Bad Experience

[oceancitylover4ever]

My son left for or should I say was supposed to leave for RTC on June 19th, 2014. His flight was delayed several times and than finally cancelled due to bad weather in Chicago. Let me start by saying that he was the only one leaving MEPS that day and was by himself at the airport for several hours(we were told that we were not allowed to be at the airport with him). He did everything that he was supposed to do when the flight got cancelled. He called who he was supposed to call at MEPS and told them what was happening. They advised him that they would be sending someone to pick him up and take him back to the hotel. Well at this time I was unaware of what was going on, all I knew was that his flight was cancelled through the airlines website. Well I was freaking out with worry because my SR has never been to the airport by himself let alone have to try to deal with something so crazy as a cancelled flight and what made matters worse is that he didn't have his cell phone with him so people from MEPS could get a hold of him easier. He did have a calling card that I gave him but I was still freaking out. So in my infinite wisdom I called his father and asked him if my SR's cell phone was charged because I was going to pick it up and go to the airport to see if I could locate my SR and give him his cell phone so he could better communicate. Boy am I glad I did because when I got to the airport at 2200hrs my SR called me in a panic. I told him that I just got to the airport and where was he. I found him and asked what was going on. Well the driver that was supposed to pick him up from MEPS had some sort of family emergency so the hotel called a local cab company to come pick him up which would have been fine if my son knew where he was supposed to be standing outside to get the cab and to top it off the person from the cab company couldn't speak English well and my SR could not understand him which just added to the frustration. My SR was so upset at this point he was ready to just walk away which he happened to mention to the MEPS guy he was talking to and he reminded him that he had already signed up and that if he left he would be AWOL and could go to jail. Well that really did not make him feel any better. So when I got there and found him he just broke down. I reassured him and told him that this was just a bump in the road and we would fix it. While we were standing there trying to figure out what was going on the guy from the cab company called the phone we were standing at and tried to tell me that his driver had been driving around the airport trying to find my SR and gave description of cab, so we stood outside and waited and waited until I finally said this is ridiculous. So I called the man from MEPS, he was very helpful and understanding. I told him that we are not waiting for this cab any longer and if it would be ok if I drove him to the hotel myself which he said I could. So that is what we did. By the time we got to the hotel it was 2400hrs and we were told that he had to be back up at 0430 because his new flight was leaving at 0730hrs which only gave him 4 hours to sleep. Poor kid. Well I also decided to stay the night at the hotel because I was so exhausted but of course couldn't sleep. So I got up at 0415 and went down to where my SR would need to be to get the shuttle and a breakfast to go package prepared by the people at the hotel. Got to see him for 5 mins and than off on the bus he went. Later yesterday afternoon he called me and said that he made it to Chicago and was waiting to be picked up. Than a little while after that got the worst text message ever, "I am scared and tired and having second thoughts. I want to come home". Well I have been a basket case ever since, can't eat and can't sleep. I did get "the call" when he arrived at RTC and could tell that he was on the verge of tears. I tried to be positive and say the right things but now I feel lost and hopeless. I think the entire experience started things off on the wrong foot. Sorry to be so long winded but I needed to vent.

In my opinion I think that if they only have one person shipping out and going to the airport by themselves that they have someone go along and sit with that person until the plane takes off so if things go wrong like in our case someone is there and able to assist.

 

Thanks for listening.

A Frustrated Navy Mom

 

[kitykatsmom]

I am from TN and I was told we could go to the airport but we had to drive separately and we could only go as far as the gate but that we could wait at the airport until we knew they had taken off. I would go CRAZY if I could not go.

[girlnboots]

Hang in there. It is going to stay hard for a bit. Trust in yourself and him. You have brought up a strong man it is so hard to let them go. You won't get a letter or call for a bit. Its hard for you he will be busy. At this point all you can do is be strong and positive for him . Encourage him remind him he is strong you are proud and have no doubt he can do this. And mom you are strong and can do this too! You are in my prayers.

[2 Sailor Mom]

I'm so sorry your son had such a stressful experience. That added anxiety have to have made an already emotional event even more so. My sons original flight was cancelled also, rescheduled for the next day, and then delayed 3 times that day. We had no mishaps, other than the inconvenience, and he was flying with 4 other recruits. Im sure he is gathering his bearings now and settling in, Believe in him and know that he is stronger than even he knows. You and your son will be in my prayers.

[oceancitylover4ever]

Thank you guys! Your encouragement really helps. It has been a rough couple days but I am hanging in there.

[scubagirl]

He is strong and he was tested with all that happened getting to RTC just proves he is strong. We all have a breaking point when we are tired and under stress,  You did all you could to help with the situation and it sounds like it was a good thing.  Trust that now he is there and the Navy and all the RDC's are there to help your son become a wonderful Sailor.  Remember God does not give us more than we can handle and when it seems like we can not handle anymore he is there to help carry the load.  

[oceancitylover4ever]

Well an update. My son has been sent to Ship 5 and will be coming home in a few weeks. I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I am that he didn't give this a chance. He was sick from the time he landed in Chicago on Friday, was placed SIQ for the weekend and than went to the hospital on Sunday or Monday(not quite sure). He will be getting an administrative seperation. At a loss for words not quite sure what to do.

[Anti M]

Sometimes it just does not work out for them.  Best thing to do is to find a new path for him, whether that is work or college or vocational training.  Even volunteer work would help him boost his feelings, because he very well may need that for now.  Try to stay positive, and work on helping him move forward.  He is not a failure, just not up for the Navy at this point in his life.

[jen923]

Hi there, I'm new to the "group" I've spent the past few days trying to learn how to navigate this site.  Today I read your post and just want to share with you.  First, hang in there, I know it's tough.  I can share a similar experience.  My daughter was supposed to ship out for boot camp June 18th, after much delay it was finally canceled.  We live 3 hours from the airport so I had already gotten home by the time it was canceled.  The next day, same thing happened, she had little to no money with her so she was unable to eat anything.  Finally she flew out on the 20th.  I understand you're frustration, and I hope when you receive your first letter your son will put your mind at ease.  Who knows our kids may be in the same division!  :)