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I don't know if it is a kid thing or just a mom thing, but like ya'll, my boys keep telling me I spend to much time here. I tell them I neednto know. I have been like that with them for as long as I can remember. Where ever they go I have to know where, how long, what is the number ect ect......

My son was going to strat running, but then summer hit! I need to find him a place indoors to work out. When I went to the store today at 11:00 AM, the local bank sign said it ws already 100. He leaves in Aug, and the weather will not cool off between now and the time he leaves. Any ideas on getting in shape without having a heat stroke?

Tammy, that is a wonderful story! I know my nephew had to loose weight before he went to the Army. My son weighs 205 and only has 3 lbs os so to be at his max. (He's 6'3")
I will look into the Y as well as our local towns Rec. Center.

That video was WONDERFUL. It is truely a tear jerker!

Mary, no you are not the only one who crys with each passing holiday. My first depper leaves in 7 weeks, and the closer the time comes, the more emotional I have found myself. Back in Feb., I made plans to travel to Ecuador. At the time I made my plans, Aug. seemed so far away. Now I am traveling next week, and find I wish I could change my plans. Then I realize that I will only be gone a week, and then we are all going up to Il. for my sisiter's wedding. I look at it as a trial period to get use the time away from him.

Any DEP Mom's here in Tucson?? We're having a DEP Zone Meeting this Saturday at 9am at Reid Park. I'll be there to offer support and answer "Mom" questions. If you're interested, I can give you additional information. :)

USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11) is one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II for the United States Navy. She is the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name. Commissioned in August 1943, Intrepid participated in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations, most notably the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Decommissioned shortly after the end of the war, she was modernized and recommissioned in the early 1950s as an attack carrier (CVA), and then eventually became an antisubmarine carrier (CVS). In her second career, she served mainly in the Atlantic, but also participated in the Vietnam War. Her notable achievements include being the first US aircraft carrier to launch aircraft with steam catapults, and being the recovery ship for a Mercury and a Gemini space mission. Because of her prominent role in battle, she was nicknamed "the Fighting I", while her often ill-luck and the time spent in dry dock for repairs earned her the nickname "the Dry I".

Decommissioned in 1974, in 1982 Intrepid became the foundation of the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York City.

Matt PIR'd April 25 in dress blues. The change may be May 1st or up to each command depending on the weather.

My dad was a machinest in the Navy and was stationed at Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th. He got out long before I was born and the only time he talked about Pearl Harbor was every Dec. 7th, you got the whole story wheather you wanted it or not. He was very happy to leave Hawaii, he thought it was WAY to crowded.

Molly, I was trying to blend in. :) Wish we had some Tucson DEPPERS in here. This Saturday is the zone meeting and I think I'm going to pass out info on this group and try and get more DEP moms in here. Don't think too many recruiters know about it (except our #1 member).

Susan - My Sailor was my youngest and when he thought about enlisting I wanted to know what he was getting himself into. And that's how it ALL started!

As far as N4M stuff to display, I have 1 or 2 t-shirts that have the N4M logo that I wear to the zone meetings. Everything else I have purchased from the NEX in Great Lakes, San Diego & Norfolk. There are tons of websites that sell Navy stuff. I ordered my front license plate and holder online. I am personally not a big fan of N4M merchandise but if you look over to the right you will see a little post called "Now Available: N4M Merchandise"

This website is paid for by the Navy and maintained by NRD in Millington, TN. I was asked by our Zone Supervisor here in Tucson to attend the monthly zone meetings and talk to DEPPERS and their parents. If I were you I would ask to meet your son's recruiter's zone supervisor see how he/she feels about N4M. Some recruiters don't want to be bothered with it or don't have the time. The Navy is trying to make recruiting more "family friendly" by getting the parents involved. Where did your son recruit from (city and address of recruiting office).
Congratulations on your call Susan. Isn't it just a blessing to hear their voices and know they are okay???

Kristine: Have your daughter ask her recruiter when and where the next DEP zone meeting is. And if she's okay with it, ask if you can talk to her recruiter about inviting other parents to the zone meeting.

Kelly: Yes, your recruit will be able to tell you exactly when uniform they will be wearing for PIR.

