Chipmunk- The missed phone call was when my nuke was in boot camp. I have one son in HS and one in elementary. Plus 3 step-kids that have already moved out. House is getting empty. =(
BNuke’sMoM okay I will have my daughter find out but she can use the oils anyway even if the diffuser isn’t allowed. They really help. Just an FYI for other parents whose children are feeling stressed . It’s a natural way to help.
Thanks to all for the encouraging words and advice. I will definitely keep trying to encourage my sailor, while trying to not allow my own worries to bleed out into his. lol. I love the idea of essential oils and have a work contact who sells the Doterra kind so I will look into that as well. Also, working on cutting (or at least stretching out) those apron strings!
Please welcome our newest member to the group ~ JMOM_3BOYS.
Please be sure to read the pages to the right (10) under the member profiles, especially "Your Sailors Schedule Upon Arrival to GC". Also look through the discussion forum above (hit "view all") where you will find lots of good info. And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have!
Welcome to all the new moms, I think I lost track today!!
For those of you asking about Christmas, some I have pm, but others might find the following helpful. This is a discussion from the main group, and Anti M replied at the bottom to my specific question about getting airline tickets.
Another question - after reading some of the posts today about PT, boredom, school stress, and getting outdoors - I was wondering - Do they have any sort of intermural sports at NNPTC? NNLori mentioned her son loved any sports with a ball and my son always enjoyed playing flag football with any group that would show up at our neighborhood park. His PE throughout high school was co-ed so they played softball instead of baseball, but he loved to play it, volleyball, they went rock climbing, learned to play golf, tennis, lots of different things. Frisbee golf, and cricket ( maybe just his brother) anyway, - Dodge ball was his favorite. My point, do they have any sort of fun - outside sports activities like this where a large group could get together and exercise, in the outdoors without it being a "have to". And if they don't have the equipment to do this sort of stuff, is this something we go do a Christmas blessing to NNPTC?
my sailor must be adapting well in GC. I sent him a care package and he liked it but said I did not need to send him things that he can buy. He did like the cookies. He is so independent that he does not see we want to send him things. He does not want to worry about having too many things in his room I think. (To keep clean?)
he did say that he tried out Uber for his transportation needs on the weekend. The other sailors recommended it and it worked out well for him. Visited Patriot's point and some other areas.
JayDee: our sailor is doing fine, thanks for asking.
I have never mentioned to this group that out sailor de-stresses by searching online for his ideal cabin on the coast or in remote eastern Oregon (which reminds me of CO-Twin's son and his Alaska cabin). He drives an old rig, not spending much, so has saved a fair amount of cash. And like Mark Twain said: "Buy land, their not making it any more." So he'll find the odd remote cabin or bare land, and I do the due diligence... like "this parcel is under water in wet years so is no good -or- that lot is 60 miles from town and no woman will ever live there". Keeps me from missing him too much. He has not found the perfect cabin yet.
Ladies, I added another post to the "A" School schedule discussion above - this is information from my son regarding actual study suggestion comments and how required time is figured. Hopefully, it will give you some more understanding, so that you have something to ask your sailor about.
I have a question - can someone tell me what school it is they go too after A school. My son has been told that once BT and A school are over he still has a year (at least) more in South Carolina to complete. Thanks!
3 schools - A school, Power school and Prototyoe. Both A school & power school are in Goose Creek. Prototype can be in either GC or Ballston Spa, NY. Total time from BC to prototype grad is roughly 2 years.
Buzzbeck - Searching for a cabin sounds like a lot of fun, and yes, relaxing!!
PattiP & MoMom - so sorry to hear about Henry the Hippo.
workingatit - Lol ! - Glad your son is figuring out Uber. My son wanted to change from his flip phone to a smart phone, so he could use Uber, but he hasn't gone anywhere yet. His shipmates are keeping him busy on Saturday afternoon's or Friday nights. But I love to site see and go to historical places, I will have to pass that along to my son.
