NAVY BOOT CAMP

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Comment by Kirk Brooks on July 17, 2009 at 6:16pm

Hi Sissi, you know how it goes, you take what you can get, and move on. All in all it was a great experience and I'm sure that Holly was happy to see some family members there. Apparently the Navy had enough people going to Florida that they chartered a plane and loaded everyone on it and took off. Her mom was able to give her cell to the bus driver and he passed it on before they left. Frankly though, I was a little surprised by the behavior of a lot of the adults. Some of the things I saw were a little embarrassing. Let's just say that Liberty Call is synonymous with "Cattle stampede" and "Claw-fest" and that was just the least of it.

Comment by Larry Huffman on July 17, 2009 at 6:02pm

Kirk, I am also very sorry to hear about your short visit. The silver lining is, those few minutes meant the world to Holly, I am sure. And to you. You being there validates what she has accomplished and where she is going. She moves on to A school knowing that you were there, saw her graduation and how proud you are of her. Don't get me wrong, part of me would be sad...part furious (at money and time spent)...but when all is said and done, you were right where you needed to be for her, even if for just a few minutes. I hope you can enjoy the rest of your time...too bad you cannot grab a recruit without a family to spend time with and take them out. hehe. And yes, she can get a cell phone and you will be able to speak to her often. Best of luck to Holly as she moves on to A school, and thank her for her time and service to her country.

Comment by Sissi Blantz on July 17, 2009 at 5:52pm

Kirk, I'm so sorry you didn't have more time with your daughter. I've been following your story and after all you've been through I was really hopin things would change and you'd get more time with her. I think that's pretty neat that Secretary Gates was the guest speaker. Well, at least if Holly has a cell phone you will get to talk to her regularly.

Comment by Kirk Brooks on July 17, 2009 at 5:06pm

Hello to all, sitting here now relaxing after today's PIR. It was quite enjoyable even though I would have traded it all for more than the 3-4 minutes we had with Holly. She should be calling me soon from Florida with her new address. Todays PIR was extra large at just over 970 recruits. The guest speaker/reviewer was Secretary of Defense Gates who spoke of the courage of the young men and women who choose to serve their country during wartime. He also spoke of his personal commitment to our sailors well being and safe return. I took a great many pictures and as soon as I'm done with the post processing I'll start posting some photos. Best to all.

Comment by Steven S on July 17, 2009 at 3:32pm

Is there anyone who is set for GL on December 1st?

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on July 17, 2009 at 3:20pm

Some news from SECNAV:

SECNAV Visits future of Navy at Recruit Training Command
Story Number: NNS090717-01
Release Date: 7/17/2009 12:04:00 AM


By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Rhonda Burke

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- The secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) visited the Navy's only boot camp, Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, July 16 to see firsthand the training the Navy's newest Sailors receive as they prepare to join the fleet.

"These are the folks that are going to be the Navy of the future, and I wanted to see how people come into the Navy, what sort of training they get, what sort of lessons they are learning," SECNAV Ray Mabus said. "I have been very impressed with the level of training, the level of recruits, the level of commitment and the level of the staff here."

The secretary had the opportunity to see Battle Stations-21 and participate in a recruit capping ceremony. He also toured the physical training facility, Freedom Hall, as well as a recruit barracks facility before joining staff members for lunch in a recruit galley.

Mabus he wants recruits in training to know how important what they are about to do is to the Navy and the nation.

"It is important not only for the ship they are on, the command that they are in, but for this country and for this world," Mabus said. "They will play a major role in keeping us safe, keeping us secure and keeping us the country that we are."

The secretary spoke of the challenges the Navy is facing in keeping the sea lanes open, combating piracy and fighting against violent extremism around the globe.

"The Navy is so important to America. We are always the away team; we are always forward deployed. We are always ready for whatever mission comes along," Mabus said. "We have got to be flexible; we have to be quick; we have got to be able to change missions. The only way we are going to meet them is with highly skilled, highly trained, highly motivated Sailors, and that is what you are producing here at Great Lakes."

Mabus was commissioned in the Navy through the ROTC program at the University of Mississippi. He served on the cruiser USS Little Rock (CG 4) as a surface warfare officer.

"Whatever success I have had in life, I'm pretty sure it might not have happened and it certainly would not have happened as easily without my time in the Navy," Mabus said. "It taught me so many things. It made me grow up. I was 21-years-old, and all the sudden I had 60 people completely dependent on me. I was a very
junior officer, and it taught me the value of teamwork and how one person can't do it all.

"I credit the Navy with a lot; it was some of the most profound time in my life."

Mabus believes his experience as a Navy veteran will serve him well as secretary of the Navy.

"I can very truthfully tell people, like these recruits that are just coming in, what an important time this is in their life and how important it is for their future," he said.

The secretary shared a story about receiving a letter from his Navy roommate.

"He sent me a letter and said 'remember all those times we were on watch and we both said this whole thing could be run better, Well, here is your chance. Run it better'," Mabus related.

"I hope the one thing I won't ever forget is who I represent here - and that is the Sailor at sea, the person who is deployed, the person who is out there doing the job; that is who I need to be concerned about," Mabus said.

This was Mabus' first visit to Naval Station Great Lakes since assuming the office of secretary of the Navy June 18.

For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/midwest.

Comment by Steve Ragan on July 17, 2009 at 2:37pm

I am sitting here waiting for a phonecall from my daughter to see if ( I know she did) she made it through battle stations!! We live in eastern NC and it was funny listening to her on the phone with very little accent. One of her letters joked about no elbows on the tables. She sent that comment just for me since I drilled that in here head!!!!!! One week from today I hope to see her graduate!

Comment by Larry Huffman on July 17, 2009 at 1:57pm

Hello

New to the site and this group. My daughter, Lauren, left for Great Lakes this Wed (Jul 15). This is the second summer in a row for our family to have a boot camper. my son joined last July and is currently an IT serving on board the Vandegrift.

I am a navy vet myself...and a 3rd gen sailor. For anyone who may be nervous about it...for the record...I would not trade my boot camp experience for anything in the world. My son reported the same after completing last year. It is scary for them (and us as parents at times), but I can think of no better place for a young person to start their life on their own and to grow up and become responsible adults.

Time to sit back and wait for the letters...they are like gold!

I look forward to getting to know everyone in the group. This is a great site for those of us on pins and needles and unable to think about anything but our kids in boot camp (at elat that is how I am...for the 2nd summer in a row...lol).

Comment by Lance on July 16, 2009 at 9:52pm

Congratulatons Kirk, You must be so excited. I know I'll be when the time comes.
I'm guessing they're having to grad and go so many to open up the space. I hope you get some time at the airport. I can only imagine how much you want to see her. Best of luck

Comment by Kirk Brooks on July 16, 2009 at 8:20pm

Just heard there are 1300 grads tomorrow. I'm guessing that's because they skipped a week. Glad I booked my shuttle early.

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