Zone meeting's a usually held monthly and consist of all the recruiting offices in a particular "zone". Tucson has 5 recruiting offices that makes up a zone. At the zone meeting all DEPPERs are required to attend and they work on physical fitness (PQS); marching (march off) and the DEP manual. They also weigh in and have the chance to meet one-on-one with a recruiter. After our meeting is over the DEPPERS are fed (courtesy of the Navy). We are trying to let our DEPPERS know that their parents are more than welcome at the zone meetings and other Navy Moms will be there to answer questions and offer support. :)

Molly, have you checked the Blue Jacket's Manuel? I believe it's in there.

dl: I left a comment for you in the Arizona group. :)

I have been out of pocket for a few days. Sammie, I have heard of that scam, but in email form. They hack into your email and send the same message. When I get something I think is fishy, I check it out on snoops.com
When it doubt, check it out

My daughter is now a depper, but has one year left of high school. She'll go to boot camp next summer. Anyone else here have a depper that far out? Would love to talk to you.

Tammy, THANKYOU!! That is a wonderful poem! I thought I could be strong, but as my son's day is getting closer, I find myself a cying wreak! He is active in our men's group at church, and they want to give him an all men's going away party. There are many of them who served in the Army, Navy and Marines, so they are proud of him.
I am too, but I can't help but cry when I realize that 18 years have gone by so fast! I want him to serve his country, but also, I want him to stay with me a little bit more. I feel I still have some motherly advise to share with him!
Ladies, thank you for allowing me to come here and cry. I need it! After all, I still have 6 weeks and one day to make the most of my time with him.

yeah, I hear the wait is horrific for those who want to get in right away. That is one reason she signed up so far in advance, at least the wait will be while she is in school and not sitting around waiting for the date to come. She wants to be an AW and got to rescue swim school. Quite an endeavor but is training now for it. So the year will come in handy.

Hi Navy Recruiter... thanks for the information. I just have one question, a couple of the mom's over in the rescue swimmer forum have said that there are only a few Aircrew openings right now and that rescue swimmer is full and the wait to get to those schools is about 3-4 months. Also, they said that RSS is really tightening down and you don't get a second chance at trying to get through anymore because the rating is full. Is this not the case? Just wondering because my daughter is working her tail off to get fit to qualify for rescue swimmer, this is all she wants. She doesn't leave for a year and is trying to be able to pass the test as quick as possible so she can get her spot. Any information you have on Aircrew school and rescue swim school would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

FedEx

Here's a peek into boot camp:

http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=12890

recruiter: there are many, many recruiters on this site. I started the "Q & A with a recruiter" group along with all of our Tucson recruiters. Our CO, XO and CMC from NRD-Phx are all on here along with the chief of staff from RADM Braun's office in Millington. And MCPON is also on here.

Sue: Here's my two cents: A lot of things can happen at boot camp. Can you upgrade that free ticket to a refundable ticket? You really don't want to make any flight reservations until your son tells you he will be graduating on a certain day.

Now if you want to take a chance, here's what I'd do: Call his recruiter and find out what day of the week he takes his DEPPER's to MEPS. If he takes them on a Monday or Tuesday and they spend the night before flying to Chicago, that week will be P week. You can count eight weeks after that first week to see when graduation is.

Maybe February 5th, but since he'll be there over the holidays, there is no way to know for sure until he calls you from boot camp and gives you his graduation date.

I can only tell you of my experiences. I flew from Tucson to O'Hare b/c that was the cheapest route. I rented a car and drove to Great Lakes. I stayed at the Navy Lodge ($62 night, no taxes). I know there is ground transportation from the Chicago airports, not sure about Milwaukee. But I have heard it is cheaper to fly into Milwaukee. Have you tried doing a ground transportation search on Google?? Also, the boot camp group has a ton of info about PIR.
I would call a few hotels and see if they provide airport shuttle and if they run a shuttle to RTC. How are you going to get around if your Sailor gets the okay to stay with you? He will need to be back on base each evening, unless he's grad n go.

Chris'mom: Find out about the Buddy enlistment program. Is your son already in DEP?

