I would get that way. Does he need to put my name on some list in order to come in and see him, or can I actually surprise him?
Amac23, that is a tough one. We were able to go for his graduation from a school. It was very cool. Nothing like PiR. This is much more low key. We live in tx so we were able to spend the weekend with him. Good luck to you.
Hey I love my sailor I am actually going to the corpsman ball with my husband as well on Sat. I had the same question as you did so I spoke with the people hosting the ball and they said a long gown would be appropriate as it is a black tie event. I went to David's bridal and found a gown on sale.
Who-hoo... I'm in San Antonio. We got our daughter's car down here in one piece. My daughter wants us to video them marching back from school. I guess she said the Navy guys sing like they are on American Idol. She said they are really, really good. So I'll see if I can record them all....
Thank you, windhaven. I have heard people say that. PIR is just so emotional!
Speaking of emotional- I am just having a tough day. Since they moved my husbands gradution, I've been scrambling with trying to cover childcare, my business, extra fees, etc, to see him. He doesnt report to his next location until almost a week later, so he put in for a leave so we can have a few days together, and his LPO said "Youre a reservist. Leave doesnt matter, youre going the next day". I know I need to get used to it, but sometimes it just get's overwhelming to be powerless over having any time with your spouse- even when that time is there.
Amac23....sending you lots of positive energy.I feel for you...I really do. It is just so challenging to get used to this and I am one of those people who have everything planned and organized. I am grateful that I don't have to juggle children...just my job...and the extra fees are humongous!
They were really good! I accidently left my video in my daughters car, but we go over there tomorrow for the Joint Service games. My daughter is playing in the "Ultimate Football Challenge". So we will see if me teaching her football has paid off.
I should have the video's posted tomorrow of them singing and calling cadence. Btw: I will post the Air Force and Army guys too. I want you to compare the Navy to these losers. The Navy won by far...
Amac23, hang in there. Just try to take one day at a time. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to go thru what you are doing with kids. Best of luck. Maria
So Craig, what my son says about the AF not being able to march compared to the Navy is true? LOL! I just thought he was sayin' that! txbabydocmom...I think that would be so cool! I would love to see them march again. The one and only time I saw them was at PIR.
Katze90210...I arrive at 0605 on the 30th. I have to work on the 29th so I am taking the red eye from Oregon. After I pick up a car, I am driving to the base to pick up my son. Whoohoo!!!
Robert/HM Mom...There are a variety of options for the Corpsman after A school. After they complete the EMT part of training (the first 5 weeks) they will have an opportunity to pick their orders...depending on what's available and where they are in the class ranking. I can tell you my son was very happy to go 'green side'... FMTB (Field Marine Training Battalion). He will train with Marines and then go to his duty station as a Corpsman in the Marines. He is also attached to a ship so if and when the ship deploys, he will be on it. Some will choose C school and there are a lot of options there (Surgical Tech, Pharmacy Tech, etc). Some of his classmates will go 'quad zero' and work in hospitals quite literally all over the world or stateside. One of his friends is going to Japan, for example. I hope this helps. This is just what I know from talking with my son. He has two more weeks and then graduates. WHOOHOO!!!
I just want to thank everyone for their support. I know I tend to only talk when I am whining, but I lurk here and learn from all of you all the time. I guess I get particularly expressive when I am upset.
Anyhow, I am going to SA July 24-26th. If they send him out the next day (he graduates the 24th), I will be in TX for a few days alone. Hahaha. Depressing. He did ask for leave those few day, but as a reservist, they made it clear he has no place asking for anything.
Anyhow, I was wondering- why is 'going green' so desirable? My husband is also going to Pendleton (God willing!!!) for FMTB, and I was wondering why it's so sought after?
Katze...my son's graduation is 2 July so we will have the weekend before graduation. I am flying out on the 3rd. This will be my second graduation for him this year and if all goes right, I will have one more at the end of September. I told him I hadn't missed a graduation of his (or my daughter's for that matter) since he started pre-school and I wasn't going to start now!!
DramaSoul thats great. If all goes well mine should graduate Aug 15th. Don't think I will make it. This is kind of half way and good timing. My younger son will be going to NC on Aug 18 to setup\move in to his dorm. So not sure what will happen. We live in NJ so we will drive him to NC. It's nice that you can go
Katze...this just happened to work out for me. He is the younger of my two children and my daughter is married. It's just me now! Where is your younger son going to school?
