OCS Class October 30th 2011

[proudmom]

Hi, I am the Mom of a son leaving for OCS in Newport on October 30th 2011, just wondering if anyone else has a son or daughter also entering at the same time. Would you have any idea when graduation is scheduled for? Thanks for any information, he is heading into intelligence in VA after OCS.

[Kathy]

My son is starting on October 30th. I would be happy to hare the connection!

[proudmom]

Hi Kathy, So nice to meet someone who is entering the same class! I am currently on Facebook for the class that started on October 9th, as I haven't heard from anyone else who has someone in the class from the 30th. It probably is helpful for you to join that group as well, as all of the information they give is what our sons will be doing at a later date. What area of the country is your Son coming from? We are in the Boston area so Newport isn't far at all for us. I look forward to hearing more from you. Best of luck to your Son.

[Kathy]

Great! we live in the Knoxville, Tennessee area. He is spending the night of the 29th in Boston with a chilhood friend. I looked at the Facebook page for the class...I wasn't sure if that would be appropriate or not! he is a typical kid...wants mom to sat out of his business! ;) I am SO glad to connect with someone. I feel like I am floundering...I am so sad all the time, but yet excited. I try not to let him see me cry. My husband is a Navy retiree...he is so pumped up about this. I look forward to our connection.

[Mayapple]

Hi Kathy,

My LO graduated from OCS on September 16th.  Before leaving, I mentioned to him that I would probably write once a week.  He said, "Don't do that."  I think he didn't want me hovering etc.  Well, I didn't find out what was going on ahead as you are doing.  When I started to learn about it, I realized the importance of writing and I wrote almost everyday.  Not only that, I asked lots of others to write too.  Not one complaint from my son.  He looked forward to those letters.  They don't have time to write as I'm sure you have already read.  So facebook is a great place to learn what's happening.  Those who do get a letter will sometimes post tidbits about what's happening.  Very encouraging.  Just another note, even as my LO was there things changed from class to class, like when classes were first allowed to call home.  Facebook will be a great help.  God's blessings to you.  

 

[Kathy]

Thanks Mayapple...I feel like such a nut! I saw some friends in a restaurant tonight. When one asked," what's wrong with your eyes?" I started blubbering!  I am trying so hard not to cry in front of my son! I will try every day...4 weeks will be  like an eternity! I am thankful I have a sounding board with all of you! I live in an all-male household, with a Navy retiree husband. This is my baby..my first born! I just shudder at the thought of someone being mean to him! Thanks for the post :)

 

[Kathy]

Does anyone know if there is a family Facebook page for the OCS Class starting 30 Oct 2011? I would like to get our family signed up for it! Thanks!

 

[Kathy]

Hi Everyone...

 

The 30 october class starts in 7 days! My son is so excited and so ready. I am a basket case! I cried all through church today. Two Navy moms came and gave me hugs. I feel so helpless...I am sending a box of stationary, 1100 minutes of calling cards (!) and 3 books of stamps. Any other suggestions? Still no Facebook group?  If not, I will start one this evening! Thanks everyone for the support!

 

[Sue]

Kathy your feelings are so normal.  It was almost two years ago my son started OCS and I still remember those days and weeks before he left and also the weeks after.  It is one of the most amazing roller coaster ride you will ever take, although at the end when that ride is over you will be beaming with pride.  Then there will be tears of joy.  This group helped me make it through those twelve weeks.  I have made some wonderful friends over the past two years and hope the same for you.  Don't be disappointed if your son ends OCS with 2.5 books of stamps and almost all of the stationary.  There are so incredibly busy and when not busy trying to sleep, writing letters isn't a top priority.  I should say for some of us that wasn't our LO (loved one's) priority.  You keep writing though because those letters are what get them through and even if they say don't bother to write do so anyways.  As everyone on this site will say their LO's lived for those letters.

 

I will be thinking of you this week.  Enjoy these last few days with your son.  He will be a completely different person the next time you see him, all in a very good way.  Best of luck starting this journey.

[Mayapple]

The Sunday my son reported I went to church that night and cryed.  Not such a good reception for my tears though.  They did not understand and still do not.  I felt like an idiot and to be honest still do around those two ladies.  Thank goodness for honest people like you.  The first weeks were hard.  Your LO will be exhausted and probably won't write much but getting mail will be one of the highlights of his day.  Make sure you tell him it's ok not to write and that your giving him the stamps just in case he can.  He will need every minute of sleep he can get.  When my son got home I expressed concerned about the uncomfortable way he slept after such physically and mentally demanding days.  He looked at me and said something like, "Mom you don't get it.  I was just glad to sleep."         

[Kathy]

Hi Navy Moms...I created a Facebook account for OCS Class 30 Oct 2011. I hope we can get all the families to contribute and share information!! Here is the link:   http://www.facebook.com/groups/149481921817117/

[Mayapple]

That will be such a help to other families.  You are doing very well to be so on top of this.  Wondering if you have joined other class facebooks.  They have valuable information which you can post.  Also, I personally think it's a good idea not to make a list of names of the candidates and be cautious about what information that is shared.  The Navy has guidelines that help and they are posted on the other facebooks.  I know our moderator even called someone at the Navy because a video with lots of canidate and family info had been posted.  They advised her to remove the post and she did.  The person who made it understood.