Navy Dads

Well. We hand our daughter over to the Navy tomorrow. She checks into a hotel tomorrow evening, goes to MEPS Tuesday morning and off she goes. Lots of mixed emotions tonight. Nobody really said as much, but we all seemed to stretch today out as long as we could. It was a nice day. I'm very proud and excited for the opportunity that lies ahead of her, but still nervous for my little girl. I can't help but wonder if I have done enough for her. I had the opportunity to attend her last DEP meeting this past week. Being able to talk to the Navy personnel helped a lot. I recommend that every parent take the time to go to at least one DEP meeting and the recruiters said they wish more parents would do so. Even though I'm excited and nervous for her to go, I have been preparing myself for the day. Gonna miss her being home and it's yet another sign that I'm getting older. She's the first to leave the nest. Haha. What I realized tonight though is that I hadn't even considered that I wouldn't be seeing her friends/boyfriend anymore either. I was surprised that I was sad to say goodbye to her boyfriend tonight, that guy that I've watched like a hawk, as he has to return to school tomorrow. What a weird feeling. Never crossed my mind until that moment. Gonna miss him and all her friends rummaging through the fridge as if it was their home. I wonder what else I haven't prepared for. I know my wife is going to be a mess. She's already broken down a few times. I really hope I am able to find the right words and do the right things to help her. It's gonna be an interesting couple of days, that's for sure. Never thought you could feel emotions on both ends of the spectrum at the same time, sad yet so excited for her adventure.

My apologies for rambling...just needed to talk.

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Good luck Tony to you, your family and your recruit.
Thanks John!
Tony is your wife on the Facebook page for PIR ?
Tony! Be prepared for When your son calls home the night your he arrives. It's so damn short, scripted and when my daughter called, she didn't sound so good. It may had been easier had she not called. Hopefully your call will be better but just a heads up.

Thank you again to each of you for making things easier! From your conversations to the information on this site and what I have found elsewhere, all of it helped. Since we were caught a little off guard when she called, I've tried to learn all I can and so far there haven't been any surprises. We got the "BOX" last night and I was able to prepare my wife so there weren't any serious emotions. I think just having an idea of what is happening helps to stay ahead of and manage everyone's emotions. We also got her letter last night too. I took comfort in seeing she was assigned a ship. Kind of nice to have an idea where she's at in the process. Made hotel reservations for graduation today. I can't wait!

Thank you again to each and every one of you! I'm sure I'll have more questions but please know that you helped my family greatly.
I echo Craig's sentiments Tony. I watched that video on here of arriving at boot camp and saw them calling home... I expected mine to go something like that. Uh,, NO. It came at 1:26 a.m. It would have been easier if I had gotten a telegram. But I think It sets the tone for them and us, they aren't in Kansas anymore. It took me 3 hours to fall back asleep that night. Finding info and being involved on various sites is a twofer. You learn what's next but you also pass the time and have plenty to talk about in your letters. I remember my sons second letter, he made a specific comment that he appreciated I knew the lingo and what he was doing. There is a map of GL. I remember looking at where my sons barracks were when I got the form letter. I am reading a book on empty nest and I think the process we go through with them going to boot camp is probably a lot better on the " growing up" we want for them than dropping them off at college. When I walked around and got to see the training base after PIR, let me reassure you, your child is in safe hands! The 8 week journey is tough, but the most fulfilling experience of both of your lives. Well, three... You, wife and recruit.
Thanks for the updates! Getting ready to head out soon to watch him swear in in about an hour. Had dinner with him, daughter and a handful of their friends in Portland Or. (About 4 hrs away from where we live). Son changed his contract from 5 years active to 6 so that he would get more $ for school. Guess he really is making the most of this opportunity.

Phone call home sounds kind of brutal, but after being on this site for last few months has made it easier (we hope). Thanks again and talk with you all soon.
Don't think so. Will have to check. Found the RTC one though! In regards to Facebook that is, John.

My son is currently in boot camp. He left August 25.

He was very nervous the night before he left. It hit my wife harder. My advice is to write a lot of letters. Be very positive so they don't worry about home. And encourage your daughter to pray a lot and use God and her faith to get her through. Peace be with you. Gary

Hope the day went well Tony.


Tony Strickland said:
Don't think so. Will have to check. Found the RTC one though! In regards to Facebook that is, John.
Yes the Rtc is the one that will post your daughters division photos so like that page. Navy moms has a face book page. After your wife request for them to add her have her post to their wall about the PIR page and they will send her the link. It was very helpful for info and to pass the time.


did you check the Boot Camp Group? 


John Alan DeMarco said:

Yes the Rtc is the one that will post your daughters division photos so like that page. Navy moms has a face book page. After your wife request for them to add her have her post to their wall about the PIR page and they will send her the link. It was very helpful for info and to pass the time.

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