No, do NOT send packages of ANY KIND, especially not cookies! If you send cookies (or any other treat), the RDCs will happily sit in chairs at the end of the barracks, while the entire division does IT (intensive training ie pushups, 8-counts, etc) until the RDCs finish the contents of the care package.
If you send a card, make sure it is in a PLAIN WHITE envelope, no stickers, decorations, etc, and do NOT send a musical or pop-up card. Do not send any mail that may catch the attention of the RDCs.
If you really want to send something, you can send a gift card, either a generic Visa gift card, buy a Navy Exchange card through the NEX website (they can use it when they earn a trip to the NEX), and they will also eventually earn a trip to Ricky Heaven (video games, lounge and food court), where there is a Subway, a Pizza Hut, a Panda Express and I think a McDonalds. Even if they can't use the card at boot camp, they can put it in their wallet for later use.
Renick, whenever something goes wrong with a Depper anywhere in the US during PT, especially a death but sometimes a serious medical issue or injury, the Navy policy is to temporarily suspend PT until they can review what happened and make sure the death or injury was not caused by Navy PT training methods, first aid training, or something else they missed in training the recruiters.
Oh boy, thanks Arwen for the info. I had heard it was like that but I wanted to make sure in case other Navy Mom's hadn't heard it.
Renick, my son was not able to do PT for several months before leaving for BC. He was very disappointed but he just worked out on his own. It wasn't as much fun as it was with his fellow DEPPERS but it's the Navy policy. Better safe than sorry I guess.
Have a great weekend everyone! Lots of snow coming to MN.
Arwen is right my son and his fellow Deppers have not been able to PT for awhile do to something happening to a Depper. my son tried to get the other Deppers to go with him to the Gym, sadly only one or two showed up to work out. he leaves in 6 days sniff sniff.
We heard from our recruiter that the kid that died wasn't doing PT, but was rather walking up the hill to join the group for PT when he died and as a precaution all PT was stopped until the event was fully investigated.
All I know is what I have read on this site and getting my son to talk was not going to happen buy yes all PT was suspended temp. He met at the recruiting office on Tues. and a group went to GL for a weigh in!? His workout routine is crazy and has to be for SpecOps but I found it strange that they would drive down to the base for this. As I thank the Lord for all I have been blessed with I hold a special prayer for all families who suffer the death of a loved one.
If we don't hold on to Faith when it tested most than what....
What a help to hear about the package stories. It is great to be on the'up' of some of the do's and don'ts with many more to come I'm sure!
nytesail the training for specops is crazy my son is also specops and left about an hour ago to go do his work out, he only has three days before shipout. this is going to be on tough week. two days in he has to go to recruiting office to do final paperwork then off to the hotel for the night. said he has to be up and on the bus to Meps at 5am and I was told to be at MEPS at 9 for swearing in. wow after 7 months of waiting and testing every month I can not believe it is this close to him leaving. our pastor called him up front last night and they prayed over him which of course made everyone cry. pollyanna sorry about your son's change of heart. hang in there.
pench, is he leaving on his 'assigned' date or did he get called early? Now that he is under our roof and I watch him come and go for all his swimming, running, endurance lifting etc. the days are flying...Only the best wishes and blessing to your son and family, exciting but yet .....it sounds has been dedicated and knows what he need to do. He will be awesome...keep me posted as to his journey in SO
Smichelle I should not have read your post just before I was about to leave for work...the tears are streaming. Thank you for the reminder that is is not all business. Extra thoughts and prayers for you, your son and all of them that have moved to the next phase this week.
SMichelle - my heart and prayers are with you today. I know I will be in the exact same boat before I know it - but I think that no matter how much we prepare, it's not going to be easy. I have until August, but my heart will not be ready by then either. Hugs to you today.
