Japan Moms

For all the Moms(and Dads) with a Sailor in Japan

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  • Kim

    Look for a USO.  My son does not remember there being one there.

  • Momof2

    Thank you all for your help. I feel better and he is on base so I know he's safe and taken care of.
  • Momof2

    Thanks everyone for your helpful information during our crisis. $100 later in international phone charges and no wallet has been turned in at either airport or the airline. $35 later I had his drivers license re-made and sent express mail because he has to have it by Friday and there's still no guarantee he will get it by then. However, he is safe and where he is supposed to be and has learned a hard lesson. I appreciate all the help and directions. It really helped and made the unknown easier to handle.
  • Anti M

    @Navyfan,  That is a huge maybe.  Special permission not so much, but if they have leave on the books, and the command can let them take it without hurting the mission, then yes.  That's just leave.  If their ship is in the middle of a deployment, the chances are extremely variable.  I wouldn't count on it as the Navy makes sailors miss their own weddings, and births of their own children.  He should ask, and everyone cross their fingers.

  • Kim

    Momof2, phone the phone company and tell them the circumstances.  They should find a way to reduce the charges if you ask.  They are usually pretty good with that. 

    Also, they will all put his phone on hold while he is overseas with no monthly fees.  You can have it turned back on when he is in the states and they will prorate.  Do not take no for an answer on this one.  Some customer service reps are uninformed on the zero fees for active military.

  • Wheatonpup

    Does anyone know how long it takes usually to get a package to the USS Ronald Reagan?  I mailed mine Oct 3 and tracked it, It supposedly arrived Oct 22.  I'm not sure if he got it then or does that mean it arrived to the ship? or someplace else? How do they get mail? Is there a mail call? Thanks!

  • Anti M

    @Wheaatonpup ... the packages are only tracked partway, and not always through to the ship if it is deployed.  It can take a long time if the mail must be airlifted.  Letters are light and may be taken easily by air, while packages might need to wait until a portcall or a resupply from a tender (more likely to come in by air ...).  Yes, they have mailcall when a batch of mail comes in.

    Here is a site with a couple videos of resupply at sea, and this is also when they might receive mail.  

    http://jalopnik.com/this-timelapse-shows-how-to-resupply-an-aircraf...

    If they are at their homeport, hard to say why he doesn't have his package, he may have missed seeing his notice to go pick it up.  He should check with the mailroom.

  • Anti M

    There's also some good video in the comments too.  I find resupply fascinating.  And yes, they lose stuff into the sea now and then.

  • T-Lynn

    HI YIPPEE we are back !

    And Wow - this site still jumps with news.

    Fingers crossed all goes well for the sailor that lost his wallet.  That another sailor gets to come for a wedding, that package arrives soon and did NOT fall into the sea.

    Healing Reiki energy tto Devil Cat - really Angel is sweet and loves you Maggs. You are teh BEST can opening there is!

    Blondie - what can I say? Hugs girlfriend. And Kim and Anti M- just good to SEE your posts.

    Hope by now things have quieted for all and this Halloween will be fun. Busy here too. I had root canal last Tuesday and it will finish up on November 1. Went to eye doc - thinking I needed new prescription - haha on me. No new presecription - I need new eyes! Caract surgery coming up on Nov.9 - left eye adn 14th right eye. I HAVE to have it - or loose night driving. BUT good news - will not need glasses!!!! Well, for reading. Riker then has ear tubes put in and adenoids removed on Nov 15th. Honestly - I am looking forward to Thanksgiving. I am going to nap!

    Did I say I am so glad we are all back? Well I am !!!

    Take care all - have ver fun and Happy Halloween. hugs

  • T-Lynn

  • T-Lynn

    Tessa made this for him

  • T-Lynn

    Riker and his best buddy looking at chickens

  • T-Lynn

    riker loves garbage truck. Here he got to sit in teh driver's seat. Can you tell he is happy?

  • T-Lynn

    Dil made teh Halloween wreath on wall and then decorated the fireplace mantel

  • T-Lynn

    Dil took this photo. I just thought it was so beautiful - I had share

  • T-Lynn

    Our Scout Reach Staff at the family bowling just yesterday . Can you find me?

  • T-Lynn

    I know - don't drink and fly - but really all I needed was to have that caract surgery earlier

  • Anti M

    Terrific pictures, T, thanks for sharing!

