Since it's most likely going to be a long day with a lot of standing, I for one am going to be comfortable and warm. I can always shed layers if I need to. Our reservations are made at Hampton Inn close to the gate. I've heard it's very nice.
From my experience as a Sailor who was greeted by my wife at many home comings over my 26 year career...If you're a Sailor's mom wear something comfortable and warm, it doesn't matter he/she will be happy to see you and never remember what you wore. If you're a wife or girlfriend, wear something that he'll look at you in and think "wow, I can't wait to get her home". Nothing trashy or provocative but dress to impress would be my vote. He/she will appreciate you regardless of what you're wearing, however, it has been nine months since he/she has had you to look at and hold so make it memorable for them. A dress would be preferred to jeans and a t shirt if I had a say.
Something like this is what you'll see most at homecomings from wives and girlfriends...
Tough situation for sure. The Navy will look at his wife as his dependent and expect him to provide for her. If he's paying the bills, the rent, etc. then he is taking care of her. He can't turn his back on her and say "you're on your own" as long as she's his wife and he's drawing dependent BAH. He's under no obligation to provide her money to blow though.
Hi Everyone,
I haven't been on here in a while but follow all the chats as I'm running around working. What a crazy time for all of us. Don't even know where to start but praying for all our sailors and families.
Question....does the ship pull in at Virginia Beach and is that where you all are booking hotels? Are they any get togethers planned? Are you all staying the night before then planning on heading home with you sailors right from the ships return?
Good evening all, I just joined the group and I wanted to say hello. I've been reading your comments and I thank you all for them. Having group support is so helpful. My son is on the USS Bush, is an AT3 and this is his (ours)first deployment. I too am gearing up for Homecoming- it's all very exciting. I'm driving down from New York City, but I will need to work on my Hotel reservations quickly!!! I appreciate the suggestions of looking your best,warmth and comfort for that day. Hopefully it will not be as cold as the day they departed...
No, the ship pulls into Norfolk Naval Station in Norfolk. It doesn't pull into Virginia Beach.
While we'd love to be there for homecoming I'm sure mom and dad are the last think my Sailor wants to see after being away from his wife for 9+ months. Hopefully we'll get to spend our time with him during the holidays. Hope you all get to enjoy homecoming in Norfolk.
Our son isn't taking POM leave, so won't be coming home with us when they get back. We're planning to make a vacation out of it and stay a few days to spend some time with him when he doesn't have duty. We'd like to take a day trip to Arlington while we're there. I know it's a drive, but might as well do it while we're that close. Besides, what's another 3 hours on top of the 14 it will take us to get there, right?
Me and my husband are making a 2 week vacation out of it. We will spend some time in Washington DC then spend a week in Norfolk. I am hoping his POM leave request gets accepted and we can drive him home with us.
Would love to travel 13 hours to see my sailor but since I have no idea when - can't make plans. Ladies! DRESS TO THE NINES!!! If my husband was on The Bush, I don't care what temp or weather conditions - I'd knock his socks off when he laid eyes on me. Family - dress for comfort.
I figure my sailor will be working (as Dad says - low man on food chain) and won't have any time off right away. I can hope I see them sometime in the next 4 months after they return.
I hope someday to be able to see them off and get the chance to be apart of the great welcome home....someday. The National Transportation Board need to build a light rail directly from Cincinnati to Norfolk! Zig-zagin' through West Virginia is a pain lol
P.S. Virginia Beach is not right next to the Naval Station! From the Naval base to beach is 35 miles. Keep this in mind if you plan to say on the main drag in Virginia Beach.
lavendergrl8- I got a very quick phone call from my sailor last week letting us know that there wasn't going to be a tiger cruise and their return date (in code, of course). Then he said he had to go because a buddy was needing the phone to call and tell someone. It lasted about 30 seconds at the most. I assume there was some sort of announcement made from the captain, but that's just a guess.
We aren't able to attend the FRG meetings, but I had heard that earlier. Apparently, it was new info to our sailor though. I had the impression when he called that he had just heard or been given the info, so called as soon as he could.
