Congratulations Okkaye303, Maggie and 4kidsforfun! Happy for y’all mom. Mine was 2 Fridays ago seen his grad pictures on FB the Following Wednesday. Okkaye your son’s picture should be out tomorrow on Fb. Hope you’ll see him too.
yes 4kids - he’s also ETN. Looks like they will be in the same Power School. Hoping for an open graduation for us this time. And we all can meet up
Dsmom - My son told me he will start Power after 2 months, every class is different. Northwoods son I think waited 4 months (I think or another mom said hers was 4 months). He’s now in TTrack while waiting and makes me worry with his crazy schedule. Like the other night was 2300-0600 not sure if it’s outside when it’s 30sF. The ff 1800-2100 then 0300-0600 really?
Hi Everyone!! Life is busy and I get too distracted during the day here and then the nights have been focused on other things. Answering on the fly as I haven't read all the posts.
YES - T-track schedule is hectic and funky and it is absolutely not what I would be able to live with. But guess what - It is preparation for our Nukes. Both for Prototype and then out in the fleet! Also, another thing I have heard is that our Nukes are generally the first ones on the ship and the last ones off the ship whenever it gets ready to head out. That seems to be the case for my sailor.
Hopefully I can catch up with everyone tonight!! Enjoy your day. We have clouds and that rainy chill that goes to the bones!
Thanks everyone for sharing in our excitement for the first step complete @ Goose Creek.
Maggie - Congrats to your son as well - they had so few left by comps due to ROM I think they all got to know each other pretty well. Like Gigi says, hopefully we will be able to attend Power school graduation in the fall and can meet up!
DsMom - My son said his was the last class to be in the next power school class so he will have a shorter TTrack than others. He said power school starts in March so looks like about a month of it for his group. Others that finished earlier will have a longer TTrack. They put several classes together to make one power school class. Hope that makes sense!
Hi all and Happy Tuesday! OMG it was super cold here in SoCal this morning - 32* when I left for work. That's not normal for us LOL. And yesterday some areas around us actually got some snow if you can believe that! It was a freaky weird weather day yesterday that's for sure. Of course both N (who is in NE) and B&C (in MI) had snow so they just laughed at me......
D'sMom - definitely reach out to PacNWmom for info on the STA21 program. Also, be sure to look at the pages (20) to the right - hit "view all" as I have some info posted on the STA21 program. It's definitely a great opportunity and a lot of nukes do get picked up for the program.
B'sNukeMom you're invited! Come on down! We're settled but not unpacked. Got a bunch of boxes in the garage and more in storage. Unfortunately I'm out of space. I see a Goodwill trip in my future...
Hi all, checking in from So. Cal; like B'snukeMom am enjoying a sunny but chilly day in between major wind and rain storms, too low for snow. stay safe, it is moving across the country.
Great news. My favorite organization, STEP, Support the Enlisted Project is expanding from southern California to the Seattle area. It was founded by a former nuke to help lower ranking military with financial issues. They also have frequent food, diaper and
Re STEP continued...and supply give aways. Check out their website at stepsocal.org and please pass the word if you know anyone who might need help.
They are very respected here...one of only 3 official organizations designated to help/collect money for the Bonhomme Richard crew (the others were USO & the local Navy Relief-good company).
Hello Everyone! It has been quite some time since I have been able to log on. Between work, school, and studying for my research cert...phew I'm beat.
Congrats to all that have Sailors graduating or completing comps, that is fantastic news!
My son started A school yesterday. He did not get home until close to midnight. He said the first day was slightly overwhelming, but the subject matter was easy. Hopefully the material continues not to be a challenge.
This will be the first year my son has to file his own taxes. I claimed him for most of 2020 because he was still a minor; which from my understanding, effects how he files his taxes. Anyways, long story short, I would like him to have someone help him with filing his taxes for the first time. Is there anywhere on base he can get help or somewhere close to base?
Congratulations to all who graduated from A School. My son had a pretty short TTrack. He graduated September around the 9th and started Power School the first week of November. Communication has been very sparce because of the crazy study hours he has to put in. He is finding Power School very difficult but he had been out of school with no academics for 8 years. Not trying to scare any of you but it is no walk in the park do prepare yourself for the lack of communication and enjoy the time you get to talk to them now.
