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  • dragon7

    Is it better to open accounts with the Navy Federal Credit Union or keep banking with their hometown bank?  I can see that eventually he may want to open accounts with NFCU but until he is through bc, training, etc. it seems it might be better for him to keep his current bank.  I assume they can join NFCU at any time.
  • Jenn (Proud AO Mom)

    I thought that they were automatically opened an NFCU account at BC and that is where their checks are direct deposited.  But I could be totally wrong about that and may have misunderstood.  My son doesn't leave until September and he already has an NFCU account that his dad had opened for him a while ago so it's always been one of those non-issues for us.
  • BtownSandy

    My daughter and I are joint account owners at our local bank (branches across the country, but I consider it local). She signed up to have her paychecks deposited there. We figured that while she was a BC that if something should come up I would have access to the account and could take care of it. She also signed up for a NFCU account while at bootcamp. She is eventually going to transfer her direct deposit over to that account once she is finally settled at A School (which she just arrived at Saturday). If you open the NFCU account early enough you can be on the account and have access just in case you need it. Otherwise, I would keep the local bank account and let them sign up for a NFCU account while there. It is no real big deal to change the direct deposit later, just a form. For now she has both but will eventually cut the cord and move it all to an account that is just hers.
  • jacketfan24 (corpsman mom)

    My son has an account with his dad at a bank that has national branches, so he is just planning to keep it there.  That way we can take care of anything that comes up while he is gone.  He is taking the account numbers with him to BC so he can start automatic deposit to that account.  My son is leaving in two weeks. 

     

  • Philly5 (Justin's proud mom)

    Well my son is no longer a depper.  He left today and i got the call that he arrived at Great Lakes.  I can't believe the time is here...

  • jacketfan24 (corpsman mom)

    Thanks, he does have that...the bank gave him a card to put in his wallet with all the numbers on it so he will have it when he needs it. 

    ZZsMom---good luck the next 8 weeks; mine leaves on Sept. 6.

  • Arwen

    In the Navy having a bank with international branches is more important than national branches. A large percentage of unattached (unmarried, no children) new sailors are assigned to Japan and UAE, where many of our ships are based. They like to send the unattached sailors because it's cheaper than sending sailors who have families. My son was assigned to a ship in Sasebo, Japan, and my brother in law spent two tours in Italy, and another in Belgium.
  • Bandito's Mom

    My son is married and we live in Calif whish is a community property state.  Does his wife still need a Power of Attorney for him while he is in BootCamp?
  • BtownSandy

    For right now we will keep both. I think it is a psychological thing for her and more than likely for me. We are still tethered even though she is on the other side of the country. Eventually she will break the tie that binds us and I will have to let her fly solo. For now I will leave things as they are and let her make the decision to break the bond. It will be a bittersweet day. Even though she is on her own, she will always be my little girl.
  • Craig

    Bandito - The wife actually needs two types of POA's.  She needs a Special or General POA, and, a medical POA.  It is extremely important to have one..  

     

    Why?   Just a little background.  I run the NavyDEP,com website.  I posted all of these POA's because of a problem that one of the sailors had while in boot camp.  It was a real tragic event, and the sailor actually passed away.  What happened is the sailor slipped on ice coming out of the barracks and hit his head.  The family could never get the Navy to talk to them because the sailor never executed a POA.  

    The only reason I'm telling you this is it is REALLY important that he gets a POA.  God has a plan for all of us, what that plan is, we don't know.  Just like insurance, we hope we never have to use it, but if we do, it's there to help us.   The POA just takes a few minute to complete and yes, the Navy will accept a General POA for medical purposes, but if they have to be MEDIVAC's to a civilian hospital, then they would need a Medical POA.  So I'd get that too....

     

    The sailor can go to legal, or he can do it on his own. All he needs is a notary to sign the form. You can find all the Navy Power of Attorney's here: 

    http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1596

     

  • Invisible12

    Get your tissues ready MOMS.....I think this article speaks for all of us.  Just thought I'd share.