Sorry I should have worded that different I was chasing my dog while I was writing . I just want everyone to know to was officially announced at last frg meeting but there never was a tiger cruise to begin with . They will attempt a family day cruise sometime though :)
Also I live in virginia beach so if you have any questions about the area hotels things to do etc please ask . I sometimes find it hard to respond to posts but I promise I will . It's usually cold right now here and it has been forecasted that this winter will be really cold lots of snow. Keep your eye on the weather with as cool as it is right now I think it will be very cold for the big day.
Anita.... I live in Dayton and am making the treck down there but will be moving a week before they are coming home. I have drove a ton down there and back and make it in like 8 hours. So thats not too shabby we used to live in ga and the drive from there to here should have been 12 but I made it one day in 10 hours...lead foot much lol
Angeleyesm I hope its not too cold or snowing as I have had my fair share of snow last year. But I guess that will change my mind for what I want to wear.
I received my sailor's new debit card in the mail. I had planned on mailing it to her until I started hearing all the talk about getting ready for their returning date. Before she left we talked about the expected date range that they might return. But from what I have been reading lately it sounds as if it might be sooner than expected, unless I'm just thinking it's sooner and it really isn't. Dad or Anita, do you think I still have enough time to send it and it arrive in time or should I wait? I just don't want to send it and then it doesn't arrive in time and has to be sent back to us which might take no telling how long. After I started reading everyone's comments about the plans that were being made, I emailed her to see if the date range is still the same or if they are returning sooner and if I should send the debit card. (I didn't mention dates because she knows which dates I'm talking about.) She's real good about emailing back but hasn't been able to these past few dates.
So humid here....I long for those cool ocean breezes while I watch Navy fighters fly overhead. Get up before sunrise and wait to see the sun pop up out of the water. Was wonderful to sit on Virginia Beach in October 2012 and take in the sand & surf. Nice that the board walk was not cluttered with tourist since school was back in session. Was neat to take in the International Sandsculpting Championship http://neptunefestival.com/events/international-sandsculpting-champ...
Anita thank you so much for posting the event ! I kept looking under beach street events and couldn't find this and I kiss it every year . Now I'm taking my kids for sure this year !
Since I've been waiting nearly my entire life to see a homecoming, I don't think its too soon to start getting excited. I even lived near Pearl Harbor during a Westpac, and still didn't ever see a ship come in and sailors manning the rails. This is a long time coming, and makes it that much better that my son will be getting off that ship :)
Just remember..... ~*~ PLEASE ~*~ ..... don't post any times, date or anything like that (countdowns, "oh I can't wait for 2 weeks to go bye"....etc) on this site!
While I can deeply understand all the excitement of them returning....I don't want anything on here to cause the commanders to decided to delay the return due to posts on here. For those that are not aware - they do read these posts and we must be very careful what we post.
When the times does come and they are home....give them an extra long hug from me since I won't be able to be there.
I was on the pier for my son's last homecoming, the last one for the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN65).
It was in the Fall and it was a very chilly day, and it rained for some of it just to add to the fun! Everyone wants to look good for their loved ones but some folks felt absolutely miserable by the time the sailors got off the ship.
A few thoughts to share from the last homecoming I attended;
We were at the pier from 6am until late in the afternoon - If you didn't get there early to get a bleacher seat and if you didn't bring a chair, the only place you were sitting was on the ground. - The pier is made of concrete. If it's cold and you're wearing cute shoes with no socks, you won't be able to feel your feet after a few hours. - You can drink coffee or hot chocolate to stay warm and water to stay hydrated but there are only port-o-potties set up near the pier. - Don't count on the nearby McDonalds to be open. It wasn't for us. - You can bring a sign or banner but balloons aren't allowed on the pier. - And ladies, I must give you fair warning, especially for the new ones, you will get a lot of looks on the pier if you happen to wear red shoes. (it means no undies) Better to be forewarned!
One last thing. We weren't allowed to bring any bags to the pier so I had a large purse filled with granola bars and water and we carried our blankets. I hope this helps.
Good points Laura, homecoming in the cold definitely limits what you'll be able to wear. Would be miserable to be out there for hours in something skimpy and freeze the whole time.
