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NavyDads Admin (Paul)

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Profile Information:

Your Sailor's First Name (Please Do Not Post SEAL Names): Eric
What Is Or Will Be Your Sailor's Rating (Job Classification) - ex. ABE, AM, GM, etc: AM1 (Aviation Structural Mechanic First Class)
Describe A Little About Yourself (your IP address/location will be checked::: Proud single dad of two great Navy kids!! My daughter is a Navy vet and served on the USS Abraham Lincoln as an MC3 (Mass Communications Specialist). My son who is an AM1 (Aviation Structural Mechanic, Second Class) served on the USS Theodore Roosevelt, then after re-enlisting was stationed at the Marine Air Base at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii attached to the "Easy Riders" or HSM-37. He recently re-enlisted, was attached to VAW-125- the "World Famous" Tigertails, had TDY to VRC-40 the "Rawhides" and later returned to VAW-125. Currently he is an instructor at A-school in Pensacola. I've been chief chemist for a number of world-class gold, silver, and copper mines for 40 years and just recently retired. Raised in the Sierra Nevada mountains, graduated from the University of Maryland (class of '77), a confirmed Westerner and Proud Navy Dad !!!
What Brought You To This Site:: My son is currently serving
What Were Your Feelings When Your Sailor Joined The Navy:: proud as can possibly be !!!!!!!!!!!
What Is Your Relationship With Your Sailor: Dad

Comment Wall:

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Brad

Paul, I have set up that group for the rescue swimmer dads. If you hear of any looking for a group like that let them know or send out an announcement if you can.

I just heard from him today, his chosen orders to Japan will be for HS-14. He expects to be sent out after the first of the year. He will graduate his final AW school and get his "wings" in Mid Nov. I hope to fly out to San Deigo as he said he would like me to Pin those wings on at graduation. I can't think of a higher honor! Proud? You bet!
Brad

Oct 31, 2008
Fred

Hello Paul, I got an e-mail from her earlier in the week. She did say she is doing well and hope Eric is to. She is on 5&10's now while she works on some more quals. 5&10's are 5 hours on 10 off so, she is going tpo get pretty tired real quick. As for packages to her, she did tell my wife that she got her package we sent a while ago. My wife also sent her another one with a whole bunch of stuff including homemade chocolate cookies this week so, I guess that will take 3 to 4 weeks to get to her again.

I can certainly say that my son-in-law Rob is missing her greatly and is being kept very busy with his quals and duty rotations on his sub.

Hey, I see that Rams and Cardinals are playing today. I am at home with the animals and my wife is there with her friend that has season tickets. The Rams seem like a different team since they changed coaches. Here's to a good game.

I probably will not be online for awhile in the coming days as we are in the process of moving our company and will be very busy with all the facilities and IT stuff. In fact next Friday night I have to pull an all-nighter so we can move all our servers and have them back online Saturday morning. Oh the fun!!

Well take care and I also hope Eric did well on the exam. Fred

Nov 2, 2008
Kathy Baker-Robs Mom

PIR was AWESOME!!! We parked on base with everyone else. Got there about 730. WEwere directed to go straight to the drill hall. YOUmight have to check in at the visitors center check point. Make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes!! And ID for everyone over 18. No smoking on base of course. There are DIV# signs to sit in the vicinity of that! You wait and wait for the DIV to march in. ITS AWESOME WHEN THEY OPEN THE BIG DOORS!!!!After the divisions march in there is alot of blah blah blah THEN LIBERTY is called. You have 10 minutes to find your Sailor and get outside. Your Sailor will then give you the low down on whats in store for the weekend. There is this thing called Military Bearing. Your sailor has strict rules that he must abide by while in uniform and he promptly told us about it. We went to the Gurnee mall( ITS HUGE!!), to a beatuiful beach in Waukegan/ Beach Park. Its off SHERIDAN and WADSWORTH, on Sherdain BEFORE Wadsworth there is a very nice park little kidos will love. THERE IS OVERNIGHT LIBERTY. IT DEPENDS ON WHAT YOUR SAILOR IS DOING!!

Nov 4, 2008
Chet Hayes

It's a pleasure to locate a site which everyone has a vested interest. You must be a proud dad having 2 children in the Navy. The Navy for my son has been such a positive experience. The last couple of years he has matured into a fine young man. Sean is currently at ONI in DC. I just learned last week that he volunteered to go to Baghdad. He'll be training with the Army for 4 months after Christmas and then heading overseas. We all get to spend a few weeks with him in December before he goes to AZ. It will be a very special time during the holidays.

Nov 7, 2008
Chuck

How's thing with your two sailors?
Andrew classes up on the 13th for C school. I think the break from school has been good. His assignment at the base medical was a break to get refocused. He is talking about getting home for a while for Christmas.
My younger son, Adam just began the process of contacting the Coast Guard. We will see how that goes.

Nov 7, 2008
Chet Hayes

I will pass on the message to Sean--Thanks
The "sandbox" :- ) Sean will get a kick out of that nickname.

