Calls from your SR

[FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW]

Comment by JessicaB-Sailor Mom on May 27, 2011 at 6:02am

As far as the first call...they are NOT guaranteed to call. Most get 3 calls: the "I'm here" call, the "I'm still alive" call (3 weeks) and the "I'm a Sailor" call (after Battlestations)...some only get the last one, some get all, some get more....depends on the division, RDC and the rct. Watch for the 847 area code and the id is usually payphone...occ it is withheld or restricted. Sometimes they get a quick info call the first week or two...the id is US Government then. They all need calling cards...it eats up 30 minutes to just make a call from a payphone....so they need a bunch of minutes. They can buy calling cards at the NEX. If you send them one ...make sure it is activated first (saves time) When you get your first call DO YOUR BEST NOT TO CRY…your rct will be emotional and most likely will be tearful and if they’re not, they will be if you are and then you’ll waste valuable talking time crying. Let them talk…they don’t get to talk much at boot camp, have questions and a pen and paper by the phone to jot down what they say. When they call and you hear their sweet voice…everything you wanted to ask will go out of your mind. If they are upset..just reassure them, let them know that it will get better, it is only a few weeks and after boot camp it is MUCH better. Tell them you love them, yes you do miss them but are looking SO forward to seeing them march through those doors at PIR. Then, hang up and come on here and cry and shout and be happy that you heard from your rct !!! In the Navy, "no news is good news." They are allowed to contact you almost immediately if something goes wrong, and if they cannot, the Navy does. It was just over five weeks from the time my son left home and his first call, four weeks is typical.

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One thing to add to this is that occasionally the rcts get a quick "information" call during the first few weeks. The id is "US Government" then and area code still "847". If your rct is in the 800 divisions, IT, CTT, CTI (any job that handles confidential info) have phone numbers, addresses of references, scout masters, teachers, employers, friends, etc. by the phone.

Usually this call is short and sweet but sometimes the RDC will let them chat a for a few minutes. Have questions by the phone that you need to ask....have these ready for the 3 week call as well.

[kimboskids2010/Nuke-TR]

My husband answered the phone this afternoon.  It was my son calling...just needed some info from us to insurance purposes...Hubby said he was all business. but sounded good and strong...so coool,  wished i was the one how answered...

[MamaLamaDingDong: AO/Pensacola]

Oh Kimbo!!! I know what you must be feeling! I left my phone on Friday night at a theater and couldn't pick it up till Sat afternoon. I was so sure that I was going to have missed a call. Thankfully I didn't, and thankfully at least your hubby got to  talk, but it's not the same, I know. Hoping they got to write letters this weekend!

[GNLmom(IC@GL for A school)]

How soon will we start receiving letters? I have been hitting the mailbox every day since I got her FORM letter last week. Also, how often do they receive the mail we send to them? Do they get it as it comes in or do they get it once a week on mail call? (watched too much tv when I was a kid)lol.

[FresnoNavyMom (Nuke School)]

Hi GNL, I saw on here somewhere that they get mail every day it comes in except Sunday, just like regular mail service. I'm still waiting for my first actual letter from my SR. A phone call would be amazing too!

[loriM. ship 14 Div 292]

I have never been so close to my mail as i am now.  hoping i get the first letter soon.  missing my oldest son but very proud at the same time.  Funny when they are teens you never think you could be tearful and miss them during that "icky know it all stage".

 

[Mike's Mom (S-PACT/Yokosuka,JP)]

OK, anybody get calls today? I'm dieing to hear. We didn't, but I didn't really expect one. The letter last week was enough to keep me going for a while.

[MamaLamaDingDong: AO/Pensacola]

No call, but most people say they come at unexpected times, so is it acceptable to expect a call since I'm trying to act like I don't expect one?!?

[Mike's Mom (S-PACT/Yokosuka,JP)]

Had to laugh at acting like not expecting! I guess the only one the reverse psych works on is ourselves. But it did keep me sane until I got my first letter! And you guys. Don't know how I would have made it otherwise. At least now when I feel lonely, I can re-read my letter (I've even re-read the form letter several times which is somehow mildly disturbing!). I slept with my phone last night just in case.....how silly can U be?

[LoveMySailor (Ship 02 DIV 944)]

Not too silly!! I take my phone with me everywhere, and the moment I hear it I freak out, but then again... trying not to expect anything, haha. So happy for you to get your letter, Mikey's Mom! I'm hoping we'll get one this week:)

[loriM. ship 14 Div 292]

I got a call today from son. He sounded so good it made me feel great. Talked about 10 minutes. I sent a phone card until he can have his cell back in possession. A book of stamps sent also. Said he was a little bummed because the other guys are getting mail daily. I guess I better send something from his dog because I can't find enough to write about everyday.