Letters

[Popeye's Mom Alum DIV 031 1-6-12]

 

Hi everyone,

I hope I get the hang of this eventually. When can we send mail? My son went to boot camp in Great Lakes yesterday 11-1-11 & I don't have his address yet. His recruiter said he would get it but I've read on here that they sometimes get the wrong one. How soon are they allowed to write to us? I'm sure the answers are already here but I'm not too good at knowing where to look. Thank you so much!

P.S. We did get our call last nite-yea!

[spontino]

You should get the form letter from your recruit within a week to 10 days.   My son went in on a Tues and I got it the following Monday.  I would wait for that since I have read on here that the recruiter does give out the wrong information sometimes.  Also your recruit will not be writing letters usually until the 2nd Sunday they are  there.  I always received my mail on Thurs, it just depends on where you live.  Even if you sent mail right away, he may not get it for a while since someone has to be trained to do the mail.

[Ship12 Div 008 (Cheryl -CBs Mom)]

Hi, Popeye's Mom!!  It varies how soon your recruit will be able to write you. You should receive the form letter about week two (ish) with your recruits address, and if your lucky, a quick little handwritten message from him. I say DO get the address from his recruiter and DO start writing him immediately... even if the address does change (make a copy of each of the letters just in case!!!  That way if his address does change and he says he hasn't received any of your letters, you can FedEx overnight everything you have already sent)!  These letters are their lifeline and motivation while at BC!  Keep in mind, a Mail PO will from his division will have to be trained on how to process the mail, which is why it takes a couple weeks for them to even start getting mail.  Also, he will likely not be given the priveledge to even start writing you until Sunday of week 3.... so don't be disappointed that it takes a while.  Stay positive and know you are in the right place.... Navy for Moms has been a Godsend for me!!!  I hope this helps!

[AdirondackD]

My daughter went in on 10/26 and I got the form letter with her address and PIR date of 12/29 yesterday 11/1/11.  So sad that she is spending her 18th birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas away from all of us!!!  She has never been away from her sisters for more than a couple of days.  I am so very proud of her as we all are I am sure!

 

[Popeye's Mom Alum DIV 031 1-6-12]

Sorry your daughter will be spending her birthday away too! Our son will be there Thanksgiving & Christmas.  I can't wait to find out his PIR date cause there are so many things that play into it-8 or 9 weeks & all the holiday time. I was hoping it would be the first week of January cause I'm off work from Dec. 21-Jan.3, 2012 so I would just extend my vacation-lol! Hang in there! I thought my son was young since he just turned 18 in August-wow!

[natalie'smom]

AdirondackD, My daughter also arrived in Great Lakes on 10/26. She will also be spending her 18th birthday in BC. her birthdat is Veterans Day. It was the hardest thing for me to do is letting her go because she is my only biological child, so I am adating to her not being home & my husband is very supportive, but I think I am starting to drive him nuts talking about my daughter every 5 mins

[jms93mom]

AdirondackD,

Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. My son will be spending his 18th birthday in BC as well. My son told me thay he hopes no one finds out, as he may get extra PT. I could only laugh and yet pray he isn't right

[suebal MM3 USS California SSN781]

Hi Mom of Popeye (love your name)

Welcome to the discussion groups. You'll find so much support and so much information. This is really a lifeline!  You'll be getting a "form letter" from your son with all of the info you're waiting for.  It's "best" to wait for that letter because, as a number of moms will tell you, sometimes they move around and once you get the letter THAT is the address you can write to.  You'll also be receiving "the box" with all of the stuff he took with him, with the exception of a few minor things.  I, personally, buried my face in my son's sweat jacket and just held it like a blankie for a while.  He probably won't be able to write for a wee bit...lots of stuff to do.  You'll get a call probably around the 3 week mark…it will probably be the bestest call you've ever had!  Enjoy it!  Now, prepare yourself for the fact that you may not get "a lot" of phone calls…those are given to the recruits as "prizes" and are not easily won.  I got my call and haven't had one since. L  I write daily though. In fact, while awaiting my son's address/form letter, I wrote something along the lines of a daily journal for him…just to keep him in the loop as to what was going on at home, chatty stuff that no one else would get or appreciate. I told him how proud I am of him (many many times) and told him to stay strong.  I always end his letters—which I write on a daily basis—with YOU GOT THIS!  Some people say don't tell them that you miss them, but I do. I just don't make a big deal about it. He knows I miss him, I know he misses me, but this is such a great thing they're doing and I focus on that!  If your son has a Facebook page, you might put something on it that his friends will see and ask them to leave him a note on his wall there so that you can print it out for him and mail it.  I also send funny stuff that I find…nothing that isn't clean…I send it in the hopes that it can help to alleviate some of the stress that they go through all day.  I have also asked Cameron to share it with everyone else.

This isn't easy for them and it certainly isn't easy for us.  But you will find lots of love, support, friendship and encouragement here!  You really will.  I'm glad you're here!

[Popeye's Mom Alum DIV 031 1-6-12]

 

Hi suebal,

Thank you for the info & good ideas. And the encouragement! I have to admit I kinda stole the name. I work with adults with developemental disabilites & one of our guys has a nephew that went into the Navy last year & when he saw the white uniform he started calling him Popeye! I thought that was so funny! My son saw it on here before he left & thought it was cool. That made me feel good cause sometimes 18 year old boys don't find their Moms real funny. :)  Take care. Hope to talk again.

[MzSnapCup-Ship03/Div025]

Hi, my son arrived at Great Lakes on 10/27. I just received his box yesterday, but haven't got the letter with his mailing address and other info yet.

[MzSnapCup-Ship03/Div025]

My son's letter came today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  His PIR is 12/29. Ship 03 Div 025

[Popeye's Mom Alum DIV 031 1-6-12]

 

Marsha,

I'm amazed at how many 17 & 18 year old girls are in boot camp. I would probably be worse if it were my daughter than my son. I know that's sexist but it just seems like I don't worry quite as much about a boy. But he's a young one, also with an August birthday. Agreed, the holidays will be hard. Hang in there & we can all support each other. :)

[hollyP(03/025)]

I am sure i saw info. on this some where  but can't remember what was recommended.. Is it ok to send large ( 9x 11) envelopes with clipping and letters in to camp?