Amac23...as near as I can tell...there is a lot of prestige and respect in going FMTB. You have to be at the top of your game both physically and mentally. My son has ALWAYS wanted to do that. He told me recently that he joined the Navy to learn a skill and to give back and this is how he feels he can do that the best way possible. I have heard from some Viet Nam Marine veterans that they took very good care of their 'Doc' (as they call Corpsman going 'green side') because it is a matter of life-or-death. One even told me he went toe-to-toe with a superior officer who was disrespectful to his 'Doc'.
KathyProudCorpsmanMom....Well said. I had a long conversation with my Sailor last night. He has been doing 'daily doubles' with his PT getting up @ 0430 for his morning workout and then PT after class as well as studying. He was telling me about the Corpsman skills he was learning as well. He has two other classmates who are on the same path so they are training together. Bravo Zulu to your Sailor!
Txbabydicmom...I guess it runs in cycles. My son has always wanted FMTB. He would've taken a C school if that was his only option (Surg tech) but he was really excited when the FMTB billet was there!! It must be so cool driving there in the morning seeing the Corpmans marching and calling cadence. Brings tears to my eyes as I remember them marching in when the doors rolled open at PIR.
I just got back from Fort Sam.... The video's are posted above...
If you go in the back gate it is soooo easy to find the barracks. It's right in front of you.
If you want to see them marching sit under this walkway bridge (in the shade) on the barrack side. They walk on the sidewalk in front of you. It's really awesome! (Where the guy is walking in the bottom picture, not the black guy on the sign ~ha)
My sailor's class will graduate a week from today =) They are the next class to graduate and I am so proud! Will anyone be there to take pictures? I won't be able to come.
Craig....thank you sooo much for posting the pics and the videos. OMG...do the Army and AF even know which foot is the left one? Craig I would like to share this on FB with my secret group of Moms from my Sailor's PIR division. Would that be okay? If not...I won't. I have watched this over and over trying to see if it's my son's class.
Drama - You know me by now. I don't care if you repost anything I post. We are all in this together. I needed those videos anyways for the future sailors on my website (NavyDEP.com). It makes it so easy when a new deppers can actually see what they are about to do, or where they are about to live.
As you know, it's my Air Force daughter who's at Fort Sam. But my true joy is working with the Navy guys. I totally understand the Navy an can help the new deppers enjoy the Navy. Half the battle is showing them what they are about to do, or where they are about to live.
btw: Your sailor is the one wearing the blue camouflage uniform.
lizinnj
My daughter is stocking up but spending like it's her job! Waiting for classes to start is sucking her bank account dry! She sent me a video of chow the other day. I don't know if it was chicken or fish but the piece was so hard, she could whack her fork on top of it and it sounded like a rock! She couldn't even spear the fork into it!!!
Jun 12, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jun 12, 2012
Craig
txbaby - Outstanding! Thank God he stuck it out and worked the problem. A true sailor.
Jun 12, 2012
Teach
Jun 12, 2012
1proudmom
txbabydocmom....Thats great news. I dont comment on here much but you and your son have been in my thoughts since this all happened. Thats wonderful news for all of you. You must all be very happy!!!
Jun 12, 2012
cindylou61
txbabydocmom...they fly out of both, depending on when the tickets are purchased--I assume they try to get the best fare. Mine flew out on Saturday from Midway and his flight was around 0630. He thought for about two weeks he would be flying out of Ohare, but it changed on Thursday before PIR. That was in April.
Jun 12, 2012
Teach
Jun 12, 2012
Teach
Jun 12, 2012
Amac23
Still trying to figure this all out, hahaha. So, I know my SN is 135, but we have received two different dates for his graduation. I did stumble across this:
http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/upcoming_events.aspx#Graduation
This these dates have to do with our Sailors?
Jun 12, 2012
RedHeadedNavyWife
Hey Amac23 - My husband is in 135 as well. (At least I am 90% sure - they just finished the EMT portion of their studies about a week or so ago...) He mentioned something about a July 23rd as a Grad date...however, he stated that it could change. I didn't see that date on the list you provided. I will post as soon as I know for sure.
Jun 12, 2012
Amac23
Thanks, redheaded. I have heard that date a few times. I am so antsy because I own my own business and have two kids and have to make incredibly immaculate plans for everything to work out! I am hoping to find out asap so I can finalize things! Originally we thought it was the 30th, though I've no idea why. Do they always fall on a monday?
