My son is leaving for Boot Camp on 10/27/11.

[Barbara]

My son is leaving for boot camp on 10/27/11.  I just read about putting a phone card in his wallet (great idea).  Are there other people who have someone leaving on that date, too?  Are there any other good, last-minute tips?   Thank you!   Barb

[MzSnapCup-Ship03/Div025]

Thank you.  He took his cell phone and that's what he used to make his first official call home but I never even thought of getting a phone card. He did take a book of stamps and I will send him an extra book too.

[RuthL]

No problem.  We are all in this together.  It is very comforting to talk to parents who are going through the same thing. 

 

[Ship09/Division023]

I didn't think about a phone card either. I'm so glad I read about it---and now know that I can mail him one. It really is so helpful to read these posts! Best of everything to you and your son!

[spontino]

I didn't send a phone card with my son because I was never told we could.  I mailed it out probably about 2 weeks after he got there and it was fine.  They usually aren't able to make phone calls until 3 weeks in...so don't worry!!  Good luck to all of you, my son graduated on Friday and looking back, I can't believe how fast it really went.  I remember feeling exactly the way all of you are feeling but it does get much better when you start getting letters!!  Hang in there!!  It is so worth the end result!!

[Batmansmom531]

He can take a small pocket bible, you can write important #s on a slip of paper and keep inside. Just in case he gets nervous and can't remember. Also stamps are good to send as welll...activating the phone is a must, their calls are VERY brief, non activation of the card before they leave will result in precious time wasted .

[Ship09/Division023]

My son was sworn in on October 26th. This is extra hard for me because his father and I are divorced and he has been living with his dad 700 miles away from me. His dad was there when he was sworn in---but I wasn't. My son and I have a good relationship and have tried the best we can to maintain it even with all the miles between us--it has been hard on all of us that he has lived away from me and his older brothers. So...anyway.....I wasn't even there to send him off and to make sure he had everything he needed. That makes me very sad. I am praying for him every day and am so glad I found this site. I think it will help me feel more connected. Peace to all of you out there. We can be very proud of our children!

[Batmansmom531]

Joyce...i also have a son who has lived with his dad for the last 9 years, he also wants to join the navy, I feel your pain in wanting to be part of important events. Be proud of the mom you have been, your son is lucky to have a mom who carries such love and concern despite the distance. Will you be able to attend graduation in december?

[Krista Envick]

my son left then also but three years ago. We got all his belongings in the mail on halloween that year, it has been three years now

[Batmansmom531]

Today I received "The Box".....i, can't explain the feeling when the Fedex guy handed it to me. I opened it and nearly collapsed in tears ....smelling his sweater made me feel like I could reach out n hug him....has anyone else received "The Box?"

[MzSnapCup-Ship03/Div025]

My son's box came today.

[Missing my son Shp11 div 268i]

How are you doing? My son's box came yesterday and I totally did not cry. First time that I haven't cried in 3 weeks. He got to gl last Thursday.

[MzSnapCup-Ship03/Div025]

I'm doing okay.  The tears come and go. I was hoping for a letter in the box, but everyone says that will come separate from the box.  I'm anxious to get his mailing address so I called his recruiter but he didn't have any info to give to me.