BoyWonderMom, I'm sorry you haven't seen as much of your sailor as you'd like. The Navy can certainly be unpredictable! It's too bad your trip to DC got cancelled. I'm very jealous of your visit to Wilmington! My parents grew up not far from there, and my family has a vacation house in that area. I'm not going to make it back there this summer, which breaks my heart. It'll only be the 3rd summer I've missed in my entire life. :( If I go anywhere this summer it will be to Iowa to see my sailor, who is going to college there as part of the STA-21 program. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
ps If you haven't done it before I highly recommend the tour of the USS North Carolina!
BoyWonderMom - Semper Gumby, always flexible, right?!? Hopefully you will get to enjoy a nice dinner with him tonight! Definitely unfortunate the situation in Alexandria....but yes, probably better you don't head that way. Glad your husband got some nice pictures!
KAM Mom - your faith is strong! I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
NancyJo - well that's a bummer that your son won't be able to visit with his dad when his sisters are there but it's nice that your DIL is still going. And hopefully he'll be able to visit soon after he gets back....
We just came back from the riverfront complex in downtown Norfolk. Had a very nice dinner with our son. He didn't expect to be at work so late today and He's got a stomach virus which is going around in the ship. At least he had a little bit of an appetite today. It started raining really hard on our way there. The tales he's got are hilarious!
Coming here we knew he was going to be really busy but I didn't expect so little time with him. We said our goodbyes and he went home. He shares a beautiful house with 3 sailors in Hampton. About half hour away. After 4 years and lots of goodbyes, this is still so hard. But At least I will see his face again on July 4.
PacNWmom, I've been to Wilmington before but never visited the battleship. This time we will! Such a beautiful picture perfect place, I'm really excited. Hope you make it to Iowa to see your sailor, time with them is priceless.
B'NukeMoM, you are right!, always flexible, you take what you can get! By the way, Norfolk Navy Lodge is amazing highly recommend!
It's been a little more than 6 weeks since Mr. B passed; Mother's Day was very sad but I think Father's Day will be worse. Fortunately for me, 2 of my children live with me and they are a comfort. I had to sell Mr. B's car because I don't drive manual transmission. I am also waiting for the state (he was a state employee) to become competent enough to send me his last paycheck and vacation and sick time. The state retirement system could also actually present my with my options. Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the amount of paperwork that must be completed. I am taking things day by day and sharing memories with family and friends. I went back to work a few weeks ago and, while that was difficult, I have some great coworkers who have been very supportive. Thank you all for keeping KAM and me in your thoughts and prayers.
NonnaB - I am so glad you have your children and co-workers for comfort and support and while it doesn't erase the pain hopefully it helps ease the loss. Hang in there and know that we are here for you too.
BoyWonderMom - glad you were able to have dinner with your son. Ugh that he got a stomach virus - let's hope it doesn't end up like Patti's!
B's girlfriend and her roommate made it to VA (from MI) yesterday. They will be there for a week to celebrate his birthday (#28 on Monday) so he is a happy camper :p
PacNWmom - sorry you won't be able to make it to Wilmington for a visit but hopefully you'll get to Iowa to see your Sailor! My mom is from Osage, Iowa. Only been there once in my life when I was younger so don't really have many memories of it. I do remember lots of corn lol!
We are heating up here in SoCal. Expecting record breaking temps over the next week.....
Be sure to read the pages to the right (10) under the member profiles, especially "Your Sailors Schedule Upon Arrival to GC" and be sure to familiarize yourself with OPSEC. And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have!
Thanks for the welcome...my son is currently in prototype at Balston Spa. It seems pretty intense. Looking forward to hearing from mom's whose sons or daughters have been through this or are in it. Have a great weekend everyone!
Oh yes, Mama did a happy dance last night! My sailor FaceTimed with me from HI. A few of them went together and got a room at the Ritz Carlton and had a view of the ocean which seemed cool to me but they have seen nothing but ocean for months so not quite so thrilling for them. ;D He'll be reunited with his family soon. Hooyah! Here's a screen shot of our conversation. I love that he's wearing the shell necklace that the hotel gave him. LOL What a card.
Awwww NancyJo - I know how happy this makes you!!!! So thankful for their safe return to American soil and so thankful for FaceTime!!!! What a great picture ;p My heart is happy for you <3
Rebecca J, my son did proto at BS, and it is intense, but it seemed like all the training along with pipeline was intense for different reasons. At least with proto you know that it is the last step before the fleet, unless he does additional training that not all sailors do. Is your sailor subs or carrier?