Nov 7, 2008
Chuck

Paula,
I am member #2 of CG Dads. Looking forward to some others finding the site. I will forward your thans to my boys only if you send my best to your two!
Chuck

Nov 7, 2008
Kenorian

Thanks for that! There is, actually, one smoking spot on a sub (at least fast attacks). In the machine room where the emergency diesel is located. Funny, 'cause the machinist mates control the two passes that can be used at any given time. You see nukes, officers, all hanging 'round the diesel!

Nov 7, 2008
Michele

Yes he is finally graduated A-school, on Halloween :). He will be on hold for a month or two he says, they are behind on orders, I don't if this is only affecting AT ratings or all ? I am hoping to make a trip down for Thanksgiving and bring him home for about 3 days before returning him to base. I think he is hoping to get S.C. or Virginia as his command and C-school location. All I know for now :). Thank you for asking. . . God Bless, Michele

How are your sailors getting along? They both on ships out to sea?

Nov 7, 2008
Craig

Paul,
I have too many words to express my feelings right now...elation, amazement, sacrifice, calmness, excitement to start. Meg has absolutely NAILED IT... one hit total on inspections, honor grad, squad leader, mentor for several "younger" recruits, got to salute and later meet Admiral Roughead, CNO, and on and on...she is absolutely amazing as far as I'm concerned. To have several of our Navy's elite Admirals and CO's tell me that I did a good job getting her to them and be told that it was their turn to "take care" of her is, well, something that only a proud parent of 2 fine young sailors could ever want.
Craig

Nov 9, 2008
Craig

Real men do cry...!!

Nov 9, 2008
Robert Steib

Paul,

Thanks for your comments. I am very proud of Marcus and hope that things will go well for him. Wow, 7 months what was Kats thoughts and experience be out for that long, how is Eric doing with his tour. Marcus is currently in (RTC) at Great Lakes, I was able to speak with him for 2 minutes on Saturday and his voice sounded shaky, not like he was having a very fun time, what were Kat and Eric's feelings about Boot Camp.

I just want this phase to end and then have him become a sailor.

Nov 9, 2008
Jamie (Coty's Mom) PIR 12-24-08

I have a question can I book a room at the Navy Lodge if Iam not military?

Nov 10, 2008
E.G. - ND's Creator/Admin

Paul I aim to please. I'm learning little by little.

Nov 10, 2008
Jim Hadfield

Paul, Great website. I saw the ad for navy mom's on TV and decided to see if there was a site for dad's... I couldn't wait. Our son is based in Kitsap and is currently on shore duty and working with SWFPC. We are extremely proud of him.

Nov 11, 2008
Jim Harper

Thank you and I will, he graduates next friday from BESS. Thank you for providing a website that helps so much.......Jim

Nov 13, 2008
Craig

wow...like the new page Paul. How'd you do that? Nah...I'm still buzzing around like a madman. Conner is at top (where else?) in his MA class and has chosen King's Bay for 2 years, he'll grad 12Dec...Meg shipped Wed am
for P'cola NAS with a huge class so she might be there for a bit. Site has gotten quite busy hasn't it. BravoZulu to you...

Nov 13, 2008
Craig

They continue to push their personal envelopes and for this I am grateful. I often thought I was being way to hard on them at times (the ex often confirmed this) but now they have both told me that it has helped them in developing their individual characters. The courage to take on new responsibilities, the honor in serving and the committment to make something good happen for yourself. Does that sound like a Navy Dad or what!! I'm sure the "bear" did.... forgot, Conner will be based at KB as MA..no sea legs yet. Said something about guarding our "important ordinances", get it?

Nov 13, 2008
Chuck

Hi Paul,
Andrew classed up for C school yesterday at Whidby Island. Two days of administrative stuff this week. Monday is back to the school grind. Projected grad date is Dec 19. I think that he plans to be home for Christmas. Hawaii is a long way, so we might have to go out to visit? His Squadron deploys so we have to wait to see what the schedule is before we decided for sure.

Nov 14, 2008
Chuck

Paul,
There are either 7 or 8 in the C school class. Andrew knows all but one first class from the fleet. He even met the instructor at Pensacola. He seems relaxed and ready for the first real classes today.
He found a church to join out there. I guess he really likes it. He won't be there long. His grad date is December 19. Andrew does not know whether he will release at graduation. They know his final destination and it was on the orders he received in Pensacola. His report date in Hawaii is January 17. He is not sure if he may report earlier that that date.

Nov 17, 2008
E.G. - ND's Creator/Admin

Paul check out the new video I posted and let me know what you think. I got Eric in this time.

Nov 17, 2008
E.G. - ND's Creator/Admin

Paul I'm with you on getting a life. I'm on the computer way to much. I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving at the beach. I'm planning on sitting back and taking a vacation. When I go on vacation I try to leave work at home. So we'll see how it go's while I'm there for 5 days. Wish me luck on getting some R & R.

Nov 17, 2008
Chuck

Paul
It is 20 degrees here this morning. It sounds good to me also.
How things wit your two?

