SENDING MONEY to SR

[Batmom]

Hello, ladies. I finally received my son's Form Letter this week. I have several letters and cards to send, but didn't know if it's acceptable to send him money ($20) or should I make a deposit into his bank account so he can use his Debit card at the NEX? I appreciate any feedback/suggestions anyone can share. Thank so much.

[EmilyD]

I sent my son money when he was at bc and it was fine. I also sent him giftcards 2 treat himself and his friends 2 the restaurants at Rickey heaven.

[Batmom]

Thanks for your feedback, Emily. Knowing my son, he'd probably prefer to have money added to his account. However, I am going to enclose a calling card. I pray someone will let him use theirs so he call home. At least until he receives his own card. I haven't heard from him since he left, Jan 15th. 

[belovedbyHim]

MurraysMom,

Sending cash through the mail is always discouraged.  They don't really get to go to Rickey Heaven until after BS21 and nearly everything else they need is covered by their NEX card.  If you really want to send him a little extra, I'd personally transfer the money into his Account and that way he doesn't have to worry about it getting stolen and he can use his card if they earn time in Rickey Heaven after BS21.  I sent my Sailor with cash when he left in June and other than snacks in the airport he had all of it when we saw him at PIR and his group was the first to complete BS21 and had almost a week at Rickey Heaven.  Debit cards work there just fine with better security.

[Batmom]

Thank you belovedbyHim. I think I will just make a deposit. By the way, what is 'RIckey Heaven'? Can you tell I'm a newbie mom?! :-) 

[belovedbyHim]

No worries MurraysMom- We were all new once. You don't need to send a calling card since unless they arrived with one they will have bought one from the NEX when they went to get their Ditty Kit (Basic supplies)   Keep your phone with you at all times since ,your first call can come any day now. I forwarded my home to my cell just to be safe and not miss a call. 3 weeks is about the right amount of time to get the "I'm still alive" call. 

Rickey is the nickname that is given to Recruits.  Rickey Heaven is the fast food and arcade area at the NEX.  It is off-limits to ALL recruits as are a few isles in the NEX.(Chips, cookies, candy, soda, ect!)  Once they pass BS21 (Battle Stations 21- the final test) they are Sailors and the RDC's allow them to visit as a reward for all their hard work.  There are also Computers so following the "I'm a Sailor" call you may see them post on FB.  Other than Necessary supplies- Socks, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, ect they really are not allowed to buy anything at the NEX. My son said most guys used either soap or shampoo but they don't have time to use both so he had plenty.  They don't really have hair so it works out fine.  unless something gets misplaced they don't really spend much at BC.  DO NOT send anything that could draw attention to him.  No musical cards, no glitter or confetti. See: http://navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/letter-writing-fun-s...  If you have not already done so read the posts on the Bootcamp moms main page.  There is TONS of great info there.  Also on the right side of this page there is the Navy Speak section- it will tell you what nearly every Navy term means but feel free to ask.  Before you know it you will be at PIR getting your Big Navy Hug and you'll be the Vet mom.  No News really is Good News!  You'll be fine just one Friday at a time! {{{HUGS}}}}

[Batmom]

I appreciate your reply so much! It is a wealth of information and great suggestions...especially for us new mom's. I'm having a difficult time adjusting to the "No News is Good News" Navy motto. But my daughter's jokingly tell me to be strong and toughen up. LOL!

Yes. One Friday at a time. Sending big hugs back to you! :-)

[skeeter]

 MurraysMom- When my son was in bc, I sent him 8 20 minute calling card numbers that came from this website. http://callsforrecruits.org/ They were free to me, I got them by email, printed out a form that he recommends and wrote in the numbers. My son used some himself because the 500min calling card he had charged 35 minutes each time he dialed!!!! He was also able to share some with other recruits. Hope that helps.

[Batmom]

Thank you, Skeeter! This puts my heart a little more at ease. I was beginning to feel so bad that maybe I had not heard from him because he didn't have a calling card. I am going to the website you used now. Isn't it crazy how much some CC charge per minute?! Unbelievable! 

Have a great weekend!

[skeeter]

 MurraysMom - You're welcome. Waiting to hear your son's voice is hard. I've been there.Treasure the calls when they come, as I know you will, and know that it is much more peaceful for you if you trust the "no news" motto.  Just know that the calls are really random and after a certain time I didn't get anymore calls because they were so busy. Keep writing and praying. :) 

You'll be huggin his neck before you know it!

[Proudmama]

They can get cards and letters. Pics have to be wallet size. My son was able to use his debit card at the NEX. It can take 10 days to get anything you send.

[Batmom]

Proudmama - I'm laughing hysterically because my daughters and I just sent several cards and letters with 4x6 pictures enclosed. Hope he has scissors! LOL

By the time I finally get this all down, he'll be graduating. :-) Thank you for sharing. I truly am a proud newbie Navy mom...but a slow one at times (ha,ha).

[EmilyD]

I printed photos on plain paper and then used the paper for stationary.