NancyJo that' s a great picture! I know how happy you must be to have him back in the USA!
My daughter went a briefing today and expected to receive her orders to fly out to meet her carrier. While some people in the briefing got them, she and another Nuke did not. I know everything will happen when it's supposed to, and I dread the thought of her leaving, but at the same time this is like waiting for the other shoe to drop! Hurry up and wait!
B'sNukeMom, they don't close until Monday. Yes, I realize you're correct, and not only is it a matter of time, it's a matter of NAVY time. Start, stop, start, go slow okay, now hurry! :)
Thanks for the good wishes, Everyone! I love you gals!
JayDee, even if she gets flown out to the carrier, it's on navy time. For his 1st deployment my son joined the ship in the Persian Gulf 4 months into the deployment. He'd fly somewhere, and wait a day, fly somewhere else, wait 2 days. He had a couple days just hanging out in Dubai until a plane was scheduled to deliver something anyway, and they made room for crew. So, your Nukette can enjoy a few more days stateside before her Big Adventure begins.
marybeth, sometimes our kids seem way more anxious to leave than we are for them to go. Their excitement is sweet but for us the letting go can be tough. Stick around, Sea Sister, we're here for you. Good luck with the party. I'm sure it will be great fun and your boy will be feeling like the king of the world. (until boot camp...yikes!)
Be sure to read the pages to the right (10) under the member profiles, especially "Your Sailors Schedule Upon Arrival to GC" and be sure to familiarize yourself with OPSEC. The Discussion Forum above also has lots of good info. And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have!
I'm going to my son's A School graduation next week in Charleston. Can anyone tell me what to expect? Is it held inside or out? How long is it? What should I wear/bring? Etc.
My sailor is moving out of his apartment in summerville and i am guessing he will come tomorrow when his sister and BIL are coming here for the weekend. He took his bed to their house for their spare room...it was a bed-in-a-box from WalMart which he said was very comfortable right on the floor.
The two youngest KAM's will be moving to new homes very soon. Electrical engineer daughter KAM will be getting married soon and will close on her house the end of the month...at least she will be close about 10 minutes away. Newly highered High School Band Director KAM will be moving about 40 miles up the interstate into a house I will purchase as a rental for him to rent for a few years as he begins his career. Navy KAM will be going to Japan the end of next month. The two oldest KAM's are already married and settled into career and family life.
Have been missing Mike and wishing he could be sharing in all these joyful events. I miss his wisdom, his smile, his blue eyes and his expert weed pulling skills!!! The "kids" will be here tomorrow and the youngest are here now. God is always good!!!
Nonna B I too do not like all the paper work. This week it was file for social security and life insurance. Then there were some rental property items and bills too. I'd much rather be playing my ukulele....which I am doing in the mornings.
Enjoy your loved ones, smile at someone you don't know, and let someone out on a busy road.....
SailorsLImom I'd love to meet you, but my daughter graduated prototype a month ago and is preparing to go our and meet her carrier on deployment. Enjoy PIR. One word if advice :they'll tell you to get up in the balcony for the best view of PIR. We did that and it took forever to get to the main floor and claim our girl. Get as high as you can on the Main floor. You can see everything else on the screens but you'll be close to your girl.
Thanks again JayDee659! Your girl deserves major congrats for this accomplishment, and so does her family. Thanks for the advice about the staging of PIR: I definitely want the hug more than the view. You're farther long this path than I, and I hope to stay in touch with you as we all "sail along" together!
One other hint for all going to PIR: my friend who went in April told me to bring change for the tolls along the road from Chicago to Gt Lakes. Lots of change, she said.
My heart is breaking for the families, friends, and shipmates of the Sailors who lost their lives. I'm hoping they didn't suffer. I'm posting a photo of a merchant ship in dry dock. It show what we can't see under the water line. THAT gashed the ship where the Sailors were sleeping.
J's/S's Mom - Thank you for all the additional info on our ship and sailors. As I was reading one of the articles yesterday about this and my heart breaking for all these sailors and their families I couldn't help but think about the difficult days, months, and years that are in our future.
At the moment our son is just 5 weeks into A school so we know where he's at and that he's as safe as any of the rest of us. But this incident was a reminder loud and clear that this won't always be the case but that all our sailors are headed for harms way. I think I will try to value every day that our sailor is on dry land more and be more thankful to God for every day he is kept safe.
I surely hope these grieving families are able to find some comfort.
