Just got my letter from JVB giving me his ship and div. I have never been so happy to receive a letter in my life. Just knowing that everything is going great for him made my week. Now I can start the countdown to PIR.

MVB, Congrats on getting your letter. It is hard not being able to communicate with the guys. Now you will have something to look forward to each week. Good luck to him and we are keeping him in out Thoughts

MVB, those letters are so important!!! Couple of times had to send the "Hang in there you can do it" Letter. My wife and I would race to beat the other to the mail box every week to see who would get to read the letter from GLC first:) Start making your plans for PIR, it’s an Awesome experience.

When you write letters, tell them to take it one day at a time. Once they get across the street for pre-buds or dive mo training things are better. My son says his instructors there are cool, and easy to get along with, as long as you respect them. Life gets more normal, and they have time to themselves. Once they hit phase 2, they can even leave base for the weekend.

Just got some good news yesterday. A boy who grew up from down the street and played with my boy, just secured from Hell Week. Told my Mrs. he was tired and was going to sleep for days:)

My son started basic on the --th, what 9 weeks the to Buds Prep. Call into his recruiter for ship address, to get some communication started. His spirit fills our home, it amazing.

Hang in WHM the adventure is just begining.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!!!

One step closer, the youngster has arrived in San Diego.

Happy New Years Everyone!

Thought y'all might enjoy this:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

please visit www.liferdog.com

What should my son do when he is sick. He seems reluctant to go see the doc. He is in Coronado and is afraid they will hold this against him. I just want him to be at his best when hell week comes. Does anyone think they would hold this against him if he goes and sees the doc?

Alex, this in the norm for the guys in BUDS. The instructors are looking for this in them and will not let it get serious. I think he is more worried about being rolled to another class more than instructors holding it against him. The instructors could use it as excuse to do more PT but it is a mind game, he would probably have to do more anyway. I made a comment time and my GS and his class got some extra running. My GS said they were going to have to do it anyway it was just a better reason to do them. If your son is doing good in the class the instructors will want them in class and they will not take a chance if they think something is wrong or they are sick. Remember sick to you and me is not the same as sick in the middle of a war so if he goes to medical they may give him some meds and send him back or they will report to the instructor if something more is needed.

Hope he gets feeling better soon. Keep me updated and I will help if I can. This is a hard time for all the parents.

Have a vision question. My son is currently in pre-buds at GL and scheduled to leave for indoc in June. His eyes are border line to meet the current requirements and everytime he takes a vision test it is a concern which side of the fence it's going to go. He got a vision waiver showing he meet the requirements at a private optom. and passed his vision again at the beginning of bootcamp. My question is since he now has 3 passing vision tests under his belt, what happens if when he gets to Indoc and the one he takes there he doesn't pass? Like I said everytime the results could go either way, he's right on the border.

Jeff, This sounds like a good question for his recruiter (who should be very familiar with your son's situation) to answer. It sounds like he'll do fine -- but its worth asking about. Good luck, Jerry M

AMEN! And let's all continue to pray for our SEALs (and the rest of our military all over the world)!

Great News- this was important get righ.

Check out this article about SBT 20 helping in the PHILADELPHIA boating accident.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref...41978303651 5

HooYah to the Fine Young Men on Naval Special Warfare Group 4.

If you can not get to Facebook Article here is the text of the post.

Naval Special Warfare Command: Naval Special Warfare Sailors rescue nine from overturned tour boatNaval Special Warfare Command's Notes.
Naval Special Warfare Sailors rescue nine from overturned tour boatShare. Yesterday at 6:13pm
Naval Special Warfare Command
July 7, 2010
For Immediate Release (PR 10-06)

Naval Special Warfare Sailors rescue nine from overturned tour boat

PHILADELPHIA - Sailors from Special Boat Team 20 helped rescue nine people
today from an overturned tourist boat in the Delaware River.

According to Philadelphia police, the boat was struck by a barge and capsized,
throwing 35 passengers and two crewmembers in the water.

Twelve Special Warfare Boat Operators at nearby Penn's Landing immediately
responded to a radio distress call and sped to the scene in small boats to
recover people in the river. "We were the first responders," said 25-year-old
Garrett Rodriguez, a Special Boat Operator 1st Class from Maui, HI. "Some of
us jumped out and started grabbing people. They were just exhausted, in
shock."