Angeleyesm do you know of any photographers who do homecomings?? I'm not in the area so it has proven to be a bit of a challenge finding one. I would really like to capture my husband meeting our daughter for the first time!!
Hiya, just received the envelope of pictures and news paper today and I’ll tell you the people from the mail room loved the way you decorated the envelope. It really made their day to see the comics on it. When you can please email me some pictures of Maggie, she looks so cute in that picture you sent I want to see more of her. When I go to my rack I’ll put up the new pictures. We will be hitting port in a week or so. I hope it’s not canceled like the port visit be fore the last. I plan on going to a water park that I hear is a lot of fun and as the best wifi.
Love you all
(on the outside of the large envelope I put many Navy cartoons, words of "We miss you but Very Proud of everyone on The Bush! ~ Love, a Navy Mom" and comic pictures poking fun at other branches and country's Navys'. I hoped that everyone that came across it would get a good laugh and enjoy it - sounds like it worked!!!)
Anita in Ohio, that sounds like a great and clever idea, all the "outside of envelope stuff" for the mail room folks! I sent a supportive poem I wrote this week which, my sailor says everyone in her area loved. I think it's good for OUR hearts, minds and souls, as well as those we support. My two closest friends/family members are too ill to even begin to want to think about stressful military "stuff", as with Parkinsons', etc., the anxiety factors are too great for them to bond with me over my kid stuff (it's difficult to understand, all their issues, as well :-\ ). N4M is, therefore, so refreshing! To see others who "get" mil. family members concerns is a true treat, as I am very disabled am homebound, most of the time, which is a rather isolating, in nature. So thank you all for sharing! I love reading the "homecoming outfit" dillemas, as well, from the sailors partners, lol. I got my sailor a keychain for the next package because it says "Guardian angels are always on duty" .
I know many would love to dress up for their sailor (be it a male OR a female - HEY, those hubbies need to throw on the dog too - ya know!)
I think it would be PRICELESS if a lady would show up in fuzzy bunny slippers, long heavy robe, big ol' pop can curlers in her hair and a face full of beauty cream. Only people with a good deep sense of humor would enjoy this and if the Sailor was one of those kinds...he'd have a homecoming he would remember until his dying day.
Some may not see the humor - but some would. Its sometimes good to "think outside the box" on homecomings...make them memorable :-)
The N4M group on my son's last ship started a "Homecoming Photos" discussion. Everyone posted their photos to the discussion.
It was wonderful because loved ones were able to spot their sailor in the background of other people's photos. A definite unexpected bonus! I hope that we could do the same here.
Not sure what was said (or where) but this was on The Bush's Facebook page:
We are "Freedom at Work." Please help keep our shipmates safe by observing operational security and not discussing specific details of the ship's schedule.
Looks like loose lips may change the schedule of returning - if we are not careful!!!!
Hello all. A supportive poem I wrote recently, for our sailors and officers, called Blessings From Home is going to be published in the next edition of the ship's Avenger magazine, which is in electronic form and hard copy, as you may know. My Sailor's shipmate suggested she submit it to them as it was very well received by folks in her area. So, if you can, check it out when it comes out, next issue. It's about a Mom praying for them before she/I goes to bed at night and how well trained and awesome they are, from the mess hall, to the chapel. It speaks of how we miss them... how they back each other up... how we are behind them, and how their officers look out for them, from the PO2's, to the Majors, to their Captain. It also may be a bit partial, on the side of the U.S... or maybe more than a bit.... I hope you all can catch it, when it comes out, this "bedtime story" of mine. I'm very excited about it and very proud of our troops. God bless them and their loved ones. I light candles and pray for them all, regularly. Like our Pres. has said, "There is more than one way to support our troops", right? Please keep sharing your "take" on this concept.
Just a general question for anyone who can answer. What is the time from to get to E-3? My son went in right after HS graduation as E-1, he his E-2 automatically after 9 months. I was thinking E-3 was another 6 months (which would be this month), but I'm not sure.
TLC72
Since it's most likely going to be a long day with a lot of standing, I for one am going to be comfortable and warm. I can always shed layers if I need to. Our reservations are made at Hampton Inn close to the gate. I've heard it's very nice.
Aug 25, 2014
KWats Momma
Thanks tracy21 for the hotel info!