Yeah, Angie's back!!! Angie I swear before you check out for good you WILL write a novel! I know it's in you girl..... :)

BTW, I have ulterior motives for joining this group....I'm in search of southern AZ DEP moms. If you all run across any please send them my way!

ahhh, Angie, you are all ready developing a following even if it takes eye drops!!! Good one Susan, lol

Question. From reading these posts I'm getting the idea that all female recruits are put on birth control pills? My daugher is only 17 and not sexually active at all, will they make her take them? I didn't know they could.

I have out of the country and then out of state. I have missed a lot! I have not read all the posts, but I read some of an Aug. group. I think it would be a wonderful idea. My first DEPPER leaves Aug. 25. I am so tired of the roller coaster ride! One minute I am crying, the next minute, I am proud of what he wants to do, then I have started to have some REALLY weird dreams! I hope by the time my other son leaves in Nov., I will be more at ease. The men's group at church gave my son a farewell party, and I wanted to thank them in person, but when I felt the tears coming, I knew I had to wait.I have never been touched by such a wonderful group of people other than here!

Thanks Sue. I was just looking, and we have a lot of DEPPERs leaving this month!

I have a friend whoes reaction was the same. It was just as if "sending a child to college". Then her husband reminded her that it's not! In clollege they come home for holidays and summer. AWhen I say good bye to my son in 16 days, it will be at least for 6 years. He wants to be a coprsman, and signed for 6 instead of 4. If all goes well, he wants to stay in for life. I will never have him home for long trips back home. 18 and gone! I am proud, but part of me wants to keep him safe with me for at least another 18 years1 Ya'll understand. I guess that is why we keep coming back and leaning on each other. !8 years is such a short time!

I know we have a place for questions, but I am just going to throw this one out here.
When the recruites arrive in Gl, and trade in their civilian clothes for the Navy, do they have a choice of boxers or briefs? One of my DEPPERs as worn boxers since kindergarten. This will be a HUGE change for him, if he has to wear something different! My other son could care less. Just wondering. Thanks!

Thanks for all the good advice! I will see if I can find some Navy boxers to take to PIR for my boxer! I will also need to get him some white ones. I forgot he will need them for his white uniform.
Any other ideas of things to take to PIR? Can they have a cell phone at A school?

Tucker is sworn in...thought I would share!!!!

Michelle, congrats. I'm still waiting. I heard from Laurence while he was still on the plane, just after he arrived in O'Hare. He called from his cell, but I haven't heard from him since. I thought my older son was in his room, but he was outside. When he walked in, I thought it was Laurence. I tho9ught he didn't make it and was back home! weird! As soonas I get use to haveing two at home, Richard will be going off. He shps in Nov.
If anyone is wandering if they should go to MEPS for the swearing in, GO! It was the best spent day off I have ever spent, well, next to the day he was born! lol Also, let them take a cell phone. I know I will get his in "the box', but it was worth him having it with him.
Now I wait for the call and addy! Then, "Let the writing begin!"

Sue, enjoy your time with your son! After last night, when I heard Laurence's voice, I felt better. Even though I miss him, I know he is safe and I now look forward to his PIR!

The Navy's manning levels right now are full (except SEALS and Navy Diver). Most if not all DEPPERS will be in the DEP program up to a year (that's the longest the Navy can keep them in DEP). The Navy has had a VERY successful recruiting program!

Lisa,
I hear ya! My son went in when he was 25 so I had him around for good long time. And I enjoyed every minute of it!
Good luck to your daughter and I'm glad to hear you speak so positive about your daughter's recruiters. I do a lot of volunteer work with recruiters and they have a tough job.

My son was so out of shape when he enlisted that we got him a 6 month membership to our health club and a personal trainer. He is a golfer and after high school they no longer have to carry their own clubs. I'm not sure the poor kid even knew how to run! But he's sure in great shape now. He did comment that the hardest part of boot camp for him was the running. Took him all 3 tries to pass. The worse part about boot camp is you will more than likely catch a cold or upper respiratory infection that will hamper your running.