I am also so sad and heartbroken about these 7 sailors and their families. I know we will all be praying for them. I too keep thinking of the time when my son will be at sea and I'll have no idea where he is or how he is doing. I'm very thankful for this group of supportive moms. I'm very new to this group, but already so thankful for it.
Sending sympathy and much love to the families of the sailors lost on the USS Fitzgerald. Also thanking the sailors who reacted quickly to prevent further tragedy.
Sea Sisters, we are in mourning today for our lost sailors from the Fitzgerald. J's/S'smom, thanks so much for the updates. Alison, I appreciate the map of the movements of the cargo ship. I am so proud of our sailors and how they saved the ship, and worked so hard for their shipmates. I can hardly bear it. Those poor families. We send our children into harm's way just always hoping they come home safe. Prayers for them all.
Few people understand what life is like as a Navy parent. I am so sad at this news, and at the same time, grateful that my youngest Sailor had just returned from that area and will be home soon. Sadness and relief. It's why we are on this site.
Hugs to all.
My heart continues to hurt for these sailors and their families. Please take a moment to remember each of them and continue to pray for peace for all on the USS Fitzgerald and for the US Navy. I am so very sorry. Fair winds and following seas.....
NancyJo - yes, I am seeing this on FB - they are saying that some of these Sailors lost everything in their berthing areas. I don't know how much of this the Navy will replace - I would think they would help out - but I'm sure donations are greatly appreciated.
PacNWmom
BoyWonderMom, I'm sorry you haven't seen as much of your sailor as you'd like. The Navy can certainly be unpredictable! It's too bad your trip to DC got cancelled. I'm very jealous of your visit to Wilmington! My parents grew up not far from there, and my family has a vacation house in that area. I'm not going to make it back there this summer, which breaks my heart. It'll only be the 3rd summer I've missed in my entire life. :( If I go anywhere this summer it will be to Iowa to see my sailor, who is going to college there as part of the STA-21 program. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
ps If you haven't done it before I highly recommend the tour of the USS North Carolina!
Jun 14, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
KAM Mom - your faith is strong! I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
NancyJo - well that's a bummer that your son won't be able to visit with his dad when his sisters are there but it's nice that your DIL is still going. And hopefully he'll be able to visit soon after he gets back....
Jun 14, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
NonnaB - how are you doing my friend? Please check in....
Continuing to keep you in my prayers too.
Jun 14, 2017
BoyWonderMom
Coming here we knew he was going to be really busy but I didn't expect so little time with him. We said our goodbyes and he went home. He shares a beautiful house with 3 sailors in Hampton. About half hour away. After 4 years and lots of goodbyes, this is still so hard. But At least I will see his face again on July 4.
PacNWmom, I've been to Wilmington before but never visited the battleship. This time we will! Such a beautiful picture perfect place, I'm really excited. Hope you make it to Iowa to see your sailor, time with them is priceless.
B'NukeMoM, you are right!, always flexible, you take what you can get! By the way, Norfolk Navy Lodge is amazing highly recommend!
Jun 14, 2017
NonnaB
It's been a little more than 6 weeks since Mr. B passed; Mother's Day was very sad but I think Father's Day will be worse. Fortunately for me, 2 of my children live with me and they are a comfort. I had to sell Mr. B's car because I don't drive manual transmission. I am also waiting for the state (he was a state employee) to become competent enough to send me his last paycheck and vacation and sick time. The state retirement system could also actually present my with my options. Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the amount of paperwork that must be completed. I am taking things day by day and sharing memories with family and friends. I went back to work a few weeks ago and, while that was difficult, I have some great coworkers who have been very supportive. Thank you all for keeping KAM and me in your thoughts and prayers.
Jun 15, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Thursday!
NonnaB - I am so glad you have your children and co-workers for comfort and support and while it doesn't erase the pain hopefully it helps ease the loss. Hang in there and know that we are here for you too.
BoyWonderMom - glad you were able to have dinner with your son. Ugh that he got a stomach virus - let's hope it doesn't end up like Patti's!
B's girlfriend and her roommate made it to VA (from MI) yesterday. They will be there for a week to celebrate his birthday (#28 on Monday) so he is a happy camper :p
PacNWmom - sorry you won't be able to make it to Wilmington for a visit but hopefully you'll get to Iowa to see your Sailor! My mom is from Osage, Iowa. Only been there once in my life when I was younger so don't really have many memories of it. I do remember lots of corn lol!
We are heating up here in SoCal. Expecting record breaking temps over the next week.....