Have any of you new moms had your sailors mention doing outings with the HWR (I think - Health, Welfare, Recreation?) - My son was able to go on a ropes course, maybe rock climbing - team building trip while he was still INDOC. I don't know if they do these on a regular basis or not, but that is something else for them to check into.
Buzzbeck Your comment made me smile. My boy has been taking screen shots of places he wants to visit overseas and using them as the wallpaper on his phone. He said, "Any time I get a little down about the work I am putting in I just look at those pictures and remind myself I will get to see those places myself one day because of what I am doing now." It is amazing how much maturity the Navy has managed to put into my 18 year old in such a short time!
Nukelukesmom - That is a really great idea that your son has!! Just as we have our children, hobbies and other things our sailors need a way to help them focus on the bigger picture when the grind of school studying gets them bogged down. My nephew is in the Army and so far he has been in Korea, Hawaii, and Japan, each time, taking advantage of seeing the sites.
E's ⚓proud⚓ mom. - Welcome to the group. Yes please share a little about yourself and where you are in this journey as a Navy Mom
I agree with PattiP, super supportive letters, texts, phone calls, cookies, and lots of prayer really helped our sailor push through the strain. He told us later he decided that nobody or nothing would get between him and his goal, but it took a lot of very hard work and dogged determination to reach his goal.
Wow!! Just took about 30 minutes to catch up on all I've missed the last couple days!!
NancyJo- My nephew, who went through the Nuke pipeline about a year and a half ago was on the Carl Vincent also! What a coincidence!! It made the whole family nervous with the strain between our countries but my nephew kept telling my sister in law "We are good Mom, we got this!" It's pretty amazing the confidence they have in themselves and the Navy's ability to defend against any threat!! It's wonderful to witness.
I want to say thank you to all the amazing information I get from this site. Particularly the travel discussions have been very helpful. My son is currently in INDOC and I don't think they have discussed anything about Christmas Leave as yet. I'm sure hoping he has earned enough to come home for at least a little bit. I also read about the possibility of him doing some work for his recruiter while he is home to extend it for a few days. That would be awesome. I'm hoping to find out some dates soon so we can plan. The holidays are sneaking up on us quick. With all the preparation for PIR and the focus on my son and his movements I have to admit I am far behind . I've usually started my Christmas shopping by now!! I haven't done a thing yet. I better get cracking!! LOL!!
I am also curious about the possibilities of intermural sports. I know my son would love to do something like that. It does seem that a lot of things on the base are quite far from their housing so sometimes he just decides not to bother because he doesn't want to walk that far. I heard there was a Walmart that was within walking distance but he said "walking distance? I guess so but I'm not doing it." LOL!! I guess if he needs something bad enough he will do it!! That's part of being a responsible adult!!
I think my son is really enjoying having a bicycle to get around at GC! I know he said it was a 5 min walk to chow and they are not allowed to run except for during PT. (something he most definitely would have done.)
NNLori - I didn't realize your nephew was Nuke, hopefully he and your son will be able to swap stories.
We are new to everything military. My son is currently in BC. He graduates December 8. He is supposed to be headed to Nuke program after, but I suppose that could change? That was the plan before he left. He was very excited to begin this new life. He enlisted three days after his 18th birthday much to my surprise after doing college visits the prior fall season. I am proud and a little scared for him but I suppose that is normal. He will be the first in our family in the Navy since my grandfather and great uncles. I do have an uncle that was a Marine for 14 years then Army for 6 to finish out his retirement. This site so far has given me a lot of information. thank you!
E's ⚓proud⚓ mom - they sign their contracts before heading to BC. If your son signed a nuke contract then he should be heading to Goose Creek for the nuke program after PIR. Now with that being said I suppose it could change (it is the military after all), but normally that isn't something that changes - could be for a medical reason. My son had a friend that went in before him with a nuke contract and they found some vision issues at boot camp and he was given the option of re-rating right then & there. He chose corpsman and has been in for about 8 years now. It all worked out for him. They do more detailed medical evals at boot camp than in MEPS.