Northwoodsmom - Power school was the hardest of the 3 for B. He enjoyed (I mean as much as they can "enjoy" it lol!) prototype - he liked the "hands on".
Rakenator - Welcome to the Nuke Mom group! All the best to your sailor as he completes through Prototype.
Congratulations to 4kidsforfun and Maggie, BravoZulu to your sailors.
Shortcake - the year my son was in A school we actually had someone do our taxes that year for some other things we were dealing with. She did my son's taxes as well. She gave him a military discount and filed it online and we were able to do it long distance. The next year, my son used an online program by I think H&R Block that was for the military - but I don't really recall. If you are not connected to the NNPTC ombudsman see if you can get connected to her. I know the one for my son's ship is always posting information on where the sailor's and their families can get services for military.
D'sMom - My son had no time between T-Track and starting Power school for any type of leave. After Power school, they did have about a 10 day leave, but that has to be also used for getting moved out of the barracks and into their housing for Prototype. Not likely that he would be able to have vacation time with you - but you can still hope.
Canuka - Thanks for sharing about STEP!
JayDee - glad to hear that you have gotten moved.
B'sNukeMom - snow in CA? or did you just say it was cold? I know our weather turned colder and mostly cloudy drizzle that is the cold to the bone!
Oh and Powerschool - I am not sure about the other rates, but I know my son (ETN) said that they had to do 3 subjects at once for PS. It was the sheer intensity and the face pace that is hard to get use to! I don't know if this is something that I heard or just made up but " PS is like college but on Speed!"
Shortcake -- For most young, unmarried sailors, there isn't much to filing taxes, just plugging in information from the W-2. I think he can get that from MyPay, if they don't mail it. He might have a 1099-INT from a bank, too, if above a certain amount. I don't want to recommend one specifically here, but all of common online tax filing programs (TurboTax, TaxAct, Taxslayer, etc.) have free versions for enlisted military. If he needs help with the process, there should be Volunteer Income Tax Assistance available on base. The best thing would be for him to ask his SLPO. I'm not 100% sure, but I think they file state taxes in their home state, not where they are stationed.
D'sMom - my son also did not have anything but a 3 day liberty after his A school, because supposedly his leave time was included in his Christmas leave but it was just the luck of the draw so to speak with his class. T-Track then started immediately. It was the one time I played "helicopter mom" when he told me he had overslept and was late for muster, because he was having issues with his alarm clock. I set my alarm to wake up an hour earlier my time from his and then would call him to make sure he was awake. After two days of me waking him 10 min. earlier than he needed, he told me that he had figured out what had messed up and he then had two other alarms set as well, and I could quit calling him!! :-)
Chipmunk - Yes, snow in California if you can believe it. Places that at higher elevation like Tahoe, Big Bear, Idyllwild. It is beautiful to drive through Palm Spring and look at the snow capped mountains. Thank you for the guidance.
WearsLargeHats - Thank you! Good to know about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. His are pretty straight forward, it is just the dependent portion, I want to make sure he understands how to answer. And yes, I believe you are right about filing in his home state. I will have him check with his SLPO as well.
I know that it is hard when you hear about crazy schedules and work conditions. It is truly preparation for the fleet. If they work in a plant the environment is rather inhospitable. And the schedules get even crazier.
Ladies - Thank you for all the info regarding the time between A School and Power School. I was hoping my son could have a 10 day leave during the couple months or so of T-Track. After reading all the info you gals provided, I see that those chances are slim. Very grateful to you all so I don't get my hopes up for something unrealistic. We can still check it out when the times comes, but I will not get emotionally invested in it!! And will make sure my son and the rest of the family knows not to also.
I love Navy Moms for just this reason! Knowledge and realistic expectations make all the difference for me. I can't imagine experiencing being a Navy mom without you all and the knowledge and information you share!
Thank you for the tips on Taxes too - this will also be my son's first time doing it on his own.
Chipmunk - I can totally see myself setting my alarm to wake my son up if he overslept too! I used to do that when he was in college! So far, not needed at Nuke school and I am still thankful not to have to worry any more and really hope it is behind me forever!!.
