3rd Week Phone Call

[Rebecca K. (SHIP13DIV247)]

I can't find it now, but I believe that I've read somewhere that our recruits make a phone call home during or after week 3. Does anyone know about this? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[MomSeanEM2]

We received a phone call from our son at about 6:30pm Thursday, June 10th. He was able to make the phone call because he passed the test. We spoke for about 10 to 15 minutes. It was so good to hear his voice. After he spoke with me he called my husband on his cell phone and spoke with him for another 10 or 15 minutes. He is doing very well and really likes what he is doing but very exhausted. He just wished for a little more sleep,but not the case in boot camp. He had the Ricky crud (Cold) but other than that he said he was doing fine. He is looking forward to graduation to visit with us. He also told us that he can receive mail every day but they can only mail letters out on RIcky Sunday. He said to keep writing becaause the recruits really enjoy getting mail from home. It makes them feel good. He also told me that he goes to church because he can sit and relax and nobody is yelling at him. LOL

I hope all you Moms in Ship 13 and Div 242 hearl from you son/daughter also.

I am so looking forward to graduation to give my son a big hug and kiss. I miss him tremendousy, but also very proud of him.

[MomSeanEM2]

Thank you I will look for you there

[b-mans biggest fanSHIP3DIV237]

Go to Navy.com that is a perfect website with a lot of good information on phone calls,letter writing, and the recruits receiving mail and more. Usually they are allowed to write their 3rd Sunday and they are allowed to call in their 3rd or fourth week (usually on Sunday). They are allowed to write only on Sundays and for some reason you will get the letter on Thursday or Friday. Sunday is their downtime. They study, write letters, polish their boots etc... Remember this though writing and calling home is a privledge and they have to earn it. Some recruits want write and they don't call home for some reason. Also, cell phones will not let collect phone calls come through so you will need to send a calling card and if you have AT&T for a home phone you can call and get a calling card from them that will charge the phone calls they make to your home phone but will be able to call you on your cell phone. I would go to Wal-Mart and get a calling card and send immediately. They are receiving your mail even though you are not getting anything from them. Again, refer to Navy.com it has helped me a lot. Good luck and take care.

[MomSeanEM2]

Thanks for the info. Everyone has been so helpful on here

We sent our son with a Verizon calling card plus we had a party for our son before he left and some of the people were nice enough to give him calling cards.

He also wrote in one of his letters that they can receive mail every day but can only mail letters on Sunday. So it explained why we received 6 letters from him last thursday.

He said the recruits really look forward to receiving mail so keep writing. I never saw my son write so much in all my life. It was like pulling teeth to get him to do his school work. Our son hardly ever wrote letters so it is funny to get so many long letters from him. LOL

[MomSeanEM2]

Hi Mom 2 Sailors,

I like when he writes and tells us what they are doing and all. Since it is really the only communication we have right now. At least I know everything is ok with him.

The letters you received about not writing are funny. Some kids tell you everything and others tell you nothing. My son was the one to tell us nothing and my daughter told us everything.

I hope to meet some of you moms at graduation,

Gail

[Rebecca K. (SHIP13DIV247)]

My son, Charley, wrote a letter to us 6-13. We recieved his letter today 6-16. In his letter he told us to stay by the phone 6-17 because the recruits are allowed to make phone calls that day. Providing they don't get in trouble for something 'one' or 'everyone' had done wrong. I don't know if they are doing different SHIPS and DIVs on different days.

What I can tell you is that he said his group, SHIP13 DIV247, WILL BE CALLING THURSDAY 6-17. He also warned us that he had no idea when they will be allowed to make the phone calls, but he did mention that they would be able to make multiple calls, if wanted. I hope this helps a little. I am sorry that I don't have any definite information about other SHIPS and DIVs. ( But I thought I should let you know that it maybe a possiblity of a call). Take care and God Bless you and your loved ones - - Rebecca K.

[MomSeanEM2]

Rebecca,

Did you get your phone call yesterday?

Our son is in ship 13 div. 242 and he told us he would be calling on Tues. 6/8 and didn't call until Thurs. 6/10. Sometimes the RDC takes the privelege away for whatever reason. The RDC even told them on 6/10 if they screw up he will not let them make any phone calls.

Take care and good luck, Gail

[Michimom (MM Nuke Mom)]

My son (Ship 13 Div 244) called home on 6/16, his 4th week. He did just pass a test, so I'm guessing that may have been related. Or maybe not. The bad part is, I missed his call by just seconds! When I realized I missed it, I almost cried. I then texted his sister, who confirmed that yes, he did call, and she spoke to him from home. He's doing well and has almost no free time--spending a lot of time studying. I am happy he was able to speak to someone in the family. It would have been so frustrating if he just got voicemail from all of us!

[Char]

My son graduated from bootcamp a couple of weeks ago. His 3 week phone call came to my cell phone @ 3:00 p.m. on a weekday afternoon. I was at work, and was surprised he called during the middle of the afternoon. He said that they are told when they can make that call, the recruits have no choice in the matter. I had expected him to call during an evening, but was thrilled when that call came in. The next phone call (last one) came in just as we arrived in Chicago, the day before graduation. Our son called to say he had just passed Battlestations 21 and was officially a sailor. We only received 3 calls.....the 30 second one saying "I'm here", the 3 week call and the last one saying, "I'm a sailor". The 2nd and 3rd calls lasted about 20 minutes. They are told when they need to hang up. Our son kept stressing to send mail, send mail, send mail!!!!!! That is really, really important to them. Send letters, cards, (no pkgs) and tell them how much you love them and how proud you are of them. Send info about current events because they are not hearing anything about what's going on in the outside world. It's tough to have such limited contact, but graduation will come quicker than you think and enjoy every minute you have with your loved one. Good luck.......we are all right there with you through this new journey!

[MomSeanEM2]

Char, Thanks for the info. I really don't expect phone calls all that much but its a special treat to hear his voice.

Congrats to your son for completing Battlestations 21.

Right now I am reading the book HONOR, COURAGE, COMMITMENT Navy Boot Camp by J F Leahy. My husband purchased the book for our son to read before he left for BC at GL.

Some of the stories are really frightening and some are very funny. I just finished the chapter on battlestations 21 and it sounds very difficult. If you get 3 strikes during battlestations 21 you have to do it over. In the book it tells a story that one recruit was in his last event and struck out. What a bummer, but he was able to take it over and graduate with his other shipmates.