Wow Smichelle, you touched everyone here so far, myself included. As mentioned, my son moved back home this past week until 3.11 and even though I consider him a man at 26 he is still me son and I see all stages of him in certain smirks, facial expressions, when he asks somthing and we are in the kitchen it is awesome, like time has taken me back for a moment. All that you have mentioned is felt in my heart and it even skipped a beat I think? :) Thank you for the site in progress and your words of wisdom even though the wisdom is not ancient it wise! My son and his brother are great friends , only 1-1/2 years apart and still hang out with the same group of friends from parochial and high school. I alreadly see what you mean by being with them and his girlfriend and I Need to be fine with that. I am, because I see him happy. We can only hope to be as prepared as you all were!
That is a great thing...what made me have a moment was the fact that I know that's all true and my heart aches for you! We will be dealing with it in 7 months. Soon it will be 6 months and so on and so on....You have a way with words my love!!
My son is all sworn in and scheduled to leave 4/20/2011. He said his Recruiter wants to come to our house. What is the reason for this and what should we expect?
Both of our sons' recruiters came to our house for a visit. We developed an excellent relationship with both of them and it worked out that they worked very hard for both our sons to get the rates and shipping timeframes. Parents were very encouraged to become involved in the process. I and my twins went to a Navy Week celebration locally and we met a Vice Admiral, the Commander of our recruiting district and a Command Master Chief who was the same rate as my sons. I also worked the Navy for Moms booth at Navy Week. All in all our experience has been an awesome one and I encourage all parents to become involved.
The recruiters just talked about all kinds of things with us and we asked many questions about their service and the Navy. They also came to our sons high school graduation party at our house.
Well I wish B would come spend some time at home so I can have the last mths with him but I can only pray that he will want to. I have not seen him sence Thanks Giveing and he stayed for like two hr's. I wish his recruiter would be more involved. I don't think he would even know how to get to our house?? He has never even asked for my husbend to come in for a meeting, and that is funny because my hubby was the firs to meet him at a remote controle car race, and he gave B his card....Oh well March 29 will be here before I know it.
I don't think we will ever be ready for that moment, but we just need to hang on and enjoy the ride. My son is also 26, and is an only, and I know it will be a rough day after he leaves on 1/18. But I am so excited for him.
Smichelle thank you for sharing with all of us. We will make sure we cherish every moment we can.
Hey all,
We'll my husband has landed safely in Chicago. Now I just wait for the phone call for him to tell me the same old scrit\pted thing they all say. Just wanted to let you all know it is very hard but I know it will be worth it in the end. It has been a very long day as I was up early and down at MEPS to watch him swear in and go through all of the medical, travel arrangements and then met him at the airport. I didnt get to see him long at the airport as he was the oldest who was shipping out from Houston so he was put in charge of making sure they all got on the bus, made sure they all got off the bus, got the boarding passes and through security and on the plane. While sitting here writing you I just got a phone call from him and he said that they are all safe, they just got some food and ate, checked in with the USO and now are waiting to leave to go to camp. If any of you had kids, husbands, wifes, or other relative from Houston leave today my husband is with them. He told me to tell you their all safe and getting prepared to be up for the next 40 hours to get through medical again, fitted for uniforms, dental check, and all the other necessities. If I get anymore phone calls from him I will keep everyone who had a ship date from Houston December 7, 2010 updated!
Now I am sitting here crying because it was a short phone call as he has to keep up with all the recruits.
When anyone gets any news about them if they could please post too. Also, when we get the PIR let me know the new forum so we all can keep in touch with everything that is going on.
Remember to keep your head up and be strong as they need our unconditional love and support. I am so happy to be on this site and keep in touch with everyone!
Just a quick FYI this time will seem right now like it is not going to fly by but it will. We only have a little over two weeks and it is Christmas then it will New Years, after that we are 4 weeks away from seeing the graudate. It is sure to be an amazing and I know we all cant wait.
Have a great night and talk to you all soon!