  • ZZsMom

    Wow, Invisible12..that is awesome! 
  • Kjnh0521

    craig, i read ur message regarding POA,i have been looking for the right one before my husband leaves in november.i printed out the general one.Will that cover everything ? i have been going crazy looking what kind of POA i need before he leaves..
  • MidwestMom

     Kjnh0521 - We ended up going to a lawyer because we couldn't find a notary public who would sign off on the medical POA.  If you can, that's great, but it might be just as easy to call several lawyers and tell them you want two simple POAs (general and medical) and then shop for the best price.  It is REALLY easy on their end--generic forms that they pretty much just print off.  Good luck!
  • mombychoice

    Kjnh0521 - Military or not people need to have a "general power of attorney" and a seperate "medical power of attorney."
  • ZZsMom

    I don't know if I am suppose to do this and if I am not please let me know and I will delete my post ASAP.  I have never used US Legal forms but am a firm believer in Dave Ramsey and he recommends them.  I have also been told that you can visit some office supply stores and purchase blank forms that you can fill in.  I also suggest that If you are taking the time to do your loved ones forms that you do the same for yourself with alternate power of attonrey other than your military loved one.  Because gosh forbide something happen to you while your loved one is deployed!

  • Diana (Proud Navy Mom)

    Well, it's official, my son is no longer a DEPper.   He left this afternoon and I already miss him!
  • ZZsMom

    Diane make sure you join the group for Boot Camp Moms. And hang in there!
  • Craig

    Totally agree with mombychoice.  

    You need both.  If you decide to do a power of attorney for financial management, you may also want to consider doing a power of attorney for health care. A power of attorney for health care allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make your own decisions. Unlike a power of attorney for financial affairs, it can only be effective upon disability. Because the power of attorney for health care must contain specific language, it is usually separate from the power of attorney for financial affairs so you will need to sign two powers of attorney.

    By doing both, there is no doubt what the future sailor is requesting.  Why go through all the legal hassle if something happens.  Make it right the 1st time.  

    On my website I have the offical Navy POA's, but I don't a Navy offical HIPAA release.

    The best bet is for your Depper to go to the nearest base legal office and let them know they are a depper awaiting to go to boot camp and he will like both forms generated and notarized.  It's free.  If you don't have a base nearby, just Google search "hipaa power of attorney form",

  • Diana (Proud Navy Mom)

    Thanks ZZs mom, I got his "I'm here" call as well as a call prior to that from the airport, both times on his cell phone.  If they have cell phones I would recommend they take them and then send them back in their box.  I believe he was able to talk to me a little bit longer because he was calling from his cell.
  • dragon7

    In regard to the POA discussion.  Do I (mom) keep the POAs in my possession or does the Navy need a copy too?
  • Craig

    dragon - You keep the POA.  The Navy doesn't keep that stuff in the service record.  However, since your getting them, get two made.  One for him, and one for you.  That way if either of you loose one, you have a back up copy....
  • Craig

    Diana - I made a Power Point slide show for the deppers on my website.  You might find it useful too.  Look at the "P" day one....

    http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ctratemoms/forum/topics/boot-camp-...

  • Diana (Proud Navy Mom)

    Thanks Craig, it was very informative.  I feel like I have at least a little more of an idea of what he is going through.

  • Britt<3Corpsman Wife

    My husband is going to MEPs on thursday. He has already taken his ASVAB and passed his physical. He is just going to get classified. Can anyone tell me exactly how it works? How long does it normally take? Will he be able to call me to tell me what they offer him before he signs his contract? Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? Thanks! : )
  • Arwen

    Okay, about MEPS - they do not allow cell phones to be used there at all. Even the recruiters can't make calls from the building.

    Once he gets there, he will be given a drug test and a cursory physical (to make sure he hasn't broken something since the last physical) and is taken to a classifier, who will punch his ASVAB scores into the computer to see if there is anything available that he is eligible for.

    There is a VERY good chance that there will not be anything. This is not a reflection of your husband or his scores, it's a sign of the times. One of the young men my son went to MEPS with scored a 95 on his ASVAB, but had to go back 6 times to find an opening. Meanwhile, my son, who scored a 77, got a job the first trip. It was pure luck, just as it was his turn with the classifier, someone dropped out somewhere else.

    If there is no match, your husband will be sent home to try again later.

    If there is more than one match (it happens, sometimes) he will be given a choice between them. If there is only one, he will be offered that job.

    He will not be allowed to call you until he has already provided his answer - yes or no. If he accepts, he signs the contract, is sworn into DEP (not the Navy itself-that happens later), then he is allowed to call you. They actually have a special room for calling home after signing. If he turns it down he can call you on the way home from MEPS.