NWM - I appreciate you sharing about the decrease in communication during Power School. I will cherish the calls during A school more. I hope your son is doing better now - I know you were worried for a while...
PacNWmom - thank you for friending me. I will reach out with questions about the STA in the future. My son is super smart (as are all the Nuke's!!) but was not mature enough during college and it was very disappointing. He is so much happier, more motivated and focused at Nuke School that I count my blessings every day - I am beyond pleased with his success and progress thus far. That being said, I can't help but worry if the STA path will be right for him. I think it would be, but I will certainly look over the info on the right side of the page, and reach out to you later, especially if it looks like he might go that direction.
Thanks again ladies, for all your input and discussions!
DsMom2020- you mentioned college below. Did your sailor graduate? During recruitment they told mine he might be interested in STA and had to sign something then. After boot camp he was told that because he has a degree already he is not eligible. Ah the recruiters.
As for taxes. Our accountant has always done all or ours but last year, for reasons I can not remember, my sailor and I did his on one of the online services that offered it free to military. I get daily news feed from Military dot com and they had a "story" about tax services which is where I found the info.
Because some stuff comes here and he has access online to other stuff we did it together. If he is underway in the future he has given me POA to do it any year as needed. We talk money and savings often and have long before the Navy. He is a saver. Anyway, the service was easy and they actually pulled most of the data in once the basics were set up. You mostly verified it. If we had done it with our accountant I would have had to had all the docs in one place which I, nor he had. Mailing back and forth at the time did not seem like a good idea.
They had said there would be tax prep help on base. At least last year it ended up not happening. It was run/approved not sure which by the Joint Base which is mostly run by the Air Force, per my sailor, and they decided not to offer it. Not sure what will happen this year.
He already received notice from that online tax company, it will be free again this year and so just waiting for all the docs to be created by the banks. Do not forget that student loan interest, where you finish or not, is a deduction even with the simplified standard exemption. Caught me by purpose last year.
after finishing prototype now my son is waiting for some kind of medical chit to be able to drive across country, and may only get a day to stop here, worst case scenario
Chipmunk - yes it was snow lol! And not just in the mountains of SoCal - it was a freak (cold) storm that came in and let me tell you I'm glad it's gone now. But the mountains do look beautiful with the snow on them.
B always did the online tax filing - and it was always pretty easy and the program was free for military.
helena2000 - I hope the chit is approved quickly and fingers crossed you get your visit. We'll hope he gets more than just a day!
DsMom - unfortunately COVID has thrown a wrench in leave plans for the time being.....nothing is certain right now (of course, nothing was certain Pre-Covid either lol!).
B'sNuke, both those graphics just slay me! I haven't been in the military myself but with my son more than 10 yrs in and me living it vicariously, that sounds pretty accurate!
I'm catching up with reading messages today and I noted there was some discussion about refueling. Just for the new moms, the nuclear reactors on our vessels operate just like any nuclear power plant. Our vessels each have a power plant running their operations. If the reactor isn't running there is no electricity. So even if the ship is docked, the plant is always running and our nukes are always busy. Nuclear reactors have to refuel occasionally and it's quite a massive project which takes a lot of time. To me it's amazing technology. Having a nuclear navy is part of what sets the American Navy above and beyond.
B'sNukeMom - I am cracking up over here. Love the graphics! Thank you for the laughs this morning. Much needed. It is crazy, the freak storms that bring unexpected weather in SoCal. I remember one winter when I lived in Palm Springs where there was a light dusting of snow that came down, but did not stick. It was such a sight to see in the literal desert lol.
Thank you all for the guidance in regards to tax filing. I have my weekly chat with my son on Sundays and will go over options. He may already be on top of it.
B’sNuke - I’ve seen that navy life graphic a few times and it always cracks me up. But I think this is the first time I’ve seen it since my son has actually been out at sea and it really really cracked me up today. LOL
Hello All, Congratulations to all the Sailors graduating. Finishing these phases of training is such a huge accomplishment. Love the graphics posted earlier and am going to share with my sailor.