It has been brought to my attention that there was recently an attempted suicide at NNPTC. This is heartbreaking news and I have debated about saying anything. Many of you that have been around for a while know that this has happened in the past and we have lightly touched on it. Out of respect for the sailor and their family I don’t think it’s something that we should be discussing in specifics on here as this is a public forum and anyone can see the comments. For all we know the mom (or family member) could be a member of this group.
With that being said I would like to continue to encourage you to talk to your sailor, keep the lines of communication open, watch for any signs of distress or depression (although those aren’t always obvious). The nuke program is stressful but we must continue to remind our sailors that the nuke program isn’t everything. So many of these nuke students are used to being the top in their class and when they arrive at NNPTC they find out that now they might not be. That’s ok. They don’t always have to be the top in their class. They need to understand this and not put unnecessary pressure on themselves. There is a lot of structure, classes move fast, there’s a lot of material that they learn in a very short amount of time, there’s lots of study hours (perhaps even mandatory) but they also have to find time to de-stress. Remind them to take time to do something for themselves. Work out, hang out with friends, go to the beach, watch a movie, even play video games! They DO need some downtime. Keep texting and encouraging them – remind them that tomorrow is another day. What seems like a huge issue today can easily be forgotten about tomorrow. And of course, if your sailor truly feels they are depressed encourage them to talk to someone - there’s nothing wrong with that. The chaplain is always available to talk.
I told my son often through the 2 years of the nuke pipeline that no matter what happens it isn’t the end of the world. If anyone wants to talk in more detail I would suggest a private message rather than going into details on here.
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM - Thank you for sharing this sad information, and encouraging us to keep the lines of communication open with our sailors. Prayers for the sailor, family, and all involved.
E's ⚓proud⚓ mom - I believe it was about week 5 or 6 of BC that my recruit meet with a career counselor and was assigned which actual duty, MM, EM, or ET rating that he would be training for at GC, once he graduated and left BC. When you have that information, you can also connect with other moms here whose sailor is on or has been on a similar path as your sailor will be, for more specific details.
My Prayers for the sailor and his family. I was on the phone with my sailor that night, he had just arrived as well. He said he saw ambulances and lights and sirens and was told that someone had tried to kill themselves. He was told it happens "often" there because of the stress, I certainly hope that information was exaggerated.
I made it a point to tell my sailor that I am very proud of him and his getting into the Nuke program, I also told him that night and have texted him daily since then that I would be just as proud of him if he were in the Navy janitor program. I let him know that if it ends up that Nuke doesn't work out for him that something else will and no one will think any less of him.
I was relieve to hear him reply: "Mom, I think that guy probably didn't have the loving family support that I have"
That kinda floored me, 9 weeks ago he would have never bothered to refer to us as his "loving supportive family" I guess those weeks away made him realize that we are all here for him no matter what.
PaxMom, Please don't think this happens "often" but it does happen occasionally. My Nuke Sailor is currently an Instructor at GC. Believe me, the instructors are very vigilant about identifying "at risk" sailors.
And, yes, please keep stressing to your sailors that there is NO shame in not making it through the Nuke pipeline. It simply is not for everyone!
PaxMom-We have had those "stress" conversations even before boot camp. He has had to deal with that in the past and he has a good coping mechanism and knows how to use those skills. It helps to talk them through what they will actually do to manage that kind of stress. I am glad he immediately reached out to let me know it happened so we could talk about it. He was also told by current students about the previous incidents. Again, he seemed very solid in the fact that he would be able to cope, but he is also concerned for other kids, too.
Chipmunk-Thank you for your prayers. We appreciate any and all on his behalf. And again, I really feel for this parent and child and want to keep them in our prayers as well.
PaxMom
I will be praying for your sailor. I loved how your son is appreciating your love and support.
. When my son was at GC (he is now at prototype at Ballston Spa ), he told me it happens occasionally and I was so sad and concerned.. It happened twice while he was there. I frequently asked him if he was ok. This is really such a stressful program. I am praying for all of our sailors.