    If he turns down the job offers he can technically go back to try again for the job he wants, but recruiters and MEPS folks sometimes get an attitude about it and can make it more difficult for him to go back.

    This is generally an all-day event.

  • SonandSea

    hi DEP moms and loved ones~~ My son is currently in boot camp (beginning week 4). He was a DEPPER for 10 months. I have a blog that chronicles my journey thus far. Please drop by if you like. Mosltly, I address the emotional aspects of becoming a Navy mom. Savor your time with your DEPPER. It goes too fast! ♥ 

    http://sonandsea.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-03-07T07%3A42...

  • Kim

    Good Afternoon Ladies, For those who are in DEP, If you were not aware that you can join the YMCA for free. I did not find this out till recently my daugher could have used this becasue she was having problems with float test in B/C. she could have gone to the YMCA the entire time
  • New_Horizons1

    Dear Britt,
    The only one who can use cellphones is the Recruiter, and they normally don't anyway.  My recruiter allowed me to use his cell to call my Mom so I could tell her of what has been offered me and get her advise on weather I should take the job or not; I had to stand practically pressed up against this glass door to get 2 bar reception lol
    But I'm sure his recruiter will be kind enough to allow him to do the same, especially if your husband seems hesitant or in question.  Though in the end, I'm sure whatever job he accepts will be fine and will be a great experience.  Also after a year he can switch ratings if he is seeking something else or comes to find he doesn't like it as much as he would like.  No matter what happens the journey should be remarkable, I truly believe in that ^.^
  • New_Horizons1

    Sorry, i don't mean to send mixed messages.  Arwen is definitely right.  That was just my experience when I was down there.  They seemed to be more strict about cellphones for the recruits than the recruiters, I think bc some carry business even while at MEPS.  I know my recruiter had a few business related calls.  I know I've called him before when he was at MEPS also.  So I guess cells are strictly for business related things... Like he doesn't have his personal cell with him, he leaves that in the car, only the government issued one and even that is limited use.  Dealing with getting finalized information from others for something that's missing on paperwork and such.
    But generally speaking, regulation wise, Arwen is correct.
  • New_Horizons1

    @ Kim,

    I WISH I KNEW THAAAAT!!!
    There's this amazing YMCA near where I live and we had checked it out, but the prices were to high.  So my Mom gifted me a few month membership at LA Fitness, which is great by the way, but stilllllll FREEEEE GAH!!! >.br/>Why does no one tell us these things?!  I'm still getting what I need at the gym and at home, but still that would have been hot!
    Thanks for the info anyway.  That's great to know ^.^
  • jacketfan24 (corpsman mom)

    My son did go to the Y during DEP, and they knew why he was going, but they never mentioned that he could go for free. 
  • lishiyloops08

    is there anyone shipping out october 5th??
  • Bandito's Mom

    Must depend on the Y, my son went and asked.  They said he had to be Active Military, not a DEPPER
  • Diana (Proud Navy Mom)

    Anyone interested in the Y- My boys and I joined the Y three months ago.  My SR wanted to work out as much as possible to get ready for BC.  The people at the Y told me that he couldn't be free unless he is active military.  We were able to get a scholarship though, because of my income, and we only had to pay half of the normal monthly fee. The Y is great and my younger son and I are still going even though my SR has entered BC.
  • Craig

    lishiy - This is the list for October at NavyDep. 

    October 2011
    10/04 - FSCastano (MT)
    10/04 - Beau.B (AECF)
    10/06 - irlawerence (HM)
    10/24 - FS_Flobot (SECF)
    10/31 - UTMan (UM)

  • Diana (Proud Navy Mom)

    craig - What are the dates for?  Just curious, my son is SECF.
  • Craig

    That's the day these recruits go to MEPS, hop on the plane, land in Chicago, hop on a bus, and start getting yelled at.... Woo-hoo!  What took 18 years for the parents to try to do, the Navy will do it in 8 weeks.  Their pay starts on that day.

    You give them your boy, they will return a man!

  • Diana (Proud Navy Mom)

    Oh, thanks for explaining that.  My son left last week.
  • Bandito's Mom

    Craig, At least you made me smile.  My "boy" is 21, I have been watching him intensely all weekend.  He may not be 100% man yet, but he is almost there.  I think this commitment has contributed immensely to his growth in this last year.  I guess we let the Navy finish the transformation.  Swears in today.
  • momof5~(1CorpMen1Undesignated)

    Hi all! My name is Dawn and I am the proud momof 5, 2 sons which are deppers.
    My 19yold son leaves Oct 4 getting here quick!) My 22yold son leaves feb 16. 2012.
    The first one leaving is signed to be a medic and my other son has signed to be a para rescue diver/jumper(not sure right term)

    Very happy to of found this site....lots of info.