My Sailor has made it to his final duty station in Hawaii and is in quarantine for 10 days at a hotel on base. What he or any of us realized is that since he does not have a Navy Travel card, he has to pay for the hotel out of his own pocket and will get reimbursed (we are assuming based on my husband's experience) once he gets to his command and fills out his travel claim. He was surprised by this and luckily had the money in his account to accommodate the additional cost but it would have been nice to know ahead of time.
So figured I would share with you in hopes that other sailors will not be surprised by it when they transfer from GC to their final duty stations. I know the quarantining is for Covid and once they get their vaccines, this may not be an issue however not sure how long the Covid issue will be around.
jes12joy - I am sorry that I did not think to post anything here on the Nuke Mom group page. I have dealt with a few moms with sailors from other rates headed to my son's ship who have experienced this.
YES - For many / most probably of the sailors that are having to ROM before boarding ships they have had to pay for their quarantine housing out of pocket and then be reimbursed. Some of them are also having to buy their own food. It is important that they know they need to have a couple $1,000 saved up for emergencies.
My assumption is they are not doing the Navy Travel Cards because there are so many sailors having to ROM but ... - well I will refrain - The sailors need to be communicating with their sponsor and if they are having issues or are not getting food, they need to contact their chief - this is what my husband shared with me and my ship's ombudsman.
jes12joy - I've heard horror stories on trying to get reimbursed.....make sure your son saves EVERY receipt and keeps copies of everything before he submits to his command. He may have to stay on top of them to get reimbursed but tell him NOT to give up.
Chipmunk and B'sNukeMom, thank you. I will pass the info onto my son. I just wanted to share the new experience my sailor was having in hopes that others will not be as surprised.
Love the graphics being shared as they are fun and so true. I was taught the Righty-Tighty, Lefty-Loosey when I was in the Navy so this made me laugh and remember found memories of when I was a trainee..
Just wanted to chime in on taxes, last year P was in t track and one day they were all told to go do their taxes. The were all in a room together with someone helping them. Think they used turbo tax. He called and as they went thru the form he would ask me questions. Worked pretty well as this was his 1st time doing taxes. Happy Friday, wearing my red!
Ksailmom, that's amazing. Can't in my life imagine my son doing his own taxes but kudos to them if they can make that one happen. My son told me he will get his done himself and I thought yeah, right. Perhaps a miracle is about to happen. Thanks for sharing this.
Northwoodsmom - If they only have their military W-2 there really should not be much difficulty to do their taxes online. The main thing is they need to remember their password or PIN for the account that they set up to do their taxes. I don't know but in one case where we were dealing with some other family taxes, we didn't have the PIN and so we needed another number that had been reported off of their previous years taxes.
But don't under estimate your son and what he can do.
Please be sure to read the ***NEW MEMBERS*** info at the top of the page. Lots of good info there. Also take a look at the Pages (20) to the right under the member profiles - be sure to hit "view all". And the discussion forum above has some good info too - be sure to read Chipmunks "Nuke A School Daily Schedule". And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Gigi
Congratulations Okkaye303, Maggie and 4kidsforfun! Happy for y’all mom. Mine was 2 Fridays ago seen his grad pictures on FB the Following Wednesday. Okkaye your son’s picture should be out tomorrow on Fb. Hope you’ll see him too.
yes 4kids - he’s also ETN. Looks like they will be in the same Power School. Hoping for an open graduation for us this time. And we all can meet up
Dsmom - My son told me he will start Power after 2 months, every class is different. Northwoods son I think waited 4 months (I think or another mom said hers was 4 months). He’s now in TTrack while waiting and makes me worry with his crazy schedule. Like the other night was 2300-0600 not sure if it’s outside when it’s 30sF. The ff 1800-2100 then 0300-0600 really?
love and prayers to our sailors
Jan 26, 2021
Chipmunk
Hi Everyone!! Life is busy and I get too distracted during the day here and then the nights have been focused on other things. Answering on the fly as I haven't read all the posts.
YES - T-track schedule is hectic and funky and it is absolutely not what I would be able to live with. But guess what - It is preparation for our Nukes. Both for Prototype and then out in the fleet! Also, another thing I have heard is that our Nukes are generally the first ones on the ship and the last ones off the ship whenever it gets ready to head out. That seems to be the case for my sailor.
Hopefully I can catch up with everyone tonight!! Enjoy your day. We have clouds and that rainy chill that goes to the bones!