The Navy is a big beautiful machine. It takes every Sailor in every job to make it all work. Our job is to be their cheerleader and encourage them always but like Pat said, there is NO shame in not making it through the nuke pipeline. We need them to know that we will love them and be there for them always....nuke or no nuke. As a new parent don't get all wrapped up in the "my sailor is a nuke" thing. (Nothing wrong with being proud, but try not to make the nuke thing be everything - you know what I mean?)
I have hesitated mentioning this tragic situation. However, as my sailor was directly involved, I would greatly appreciate prayers for him, as well. He tells me that he’s okay. I’m praying that’s true. He graduates A school today. Wish I could be there with him. =(
B'sNukeMom we must be thinking alike as i just wrote my son of how proud i was of him no matter what he did. I, in the army, started off in one classification and was te-classed. Yes i was heartbroken but i loved my new job. I reminded him of my "journey" and whete i started to where i am today. Just because you think that this is where you need to be, there is nothing "wrong" with saying "no" this isnt. It is always important for me to tell him i love him, am proud of him, and support whatever decision he makes. I hear in my head his typical response "It'll be fine Mom!", followed by a side hug and his presenting me with a cheek to kiss!
Oh MoMom - we will definitely keep your son in our prayers. This is difficult for so many..... I'm sorry you can't be there for A school grad today - hopefully someone will send you pictures.
Please read the pages to the right (10) under the member profiles. You'll find lots of good info there. And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
MoMom
Oct 31, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ Kbpoohbear!
Oct 31, 2017
Erin
Oct 31, 2017
mjnavynukemom
Thanks to all for the encouraging words and advice. I will definitely keep trying to encourage my sailor, while trying to not allow my own worries to bleed out into his. lol. I love the idea of essential oils and have a work contact who sells the Doterra kind so I will look into that as well. Also, working on cutting (or at least stretching out) those apron strings!
Oct 31, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Please welcome our newest member to the group ~ JMOM_3BOYS.
Please be sure to read the pages to the right (10) under the member profiles, especially "Your Sailors Schedule Upon Arrival to GC". Also look through the discussion forum above (hit "view all") where you will find lots of good info. And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have!
Oct 31, 2017
Chipmunk
Welcome to all the new moms, I think I lost track today!!
For those of you asking about Christmas, some I have pm, but others might find the following helpful. This is a discussion from the main group, and Anti M replied at the bottom to my specific question about getting airline tickets.
http://navyformoms.ning.com/forum/topics/flying-home-from-a-school?...
Oct 31, 2017
Chipmunk
Another question - after reading some of the posts today about PT, boredom, school stress, and getting outdoors - I was wondering - Do they have any sort of intermural sports at NNPTC? NNLori mentioned her son loved any sports with a ball and my son always enjoyed playing flag football with any group that would show up at our neighborhood park. His PE throughout high school was co-ed so they played softball instead of baseball, but he loved to play it, volleyball, they went rock climbing, learned to play golf, tennis, lots of different things. Frisbee golf, and cricket ( maybe just his brother) anyway, - Dodge ball was his favorite. My point, do they have any sort of fun - outside sports activities like this where a large group could get together and exercise, in the outdoors without it being a "have to". And if they don't have the equipment to do this sort of stuff, is this something we go do a Christmas blessing to NNPTC?
Just putting it out there.
Oct 31, 2017
JayDee659
Oct 31, 2017
workingatit
my sailor must be adapting well in GC. I sent him a care package and he liked it but said I did not need to send him things that he can buy. He did like the cookies. He is so independent that he does not see we want to send him things. He does not want to worry about having too many things in his room I think. (To keep clean?)
he did say that he tried out Uber for his transportation needs on the weekend. The other sailors recommended it and it worked out well for him. Visited Patriot's point and some other areas.
Oct 31, 2017
MoMom
Thanks for the congratulations on my sailor’s A school grad. He kept telling me that it wasn’t a big deal. It is for Mom!
Oct 31, 2017
ProudOfK
MoMom - it sure is a big deal. Congrats to your sailor!