My son has enlisted and has already gone to KC. He has not received classification yet. But there is still plenty of time. He graduates HS in May and then off to BC in July. He wants in HC.
I don't let my son see me cry, I don't let him know I have sad days, if I feel that way I always blame it on something else...I keep telling him how darn proud I am of him. Just keep reassuring him...He won't be alone there...out of all those young men...there is sure be a few he connects with.
My son went to meps yesterday and signed his contract. He was offered an IT position. He leaves for bc april 19th....he will be twenty in january and is pretty responsible so I guess I'm not as worried as I would be if he had done this immediately after graduation . This is my first time on this site so I'm not sure exactly what to do or expect. Thanks for listening
Hi Sherrie!! You will learn so much info here!!! Keep reading and reading...take notes, make a list of things he needs to do before he leaves....There are some very great ladies here!
thank you mistydawn....i guess i should have read the instruction thing before i made a comment...i hope i didn't give out too much information on my son....i will be more careful in the future...thanks for replying
Welcome Sherrie and Jan! My son also is going into IT and leaves for bc on 1/18.
This is the place for questions and answers and for talking about any concerns you might have.
Also you can go into the group that is concerned with the month that your recruit is leaving for more information.
2boys1girl09 one more thing to mention to your son when he starts worrying about being alone....Tell him he is not alone...WE will all be there routing, cheering, & praying for him along his journey . That will be a really crowded bunk!
Son is leaving for boot camp July 27 and will is going in to be CTT. My daughter just graduated last year and is currently in Norfolk, Virginia. Get to experience the whole PIR experience again!
Petty Officer called at 2:20 today and took my son from school to go to KC and accept a position of Aviation Mechanic. yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He will start going to some classes not far from.here to start on training .
Hi everyone, and thanks so much for the comments and welcomes. JD went to his first DEP meeting last night. Before he went he was a little nervous about accepting the IT position because he's not sure what it is or whether he will enjoy it...they explained it briefly and said that it was the only thing available during this time table. He scored very high on his test and when he told them he wanted to be a master at arms or something to do with mp they talked him out of it and said with his brains IT is where he needed to be....so he was having some concerns...but after his meeting last night he said a sense of pride came over him and he felt much better....and he said after all he may be able to go into something else after the first 4 years if he stays in....if anyone has someone in IT could you tell me a little of what they learn or do so i can tell him?
sherrie, IT is basically computer support type positions. Now having said that there are a lot of different areas of support and areas of expertise so it isn't always the same for each IT person. It is a great field to go into in the Navy and out.
sherrie go into the IT group area and there is a section of items with information. One of those gives a description of an IT specialists jobs. As I said it is varied and a great position.
thank you...now here's a really stupid question....how do or where do i find the IT group?.....i am VERY new at this and don't have much of a clue of what i am doing...lol...and i am relieved that you feel this is a good position...and am sure he will be as well...thanks again
thank you so much everyone...another quick question...i tried to find other mom's whose son/daughter were heading to boot camp in april but i must have went to the wrong place...any suggestions...or should i just try the search in the group tab?
Well, I have almost 3 days left before I put him on a plane for GL. I am getting nervous for him and I hope that I can hold my emotions together on Tuesday at MEPS. I am trying really hard not to get emotional in front of him and stay positive and encouraging to him. I am very proud of him but I know I will miss him terribly.
Arwen
If you send a card, make sure it is in a PLAIN WHITE envelope, no stickers, decorations, etc, and do NOT send a musical or pop-up card. Do not send any mail that may catch the attention of the RDCs.
If you really want to send something, you can send a gift card, either a generic Visa gift card, buy a Navy Exchange card through the NEX website (they can use it when they earn a trip to the NEX), and they will also eventually earn a trip to Ricky Heaven (video games, lounge and food court), where there is a Subway, a Pizza Hut, a Panda Express and I think a McDonalds. Even if they can't use the card at boot camp, they can put it in their wallet for later use.