  • T-Lynn

    Oh I am laughing Maggs. I can see Angel letting that chipmunk go in the house. Not to play with later - but watch your and hubby's reactions. So glad you are enjoying watching her normal cat behavior. Hugs

    So glad all are enjoying the pictures.

    And the only thing else for me to say is:

    I no longer have to say - WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR!!!!

    CUBS WON THE SERIES!!!!!

    Wish all a great weekend.

  • Momof2

    I wanted to buy my son some restaurant gift cards for Christmas. I asked on the Facebook page if there was a Starbucks on base in sasebo. Everyone says gift cards don't work there. I'm wondering why that would be? If it's on the base wouldn't it be dollars and not Yin?
  • tytulip40

    Wanna chat about voting - just asked my son if he was able to vote and he said no - he is on the USS Ronald Reagan right now - he said he overheard some people discussing voting a couple weeks ago, asked said person and said person said he'd get back to him that he wasn't sure- that never happened - well, now it's day of and too late (should of check in on this a while back) - seems a bit odd, why wouldn't they push absentee voting for them? Most of them this is their first time so are unaware of the process and too shy to ask. I always took my son with me when I would vote so he can know what it's about.  A friend mentioned I could vote for him - is this true? Google wan't very informative on that. His drivers license has my address.  Thanks

  • Wheatonpup

    5000 on that ship and no notice about voting???  It will be their commander in chief.  What gives!??

  • Anti M

    tytulip, no, you cannot vote for him.  They are supposed to get absentee ballots from their home of record as far as I know, or there is a special write in federal for they can send in.  When I was overseas, we went to briefings very early so we knew we had to take care of that on our own, request our ballots or talk to the voting officer, and by early, I mean beginning in summer.  There is a voting officer for every command, so I am not sure what happened with the ship.  

    http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/05/19/navy-voting-assistance-progr...

  • NavyMum

    Blondie - prayers for your daughter and her baby

    tytulip - DS had no problems voting absentee. He just went to the local (home) board of elections website and updated his address and requested absentee ballots. Sorry - but while I do think the Navy should (and from what DS said, they do) address voting, it's really the responsibility of the individual to make the arrangements and get the ballot.

  • Anti M

    Blondie, many good thoughts for DD and baby.

    Tricare can be extremely frustrating when it comes to referrals.  They got really strict after UHC took over.  They do not allow the doctors to make the referrals anymore!  It has to go through the system.  Frustrating, and dangerous if more than one doctor is involved.  Had they been able to send her into the ER, then it all gets covered as one thing.  I hope everything turns out okay as quickly as possible.

  • tytulip40

    You know - more I read, he just didn't pay attention or stand up and ask.  Thought I taught him better than that! Gonna have to have a long talk with him.  Thanks for info!  

  • Anti M

    Yay, Texas Roadhouse!  I had a nice steak lunch, talked to a Marine who was in Yokosuka the same time I was there.  We used to go to the same bar, and knew the same bartender!  It was fun sharing stories.  I truly appreciate the businesses who are so kind to veterans and active duty.

  • Mississippi Mom

    Hello all!  Welcome to all new Navy Moms! 

    I have been trying to keep up, but have not had time to comment much.  

    Whew, Blondie!  I need a nap just after reading about your adventures. LOL!  Gotta love those hubs! You need about week on a deserted island.  

    My update...Back in April I decided I was going to get back in shape, so I ran 3 days.  On the 3rd run, I stretched my Achilles (same foot I had bone spur removed from 3 years ago).  Anyway, long story short, did 4 weeks of physical therapy, a brace, steroid  injection, and walking boot (am on 16 weeks of that), and 7 minute ice bucket soaks, and anti-inflammatory meds  with my foot not responding to anything.  3 weeks ago today I had PRP therapy done.  They took my blood, spun the plasma out, and injected this into my foot to try to stimulate the healing of this tendon.   I have 4 1/2 more weeks in the boot.  I am hoping this will do the trick.  I am about to decide that "fat and sassy" is ok.   

    We spent this past weekend with our daughter in GA.  She completed her first half-marathon.  We had a really good time with her. 

    Our son is still working on getting his pilots license for helicopters.  He is flying today.  He seems to love this.  He and his wife are both doing good.  

    Hubby and I celebrated our 35th anniversary on Monday.  I am blessed!   