Oct 31, 2017
Buzzbeck
I have never mentioned to this group that out sailor de-stresses by searching online for his ideal cabin on the coast or in remote eastern Oregon (which reminds me of CO-Twin's son and his Alaska cabin). He drives an old rig, not spending much, so has saved a fair amount of cash. And like Mark Twain said: "Buy land, their not making it any more." So he'll find the odd remote cabin or bare land, and I do the due diligence... like "this parcel is under water in wet years so is no good -or- that lot is 60 miles from town and no woman will ever live there". Keeps me from missing him too much. He has not found the perfect cabin yet.
Oct 31, 2017
Chipmunk
Ladies, I added another post to the "A" School schedule discussion above - this is information from my son regarding actual study suggestion comments and how required time is figured. Hopefully, it will give you some more understanding, so that you have something to ask your sailor about.
Nov 1, 2017
Northern Irish
Nov 1, 2017
Northern Irish
Nov 1, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Nov 1, 2017
Chipmunk
Buzzbeck - Searching for a cabin sounds like a lot of fun, and yes, relaxing!!
PattiP & MoMom - so sorry to hear about Henry the Hippo.
workingatit - Lol ! - Glad your son is figuring out Uber. My son wanted to change from his flip phone to a smart phone, so he could use Uber, but he hasn't gone anywhere yet. His shipmates are keeping him busy on Saturday afternoon's or Friday nights. But I love to site see and go to historical places, I will have to pass that along to my son.
Have any of you new moms had your sailors mention doing outings with the HWR (I think - Health, Welfare, Recreation?) - My son was able to go on a ropes course, maybe rock climbing - team building trip while he was still INDOC. I don't know if they do these on a regular basis or not, but that is something else for them to check into.
Nov 1, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Wednesday and Happy November!
Awww so sorry to hear about Henry :(
And yes Buzzbeck - the cabin search sounds like fun ;D
Nov 1, 2017
AngelsBreath
Morning NUKE family
Nov 1, 2017
Chipmunk
Morning AngelsBreath - waiting for your "I'm a sailor call? "
Nov 1, 2017
AngelsBreath
Chipmunk Yes I am
Nov 1, 2017
AngelsBreath
I have my phone close to my heart (bra) hahaha
Nov 1, 2017
Nukelukesmom
Buzzbeck Your comment made me smile. My boy has been taking screen shots of places he wants to visit overseas and using them as the wallpaper on his phone. He said, "Any time I get a little down about the work I am putting in I just look at those pictures and remind myself I will get to see those places myself one day because of what I am doing now." It is amazing how much maturity the Navy has managed to put into my 18 year old in such a short time!
Nov 1, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ E's ⚓proud⚓ mom.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
Nov 1, 2017
Chipmunk
Nukelukesmom - That is a really great idea that your son has!! Just as we have our children, hobbies and other things our sailors need a way to help them focus on the bigger picture when the grind of school studying gets them bogged down. My nephew is in the Army and so far he has been in Korea, Hawaii, and Japan, each time, taking advantage of seeing the sites.
E's ⚓proud⚓ mom. - Welcome to the group. Yes please share a little about yourself and where you are in this journey as a Navy Mom
Nov 1, 2017
Buzzbeck
Nov 1, 2017
Buzzbeck
Nov 2, 2017
NNLori
Wow!! Just took about 30 minutes to catch up on all I've missed the last couple days!!
NancyJo- My nephew, who went through the Nuke pipeline about a year and a half ago was on the Carl Vincent also! What a coincidence!! It made the whole family nervous with the strain between our countries but my nephew kept telling my sister in law "We are good Mom, we got this!" It's pretty amazing the confidence they have in themselves and the Navy's ability to defend against any threat!! It's wonderful to witness.
