My son is in BC now will be going to Meridian in July

[snoopy]

My son left for bootcamp May 14th and I miss him soo much, he is suppose to go to AZ in Meridian.  His recruiter told him this was a great opportunity, he could get out in 4 yrs if he wanted to and land a great job.

[Mrs. David's mom]

Hello Snoopy!  Believe me, every woman on this site knows what you are going through right now.  My son left the Monday before Thanksgiving.  He was in BC for his birthday, Christmas, New years.  Then to Meridian through Easter.  By Memorial Day, he was out in the middle of the ocean on an aircraft carrier! 

Both of my parents were in the military, WWII.  Two of my brothers served during Viet Nam, and my nephew served during Desert Storm.  When my son enlisted I knew it meant leaving home, going out into this great big world without me!  But I didn't expect it to happen this fast.

This web site has been so helpful.  Informative, as to what goes on,especially during BC and what to do and expect at PIR .  And helpful because I can communicate with other moms going through the same emotions I am.  Proud, lonely, anxious all at the same time, jumping when ever the phone rings praying it's him calling, or hoping the mail box has another letter from him. 

A-School is much more relaxed than Boot Camp.  They can have their cel phones and computers.  The living quarters are much nicer also.  Once he earns his 'green dot', he can wear civilian clothes at times and have off base liberty. 

My son graduated AZ A-School in April, top of his class!  That gave him first pick of assignments.  He chose a helicopter  squadron, because, he says, "Helo's go more places than fixed wing aircraft." .  His squadron was already deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln.  So, after graduation he was given a couple weeks leave then headed out to join them at sea.  He's been in the Navy less than a year and seen more of the world than his father and I probably ever will!      What's good is, he's able to send and receive email now.  So keeping in touch is somewhat easier.  He'll be back in the states by the fall and he'll be able to use his cel phone again. 

 

[snoopy]

Mrs. David's Mom

Thank you soo much for sharing your story. My son started BC May 14, he is suppose to graduate July 13th. I got a letter from him telling me that he failed the first running test by 30 seconds, but he says; he has two more trys. He called me last Friday and he sounded hoarse and was coughing, he said he felt fine. He is my only child and I miss him soo much. His Dad is soo proud of him, I am too but at the same time, I feel for him, because I don't know where he will be sent after A school.

 

My Dad like yours fought in WW2 and he will be turning 91 this coming up August, when his grandson told him he was joining the Navy, he asked him if he could swim and fight. My son told him of course I do Grandpa.

I am trying to find out as much as I can about how to get up to my son's graduation, his Dad just started a new job but I hope the boss will give him those days off that we need to get up to the graduation. We are from TX the farthest North we have been is to Misouri and Arkansas.

I know it will be expensive but hopefully we can make it.

 

 

[Mrs. David's mom]

Please give your father a big hug and 'Thank You for serving' from me.  You are lucky to still have him.  I lost my father 3 years ago.  My mother passed in 2000.  I wish they'd been here to learn that David enlisted, they would have been proud of him. 

Did your son join right out of high school?  David graduated in 2007, turned 23 the week after arriving at RTC.  We still have our other son here at home, in college.  He turned 21 while David was home on leave.  So, I can't say I'm suffering yet from an Empty Nest. 

As far as where he goes after A-School, he will get some choice in that.  The orders are given out by class standing;  David studied hard, hoping to at least be able to pick San Diego.  He ended up on top and got first pick, and got just what he wanted.  A couple of the mom's on the carrier's discussion group have said, this short cruise is a good way for him to 'get his feet wet' so to speak, and next time, when he's out for an entire cruise, it will be that much easier for him. 

David's PIR date was January 27.  Now, I've heard HORROR STORIES about how bad and how cold the Chicago area gets in the winter.  I was terrified of going up there, but wasn't going to miss it for the world.  Yes, I was praying, and yes, God heard!  We could not have had better weather.  The drive was beautiful, and the time spent with him after PIR was great.    We live in Northern Arkansas and chose to drive up.  It was about a 10 hour drive.  We stayed two nights, we went to O'Hare at 5am on Saturday to see him off.  

If you drive, be aware of the toll roads.  We missed one toll gate, but I was able to pick up a slip at the next 'manned' booth, and pay the toll on-line.  A friend of mine missed one and had to pay a very hefty fine! 

You're lucky he called you.  The only call we got from RTC was the "I've arrived" call the first night, and he called the night before PIR.  He did write letters, but only because he didn't have anything else to do.  

 

[MIMI]

hello, and first of all welcome.    Second, ou put this in the wrong place... well not wrong, but it really belongs down on the page, not in the dissucusions. only because mere people will take part in it. discussions is for a specific topic, LIKE all you want to know about PIR... which is a good one for you to read, by Nev Mom Peg. she has a sailor who is an AZ and just uped another 4 years.
  move on down into the conversation pit, LOL. AND i BET YOU GET LOTS OF RESPONCE!

[snoopy]

Yes he texts, calls and skypes when he can, they are kept pretty busy. He's been there since July 22, but classes didn't start until August 9th they were waiting for other sailors to begin classes. My son will finish up October 3rd. He likes the school a whole lot, they even barbeque out there, fresh air, it's like living out in the country. He says they workout, run etc to stay physically fit.

[snoopy]

He told me he hasn't been told yet, but I hear they usually are not told until 2wks before finishing A School. I hope it doesn't take that long to find out where he will be stationed. If I find out soon, I sure will let you know. I will be happy to anwer any of your questions about BC or A School.