Aug 25, 2014
newnavywife2014
Aug 25, 2014
Maryellen
Zackmansmom, I can help you my daughter went through the same thing on Deployment 1. email me at mepeller090410@gmail.com. we can talk there
Aug 25, 2014
Dad of Sailor
From my experience as a Sailor who was greeted by my wife at many home comings over my 26 year career...If you're a Sailor's mom wear something comfortable and warm, it doesn't matter he/she will be happy to see you and never remember what you wore. If you're a wife or girlfriend, wear something that he'll look at you in and think "wow, I can't wait to get her home". Nothing trashy or provocative but dress to impress would be my vote. He/she will appreciate you regardless of what you're wearing, however, it has been nine months since he/she has had you to look at and hold so make it memorable for them. A dress would be preferred to jeans and a t shirt if I had a say.
Something like this is what you'll see most at homecomings from wives and girlfriends...
Aug 25, 2014
SailorMom94
Aug 25, 2014
Dad of Sailor
ZacMansMom2012,
Tough situation for sure. The Navy will look at his wife as his dependent and expect him to provide for her. If he's paying the bills, the rent, etc. then he is taking care of her. He can't turn his back on her and say "you're on your own" as long as she's his wife and he's drawing dependent BAH. He's under no obligation to provide her money to blow though.
Aug 25, 2014
ed'smom
I haven't been on here in a while but follow all the chats as I'm running around working. What a crazy time for all of us. Don't even know where to start but praying for all our sailors and families.
Question....does the ship pull in at Virginia Beach and is that where you all are booking hotels? Are they any get togethers planned? Are you all staying the night before then planning on heading home with you sailors right from the ships return?
Aug 25, 2014
jess17
Aug 25, 2014
Dad of Sailor
ed'smom,
No, the ship pulls into Norfolk Naval Station in Norfolk. It doesn't pull into Virginia Beach.
While we'd love to be there for homecoming I'm sure mom and dad are the last think my Sailor wants to see after being away from his wife for 9+ months. Hopefully we'll get to spend our time with him during the holidays. Hope you all get to enjoy homecoming in Norfolk.
Aug 25, 2014
TLC72
Our son isn't taking POM leave, so won't be coming home with us when they get back. We're planning to make a vacation out of it and stay a few days to spend some time with him when he doesn't have duty. We'd like to take a day trip to Arlington while we're there. I know it's a drive, but might as well do it while we're that close. Besides, what's another 3 hours on top of the 14 it will take us to get there, right?
Aug 25, 2014
KathyWQ
Aug 25, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Would love to travel 13 hours to see my sailor but since I have no idea when - can't make plans. Ladies! DRESS TO THE NINES!!! If my husband was on The Bush, I don't care what temp or weather conditions - I'd knock his socks off when he laid eyes on me. Family - dress for comfort.
I figure my sailor will be working (as Dad says - low man on food chain) and won't have any time off right away. I can hope I see them sometime in the next 4 months after they return.
I hope someday to be able to see them off and get the chance to be apart of the great welcome home....someday. The National Transportation Board need to build a light rail directly from Cincinnati to Norfolk! Zig-zagin' through West Virginia is a pain lol
Aug 26, 2014
lavendergrl8
Tracy-how dod you know when to make the reservations for
thanks
Aug 26, 2014
Anita n Ohio
P.S. Virginia Beach is not right next to the Naval Station! From the Naval base to beach is 35 miles. Keep this in mind if you plan to say on the main drag in Virginia Beach.
Aug 26, 2014
TLC72
lavendergrl8- I got a very quick phone call from my sailor last week letting us know that there wasn't going to be a tiger cruise and their return date (in code, of course). Then he said he had to go because a buddy was needing the phone to call and tell someone. It lasted about 30 seconds at the most. I assume there was some sort of announcement made from the captain, but that's just a guess.
Aug 26, 2014
lavendergrl8
tracy - can you email me privately?
lavendergrl8@gmail.com
Aug 26, 2014
Angeleyesm
Aug 26, 2014
TLC72
We aren't able to attend the FRG meetings, but I had heard that earlier. Apparently, it was new info to our sailor though. I had the impression when he called that he had just heard or been given the info, so called as soon as he could.