I want to say thank you to all the amazing information I get from this site. Particularly the travel discussions have been very helpful. My son is currently in INDOC and I don't think they have discussed anything about Christmas Leave as yet. I'm sure hoping he has earned enough to come home for at least a little bit. I also read about the possibility of him doing some work for his recruiter while he is home to extend it for a few days. That would be awesome. I'm hoping to find out some dates soon so we can plan. The holidays are sneaking up on us quick. With all the preparation for PIR and the focus on my son and his movements I have to admit I am far behind . I've usually started my Christmas shopping by now!! I haven't done a thing yet. I better get cracking!! LOL!!
I am also curious about the possibilities of intermural sports. I know my son would love to do something like that. It does seem that a lot of things on the base are quite far from their housing so sometimes he just decides not to bother because he doesn't want to walk that far. I heard there was a Walmart that was within walking distance but he said "walking distance? I guess so but I'm not doing it." LOL!! I guess if he needs something bad enough he will do it!! That's part of being a responsible adult!!
Have great day ladies!!
Nov 2, 2017
Chipmunk
I think my son is really enjoying having a bicycle to get around at GC! I know he said it was a 5 min walk to chow and they are not allowed to run except for during PT. (something he most definitely would have done.)
NNLori - I didn't realize your nephew was Nuke, hopefully he and your son will be able to swap stories.
Nov 2, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Thursday.
Nov 2, 2017
E's ⚓proud⚓ mom
We are new to everything military. My son is currently in BC. He graduates December 8. He is supposed to be headed to Nuke program after, but I suppose that could change? That was the plan before he left. He was very excited to begin this new life. He enlisted three days after his 18th birthday much to my surprise after doing college visits the prior fall season. I am proud and a little scared for him but I suppose that is normal. He will be the first in our family in the Navy since my grandfather and great uncles. I do have an uncle that was a Marine for 14 years then Army for 6 to finish out his retirement. This site so far has given me a lot of information. thank you!
Nov 2, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
E's ⚓proud⚓ mom - they sign their contracts before heading to BC. If your son signed a nuke contract then he should be heading to Goose Creek for the nuke program after PIR. Now with that being said I suppose it could change (it is the military after all), but normally that isn't something that changes - could be for a medical reason. My son had a friend that went in before him with a nuke contract and they found some vision issues at boot camp and he was given the option of re-rating right then & there. He chose corpsman and has been in for about 8 years now. It all worked out for him. They do more detailed medical evals at boot camp than in MEPS.
Nov 2, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
It has been brought to my attention that there was recently an attempted suicide at NNPTC. This is heartbreaking news and I have debated about saying anything. Many of you that have been around for a while know that this has happened in the past and we have lightly touched on it. Out of respect for the sailor and their family I don’t think it’s something that we should be discussing in specifics on here as this is a public forum and anyone can see the comments. For all we know the mom (or family member) could be a member of this group.
With that being said I would like to continue to encourage you to talk to your sailor, keep the lines of communication open, watch for any signs of distress or depression (although those aren’t always obvious). The nuke program is stressful but we must continue to remind our sailors that the nuke program isn’t everything. So many of these nuke students are used to being the top in their class and when they arrive at NNPTC they find out that now they might not be. That’s ok. They don’t always have to be the top in their class. They need to understand this and not put unnecessary pressure on themselves. There is a lot of structure, classes move fast, there’s a lot of material that they learn in a very short amount of time, there’s lots of study hours (perhaps even mandatory) but they also have to find time to de-stress. Remind them to take time to do something for themselves. Work out, hang out with friends, go to the beach, watch a movie, even play video games! They DO need some downtime. Keep texting and encouraging them – remind them that tomorrow is another day. What seems like a huge issue today can easily be forgotten about tomorrow. And of course, if your sailor truly feels they are depressed encourage them to talk to someone - there’s nothing wrong with that. The chaplain is always available to talk.
I told my son often through the 2 years of the nuke pipeline that no matter what happens it isn’t the end of the world. If anyone wants to talk in more detail I would suggest a private message rather than going into details on here.
Nov 2, 2017
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
Prayers for the sailor and his/her family.
Nov 2, 2017
Chipmunk
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM - Thank you for sharing this sad information, and encouraging us to keep the lines of communication open with our sailors. Prayers for the sailor, family, and all involved.