Rodriguez said some of his team members pulled people into boats while others
jumped off a jetty and swam to tourists struggling in the water.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Patrick Perdew, a 33-year-old Louisville, KY medic
assigned to the boat team, said the nine passengers they rescued didn't have
discernible injuries and were ambulatory when they brought them ashore.

The Navy crewmembers worked together with the Coast Guard, Philadelphia Police
and fire rescue teams.

"We were just happy to help," said Navy SEAL Capt. Chuck Wolf, the commander
of Naval Special Warfare Group 4. "The city responders deserve all of the
credit, but our guys really showed why the Navy is 'America's Navy: A Global
Force for Good,' and it shows our ability to adapt to our surroundings and
assist with any and all situations."

The boat team was in Philadelphia to attend community relations functions and
was preparing to to get underway and return to their base in Virginia Beach.

For more information on Naval Special Warfare visit www.sealswcc.com.

HooYah !!

SQT is SEAL Qualification Training. It comes after Phase III of BUDS. When my GS started there were 170+ in his Class. When he Graduated SQT and received his Trident there were only 6 of the original Class left. All the others either DOR'ed, was dropped, was rolled due to injury or performance. I have a Blog listed on my Page about SQT Graduation. The BUDS Graduation is not open to the families or the public it is only for the guys. The only Graduation you will be about to go to is SQT. If you have questions please feel free to PM me.

Just wondering if anyone has heard the graduation date for 280? I have heard November 19. Also is this date subject to change? Thanks!

Added 2 Seal stickers to Liferdog.com store. Click button on the right.

Rodney -

No SWCC?

Got my first letter from my son today he's Div 821. Does any one know how long pre buds is after basic (i've heard 5) and when the boys ship to Coronado will they be allowed leave for a few days before indoc begins? thanks,
Tom

Jim, as far as I know you are the first SWCC to join. The training is close to SEALS so we might be able to help you. If you know other Dads with someone in or about to go into SWCC let them know and Navy Dads and our Group.

Good luck to your Son.

Tom . I think pre buds was about 5 weeks before he went to Coronado . He did not get any leave to come home before they left . That may change with each group . Its all a blur now , It seems like last week he was showing me how he could tie his own shoes .....

Tom, first Congratulations to your son! My son is in class 284 and going thru Hellweek. I seem to remember he was in pre-buds for like 6 weeks, it varies depending on when a class ships to coronado and how they are performing. My son got no leave between pre-buds and indoc, they arrived in coronado on a Tuesday or Wednesday, finished the week getting processes, etc started Indoc/Orientation the next Monday. So pretty much got the plane and went to work!!

Wow! Good to know! Then we should try to make it to graduation? That might mean it would possibly be the last time we see him till SQT Graduation correct? He was DEP and trained hard for 8 months before basic. He had great run/swim times and great over all on his PTs . We're so excited for him & he's been focused on this for so long. Congratulation both of you on your boys , Charles I feel the same about my boy, time flies so fast. Midwest dad, once in cali, any comm other than snailmail and occasional phone call from your boy? Or was there access to skype etc? Thank you both for you help and support. It will be along road, and he's more focused than ever. We're just not used to not having him around every day

Everyone: We just returned home from Coronado late last night. Saw my son get his Trident on Aug 6 (Class 278)! Words cannot describe the emotions. I hope all reading this can one day enjoy the experience. Go SEALs!

Congratulations Jerry, My son was fortunate that his class got to watch the ceremony for 278. Very motivational experience to have right before hellweek. Congrats and thank you to your son.

hawaii..it is possible to have alot of communication with them at BUD/S. My son has his phone and laptop. They can call home in the evenings (if not too tired!!). Their weekends are pretty free except for musters and chores they are assigned to do. My son actually spent the last 2 Friday nights at a local motel, just to get away, sleep good and relax.

Fellow Dads:

I have to confess that I have been stalking or lurking around this site for some time trying to figure out where and how to weigh in. I am a rookie when it comes to this social media stuff but the recent postings have brought back a lot of the past year and a half into clearer perspective and I feel I am in good company here. Please forgive me and bear with me but I am going spray to all fields here.