Aug 26, 2014
Angeleyesm
Also I live in virginia beach so if you have any questions about the area hotels things to do etc please ask . I sometimes find it hard to respond to posts but I promise I will . It's usually cold right now here and it has been forecasted that this winter will be really cold lots of snow. Keep your eye on the weather with as cool as it is right now I think it will be very cold for the big day.
Aug 26, 2014
rikki_100113
Anita.... I live in Dayton and am making the treck down there but will be moving a week before they are coming home. I have drove a ton down there and back and make it in like 8 hours. So thats not too shabby we used to live in ga and the drive from there to here should have been 12 but I made it one day in 10 hours...lead foot much lol
Angeleyesm I hope its not too cold or snowing as I have had my fair share of snow last year. But I guess that will change my mind for what I want to wear.
Aug 26, 2014
Angeleyesm
Aug 26, 2014
Mom of 2 sailors
I received my sailor's new debit card in the mail. I had planned on mailing it to her until I started hearing all the talk about getting ready for their returning date. Before she left we talked about the expected date range that they might return. But from what I have been reading lately it sounds as if it might be sooner than expected, unless I'm just thinking it's sooner and it really isn't. Dad or Anita, do you think I still have enough time to send it and it arrive in time or should I wait? I just don't want to send it and then it doesn't arrive in time and has to be sent back to us which might take no telling how long. After I started reading everyone's comments about the plans that were being made, I emailed her to see if the date range is still the same or if they are returning sooner and if I should send the debit card. (I didn't mention dates because she knows which dates I'm talking about.) She's real good about emailing back but hasn't been able to these past few dates.
Aug 26, 2014
Anita n Ohio
So humid here....I long for those cool ocean breezes while I watch Navy fighters fly overhead. Get up before sunrise and wait to see the sun pop up out of the water. Was wonderful to sit on Virginia Beach in October 2012 and take in the sand & surf. Nice that the board walk was not cluttered with tourist since school was back in session. Was neat to take in the International Sandsculpting Championship http://neptunefestival.com/events/international-sandsculpting-champ...
Aug 26, 2014
Angeleyesm
Aug 26, 2014
rikki_100113
Ohhh looks like I will be attending as this is the week I will be down there for a mini vacation!!!
Aug 26, 2014
Anita n Ohio
For good times and food try http://www.chix-lavernes.com/ordereze/default.aspx
Mexican (with a lobster tank with a claw machine to try to win a $5 lobster dinner) http://www.sidestreetcantina.com/contact.php
Aug 26, 2014
Anita n Ohio
(those are all located on the main strip in Virginia Beach)
Aug 26, 2014
Dad of Sailor
Mom of 2 sailors,
You have plenty of time to mail it. I suspect you have the correct time frame of their return and we're all just a bit premature in our excitement. :)
Aug 26, 2014
TLC72
Since I've been waiting nearly my entire life to see a homecoming, I don't think its too soon to start getting excited. I even lived near Pearl Harbor during a Westpac, and still didn't ever see a ship come in and sailors manning the rails. This is a long time coming, and makes it that much better that my son will be getting off that ship :)
Aug 26, 2014
NavyMomDPL
I am with you Tracy can't wait to see my sailor walk off that ship!
Aug 26, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Just remember..... ~*~ PLEASE ~*~ ..... don't post any times, date or anything like that (countdowns, "oh I can't wait for 2 weeks to go bye"....etc) on this site!
While I can deeply understand all the excitement of them returning....I don't want anything on here to cause the commanders to decided to delay the return due to posts on here. For those that are not aware - they do read these posts and we must be very careful what we post.
When the times does come and they are home....give them an extra long hug from me since I won't be able to be there.
Aug 26, 2014
Laura
I was on the pier for my son's last homecoming, the last one for the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN65).
It was in the Fall and it was a very chilly day, and it rained for some of it just to add to the fun! Everyone wants to look good for their loved ones but some folks felt absolutely miserable by the time the sailors got off the ship.
