Ship 02 / Division 933

[Paula (was Capricorna)]

Anybody else out there with this Ship/Division?

[wildmom]

Got my first letter yesterday too. So good to hear from him,though I don't miss him any less. Sounds good, no news on his detail in the division, he may have a day ot two of liberty before he ships to Monterey. Nothing is certain until the last week I hear. I guess we'll know for sure in  a few weeks. Look forward to meeting you all. It's so nice to be able to communicate with people in the same "boat" so to speak.

 

[Paula (was Capricorna)]

Hi Wildmom and All ~

I got a letter, and he returned a questionnaire I sent, too.  He also wrote to his Dad - that's good!  I'm so proud of him.  He had already been out on his own for 2 years, so I don't miss him that much, but I just want Boot Camp to be over for him.  He wrote that he will have his wisdom teeth out in A School.  He says he is having fun but PIR "can't come soon enough".  They are allowed to write on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.  They only send on Sunday.  Their first call will be Thursday or Friday (today???) around 3 pm. So heads up on that.  He asked for articles on world news, technology and politics.  He says the worst part is being separated from the world.  He thanked me for writing and said the letters help a lot.  He's read them all at least twice.

[IndyMom02/933 PIR7/1]

Capricorna- that is great news!  And thank you for the info on the call.  I've got my ringer turned up to loud, as i always do:)   Sound's like our SRs all got letters out then.  My SR said wisdom teeth in August.  I've been writing in my SR NBA scores, what weathers been like.  I also wrote about the Joplin MO tornados and how there have been many thru midwest.  Oh, i told him Ashton Kutcher replaced Charlie Sheen on 2 half Men...thot he might find that interesting...i don't know, I just find stuff to tell him about.  I wondered if it was silly or too much, but he said in the second letter he really appreciated the updates, and to let him know who wins Indy 500, which is this Sunday. I wrote him earlier this week who one pole postion, so he should have that info by now.  He too said keep the letters coming, hit helped motivate him. 

[Paula (was Capricorna)]

I was writing about a few things that happened in the news, but after he specifically requested articles, I am copying stuff from Drudge Report and articles I cut from the newspaper onto white bond paper double sided and add them to my letters.  I am on letter #24 today.  Also, I found some military themed encouragement cards at Hallmark.  The one I'm sending today says on the front:  "T.A.YA.T.T. (thinking about you all the time)"  inside it says:  "I know how the military loves initials."

[annev]

I am from NC - my son is Ship 02/Div 933. Still trying to understand it all.  Did get a nice letter yesterday. 

 

 

[Paula (was Capricorna)]

Welcome Annev!  I'm from FL (well, originally IL)  There's tons of info here on NavyforMoms.  I've been poking around since last December when my son signed his contract.  Are you planning on attending PIR?  Any questions - just ask.  Don't have all the info, but can help point you in the general direction.

[annev]

Definitely planning on going to PIR.  Just waiting on plane tickets - want to make sure we stay the entire time he is available.  He goes to A School in Chicago - so I am hoping he has some extra time. 

 

[Paula (was Capricorna)]

My theory is that the RDC's tell everyone they are going to only have 2 hrs liberty no matter what, because they want everyone to be pleasantly surprised with the extra time they do get - however little it might be.  No Recruit knows when they are leaving until the day before PIR,  except maybe the ones who are staying at Great Lakes for A School.  Those who are staying at Great Lakes for A School are truly "Grad N Go" and they probably have to move to their new "ship" as soon as PIR is over, but they might have more liberty that weekend once they are settled in.  It's just a theory and I could be wrong, so don't hold me to it. No matter what, I hope you get to have extra time with your newly minted Sailor.

Hugs.

[annev]

I went ahead & made hotel reservations - wanted to make sure we had a nice place that he could crash.  I read through a lot of the info on the PIR info sites and it does sound like that Grad & Go going to A School in Chicago pretty much have the whole weekend with you - some have stayed with their parents - others have to report back. I even saw one that said since it was a holiday weekend (not sure which holiday it was when hers graduated), they had Monday too!  So I am planning on staying through the 4th as of now.  I know he won't know much but as soon as we talk to him I will probably make airline reservations - I would rather stay through the 4th than go home a day early and find out he still has time!  Plus, he may not be up to doing much until Sunday from what I see!

[fritzy58]

Well I have been reading that everyone received their letters and eventhough I was happy for everyone I was becoming increasingly jealous. I finally received my first letter. It was just so good to know that he was ok. I am also from FL (South FL). Our family will be at PIR with our chests bursting with pride. We will be staying in the area for the weekend of PIR. I will be able to spend as much or as little time as we can have together. Never been to Chicago so I'm there what the heck. Well it will be nice to meet everyone at the meet and greet. Thanks for everyone's information. I hang onto every word you all say and pray that all of our armed forces will be safe.

[Paula (was Capricorna)]

Fritzy58 - I'm so glad to hear you finally got your letter.  It really does make you feel so much better once you hear from your SR, especially if you keep hearing everyone else got letters except you.  My chest is going to be bursting with pride too. Is your SR in the band, choir, flags or something else?

 

I was born & grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and can tell you it is an awesome city.  Let me know if you, or anyone reading this, have any questions.  I hear the hotels do a great job of providing information.  You can take the train into the city right from Great Lakes.  I'd much rather be with my son than sightsee, but if he has to leave early, I will go to the airport and be with him as much as possible.  We'll do whatever he wants.  I'm just looking forward to the "I'm a Sailor" call.  The rest is just gravy.

[IndyMom02/933 PIR7/1]

Hi All~  Today is Memorial Day, and I am praying for that phone call.  I'm assuming no one else has received one yet, as I'm seeing no comments to-date, it is now 8:15 a.m. ET; the day is still young:)  I spoke to a Sailor Friday, one of my SRs friends who graduated same time our group will, he told me he thot they more than likely will get to make that first call this weekend, basically, don't be surprised if you get a call on Monday.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying. 

FYI- His Mom told me when she got the first call, it was very hard to not cry, but whatever you do, do not cry on the phone or let them hear you cry, she said it just breaks them down.  I think she probably told me that because I called her crying with my first letter, but I am feeling better because I did receive that first letter, so I know I'll be okay when he calls...might cry after, but I'll hold together on the phone.