Dec 3, 2010
Arwen
Dec 3, 2010
KimB-Proud Mom Of A Sailor!!
Renick, my son was not able to do PT for several months before leaving for BC. He was very disappointed but he just worked out on his own. It wasn't as much fun as it was with his fellow DEPPERS but it's the Navy policy. Better safe than sorry I guess.
Have a great weekend everyone! Lots of snow coming to MN.
Dec 3, 2010
pench
Dec 3, 2010
Lizzie's Mom Ship 03/Div 367
Dec 3, 2010
nytesail
If we don't hold on to Faith when it tested most than what....
What a help to hear about the package stories. It is great to be on the'up' of some of the do's and don'ts with many more to come I'm sure!
Dec 5, 2010
mistydawn_67
Dec 6, 2010
pench
Dec 6, 2010
nytesail
Dec 6, 2010
mistydawn_67
Dec 7, 2010
jdmom
Dec 7, 2010
KathyMmom
Dec 7, 2010
nytesail
Dec 7, 2010
mistydawn_67
Dec 7, 2010
Donna (Christopher's Mom)
Dec 7, 2010
mistydawn_67
Dec 7, 2010
Donna (Christopher's Mom)
Dec 7, 2010
idahojeep
Both of our sons' recruiters came to our house for a visit. We developed an excellent relationship with both of them and it worked out that they worked very hard for both our sons to get the rates and shipping timeframes. Parents were very encouraged to become involved in the process. I and my twins went to a Navy Week celebration locally and we met a Vice Admiral, the Commander of our recruiting district and a Command Master Chief who was the same rate as my sons. I also worked the Navy for Moms booth at Navy Week. All in all our experience has been an awesome one and I encourage all parents to become involved.
The recruiters just talked about all kinds of things with us and we asked many questions about their service and the Navy. They also came to our sons high school graduation party at our house.
Dec 7, 2010
OMG hes a Sailor (div180)
Dec 7, 2010
navymom99(ship09 div075)
Dec 7, 2010
beachbum
Dec 7, 2010
glassdog
Smichelle thank you for sharing with all of us. We will make sure we cherish every moment we can.
Dec 7, 2010
aprul(ship11,div63)
We'll my husband has landed safely in Chicago. Now I just wait for the phone call for him to tell me the same old scrit\pted thing they all say. Just wanted to let you all know it is very hard but I know it will be worth it in the end. It has been a very long day as I was up early and down at MEPS to watch him swear in and go through all of the medical, travel arrangements and then met him at the airport. I didnt get to see him long at the airport as he was the oldest who was shipping out from Houston so he was put in charge of making sure they all got on the bus, made sure they all got off the bus, got the boarding passes and through security and on the plane. While sitting here writing you I just got a phone call from him and he said that they are all safe, they just got some food and ate, checked in with the USO and now are waiting to leave to go to camp. If any of you had kids, husbands, wifes, or other relative from Houston leave today my husband is with them. He told me to tell you their all safe and getting prepared to be up for the next 40 hours to get through medical again, fitted for uniforms, dental check, and all the other necessities. If I get anymore phone calls from him I will keep everyone who had a ship date from Houston December 7, 2010 updated!
Now I am sitting here crying because it was a short phone call as he has to keep up with all the recruits.
When anyone gets any news about them if they could please post too. Also, when we get the PIR let me know the new forum so we all can keep in touch with everything that is going on.
Remember to keep your head up and be strong as they need our unconditional love and support. I am so happy to be on this site and keep in touch with everyone!
Just a quick FYI this time will seem right now like it is not going to fly by but it will. We only have a little over two weeks and it is Christmas then it will New Years, after that we are 4 weeks away from seeing the graudate. It is sure to be an amazing and I know we all cant wait.
Have a great night and talk to you all soon!