Jan 26, 2021
4kidsforfun
Thanks everyone for sharing in our excitement for the first step complete @ Goose Creek.
Maggie - Congrats to your son as well - they had so few left by comps due to ROM I think they all got to know each other pretty well. Like Gigi says, hopefully we will be able to attend Power school graduation in the fall and can meet up!
DsMom - My son said his was the last class to be in the next power school class so he will have a shorter TTrack than others. He said power school starts in March so looks like about a month of it for his group. Others that finished earlier will have a longer TTrack. They put several classes together to make one power school class. Hope that makes sense!
Jan 26, 2021
PacNWmom
D'sMom, I sent you a friend request so we can discuss STA-21 if you'd like.
Jan 26, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all and Happy Tuesday! OMG it was super cold here in SoCal this morning - 32* when I left for work. That's not normal for us LOL. And yesterday some areas around us actually got some snow if you can believe that! It was a freaky weird weather day yesterday that's for sure. Of course both N (who is in NE) and B&C (in MI) had snow so they just laughed at me......
D'sMom - definitely reach out to PacNWmom for info on the STA21 program. Also, be sure to look at the pages (20) to the right - hit "view all" as I have some info posted on the STA21 program. It's definitely a great opportunity and a lot of nukes do get picked up for the program.
Jan 26, 2021
JayDee659
B'sNukeMom that is chilly for you guys! I just got off the phone with my Nuke and she said that snow is expected in Virginia Beach tomorrow.
It's sunny and 78 here, in fact I was lounging by the pool while I chatted with my Nuke.
Jan 26, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
JayDee - I might have to make a trip to FL lol! Are you all settled in?
Jan 26, 2021
JayDee659
B'sNukeMom you're invited! Come on down! We're settled but not unpacked. Got a bunch of boxes in the garage and more in storage. Unfortunately I'm out of space. I see a Goodwill trip in my future...
Jan 26, 2021
CanukaVet
Jan 26, 2021
CanukaVet
Jan 26, 2021
CanukaVet
Re STEP continued...and supply give aways. Check out their website at stepsocal.org and please pass the word if you know anyone who might need help.
They are very respected here...one of only 3 official organizations designated to help/collect money for the Bonhomme Richard crew (the others were USO & the local Navy Relief-good company).
Jan 26, 2021
JayDee659
B'sNukeMom, Oleander just sent me pictures of the snow at her house. Pretty impressive for the desert.
Jan 26, 2021
Shortcake
Hello Everyone! It has been quite some time since I have been able to log on. Between work, school, and studying for my research cert...phew I'm beat.
Congrats to all that have Sailors graduating or completing comps, that is fantastic news!
My son started A school yesterday. He did not get home until close to midnight. He said the first day was slightly overwhelming, but the subject matter was easy. Hopefully the material continues not to be a challenge.
This will be the first year my son has to file his own taxes. I claimed him for most of 2020 because he was still a minor; which from my understanding, effects how he files his taxes. Anyways, long story short, I would like him to have someone help him with filing his taxes for the first time. Is there anywhere on base he can get help or somewhere close to base?
Jan 26, 2021
Northwoodsmom
Congratulations to all who graduated from A School. My son had a pretty short TTrack. He graduated September around the 9th and started Power School the first week of November. Communication has been very sparce because of the crazy study hours he has to put in. He is finding Power School very difficult but he had been out of school with no academics for 8 years. Not trying to scare any of you but it is no walk in the park do prepare yourself for the lack of communication and enjoy the time you get to talk to them now.
Jan 26, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Northwoodsmom - Power school was the hardest of the 3 for B. He enjoyed (I mean as much as they can "enjoy" it lol!) prototype - he liked the "hands on".
Jan 26, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
JayDee - it was definitely some crazy weather this way yesterday. I did hear the same thing for AZ and NV too.... Not as crazy today, thank goodness!
Canuka - thanks for sharing the info on STEP. Definitely something to keep in mind. ;-D
Jan 26, 2021
Chipmunk
Rakenator - Welcome to the Nuke Mom group! All the best to your sailor as he completes through Prototype.
Congratulations to 4kidsforfun and Maggie, BravoZulu to your sailors.