E's ⚓proud⚓ mom - I believe it was about week 5 or 6 of BC that my recruit meet with a career counselor and was assigned which actual duty, MM, EM, or ET rating that he would be training for at GC, once he graduated and left BC. When you have that information, you can also connect with other moms here whose sailor is on or has been on a similar path as your sailor will be, for more specific details.
Nov 2, 2017
bigsky21
B'sNukeMom, that is so sad. I hope this sailor gets the help and support they need, and their family as well.
Nov 2, 2017
Northern Irish
Nov 2, 2017
Green2Blue
My newly arrived sailor witnessed this his second night @ GC.. My thoughts and prayers go with the family and this young man! It is very unnerving.
Nov 2, 2017
Chipmunk
Green2Blue - My prayers for your sailor as well.
Nov 2, 2017
PaxMom
My Prayers for the sailor and his family. I was on the phone with my sailor that night, he had just arrived as well. He said he saw ambulances and lights and sirens and was told that someone had tried to kill themselves. He was told it happens "often" there because of the stress, I certainly hope that information was exaggerated.
I made it a point to tell my sailor that I am very proud of him and his getting into the Nuke program, I also told him that night and have texted him daily since then that I would be just as proud of him if he were in the Navy janitor program. I let him know that if it ends up that Nuke doesn't work out for him that something else will and no one will think any less of him.
I was relieve to hear him reply: "Mom, I think that guy probably didn't have the loving family support that I have"
That kinda floored me, 9 weeks ago he would have never bothered to refer to us as his "loving supportive family" I guess those weeks away made him realize that we are all here for him no matter what.
Love and hugs to all
Nov 3, 2017
Pat L. in IL
PaxMom, Please don't think this happens "often" but it does happen occasionally. My Nuke Sailor is currently an Instructor at GC. Believe me, the instructors are very vigilant about identifying "at risk" sailors.
And, yes, please keep stressing to your sailors that there is NO shame in not making it through the Nuke pipeline. It simply is not for everyone!
Nov 3, 2017
Green2Blue
PaxMom-We have had those "stress" conversations even before boot camp. He has had to deal with that in the past and he has a good coping mechanism and knows how to use those skills. It helps to talk them through what they will actually do to manage that kind of stress. I am glad he immediately reached out to let me know it happened so we could talk about it. He was also told by current students about the previous incidents. Again, he seemed very solid in the fact that he would be able to cope, but he is also concerned for other kids, too.
Chipmunk-Thank you for your prayers. We appreciate any and all on his behalf. And again, I really feel for this parent and child and want to keep them in our prayers as well.
Nov 3, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy RED shirt Friday (oops, I forgot to remind everyone yesterday).
Nov 3, 2017
Rebecca J
I will be praying for your sailor. I loved how your son is appreciating your love and support.
. When my son was at GC (he is now at prototype at Ballston Spa ), he told me it happens occasionally and I was so sad and concerned.. It happened twice while he was there. I frequently asked him if he was ok. This is really such a stressful program. I am praying for all of our sailors.
Nov 3, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
The Navy is a big beautiful machine. It takes every Sailor in every job to make it all work. Our job is to be their cheerleader and encourage them always but like Pat said, there is NO shame in not making it through the nuke pipeline. We need them to know that we will love them and be there for them always....nuke or no nuke. As a new parent don't get all wrapped up in the "my sailor is a nuke" thing. (Nothing wrong with being proud, but try not to make the nuke thing be everything - you know what I mean?)
Nov 3, 2017
MoMom
Nov 3, 2017
Northern Irish
Nov 3, 2017
Northern Irish
Nov 3, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oh MoMom - we will definitely keep your son in our prayers. This is difficult for so many..... I'm sorry you can't be there for A school grad today - hopefully someone will send you pictures.
Nov 3, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ Sapphire.
Please read the pages to the right (10) under the member profiles. You'll find lots of good info there. And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Nov 3, 2017