Jun 15, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ Rebecca J!
Be sure to read the pages to the right (10) under the member profiles, especially "Your Sailors Schedule Upon Arrival to GC" and be sure to familiarize yourself with OPSEC. And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have!
Jun 15, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jun 16, 2017
Rebecca J
Jun 16, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
NancyJo I know you are one happy momma <3
Jun 16, 2017
JayDee659
Jun 16, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
Oh yes, Mama did a happy dance last night! My sailor FaceTimed with me from HI. A few of them went together and got a room at the Ritz Carlton and had a view of the ocean which seemed cool to me but they have seen nothing but ocean for months so not quite so thrilling for them. ;D He'll be reunited with his family soon. Hooyah! Here's a screen shot of our conversation. I love that he's wearing the shell necklace that the hotel gave him. LOL What a card.
Jun 16, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jun 16, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
And I'm sure the Ritz was amazing!!!! Even if they didn't care about seeing the ocean lol!
Jun 16, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Rebecca J - here's the link for the BS group. It's not real active but you might find some helpful info there.
http://navyformoms.ning.com/group/momsdadsfamilieswithnukesinballst...
Jun 16, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
Rebecca J, my son did proto at BS, and it is intense, but it seemed like all the training along with pipeline was intense for different reasons. At least with proto you know that it is the last step before the fleet, unless he does additional training that not all sailors do. Is your sailor subs or carrier?
Jun 16, 2017
JayDee659
NancyJo that' s a great picture! I know how happy you must be to have him back in the USA!
My daughter went a briefing today and expected to receive her orders to fly out to meet her carrier. While some people in the briefing got them, she and another Nuke did not. I know everything will happen when it's supposed to, and I dread the thought of her leaving, but at the same time this is like waiting for the other shoe to drop! Hurry up and wait!
Jun 16, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
JayDee - it's just a matter of time! Did they get all situated in their house?
Jun 16, 2017
JayDee659
B'sNukeMom, they don't close until Monday. Yes, I realize you're correct, and not only is it a matter of time, it's a matter of NAVY time. Start, stop, start, go slow okay, now hurry! :)
Jun 16, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
Thanks for the good wishes, Everyone! I love you gals!
JayDee, even if she gets flown out to the carrier, it's on navy time. For his 1st deployment my son joined the ship in the Persian Gulf 4 months into the deployment. He'd fly somewhere, and wait a day, fly somewhere else, wait 2 days. He had a couple days just hanging out in Dubai until a plane was scheduled to deliver something anyway, and they made room for crew. So, your Nukette can enjoy a few more days stateside before her Big Adventure begins.
marybeth, sometimes our kids seem way more anxious to leave than we are for them to go. Their excitement is sweet but for us the letting go can be tough. Stick around, Sea Sister, we're here for you. Good luck with the party. I'm sure it will be great fun and your boy will be feeling like the king of the world. (until boot camp...yikes!)
Jun 16, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ Kathy&Steve!
Be sure to read the pages to the right (10) under the member profiles, especially "Your Sailors Schedule Upon Arrival to GC" and be sure to familiarize yourself with OPSEC. The Discussion Forum above also has lots of good info. And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have!
Jun 16, 2017
ProudOfK
NancyJo - so glad to hear your son made it to Hawaii - that has to make your mom's heart feel a lot better.
Jun 16, 2017
Alison
Aw NancyJo (CVN70) what a handsome sailor! I am so happy the Vinson is back after such a long time out :)
NonnaB thinking of you <3
Happy Friday, hope everyone has a safe and wonderful weekend!
Jun 16, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jun 16, 2017
SailorsLIMom
Our daughter is now a Sailor and a future Nuke! Yay!
Jun 16, 2017
StandupSister
Jun 16, 2017
KAM Mom
Hey Everyone,
My sailor is moving out of his apartment in summerville and i am guessing he will come tomorrow when his sister and BIL are coming here for the weekend. He took his bed to their house for their spare room...it was a bed-in-a-box from WalMart which he said was very comfortable right on the floor.
The two youngest KAM's will be moving to new homes very soon. Electrical engineer daughter KAM will be getting married soon and will close on her house the end of the month...at least she will be close about 10 minutes away. Newly highered High School Band Director KAM will be moving about 40 miles up the interstate into a house I will purchase as a rental for him to rent for a few years as he begins his career. Navy KAM will be going to Japan the end of next month. The two oldest KAM's are already married and settled into career and family life.
