DeidresmomDebbie(ship11-Div295)

Hi Debbie! Did you receive Deidre's yearbook from when she was in boot camp? I got Ben's today and I also received my blue star flag. It takes about 3-4 weeks to get it. It is for parents who have someone in military. The flag is free. Just go to mybluestarflag.com and then they will send you one.How is Deidre doing? Ben is fine. He just got to have dinner with his uncle and aunt who live in Annapolis this weekend. He' s been studying and doing all his homework for classes. he has duty tonight. I miss him, but I talk to him often and that helps. You're lucky that Deidre is not that far away from home. At least you get to see her more often than I get to see Ben. Take care & keep in touch.

Hi Debbie! I'm so glad that Deidre is doing well. She sounds like a real tough girl when she needs to be that way. The pictures of her on your page show a very beautiful young lady. Ben is doing well. He passed his first part of classes last week. His roommate, Joe Cox, from San Diego, didn't get to go on through the mass communications program. They are getting him a new job now. Ben said that he tried helping him, but he just couldn't seem to grasp some of it to pass the classes. The next part of classes, he has to have a 75 or above to go on. He said it's the weed out class. Did you get Deidre's DVD of graduation.? We got Ben's the week after we received his yearbook. Ben found out that he will be able to come home for Thanksgiving. He will have Thanksgiving, Friday, Saturday & have to be back Sunday evening. He will be riding home with my brother Michael who is a commander in the Navy and his with Donna. They live in Annapolis.It is amazing how busy we've become as empty nesters!
Also, if you call the United States Post Office at 1-800-610-8734 & select option#1,then #1 again, then #2 again and ask for the military pack. You will receive 8 boxes & packing tape to those who call. They will also provide an ID number to reorder. Allow for 7-10 days to receive these. Can also go to usps.com and then go to shipping supplies to place an order as well. You can order these as many times as you need. It is for anyone who knows someone in the military, friends & family included. I already got some and it makes it handy, because I don't have to try to find a box to send something to Ben. Take care & I hope you have a very nice Thanksgiving with Deidre. I know it will be a very special time for you. Dawn

Hi Debbie! Sorry it's been awhile. I'm doing fine. How are you? How is Deidre doing? Ben was home for Thanksgiving & Christmas. His Christmas leave got shortened due to him having to appear as a witness at a mast hearing(Naval courtroom). Him & 3 others were witnesses to 4 other sailors illegally drinking. All were underage and 1 was on duty when they did it. They ended up losing a pay grade and are restricted right now. The witnesses were not charged with anything. They were all to go home on the 18TH, but didn't get home till the 21ST. He was home until the 29TH. He is doing okay in the mass communications field that he is studying at "A school".  The last assignment he didn't do good on the lighting & focusing part of his photography assignment and is now being academically recycled. That means for the next few weeks he works around the detachment and in February he will enter the next class in photography. Basically he has to repeat that class over.That means he will be graduating in May instead of April. He seems to be okay with it.  My husband Dan and I now have an empty nest. Both Ben & Olivia aren't home. Olivia is finishing her last quarter in college and next quarter she does her internship. She will then graduate and join the working world. I hope to hear some news about Deidre. Take care and keep in touch.