A few thoughts to share from the last homecoming I attended;
We were at the pier from 6am until late in the afternoon - If you didn't get there early to get a bleacher seat and if you didn't bring a chair, the only place you were sitting was on the ground. - The pier is made of concrete. If it's cold and you're wearing cute shoes with no socks, you won't be able to feel your feet after a few hours. - You can drink coffee or hot chocolate to stay warm and water to stay hydrated but there are only port-o-potties set up near the pier. - Don't count on the nearby McDonalds to be open. It wasn't for us. - You can bring a sign or banner but balloons aren't allowed on the pier. - And ladies, I must give you fair warning, especially for the new ones, you will get a lot of looks on the pier if you happen to wear red shoes. (it means no undies) Better to be forewarned!
One last thing. We weren't allowed to bring any bags to the pier so I had a large purse filled with granola bars and water and we carried our blankets. I hope this helps.
Aug 27, 2014
Dad of Sailor
Good points Laura, homecoming in the cold definitely limits what you'll be able to wear. Would be miserable to be out there for hours in something skimpy and freeze the whole time.
Aug 27, 2014
Soccermom loves her Sailor
Dad of Sailor can you please email me at soccerderoulet@cox.net
I need a little bit of your knowledge in preparation of homecoming.
Aug 27, 2014
Dad of Sailor
Email sent Soccermom, let me know how I can help.
Aug 27, 2014
ed'smom
Can you give me some help and direction too?
Eadawson5@gmail.com
Aug 27, 2014
Dad of Sailor
ed'smom,
Email sent, what can I help with?
Aug 27, 2014
NavyWife1008
Aug 28, 2014
Anita n Ohio
From my Sailor:
Hiya, just received the envelope of pictures and news paper today and I’ll tell you the people from the mail room loved the way you decorated the envelope. It really made their day to see the comics on it. When you can please email me some pictures of Maggie, she looks so cute in that picture you sent I want to see more of her. When I go to my rack I’ll put up the new pictures. We will be hitting port in a week or so. I hope it’s not canceled like the port visit be fore the last. I plan on going to a water park that I hear is a lot of fun and as the best wifi.
Love you all
(on the outside of the large envelope I put many Navy cartoons, words of "We miss you but Very Proud of everyone on The Bush! ~ Love, a Navy Mom" and comic pictures poking fun at other branches and country's Navys'. I hoped that everyone that came across it would get a good laugh and enjoy it - sounds like it worked!!!)
Aug 29, 2014
Mahler
Aug 29, 2014
Anita n Ohio
I know many would love to dress up for their sailor (be it a male OR a female - HEY, those hubbies need to throw on the dog too - ya know!)
I think it would be PRICELESS if a lady would show up in fuzzy bunny slippers, long heavy robe, big ol' pop can curlers in her hair and a face full of beauty cream. Only people with a good deep sense of humor would enjoy this and if the Sailor was one of those kinds...he'd have a homecoming he would remember until his dying day.
Some may not see the humor - but some would. Its sometimes good to "think outside the box" on homecomings...make them memorable :-)
Aug 29, 2014
Laura
The N4M group on my son's last ship started a "Homecoming Photos" discussion. Everyone posted their photos to the discussion.
It was wonderful because loved ones were able to spot their sailor in the background of other people's photos. A definite unexpected bonus! I hope that we could do the same here.
Aug 31, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend!
Sep 2, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Not sure what was said (or where) but this was on The Bush's Facebook page:
We are "Freedom at Work." Please help keep our shipmates safe by observing operational security and not discussing specific details of the ship's schedule.
Looks like loose lips may change the schedule of returning - if we are not careful!!!!
Sep 4, 2014
Anita n Ohio
My sailor taking a break...
Sep 5, 2014
Dad of Sailor
Got to speak to our Sailor on the phone today. He's enjoying some down time also.
Sep 6, 2014
Mahler
Sep 7, 2014
TLC72
Just a general question for anyone who can answer. What is the time from to get to E-3? My son went in right after HS graduation as E-1, he his E-2 automatically after 9 months. I was thinking E-3 was another 6 months (which would be this month), but I'm not sure.
Sep 7, 2014
benangy
Thank you Mahler for your poem, Blessing to you!!!!!!!!
Sep 7, 2014