My son is in the DEP program,he is leaving in nov 11,he's been waiting almost a year because he was finishing High School;that's done, thanks to God and he is so excited,I'm proud and at the same time sad.Than God for N4M's!All we talk is navy,all day long,his plans,his exersicing with some young neighbors,it's nice!This is mother always,havea nice day!

This is mother always answering Greenlo.My son is leaving for bc,if that means boot camp in Great lakes and signed for AZ.I'm sorry if I don't understand some abbreviations,I just started last week and very glad I did.
Lindsay just remember that everything happens with a purpose and because God let it happen,this I tell from th bottom of my heart;I don't know you personally and I fell for you;wish you the very best in life.

FYI: My son has PIR on 08/07/09. He had severe Ricky Crud and pneumonia during bootcamp. If he was getting ready to go to bootcamp now, I would definitely have him take the regular flu shot and also the swine flu shot if it was available. I would have him do this at least 3 weeks before leaving for bootcamp. He continued the Ricky Crud until he moved to A-school. It seemed to disappear after that. He is in GL for A-school.

One more thing, when your recruit goes to bootcamp, they are given money cards to spend in the NEX. Be sure they use up all money on this card at the NEX on the bootcamp base. This NEX card is not good at any other NEX on any other base. Your recruit was charged for this card and you don't want to lose any of their money.

Hi Alzmon-
I happened to stop back in to this group (my son is finishing his third week at BC) and saw your post. I wanted to encourage you to be at MEPS if you can. My son shipped out of Sacramento and the morning at MEPS, the ceremony, and everyone made it a very moving an meaningful experience. For me it made a real connection with the start of boot camp and everything we're now experiencing. If you have a camera you'll be able to get pictures and actually stand in front of the group through the ceremony. If you can make it, I'm pretty sure you'll be so glad you did!

Michelle - thanks so much for everything you do to support this group and everyone. You've done so much to help so many through these huge life transitions --
THANK YOU!

Angie F: question about your answer to the question of females in 800 divisions. I thought the 800 divisions were for all recruits going into any special ops so that they can receive extra PT time in the pool and running in the mornings and evenings. I was under the impression that it meant both girls and guys. My daugher is going in to be a rescue swimmer and wants/needs that extra PT time with the 800 division. Do they let the girls going into RSS and EOD still work out with the 800's even though they don't put them in an 800 division? Just wondering. Thanks.

Hi, I kind of got an answer to my question from one of my rescue swimmer moms. She said that all special op guys go into 800 divisions, but females don't. Female's still wake up an hour early though to work out with the special ops guys. The 800 division barracks just aren't used for housing the females. Thankfully she'll get the extra PT time with the guys, otherwise she'll lose all that she has worked for over those 9 weeks. Rescue swimmers actually go to their C school before their A school and if they had lost all their PT they would never make it through swim school. Thanks!

Hi Amy, My son is in his fifth week of boot camp and while he's not missing holidays and special occasions like your son will, we did take many opportunities before he left to do family things maybe more often than usual. I would encourage you to have fun together before he goes, and then you'll have something to smile about while he's gone. In fact, writing letters and receiving them are one of the best means of support during boot camp, and you could actually include pictures of your celebrations in some of those letters at the appropriate times, and have fond memories of your activities that you can recall while you're waiting for him to graduate. (And counting down the days like I'm doing now!) Good luck, enjoy!

Faith89,that's part of growing up.All of us has done the same in different circumstances.This are doors that has been open for you, be wise with desitions you'll have to make,be positive,learn the most and most of all put your life and all you do in God's hands,HE will be there for you...and we too!!!!Bless you always!!

Hi guys! Someone recently asked about extra PT time in boot camp for Special Ops - I saw that someone said "no???" Want to correct that. My son graduated on Sept 3 and was in an 800 division. The 800 divisions get up an hour earlier than the other divisions and have PT first thing. When they are through and returning to get ready for breakfast, the other divisions are already eating. Later in the day, when the other divisions have their PT, the 800 divisions have their second PT for the day. There isn't any way they could keep in physical shape for their contracts if they didn't PT twice a day. My son is waiting for rescue swimmer school to start and they are still having PT twice per day. An extreme dedication to physical standards is required and it amazes me. Not sure I could have done that when I was their age.