    I am trying to get my thoughts together for Thanksgiving.  My family will all either be at my house or at my sister's.  I have to get with her and decide which one.

    I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving and that you all hear from you Sailors.  

  • Kim

    Maggs, I stopped some people from going on my feed when they post, comment or like. I will check in a week to see if they have calmed down and put them back.  I only had to 'de-friend' one person that was posting on my wall.  This person was from Canada.  Still praying for your husband.

    Mississippi mom, I was 6 months in the boot for stubbing my toe.  Ended up with surgery for torn joint.  Good luck.

    Blondie, I hope your daughter is doing better.  TLynn, I saw the post-surgery pictures.  Ouch.

    Huggs, to everyone.  Sorry I missed some.  My sailor and brother are arriving today for Thanksgiving.  We are doing it on Saturday.  Sailor is leaving Sunday to drive to his new ship in San Diego.  Youngest lives 3 hours away (1/2 hr from Maggs) and couldn't come Thanksgiving because of work.  So this works out best.  Leaving for the airport now.

  • Anti M

    Maggs, most of my family is not on FB, and the ones which are have been mellow and have not entered arguments.  I had to hide my husband's side, but no surprises, they have never liked me for 30 years.  So much so that I am sending him home to visit over Thanksgiving and I am staying home.  That will make everyone there happy.

    Mississippi Mom, wishing you the best with your foot.  That sound painful, aggravating, and frustrating.

    Kim, safe journeys to your son, and happy early Thanksgiving!

  • Wheatonpup

    I feel the same way...sad.  I am comforted in knowing where he is and what a great thing he is doing for himself and others. This is our first empty nest Thanksgiving & Christmas.  I am hoping that our son will have a good Christmas together with all the other sailors.

  • T-Lynn

    HIi

    Wishing all a very Happy Thanksgiving

    This is my second try at typing. A bit hard a bright back ground and focus is hard. but getting better.  I didn't know I had a pic of me on fb.

    Maggs - fingers crossed for hubby treatment being better and what a fun baby shower

    Miss - HI and ouch! And your are not fat! Sexy and sassy - Yes.

    Blondie - gentle hugs for Blondie Jr and good luck in new job

    Hi Kim :). Didn't know I had a pic up. But yes OuCH. Safe trip to see son and family

    And Yes !!!! Cubs Won!!!!!

    Wishing all a great, fun, delicious, hugging family and hearing from your Sailors Thanksgiving

    Hugs all

  • Anti M

    With an empty nest holiday, there are different ways to deal with it.  Some people just keep moving forward, do the whole big dinner thing, and set a place at the table for their absent sailor.  Some just ignore the whole thing.  Others go volunteer.  Some invite people they know are alone and give them a decent meal.

    I'm not doing much, just sent my husband off to the airport to visit his mom and family in his home state.  I don't bother going anymore, after 30 years I got the message they think I am still not part of the family.  We are thawing a turkey and will have a dinner for two when he gets back.  

  • DREW7062

    ANTI M - I know the feeling and you're right I just keep it moving... GOT TO. My 21 year old baby girl died in 2010 and son is Yokosuka.. I almost don't like the holidays anymore.... but I got to keep it moving. I think I'm going to order me a ham and make a casserole and watch some TV. This site is such a great site all of us mom's stick together and hold each other up everyone is so encouragingI appreciate you all so
    much.
    Happy Thanksgiving everyone
  • Momship12

    My son left on Sunday for Sasabo. 14 hour flight.

    What an emotional day!!!! Someone asked me the date and I just lost it. I said what date do you want the 20th when my son left or the 21st the day he travels around the world. 

    I now keep track of different time zones on my phone. I guess he's a grown man now. It's just so hard.

    I made sure we copied everything in his wallet in color and put in separate bags thanks to mom on here. Her son left his wallet in customs.

    A Flying pillow, called airline told them he's on deployment so he would get upgraded :) Packed protein snacks 

    did 14 loads of laundry bought new tennis shoes 

    I guess it's just a Mom thing. Not sure when his ship is set for it's next deployment. Thanks for the support I will stop blabbing now :)

    Happy Thanksgiving

  • Vicky

    I am leaving in a couple of weeks to visit my son in Yokosuka! I am soooo excited! haven't seen him in almost two years.
  • Anti M

    Very exciting Vicky!  Safe journey and get those hugs in!