    Anyone else with kids leaving oct 4? Does that mean they grad at same time?
    Dawn
    Aka momof5
  • sboli1

    The Y was great for my Depper said he could pay $10 as he comes.  Worked for him when his group wasnt able together. 

    Today my son had to go to his recruiters office for his 90 day departure interview. He leaves Dec 13th.  Anyone know what this is about?

     

  • Craig

    momof5 - Since you have a Navy medic I thought I'd post this video, it's pretty awesome...  Go Navy Corpsman!  

    The other son sounds like a Air Rescue swimmer (AW).  I have a mom on one of my other threads who's son is almost finished with that school. If you want her name, pm me.  

  • Miamishark

    @Britt<3 what did your husband actually get offered, if anything, my son has been 3 times and nothing, except NUKE, which he's not interested in, has been offered

    @New_Horizons1 not all YMCA's offer the free membership.  Here in MD, my son inquired about joining for free and they said they didn't even offer discounts or anything?  If you hear otherwise let me know
  • Miamishark

    @momof5 how great for your sons, mine is awaiting to meet with classifiers again.  He dreams of being a Navy Corpsman, they keep telling him it's probably not available, but he keeps wishing.  He's always wanted that field, he's starting college to be a nurse, so Corpsman is right up that ally
  • Britt<3Corpsman Wife

    Hi Miamishark-
    He has not met with a classifier yet, he is going down to San Diego tomorrow. He wants to do Corpsman also, he has been a pharmacy technician for 14 years so it would be a really good fit. When he had his physical done the recruiter told him that 2 days before he went down there they had corpsman available, but they day he passed his physical they were only offering store keeper and something else... I can't remember. He has an open mind to pretty much anything at this point. He does kind of have a mental list of what he wants, but he knows that he can't really be picky. He plans on doing at least 20 years, so if corpsman is unavailable now he can always transition over after a re enlistment : ) I wish your son the best of luck!! I heard that there are approx 1000 jobs available per day and it is kind of first come first serve basis. I'm not sure how true that is.... so I guess its just pure luck to get what you want on that particular day you go to meet with a classifier.
  • Bandito's Mom

    My son qualified for Nuke and was told there was nothing but Nuke.  When he went to MEPS, he didn't get to see classifier right away, and when he did he was told there was only Nuke.  But during that days swearing in, there were MA's, CT's, etc.  His recruiting office seems to produce alot of Nukes, son never positive that he was given all the choices available.   However, he knows that he is qualified for Nuke, likes the pay, the bonus and since he married, appreciates that his wife will be moved by the Navy as soon as he joins Aschool. 

    Britt, It may be worth turning down the first choice and going again another day.  Also, there is some speculation that the first of the month is the best time to go because the Navy releases it's needs then. 

  • Proudmom

    Both of my kids qualified for nuke at meps and of course it was pushed by the recruiters. when they get those they try to push hard as they get recruitment bonuses for those that sign. My daughter took them up on the offer and leaves Nov 8th. My son on the other hand turned up color blind (we didnt know until meps) so took him out of most everything but has a great attitude. He has an AA in nursing you would thinnk that corpsman would be a great fit ( a job you can do colorblind) but there still has to be an opening and he was told those are really competitive jobs to get so I think if you want this field you might need to wait it out a bit. He didnt want to wait so enlisted and leaves in Dec. He at some point wants to finish his degree so he is not too worried about the unknown(job) as he has a plan. I think it is luck of the draw on most of the jobs bacause when my son went to meps almost no jobs available that day ( colorblindness aside)but when my daughter went she had many jobs available to her, even turned down her meps pick when she decided on nuke. Its kind of crazy.

  • New_Horizons1

    @ Craig
    That vid was so awesome, I shared it on FB, specifically to my Dad ^.^
    Favorite line, "Didn't you notice he's wounded?  That's what we do.  We're Americans." <3
  • sboli1

    Hi Bella, My son said his 90dy interview was no big deal...I think he getting nervous about leaving....he's very quite.  Im sure this will come and go.  When does your daughter leave?