My son leaves November 13, 2012

[DebbieF (Ship 14 Div 055)]

So it's less than a month before my son leaves for BC and because we've never been through this we didn't even know that he needed a calling card. So I'm just wondering if anyone knows of any other important information to fill me in on before he leaves. If so please share!!!!!

[bela02]

Hi Debbie, 

Clothes on his back

a wallet with SS card, drivers license, calling card, bank info. (if he has an account already set up) for direct deposit, about $25.00 cash. You may want to write down addresses & phone #'s to put in his wallet. Stamps. The navy will provide stationary and envelopes.

I read this information on one of the links in this site, but don't remember the name. Hope this helps. I'm doing a lot of research myself.

[DebbieF (Ship 14 Div 055)]

Thanks! Any and all info is helpful..

[momkaw1513]

http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/things-to-do-in-the-last-mo...

This is a very helpful link.

[clevelandmom]

Hi, my son also leaves on November 13th. Where is your son leaving from? We are in Cleveland, Ohio so my son will be flying out of Cleveland Hopkins Airport on the 13th of November. I asked him if he knew anyone else leaving from his recruiting office that day and he said he didn't (my heart skipped a beat but I tried not to show it) and I said "Will you have to fly to Chicago alone?" He assured me that he will meet people at the hotel and MEPs the day before.. I was shocked..this is worse than when he ditched me at the curb to get on the kindergarten school bus..lol. Anyhow to answer your question my sons two best friends graduated from boot camp last week and in September and they both said the stamps and sending letters with pictures were the most important things.

[DebbieF (Ship 14 Div 055)]

Hello Shane's mom,

We're from NJ but recently moved to Seven Lakes, NC so he'll be leaving from Raleigh/Durham airport. I'm pretty certain that my son, Patrick is in the same boat....(doesn't know anyone)! This is gonna be real hard, especially when they leave. How old is your son? Do you have other children? What job did he chose? Well, thanks for the info and keep in touch. We can be each others support since we're both going through the same thing at the same time. It was nice talking to you!

[tracy1220 (ship 14 Div 055)]

I also have a son leaving on November 13th. He is 18 and we are in the Middle GA area, he will be flying out of Atlanta. I have been so emotional lately knowing he is leaving in less than 3 weeks. 

[DebbieF (Ship 14 Div 055)]

Hi Tracy, I know what you mean...I've been a wreck myself. I am actually in Florida with my husband on a business trip and I almost didn't go because I didn't want to waste time away from my son. I only decided to go after my son booked a trip back home (NJ) to see his buddy before he leaves. I'm really trying hard to stay strong. He seems to be getting nervous also...which scares me! I hope the Navy is everything he's dreamed it to be. He's wanted the military since 4th grade. Patrick's 21 and I begged him to do college first and he did so when he came to me and said mom...I still want the military and I would really like for you to be ok with it, it even if your not.....I think it's time! So at that point I went with him to recruiters and the. Next thing I knew he was signed up, sworn in and shipping out before the holidays. Oh man....I still can't believe this. We're heading back tomorrow and my intentions Re to decorate my house for Christmas now so he at least gets to see "Christmas" my neighbors will think I'm crazy but who cares. Hang in there girl you'll get through this and when they get to PIR...just think how proud you'll be! Then we can talk to them again! Stay in touch!

[tracy1220 (ship 14 Div 055)]

I know what you mean about the holidays, we are having an early Thanksgiving feast the weekend before he leaves. We are going to have a house full of family and friends. I am already planning my trip in January even though I don't know the exact date yet I am already looking forward to it. Austin will be going to A school in Mississippi and then will get to come home for a week or two. How soon before they know where they will be stationed after A school?

[clevelandmom]

Hi Tracey, Debbie and any other moms following. This is scarey and this is the first time for me also. This site has given me massive support and knowledge and as I have heard many times on here,"study the info Moms because often times you will know more than your kid about what to expect next". This was brought home to me last night when we were talking and my son was concerned about his cell phone I told him he could keep it while on the plane then they will tell him to put it in the box to send home. He never heard about the box thing from his recruiter. My son is going in as an AD (aviation machinists mate) so he will go to A school in Pensacola after boot camp. He is 19 and graduated last spring. I was suprised when we sat down with the college financial aid guy last fall and my son said "I don't know why we are doing this..I am joining the NAVY" so we went to the recruiters office that afternoon. I have a daughter who is a senior in high school this year and I hope that she becomes so impressed when we go to PIR that she enlists also...but I think she is college bound right now. I hope you ladies from the South are prepared for our Midwestern winters because we are probably going to be freezing come graduation time this winter. I am very excited and I will probably be on here alot in the next 3weeks. I find that writing out my feelings about this helps get thru the anxiety. My husband is not very emotional and feels I coddle the kids so I try to keep up a good game face and this is a way to relate to other moms going thr the same worries..BE PROUD and keep in touch.

[tracy1220 (ship 14 Div 055)]

My son was told about the cell phone by his recruiter and I think I was more bummed than he was. My son decided to join the Navy right before graduation. We live in a city that has an Air Force base so I caught off guard when he chose the Navy. I am so proud of him and he is so excited about this next adventure in his life. As far as the cold, I am NOT looking forward to it. lol. I am a barefoot in hot weather kind of person. But it will be worth the cold to see him. Its not easy that he will be gone for the holidays. I have four children and this will be my first Christmas without two of my children( my oldest got married earlier this year)  I am so glad I found this website, it has helped talking to moms going thru this. Thanks for all the support Ladies !! 

[DebbieF (Ship 14 Div 055)]

Hey ladies....just getting back from my trip and wanted to say hi! We are originally from NJ then we lived in Upstate NY for 5 years and last year moved here to NC...Actually we moved here 2 years ago in April and there was still 3.5 feet of snow on the ground Upstate. I do have to say that I've become extremely accustomed to the warm weather so I will be sure to layer up!! Patrick is going to be a GM (gunners mate) so his A school is Chicago. Poor kid will be in the bitter cold all winter. I think he's there until August! My ex son in law was in the Navy about 6 years ago and if my memory serves me well, I believe he found out his first duty station mid way through A school, but I could be wrong so don't hold me to it. Lol.

Thought I'd let you both know what kind of luck I have - Patrick is in NJ and supposed to be home tomorrow to enjoy the next two weeks with the family and guess what? Stupid hurricane Sandy has him stranded there. No clue when he will be able to get a flight back home. I'm so upset!!!!!!

Prayers please for his safety during the hurricane, especially as he is 10 minutes from the beach and that he gets back home quickly...I'm NOT willing to share him right now. I'm being selfish. Haha
Talk to you later !!!!!

[tracy1220 (ship 14 Div 055)]

I will keep Patrick and the rest of your family in my prayers. I hope he makes it home safe very soon. I have been watching the path of the hurricane and feel so bad for the people up north, the next couple of days looks like its gonna be rough. Please keep me posted.

I wish time wasnt going by so fast, only 2 more weeks and our sons will be off on a new adventure.