Hi Gina. I got a letter from Zach today, they are very, very busy this week! Yesterday, they had to go into the gas chamber, I'm sure that was horrible, and then had their 3rd 6-hour long firefighting class as well as a final inspection. They had to get into one of their dress uniforms, make sure it is put on perfectly, answer "Navy stuff" and then dress down and stow everything away. Today, they have their final PFA and Wednesday they will have Test 3 and fire fighting applications where they will actually fight fires. Maybe you know this already, I was just so excited to share with someone as anxious as I am about it!

Finally, on Thursday, they have a divisional drill inspection and then start BS at 2000!

After they are official sailors, they apparently "clean until October 7th!"  

As for a gift, we bought Zach a digital frame for his desk at school as he will be there for almost a year and a half before he gets to a ship. Cameras and laptops are useful, too. 

As far as a steak place, it is Chicago so you can't go wrong. I would ask the hotel but the surrounding area (Vernon Hills, Lake Forest) are all very nice with lots of shops, malls and restaurants.

I cannot believe that there are less than ten days left!!!

Yes, its starting to get cold. Which part of California are you from?
Grad starts at 9. We have to be seated at 845 and it ends at 1030. I'm not sure what time we are going to get there, probably 745 or so. Dress is comfortable but respectful. One family had sweatshirts with their daughter's name on the back. I thought that was sweet.
IT intensive training. Zach described it like the SR wasn't intentional ... I haven't heard that any have been kicked out or are not graduating but a few have come close. 12 more days.... !!!

Yes, you can take pics at graduation. Video, too. It is amazing; we will be seated in front of our sons' division. At first, they all look alike and the sailors are meant to stand still, straight and look ahead. But once your son spots you, prepare yourself.  There were a few drop offs at my steps' grads (those that could not stand that long, knees buckled, etc. and they are silently escorted away...). It lasts about an hour or so and then we leap off the sidelines and grab our boys. The anticipation of that moment brings me to tears.

I got a letter from Zach today that they will be graduating in their blues. So impressive. He also said that an SR in their division told an RDC to "shut the f*** up" and was worried they would all be IT'd. Ugh.

I am hoping to go to the Meet and Greet but will probably be up late baking cookies and making lasagna. Why he wants my home cooking is beyond me. BC food must be pretty bad. :)

Get as much information as you can about his flight out on Saturday as he will be unable to call you after he returns to BC Friday night. The airports are pretty strict, of course, so to get pass the gates will be tricky. Just got to find the right patriot.

I don't know if I told you this, but bring his phone to the airport so he can call you when he arrives in Florida.  He cannot bring his phone back to BC on Friday.

Anything else, let me know. I am happy to share. And counting the minutes!!

Hi Gina. We live about an hour away from GL so we will be able to bring my son home for a few hours. He will leave on Saturday morning to South Carolina for nuclear power school. After the first three months, he has two weeks off! He also said they give them 2 weeks for Christmas, though not necessarily Christmas Day.

Do you know if you will have time with your son after graduation? This is our third graduation in two years (two step kids) and one was a Grad N Go. We spent the day at the airport with him, he didn't get to come home. :(

Hello Gina. I got a phone call from my daughter today. She is doing very good. Still haveing a hard time leading the Div but she is getting the jod done. I am very proud of her. She says at one point she wanted to quit her job as RPOC but they wouldnt let her. She said it was hard to focus on her studies, when she was having to look over everyone else. I cant wait to put my arms around her. 15 more days :-)

Early is good for me on the ribbons lol. I will send the info your way. You can also click on my name and add me as a friend and I can send to your N4M email. Thanks, Lora

I mailed a card but i heard that their address could change so i am waiting for the form letter to verify the address. He will still get the card but it may just take a little longer. Sorry i got your comment and i had ready someone else's right before. Got them mixed up..LOL Sorry again.

We have been mailing letters since we got it. He may not get them right away but when he does he'll get a bunch at one time. Not sue how long it will take to get their mail set up. Hugs, Regina

Good Morning! Hope you are doing okay. The Ship Number is the building your son will be in and the other his his division he is in, in that building. When you send mail you will always put those two in the address. Your sons recruiter should have the address and ship/division number for you. You should call him on Monday. They can pull it up somehow on their computers. When you got to PIR (Pass In Review) which is graduation from bootcamp you will sit in the division section he gave you. They come in the building by division and standin front of where u will be sitting. We just so happened to get our sons address quick. Usually takes awhile. I posted a discussion in the Boot Camp Forum for all people in that division. Let me know when u find out. They could be in the same division or not. Have a good day.