Jun 13, 2012
Craig
Woo-hoo.... In 8 hours we start the drive to Fort Sam.... I bet my daughter will love the car. And yes, her paycheck will start to dwindle once she start going to the malls down there.
Jun 13, 2012
DramaSoul
Amac23...I understand the whole life-has-to-be-planned to make everything work and I will just let you know, the Navy is going to test that...A LOT! Even after my son found out his grad date after the EMT 5 weeks were up, he was told it could change. He didn't give me a firm date until he double checked his orders (online?) and confirmed where he would be going after graduation. I actually had to change when I return home because he is ending up with leave before he reports to his next training. It is EXPENSIVE to change!!! Craig...so excited for you!
Jun 13, 2012
Amac23
Well, I got my official answer today from METC, and his date is a week earlier than thought.
So, here is the question: he graduates on a tuesday. I could fly out on monday and stay until wednesday or thursday and still be there for him.
Or, I could completely surprise him and come out in a few weeks.The con of course, is that I won't be there for graduation. The pro is that it will be a weekend so at least I'd have him to myself overnight! If it's during the week I would only see him a few hours each night...I think
What would you ladies do?
Jun 13, 2012
Amac23
Nevermind. Ignore below! I went with the graduation date. As much as I want to stay with him, I want to support him during graduation.
I am considering surprising him, but I am wondering how far I would get that way. Does he need to put my name on some list in order to come in and see him, or can I actually surprise him?
Jun 13, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Jun 13, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Jun 13, 2012
desireenavygf (Ship 11 DIV 322)
Jun 14, 2012
Craig
Who-hoo... I'm in San Antonio. We got our daughter's car down here in one piece. My daughter wants us to video them marching back from school. I guess she said the Navy guys sing like they are on American Idol. She said they are really, really good. So I'll see if I can record them all....
Jun 15, 2012
Teach
Jun 15, 2012
cindylou61
Craig...I'd love to see that also :o)
Jun 15, 2012
DramaSoul
Craig...YES! I would love to see the video. I will be in SA in two weeks!!
Jun 15, 2012
Amac23
Thank you, windhaven. I have heard people say that. PIR is just so emotional!
Speaking of emotional- I am just having a tough day. Since they moved my husbands gradution, I've been scrambling with trying to cover childcare, my business, extra fees, etc, to see him. He doesnt report to his next location until almost a week later, so he put in for a leave so we can have a few days together, and his LPO said "Youre a reservist. Leave doesnt matter, youre going the next day". I know I need to get used to it, but sometimes it just get's overwhelming to be powerless over having any time with your spouse- even when that time is there.
Jun 15, 2012
DramaSoul
Amac23....sending you lots of positive energy.I feel for you...I really do. It is just so challenging to get used to this and I am one of those people who have everything planned and organized. I am grateful that I don't have to juggle children...just my job...and the extra fees are humongous!
Jun 15, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Craig I too would love to see the video. DramaSoul I'm going to SA June 28. When do you go and where are you staying?
Jun 15, 2012
Craig
Man, the Navy guys "rocked the house".
They were really good! I accidently left my video in my daughters car, but we go over there tomorrow for the Joint Service games. My daughter is playing in the "Ultimate Football Challenge". So we will see if me teaching her football has paid off.
I should have the video's posted tomorrow of them singing and calling cadence. Btw: I will post the Air Force and Army guys too. I want you to compare the Navy to these losers. The Navy won by far...
Jun 16, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Jun 16, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Jun 16, 2012
DramaSoul
So Craig, what my son says about the AF not being able to march compared to the Navy is true? LOL! I just thought he was sayin' that! txbabydocmom...I think that would be so cool! I would love to see them march again. The one and only time I saw them was at PIR.
Jun 16, 2012
DramaSoul
Katze90210...I arrive at 0605 on the 30th. I have to work on the 29th so I am taking the red eye from Oregon. After I pick up a car, I am driving to the base to pick up my son. Whoohoo!!!
Jun 16, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
I'm getting to SA June 28th at 11 pm. And coming home July 1. Just a quick visit but well worth it.
Jun 16, 2012
DramaSoul
Robert/HM Mom...There are a variety of options for the Corpsman after A school. After they complete the EMT part of training (the first 5 weeks) they will have an opportunity to pick their orders...depending on what's available and where they are in the class ranking. I can tell you my son was very happy to go 'green side'... FMTB (Field Marine Training Battalion). He will train with Marines and then go to his duty station as a Corpsman in the Marines. He is also attached to a ship so if and when the ship deploys, he will be on it. Some will choose C school and there are a lot of options there (Surgical Tech, Pharmacy Tech, etc). Some of his classmates will go 'quad zero' and work in hospitals quite literally all over the world or stateside. One of his friends is going to Japan, for example. I hope this helps. This is just what I know from talking with my son. He has two more weeks and then graduates. WHOOHOO!!!