Shortcake - the year my son was in A school we actually had someone do our taxes that year for some other things we were dealing with. She did my son's taxes as well. She gave him a military discount and filed it online and we were able to do it long distance. The next year, my son used an online program by I think H&R Block that was for the military - but I don't really recall. If you are not connected to the NNPTC ombudsman see if you can get connected to her. I know the one for my son's ship is always posting information on where the sailor's and their families can get services for military.
D'sMom - My son had no time between T-Track and starting Power school for any type of leave. After Power school, they did have about a 10 day leave, but that has to be also used for getting moved out of the barracks and into their housing for Prototype. Not likely that he would be able to have vacation time with you - but you can still hope.
Canuka - Thanks for sharing about STEP!
JayDee - glad to hear that you have gotten moved.
B'sNukeMom - snow in CA? or did you just say it was cold? I know our weather turned colder and mostly cloudy drizzle that is the cold to the bone!
Oh and Powerschool - I am not sure about the other rates, but I know my son (ETN) said that they had to do 3 subjects at once for PS. It was the sheer intensity and the face pace that is hard to get use to! I don't know if this is something that I heard or just made up but " PS is like college but on Speed!"
Jan 26, 2021
WearsLargeHats
Shortcake -- For most young, unmarried sailors, there isn't much to filing taxes, just plugging in information from the W-2. I think he can get that from MyPay, if they don't mail it. He might have a 1099-INT from a bank, too, if above a certain amount.
I don't want to recommend one specifically here, but all of common online tax filing programs (TurboTax, TaxAct, Taxslayer, etc.) have free versions for enlisted military. If he needs help with the process, there should be Volunteer Income Tax Assistance available on base. The best thing would be for him to ask his SLPO.
I'm not 100% sure, but I think they file state taxes in their home state, not where they are stationed.
Jan 26, 2021
Chipmunk
D'sMom - my son also did not have anything but a 3 day liberty after his A school, because supposedly his leave time was included in his Christmas leave but it was just the luck of the draw so to speak with his class. T-Track then started immediately. It was the one time I played "helicopter mom" when he told me he had overslept and was late for muster, because he was having issues with his alarm clock. I set my alarm to wake up an hour earlier my time from his and then would call him to make sure he was awake. After two days of me waking him 10 min. earlier than he needed, he told me that he had figured out what had messed up and he then had two other alarms set as well, and I could quit calling him!! :-)
Jan 26, 2021
Shortcake
Chipmunk - Yes, snow in California if you can believe it. Places that at higher elevation like Tahoe, Big Bear, Idyllwild. It is beautiful to drive through Palm Spring and look at the snow capped mountains. Thank you for the guidance.
WearsLargeHats - Thank you! Good to know about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. His are pretty straight forward, it is just the dependent portion, I want to make sure he understands how to answer. And yes, I believe you are right about filing in his home state. I will have him check with his SLPO as well.
Jan 26, 2021
3B'smom
I know that it is hard when you hear about crazy schedules and work conditions. It is truly preparation for the fleet. If they work in a plant the environment is rather inhospitable. And the schedules get even crazier.
Jan 26, 2021
Chipmunk
Shortcake - my sailor files in his home state for his taxes, as this is considered his permenant address.
Jan 26, 2021
DsMom2020
Ladies - Thank you for all the info regarding the time between A School and Power School. I was hoping my son could have a 10 day leave during the couple months or so of T-Track. After reading all the info you gals provided, I see that those chances are slim. Very grateful to you all so I don't get my hopes up for something unrealistic. We can still check it out when the times comes, but I will not get emotionally invested in it!! And will make sure my son and the rest of the family knows not to also.
I love Navy Moms for just this reason! Knowledge and realistic expectations make all the difference for me. I can't imagine experiencing being a Navy mom without you all and the knowledge and information you share!
Thank you for the tips on Taxes too - this will also be my son's first time doing it on his own.
Chipmunk - I can totally see myself setting my alarm to wake my son up if he overslept too! I used to do that when he was in college! So far, not needed at Nuke school and I am still thankful not to have to worry any more and really hope it is behind me forever!!.
NWM - I appreciate you sharing about the decrease in communication during Power School. I will cherish the calls during A school more. I hope your son is doing better now - I know you were worried for a while...