Have been missing Mike and wishing he could be sharing in all these joyful events. I miss his wisdom, his smile, his blue eyes and his expert weed pulling skills!!! The "kids" will be here tomorrow and the youngest are here now. God is always good!!!
Nonna B I too do not like all the paper work. This week it was file for social security and life insurance. Then there were some rental property items and bills too. I'd much rather be playing my ukulele....which I am doing in the mornings.
Enjoy your loved ones, smile at someone you don't know, and let someone out on a busy road.....
Jun 16, 2017
JayDee659
Jun 16, 2017
SailorsLIMom
Thanks JayDee659! The support from this group has meant so much. See you at the Meet and Greet?
Jun 16, 2017
JayDee659
Jun 16, 2017
Alison
Here is a BBC report with data and maps regarding the Cargo ships movements before it hit the Fitzgerald. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40310563
Hoping for the best for the sailors and their families
Jun 17, 2017
SailorsLIMom
Thanks again JayDee659! Your girl deserves major congrats for this accomplishment, and so does her family. Thanks for the advice about the staging of PIR: I definitely want the hug more than the view. You're farther long this path than I, and I hope to stay in touch with you as we all "sail along" together!
Jun 17, 2017
SailorsLIMom
One other hint for all going to PIR: my friend who went in April told me to bring change for the tolls along the road from Chicago to Gt Lakes. Lots of change, she said.
Jun 17, 2017
JayDee659
Jun 17, 2017
M'smom
Jun 17, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jun 18, 2017
Pooh'sMom
http://c8.alamy.com/comp/HK7DAM/mol-container-vessel-in-the-dry-doc...
My heart is breaking for the families, friends, and shipmates of the Sailors who lost their lives. I'm hoping they didn't suffer.
I'm posting a photo of a merchant ship in dry dock. It show what we can't see under the water line. THAT gashed the ship where the Sailors were sleeping.
Jun 18, 2017
ProudOfK
J's/S's Mom - Thank you for all the additional info on our ship and sailors. As I was reading one of the articles yesterday about this and my heart breaking for all these sailors and their families I couldn't help but think about the difficult days, months, and years that are in our future.
At the moment our son is just 5 weeks into A school so we know where he's at and that he's as safe as any of the rest of us. But this incident was a reminder loud and clear that this won't always be the case but that all our sailors are headed for harms way. I think I will try to value every day that our sailor is on dry land more and be more thankful to God for every day he is kept safe.
I surely hope these grieving families are able to find some comfort.
Jun 18, 2017
M'smom
Jun 18, 2017
Rebecca J
Jun 18, 2017
NonnaB
Jun 19, 2017
NickSydmom
Jun 19, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
Sea Sisters, we are in mourning today for our lost sailors from the Fitzgerald. J's/S'smom, thanks so much for the updates. Alison, I appreciate the map of the movements of the cargo ship. I am so proud of our sailors and how they saved the ship, and worked so hard for their shipmates. I can hardly bear it. Those poor families. We send our children into harm's way just always hoping they come home safe. Prayers for them all.
Jun 19, 2017
Johanna
Hugs to all.
Jun 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
My heart continues to hurt for these sailors and their families. Please take a moment to remember each of them and continue to pray for peace for all on the USS Fitzgerald and for the US Navy. I am so very sorry. Fair winds and following seas.....
Jun 19, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
That's beautiful, B'sNuke. Thanks for posting.
Jun 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
If you want to donate there are a few ways to help out:
First you can donate directly to the Red Cross and indicate your donation is for the USS Fitzgerald.
Second you can send items directly to the USS Fitzgerald - toiletries, clothing or cards - use the "If it fits, it ships" military boxes:
USS FITZGERALD
Unit 100173 BOX 1
FPO AP 96665
Or you can go to the group here on N4M: Molly's Adopt a Sailor:
http://navyformoms.ning.com/group/mollysadoptasailorproject/forum/t...
The Navy has advised that you use caution with Go Fund Me pages as these (unfortunately) may not be legitimate.
Jun 19, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
This is great, B'sNuke. I understand some sailors lost everything they own from the collision.
Jun 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
NancyJo - yes, I am seeing this on FB - they are saying that some of these Sailors lost everything in their berthing areas. I don't know how much of this the Navy will replace - I would think they would help out - but I'm sure donations are greatly appreciated.
Jun 19, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
I think the navy will help with uniforms but that's about it. It's the stuff listed on the Adopt a Sailor page that they need.
Jun 19, 2017