Jun 16, 2012
Amac23
I just want to thank everyone for their support. I know I tend to only talk when I am whining, but I lurk here and learn from all of you all the time. I guess I get particularly expressive when I am upset.
Anyhow, I am going to SA July 24-26th. If they send him out the next day (he graduates the 24th), I will be in TX for a few days alone. Hahaha. Depressing. He did ask for leave those few day, but as a reservist, they made it clear he has no place asking for anything.
Anyhow, I was wondering- why is 'going green' so desirable? My husband is also going to Pendleton (God willing!!!) for FMTB, and I was wondering why it's so sought after?
Jun 16, 2012
DramaSoul
Katze...my son's graduation is 2 July so we will have the weekend before graduation. I am flying out on the 3rd. This will be my second graduation for him this year and if all goes right, I will have one more at the end of September. I told him I hadn't missed a graduation of his (or my daughter's for that matter) since he started pre-school and I wasn't going to start now!!
Jun 16, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
DramaSoul thats great. If all goes well mine should graduate Aug 15th. Don't think I will make it. This is kind of half way and good timing. My younger son will be going to NC on Aug 18 to setup\move in to his dorm. So not sure what will happen. We live in NJ so we will drive him to NC. It's nice that you can go
Jun 16, 2012
DramaSoul
Katze...this just happened to work out for me. He is the younger of my two children and my daughter is married. It's just me now! Where is your younger son going to school?
Jun 16, 2012
DramaSoul
Amac23...as near as I can tell...there is a lot of prestige and respect in going FMTB. You have to be at the top of your game both physically and mentally. My son has ALWAYS wanted to do that. He told me recently that he joined the Navy to learn a skill and to give back and this is how he feels he can do that the best way possible. I have heard from some Viet Nam Marine veterans that they took very good care of their 'Doc' (as they call Corpsman going 'green side') because it is a matter of life-or-death. One even told me he went toe-to-toe with a superior officer who was disrespectful to his 'Doc'.
Jun 16, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jun 17, 2012
DramaSoul
Jun 17, 2012
DramaSoul
Jun 17, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jun 17, 2012
Craig
Hey all, Besides Youtube, what do you guys use to upload huge video files? N4M is limited to 7MB, which is way too small....
Jun 17, 2012
DramaSoul
Katze...I know one of the guys is from his division 075 PIR 2 March. My son is in class 120B.
Jun 17, 2012
lizinnj
Katze I am in Jersey too! 15 minutes outside Atlantic City
Jun 17, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
lizinni I'm in Middlesex county
Jun 17, 2012
Craig
Note: Click on pictures to make them bigger
I just got back from Fort Sam.... The video's are posted above...
If you go in the back gate it is soooo easy to find the barracks. It's right in front of you.
If you want to see them marching sit under this walkway bridge (in the shade) on the barrack side. They walk on the sidewalk in front of you. It's really awesome! (Where the guy is walking in the bottom picture, not the black guy on the sign ~ha)
Jun 18, 2012
brandon'sgirl
My sailor's class will graduate a week from today =) They are the next class to graduate and I am so proud! Will anyone be there to take pictures? I won't be able to come.
Jun 18, 2012
cindylou61
Craig, thank you for the pics and videos!
Jun 18, 2012
DramaSoul
Craig....thank you sooo much for posting the pics and the videos. OMG...do the Army and AF even know which foot is the left one? Craig I would like to share this on FB with my secret group of Moms from my Sailor's PIR division. Would that be okay? If not...I won't. I have watched this over and over trying to see if it's my son's class.
Jun 18, 2012
Craig
Drama - You know me by now. I don't care if you repost anything I post. We are all in this together. I needed those videos anyways for the future sailors on my website (NavyDEP.com). It makes it so easy when a new deppers can actually see what they are about to do, or where they are about to live.
As you know, it's my Air Force daughter who's at Fort Sam. But my true joy is working with the Navy guys. I totally understand the Navy an can help the new deppers enjoy the Navy. Half the battle is showing them what they are about to do, or where they are about to live.
btw: Your sailor is the one wearing the blue camouflage uniform.
Jun 18, 2012