  • DREW7062

    Vickey- yayyyyy good for you say hi to my son while you're there. My son came home in July I don't think he's coming back this year but I did enjoy the time I spent with him. Good luck to you and have a safe trip.
  • disneygirl64

    Good morning All,

    Hope everyone is having a good Thanksgiving Eve. My son has been in Japan since mid July and is loving it. Would love to hear how some of you cope with not being able to talk to your sailor for months on end. My son is my youngest so I am having trouble dealing with not at least hearing his voice every once in a while. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. :) 

  • Anti M

    Momship, not knowing when his ship will deploy next is just good OPSEC, lol.  But seriously, have him get you set up with the ship's ombudsman, she (usually a she) can keep you in the loop with official information when your sailor cannot.   Having a little more information is always a good plan and a way to keep calm.  

  • DREW7062

    OMG MAGGS!!!!
    HAPPY THANKSGING glad you're feeling better. I passed a kidney stone about 8 years ago talk about pain... I'd rather had a baby!!! Such a horrible experience glad you're feeling better though.
    Just heard my boy in Yokosuka says he's been working 12 hours and he's bummed he didn't get a promotion this go round. He says he studied hard I reassured him it will all work out for him to keep the faith. Hope everyone hears from their sailors.
  • Momof2

    Momship2 good idea about the copies. My son is the one that left his wallet at customs. It all worked out but was a very stressful week getting everything replaced. Then it was returned after all with everything still it in. Even the YEN!!!! Hope he got there safely and my son says he likes Sasebo. Been there five weeks now so still new but he really like something it.
  • T-Lynn

    HI

    Hope everyone's Thanks giving was nice.Well some of you had some emotional roller coaster rides. But glad you hung on. Remember - on this site - we all ride together, so you are not alone - hugs.

    Blondie - hope things are calming down. And how is your new job going?  What is the Polar Express Train?  Are you talking about the movie or is there a train decorated and travels around?

    AntiM we too had family thanksgiving when we had a day together. Riker loved the many days of thanksgiving - he got plenty of pumpkin pie.

    Maggs !!!!! Oh sweet friend. Your ride on that roller coaster was unbelievable !! You are sure a trooper. You had so much happening - makes me wonder - how is Angel ? Or is she waiting for things to calm down and then she will get into the act?  Glad to hear the baby shower was very nice,.

    ANd have a wonderful trip to Japan. So glad you will have time with your sailor. Share a hug from all of us too.

    Well, I need to get off - eyes have gone blurry.

    Have a good day  hugs

  • T-Lynn

    HI

    The plan here is to put the tree up this weekend. But in Papa's and Yaya's area. This way the 2 cats - the dog - and Riker will leave the tree alone.

    I think this year - Riker will have a real interest in the tree. Nest year, I KNOW he will get the Santa Claus down. Right now Santa is a guy with a beard - who gave him a bell.

    And I am in total disbelief - we have NO snow. Not even a sign of snow coming. This is so - SO - strange! And we are not the cold either. I know - that now I opened my mouth and bragging about the good weather - my area will get a hit.

    Need to try and research some Cub Scout ideas/activites. I have to work while I can see.Will know this Thursday if I can lift more than 10 pounds - drive again - and go back to work. Cross your fingers for me

    Talk later - hugs

    Maggs - what do you mean the Scouby might eat the tree?

  • ellen0502

    “Deleting inactive members - The ad agency that handles N4M is in the process of updating the site.  If you have not been active since 12/1/15 you will be deleted to make room for new members.  You will be able to re-join.  If you don't want to be deleted you will need to post something in any of your groups to activate your account.  They have already started deleting members.”

  • Jennifer

    My oldest son has been in Japan for 2 months - still reading through comments and learning

  • T-Lynn

    HI,

     I left a short message the other day - but its not here. Strange.

    I stated I was surprise to learn that a pet eating a pine tree could be so dangerous and thanks about information on the Polar Express Train.

    I also wish all a good day.

    Sure hope this message stays

    hugs all

  • T-Lynn

    Santa's little helper

  • s.m.r.

    Just wanted to say hello. Have not posted in a while. Hope everyone and their sailors are doing good.
  • Classycalicat

    My son in stationed in Yokosuka Japan. Here to touch bases with other Japan Moms!