PacNWmom - thank you for friending me. I will reach out with questions about the STA in the future. My son is super smart (as are all the Nuke's!!) but was not mature enough during college and it was very disappointing. He is so much happier, more motivated and focused at Nuke School that I count my blessings every day - I am beyond pleased with his success and progress thus far. That being said, I can't help but worry if the STA path will be right for him. I think it would be, but I will certainly look over the info on the right side of the page, and reach out to you later, especially if it looks like he might go that direction.
Thanks again ladies, for all your input and discussions!
Jan 27, 2021
New Adventures
DsMom2020- you mentioned college below. Did your sailor graduate? During recruitment they told mine he might be interested in STA and had to sign something then. After boot camp he was told that because he has a degree already he is not eligible. Ah the recruiters.
As for taxes. Our accountant has always done all or ours but last year, for reasons I can not remember, my sailor and I did his on one of the online services that offered it free to military. I get daily news feed from Military dot com and they had a "story" about tax services which is where I found the info.
Because some stuff comes here and he has access online to other stuff we did it together. If he is underway in the future he has given me POA to do it any year as needed. We talk money and savings often and have long before the Navy. He is a saver. Anyway, the service was easy and they actually pulled most of the data in once the basics were set up. You mostly verified it. If we had done it with our accountant I would have had to had all the docs in one place which I, nor he had. Mailing back and forth at the time did not seem like a good idea.
They had said there would be tax prep help on base. At least last year it ended up not happening. It was run/approved not sure which by the Joint Base which is mostly run by the Air Force, per my sailor, and they decided not to offer it. Not sure what will happen this year.
He already received notice from that online tax company, it will be free again this year and so just waiting for all the docs to be created by the banks. Do not forget that student loan interest, where you finish or not, is a deduction even with the simplified standard exemption. Caught me by purpose last year.
Jan 27, 2021
New Adventures
There is actually an article today at Military dot com about tax filings- just an fyi
Jan 27, 2021
helena2000
after finishing prototype now my son is waiting for some kind of medical chit to be able to drive across country, and may only get a day to stop here, worst case scenario
Jan 27, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Wednesday!
Chipmunk - yes it was snow lol! And not just in the mountains of SoCal - it was a freak (cold) storm that came in and let me tell you I'm glad it's gone now. But the mountains do look beautiful with the snow on them.
B always did the online tax filing - and it was always pretty easy and the program was free for military.
helena2000 - I hope the chit is approved quickly and fingers crossed you get your visit. We'll hope he gets more than just a day!
DsMom - unfortunately COVID has thrown a wrench in leave plans for the time being.....nothing is certain right now (of course, nothing was certain Pre-Covid either lol!).
Jan 27, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
A little nuke humor for some of you new moms ;-D
Jan 27, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Click on it to make it bigger and easier to read.
Jan 27, 2021
NancyJo (NNPTC)
B'sNuke, both those graphics just slay me! I haven't been in the military myself but with my son more than 10 yrs in and me living it vicariously, that sounds pretty accurate!
I'm catching up with reading messages today and I noted there was some discussion about refueling. Just for the new moms, the nuclear reactors on our vessels operate just like any nuclear power plant. Our vessels each have a power plant running their operations. If the reactor isn't running there is no electricity. So even if the ship is docked, the plant is always running and our nukes are always busy. Nuclear reactors have to refuel occasionally and it's quite a massive project which takes a lot of time. To me it's amazing technology. Having a nuclear navy is part of what sets the American Navy above and beyond.
Jan 27, 2021
Shortcake
B'sNukeMom - I am cracking up over here. Love the graphics! Thank you for the laughs this morning. Much needed. It is crazy, the freak storms that bring unexpected weather in SoCal. I remember one winter when I lived in Palm Springs where there was a light dusting of snow that came down, but did not stick. It was such a sight to see in the literal desert lol.
Thank you all for the guidance in regards to tax filing. I have my weekly chat with my son on Sundays and will go over options. He may already be on top of it.
Have a beautiful day everyone!