Dec 8, 2010
jdmom
Dec 8, 2010
Arwen
Dec 8, 2010
sheshe866 (SHIP02 DIV944)
Dec 8, 2010
mistydawn_67
Dec 8, 2010
nytesail
Dec 8, 2010
sheshe866 (SHIP02 DIV944)
Dec 9, 2010
sherrie
Dec 9, 2010
mistydawn_67
Dec 9, 2010
sherrie
Dec 9, 2010
glassdog
This is the place for questions and answers and for talking about any concerns you might have.
Also you can go into the group that is concerned with the month that your recruit is leaving for more information.
Dec 9, 2010
jdmom
Dec 9, 2010
navymom99(ship09 div075)
how many have a son or daughter going into the seabees group and going to Fort Leonard wood in Missouri after basic?
Dec 9, 2010
Deborah (CTT son)
Son is leaving for boot camp July 27 and will is going in to be CTT. My daughter just graduated last year and is currently in Norfolk, Virginia. Get to experience the whole PIR experience again!
Dec 9, 2010
sheshe866 (SHIP02 DIV944)
Petty Officer called at 2:20 today and took my son from school to go to KC and accept a position of Aviation Mechanic. yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He will start going to some classes not far from.here to start on training .
.
Dec 9, 2010
mistydawn_67
awesome sheshe!!!!
So Deborah, you are an "old pro" hahahaha!
So happy things are going well for everyone..
Dec 10, 2010
Arwen
There is free internet at the USO/liberty center, but in most places, they have to pay for internet service if they want it in their rooms.
Dec 10, 2010
Arwen
Sean met with the recruiter today. It went really well. With any luck he will be heading to MEPS to get a job before his brother is an E3
Dec 10, 2010
sherrie
Hi everyone, and thanks so much for the comments and welcomes. JD went to his first DEP meeting last night. Before he went he was a little nervous about accepting the IT position because he's not sure what it is or whether he will enjoy it...they explained it briefly and said that it was the only thing available during this time table. He scored very high on his test and when he told them he wanted to be a master at arms or something to do with mp they talked him out of it and said with his brains IT is where he needed to be....so he was having some concerns...but after his meeting last night he said a sense of pride came over him and he felt much better....and he said after all he may be able to go into something else after the first 4 years if he stays in....if anyone has someone in IT could you tell me a little of what they learn or do so i can tell him?
Dec 10, 2010
glassdog
sherrie, IT is basically computer support type positions. Now having said that there are a lot of different areas of support and areas of expertise so it isn't always the same for each IT person. It is a great field to go into in the Navy and out.
For more info go to the IT mom's group.
Dec 10, 2010
glassdog
sherrie go into the IT group area and there is a section of items with information. One of those gives a description of an IT specialists jobs. As I said it is varied and a great position.
Dec 10, 2010
sherrie
thank you...now here's a really stupid question....how do or where do i find the IT group?.....i am VERY new at this and don't have much of a clue of what i am doing...lol...and i am relieved that you feel this is a good position...and am sure he will be as well...thanks again
Dec 10, 2010
sherrie
thank you so much everyone...another quick question...i tried to find other mom's whose son/daughter were heading to boot camp in april but i must have went to the wrong place...any suggestions...or should i just try the search in the group tab?
Dec 10, 2010
STG3_VeNard
Hello.
I am a future sailor leaving on 02MAR11 my program is IT any others out there??? lol
Dec 10, 2010
myboysmom(Ship09/Div078)
Well, I have almost 3 days left before I put him on a plane for GL. I am getting nervous for him and I hope that I can hold my emotions together on Tuesday at MEPS. I am trying really hard not to get emotional in front of him and stay positive and encouraging to him. I am very proud of him but I know I will miss him terribly.
Dec 11, 2010
cheerpuk
Dec 12, 2010
jdmom
cheerpuk Good Luck to all of you...
Dec 12, 2010
nytesail
Best to you all at MEPS cheerpuk! You are so very proud!!
Dec 12, 2010