--- Steve P - My son is in 2 8 0 also and yes that is the date that we have been told. However the Navy being the Navy I am sure they wouldn't think twice about changing it if they had to. Although there are only a few more months to go every week seems to be another hurdle to overcome. Although his eye is on the prize and he is very determined; I am going to hold off making any arrangements for now.

Hawaii dad - I think Pre-BUD/s can be anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks; however, depending on how many guys are being run through the system can sometimes result in a Pre-BUD/s class being split and some being sent to Coronado before the others. I know many of the guys are disappointed when this happens because they want to get right out to CA. This is not unusual and it gives them that much more time to train and get ready for what is to come. And yes when they get there - they hit the ground running (and I don't think a single one feels he had too much training and prep in Pre BUDS) - once processing is done INDOC starts and off they go. Regarding boot camp graduation (PIR - pass in review) don't miss this if at all possible - it is a great experience. This will be first of many proud moments.

A word of caution here; that you are at the very beginning of this journey. Just take this one day at a time or as your son is - one evolution at a time. There is a very long road to travel before they get to SQT and there will be bumps along that road. It is very rare that a man graduates with the Class that he starts out with. Those numbers are exceedingly small. It is quite an experience for both your son and you. I have to confess to living somewhat vicariously through my sons experiences; it truly is an adventure that few can imagine or take part in. As far as communication goes I agree with what Midwest Dad has to say.

To Dave Y - we also were fortunate in that our son was able to come home some weekends while at Pre Buds. It was definitely a bigger adjustment for us when he finally went out to CA.

Jerry M - Congratulations and HOOYAH to your son and class 2 7 8 . After everything they have been through up to this point the journey is now starting anew.

- Grandpa 273 I have long followed your posts with great interest
grateful for every bit of new information and insight that you have been able to offer. Thank you

To all of you -- your sons are in our thoughts and prayers no matter where they are in this journey . God Bless

Well guys I am new to this. So I am learning as we go. I got my letter from my son who is RTC he is in 821.

SteveK, nice to have you on this Group. I understand 2 8 0 is doing good. My GS was one of six in this SQT Graduating Class that started Pre-BUDS and finished SQT with the same Class. I have watched many of his former classmates graduate. He was about 2 7 3.

Good Luck to your Son and please let him know my family and I are keeping him in our thoughts and we appreciate his service.

troopers dad.... My son is also in 821. Good know know someone in the same DIV!

SteveK,
Thank you for your input and advice. I realize I get a little ahead of myself at times and that this will/should be a long road ahead and I do need to keep my anxiousness in check(as my wife is happy to attest to). We will definitely continue to support him regardless of his ultimate end assignment. I also have previously lived vicariously through my little brother who graduated from the USNA in 93. What a magical time to witness. Once again thanks for the advice and support. GO NAVY!

Midwest,
Thank you for your input as well. So much to take in! and as Stevek suggested we'll try to take one thing at a time

Hawaii Dad, Please thank your son for his service for me! Glad to see you here. Certainly sounds like he has great support. I am sure he will do well. My son was Div 812 and just completed Pre-Buds and shipped to Coronado on Tuesday with Class 285. I sure wish you and your entire family well.....

pirate,
Thank you & will do! We are very proud of him as you must be with your son! What an accomplishment to have persevered thus far. Keep us up to date on his achievements > We'll put your boy in our prayers and wish him the best!

Any news from 2 8 4 ? I have been thinking about you guys all week.

Stars and Stripe reported 67 secured for HW and SEC NAV secured the Class.

Yes; I went and checked the Navy's official website ( I do this almost everyday; looking for pictures relating to the SEALS ) just after I posted a few minutes ago. And low and behold there are two pictures showing the SEC NAV securing 2 8 4 . Way cool !

I have a correction - it wasn't the SEC NAV - it was the SEC DEF that secured 2 8 4 .

Just talked to my son. Very proud of him. He was pumped about being secured by the Def SEC. I believe there are more pics on stripes.com

Congratulations to Class 284 sailors and their families for securing hell week. Thank you all for your service.

HOOYAH 284 !!!

Let's all pause -- and say a prayer for our SEALs, the rest of our Navy, and all our American forces in harm's way.

Here is a good article to read from Navy Times about what plans they have to treat our guys while on deployment.

http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/09/navy-tests-new-approaches-to-...