Jan 27, 2021
ProudOfK
B’sNuke - I’ve seen that navy life graphic a few times and it always cracks me up. But I think this is the first time I’ve seen it since my son has actually been out at sea and it really really cracked me up today. LOL
Jan 27, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
ProudOfK - I like to repost them occasionally for the new moms and I get a good chuckle out of them every time too!
Jan 27, 2021
jes12joy
Hello All, Congratulations to all the Sailors graduating. Finishing these phases of training is such a huge accomplishment. Love the graphics posted earlier and am going to share with my sailor.
My Sailor has made it to his final duty station in Hawaii and is in quarantine for 10 days at a hotel on base. What he or any of us realized is that since he does not have a Navy Travel card, he has to pay for the hotel out of his own pocket and will get reimbursed (we are assuming based on my husband's experience) once he gets to his command and fills out his travel claim. He was surprised by this and luckily had the money in his account to accommodate the additional cost but it would have been nice to know ahead of time.
So figured I would share with you in hopes that other sailors will not be surprised by it when they transfer from GC to their final duty stations. I know the quarantining is for Covid and once they get their vaccines, this may not be an issue however not sure how long the Covid issue will be around.
Jan 27, 2021
Chipmunk
jes12joy - I am sorry that I did not think to post anything here on the Nuke Mom group page. I have dealt with a few moms with sailors from other rates headed to my son's ship who have experienced this.
YES - For many / most probably of the sailors that are having to ROM before boarding ships they have had to pay for their quarantine housing out of pocket and then be reimbursed. Some of them are also having to buy their own food. It is important that they know they need to have a couple $1,000 saved up for emergencies.
My assumption is they are not doing the Navy Travel Cards because there are so many sailors having to ROM but ... - well I will refrain - The sailors need to be communicating with their sponsor and if they are having issues or are not getting food, they need to contact their chief - this is what my husband shared with me and my ship's ombudsman.
Jan 27, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jan 28, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
jes12joy - I've heard horror stories on trying to get reimbursed.....make sure your son saves EVERY receipt and keeps copies of everything before he submits to his command. He may have to stay on top of them to get reimbursed but tell him NOT to give up.
Jan 28, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jan 28, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
A little more Nuke Humor because lord knows we all need it!
Jan 28, 2021
jes12joy
Chipmunk and B'sNukeMom, thank you. I will pass the info onto my son. I just wanted to share the new experience my sailor was having in hopes that others will not be as surprised.
Love the graphics being shared as they are fun and so true. I was taught the Righty-Tighty, Lefty-Loosey when I was in the Navy so this made me laugh and remember found memories of when I was a trainee..
Jan 28, 2021
Chipmunk
jes12joy - You are welcome and yes - save receipts!!
SparkJags - congrats to your sailor!
Jan 29, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jan 29, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jan 29, 2021
Ksailmom
Just wanted to chime in on taxes, last year P was in t track and one day they were all told to go do their taxes. The were all in a room together with someone helping them. Think they used turbo tax. He called and as they went thru the form he would ask me questions. Worked pretty well as this was his 1st time doing taxes. Happy Friday, wearing my red!
Jan 29, 2021
Northwoodsmom
Ksailmom, that's amazing. Can't in my life imagine my son doing his own taxes but kudos to them if they can make that one happen. My son told me he will get his done himself and I thought yeah, right. Perhaps a miracle is about to happen. Thanks for sharing this.
Jan 29, 2021
Chipmunk
Northwoodsmom - If they only have their military W-2 there really should not be much difficulty to do their taxes online. The main thing is they need to remember their password or PIN for the account that they set up to do their taxes. I don't know but in one case where we were dealing with some other family taxes, we didn't have the PIN and so we needed another number that had been reported off of their previous years taxes.
But don't under estimate your son and what he can do.
Jan 30, 2021
DsMom2020
One more time we mamas can thank the Navy for helping our kids grow up. I’m hoping my son does his own taxes too - that will be so amazing.
Jan 30, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Feb 1, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Happy Tuesday!
Feb 2, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ Mary!
Please be sure to read the ***NEW MEMBERS*** info at the top of the page. Lots of good info there. Also take a look at the Pages (20) to the right under the member profiles - be sure to hit "view all". And the discussion forum above has some good info too - be sure to read Chipmunks "Nuke A School Daily Schedule". And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Feb 2, 2021