Recruit Leaving July 2019

[Three3Boys]

I noticed most of the discussions were 2018 and older, so I wanted to start a new discussion for those leaving July 2019.  I'm not sure about others, but I feel like I need to cram family gatherings and events prior to my son leaving.  I remember my brother leaving for BC and not really seeing much of him after.  After reading many of the articles, discussions and others' post, it seems like we have a fair amount of task to complete prior to his ship date.  Anyone else feel the same?

[Brukiez213]

My son is now 5 days in.  The tears have dried up a bit.  I got his 30sec call on Monday night.  Received his return box last night.  That made me sad all over again, but it's a weird proud kind of sad if that makes any sense.  I'm impatiently waiting his address/info packet next.  

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

Hi Brukiez213 - It is a wave of emotions!  Be sure to join the boot camp group - I left the link in the welcome message on your page.  Have you signed up for USPS informed delivery?

USPS Informed Delivery

[Three3Boys]

Wow, that was quick!  I just received the call very early this morning, 1am.  My mom senses must have been working, because I was wide awake.  Knowing that he is there is comforting, but I too am impatient and can't wait for his info.  Hopefully it comes soon for you!

[Celticwoman2]

I told my son that he feels less stressed, to just text me instead. 5 days in already - I think about what this day next week will be like, he'll be gone about 3 days by then. Going to try to stay busy so I don't over think it too much. I hope your son is doing well, and you too! Keep me posted, we're pretty close in our journey as far as time goes. Your son will probably be close in time frame as mine in terms of graduation.

[HoneyLemonTea]

Hopefully your form letter will arrive soon my daughter left in the 17 and I received her form letter today. The advice some one gave me was to the count Fridays until PIR and once you have the form letter you will know your PIR date. My daughter’s is on 13 SEPT.

[Rose of OH]

We dropped our son off at the recruiter's office at 2 pm on Monday, 7/22. (We drove him there because we live less than 4 hours away. Also, he's been living in Chicago for the past year and we needed to help him clear one last thing out of his apartment and turn in his keys.) Once he got to his recruiter's office, he was taken to a hotel where he had to spend the night with other recruits. He was able to text me until noon on Tuesday. He said they had to get up at 4:15 Tuesday morning. After some medical tests he was sworn in. Around noon I got my last text saying they were eating lunch. I didn't hear from him again until 9:27 pm on Tuesday when I received the 23-second "scripted" call I was expecting! He sounded normal--maybe a little rushed, but not unduly stressed. Just taking things in stride at that time.

His box was delivered early yesterday afternoon (7/26). Luckily, my husband was at home to sign for it. It was a pleasant surprise to see that his eyeglasses, wallet, contact lenses, small New Testament, and a small bottle of solution were not returned. His shoes, clothes from his back, phone, earbuds, charger, and small nylon carry bag were the only things in the box. Of course, there's a good chance he was not allowed to keep the contacts and solution and he just decided to dispose of them--the contacts were ready to toss anyway. (I found a small, folded piece of paper in his jeans pocket and smiled to think he had written me a little note! Alas, it was only an old Burger King receipt! LOL--honestly, that made me smile, too!)

Now I wait for the form letter with an address so he can hear from home. I am getting Informed Delivery from the postal service, thanks to tips from this site. In the meantime, I'm collecting news tidbits from the sports world to share with him when I write, as I know that will be of interest to him. College football season will be underway before PIR, so there will be much to tell!  

Ladies, my son will be 25 in September. He hasn't lived at home since he went off to college in the fall of 2013. After he graduated, he went to work at an office job, but he did not find his work meaningful or satisfying. We were still astonished when he told us he was considering joining the Navy, but after a little reflection it started to make perfect sense. He has always wanted to do something he can be proud of. He is a very active, athletic person and has strong ethics, and we totally understood what he meant when he said the "office cubicle life" was not for him. We think the Navy may be a very good fit. That's our prayer anyway! 

He is supposed to be going to Goose Creek for A-school (Nuke) after boot camp, unless something unexpected happens. (I guess you never know for sure in the military.)

Anyway, it was six years ago that we dropped him off at college and left him for the first time, and I remember very clearly how HARD that was. He is our youngest and only son. So my heart goes out to those moms who just saw their sons and daughters graduate from high school last month and are sending them off for such an intense experience. I am so, so thankful and proud of every one of those young men and women for their willingness to serve, and so grateful to you parents who are sacrificing also! Thank you so much! When you write to your recruits, will you please express my appreciation to them?

Thank you also to the administrators and moderators of this extremely helpful site. You are providing a very valuable service, too, as you well know! ☺️

Grace and peace be with you all, in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

[Three3Boys]

Rose of OH, thank you for sharing! 

I too agree this site has been so helpful and I'm graciously thankful for all who have contributed.   I really enjoyed your detailed recollection of your sons Navy journey so far.  My son left a few days after yours and is scheduled to continue to Nuke school too.  You are absolutely correct the military can be unpredictable, having had several family members including my step father make a career with the military, I know all too well.   Keeps us on our toes.

I wish you and your family well.

[HoneyLemonTea]

the time between graduation and mine leaving on the 17 flew by. Glad your sailor will be close to you soon.

[Celticwoman2]

Good Morning!

My son is headed to BC today after MEPS - obviously I'm a nervous wreck. We are going to go see him sworn in here shortly before he goes, one last glimpse of my teenager before he becomes a man I suppose lol. I know he's ready to get started, he's anxious to get this day over with I'm sure. Is it true that they aren't able to go to bed until the next night? Man, that's going to be rough! Thank you ladies, as always, for being here and being so supportive of our future sailors!

[Happynurse]

Our daughter is leaving on 7/24/2023. I am wondering which is best for her to have her checking and savings accts— Navy Federal or USAA. We have everything with USAA. Please give me reasons why one might be better than the other for her. Thanks❣️

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

Stephanie - this is an old post that you are commenting on so you might not get many answers.  Come on over to the boot camp group and ask your question there.  You should get more responses! 

When my son left (back in 2012) he had Navy Federal.  I'm sure the USAA should be fine though.  And it's even better if you have access to her account just in case there are any issues....