My son just left for Boot Camp 6/20

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Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on June 21, 2013 at 6:54am

have her watch these videos: http://www.navydads.com/forum/topics/return-to-bootcamp

am sure these will help ease her mind

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Permalink Reply by Douglas Capen on June 21, 2013 at 5:56pm

Or Son is Five Weeks in........it gets better when the first calls and letters come in. He has called us twice in these few weeks. The progress they show and the confidence they gain helps you to know that they are doing well. This time seems to go faster as the P.I.R. Date gets closer. Tell Mom to hang in........it gets easier.

 

Doug Capen

 

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Permalink Reply by Ken Wojtowicz on June 25, 2013 at 3:20pm

My son just left yesterday. My wife got the 10 second phone call last night. I understand where you're at. My wife is just trying to take it one day at a time. Best of luck to you and your son.

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Permalink Reply by Brad on June 27, 2013 at 11:26am

Have your wife watch the videos on what happens week to week, then focus more on the weeks than the days. Makes it much easier.

The first week is the worst, then by week three things tend to get better. Also, a good chance you'll get a phone call week three.

Remind your wife that your son is safer at Boot Camp than if he were on a college campus somewhere. He's definitely not out drinking.

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Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on June 27, 2013 at 11:41am

Good point Brad...also realize that a lot of people get hung up on what their sailor is doing on what day....those schedules are somewhat flexible so it's more important to focus on the overall training picture....that is what the Return to Boot Camp videos are good for. 

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Permalink Reply by Keith Thorn on June 27, 2013 at 2:00pm

My son left on the 19th and is in Great Lakes with your son and a few others in this discussion. The day my son (Mack) left, I was amazed at how stressed I was. I only figured that out after I took a three hour nap as I do not sleep during the day. I know they will do well and we are very proud of them!

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Permalink Reply by Gerry-Navy Dad on June 29, 2013 at 2:07am

Definitely They get better once they are inside the boot camp. We always write letters for encouragement.

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Permalink Reply by Scott Himmelspach on July 2, 2013 at 1:49pm

Tim, I know exactly what you are going through Tim.  Our son is now in his 4th week.  He shipped on 6/10 and we have not heard his voice since.  His girlfriend has heard his voice twice.  At least now we are getting letters.  The first couple of letters were absolutely pitiful, made us cry a lot.  The last couple letters we received sounded sooo much better.  It's unbelievable the difference in his tone, his confidence and everything.  He is tired, but he is supposed to be tired.  That's part of the process as you well know.  Just keep the faith and let your wife know that he is fine.  That's about all I could get across to my wife as well.

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