Nov 18, 2008
Chuck

OH! Cruel and Unusual Punishment! It is about 17 here this morning!!!

Nov 19, 2008
Mark Schirtz

My son is on the USS Kentucky SSBN 737. Just left for his third tour. He is currently petty officer 2nd class ET Nuke. Very good baseball player and bowler. I sure do not know haw they do it on a submarine but i would like to take a father son cruise with him that would be great. Could not be PROUDER of him.

Nov 20, 2008
ISCS Jon C. Altmann

Paul, what a great set of Blue Jacket kids you've got! These are the youngsters that make ships run and planes fly! God, aren't they great!

Nov 20, 2008
Luis

Hey there Paul, love the background. Yeap counting the days for Luis Jr to leave for Navy. Just trying to get the braces paid off and taken off so that he is allowed to leave. Luis

Nov 21, 2008
Fred

Hi Paul,
Great pictures from Eric and I hope he is doing well.

The server move went well and and our office has been moved downtown next to Busch Stadium. Looking forward to Thanksgiving and a few days off because of working through yesterday 225 hours in threee weeks.

Talked to Rob on Thursday and he talked to Kira and she said that she really enjoyed the port call in Dubai but, said it was an expensive trip with all the shopping she did. He also said that she seems to be in really good spirits too.

Rob also had good news in that he passed his E-5 exam so, we are really proud of him. He would have gotten it anyway when he star re-enlists but, it carries more weight since he got it through the exam. His LPO has keeps bragging about him to everyone as he is doing great on all his quals and is way ahead of schedule.

By the way did you happen to catch the CBS morning show yesterday they had a live broadcast from the deck of the TR. Video was not all that good but it was pretty cool to know that they show cased the ship and it's crew. I recorded it on the DVR but, I have to figure out a way to get it off and onto to something I can keep permanently. Fred

Nov 22, 2008
Scott Wilkinson

Thank you for the kind welcome, Paul. My oldest son (Carlton) enlisted this year a couple of years after his little brother (Terrence). Carlton just completed Hospital Corpsman school and is now stationed at Camp Pendleton attached to a Marine division for more training (When do they ever stop training?). Terrence has been in for about 2 years now as a CTT. He just made Third class this month! He is stationed aboard the USS Carl Vinson (Refueling Complex Overhaul) at Newport News. He was actually on The Roosevelt for a couple of weeks of training when they were out this summer. It's a small world isn't it? We come from a small town of about 6,000 and he ran into a guy he want to high school with on the Roosevelt.

Nov 22, 2008
Cindy

Paul, Thank you.. I will I know we are still trying to get him to load the car..haha.. so I jumped on know he is just watching the game what a life!! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving keep up the good work he really feels good knowing he has you and Terry to help.. Thank you tell your Sailors Happy Turkey Day from me.. Cindy

Nov 24, 2008
E.G. - ND's Creator/Admin

Paul I'm up and running. I found internet access in the condo. I promise I'll vacation a little. ttyl

Nov 26, 2008
Fred

Hello Paul, first I want to say happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and please pass along to Eric the same. Did your daughter get to come home?

As for the trip to Norfolk next April, I think it would be a great idea to meet somewhere and brag. Maybe we will not have to wait until we get to Norfolk if they do the Tiger Cruise. From what Kira is saying the CMC has already been talking about it.

Fred

Nov 27, 2008
Craig

sorry to hear Eric not well, maybe he can sleep it off a bit after his turkey...when will you be able to see Kat? We have 2 of our 3 with orders, drivable distances in our early navy careers. Will be heading to stepbrothers in a bit for our annual cajun fried turkey thanksgiving bash...have a good one!

Nov 27, 2008
Bob, Andy's dad

Thanks Paul, and you are indeed correct. The Anzio is homeported in Norfolk. Norfolk is about a 6, maybe 7 hour drive away. I was stationed there when I was in the Navy and it took 9 hours to drive it, one way. That was back when the 55 speed limit was in affect. He is excited. I like the "Arleigh Burke" wallpaper. That's what Andy wanted, but hey, a Tico is a good ship.

Nov 28, 2008
Dave

Paul
Sorry for taking so long to return a message. Work has been crazy and in this economy I am blessed to be in an industry that is going strong.
Well plenty has happened since I spoke with you last. We spent Thanksgiving Day up in the Great Lakes area. We live two hours south, so we drove up early Thursday morning and adopted our son and one of his shipmates. I don't mean to sound like a teenager but this was AWESOME! My son is still my son but he is different. We rented a hotel room to have a place to lay back and relax. My wife would not let Andrew out of arms reach. When he came out of the building to get into the car, I thought he had switched services on us. The new Navy uniform can be mistaken for a Marine uniform at a glance. I was shocked to watch him, follow the rules with no one around. I don't know how they did it but the Navy has done in 7 weeks what I failed to do in 19 years. I could not be more proud. Andrew has been promoted to E2. He PIR's next Friday. His shipmate was a fine gentlemen as well. With young men like this filling the ranks, I know that the Navy and our Country is safe and secure. My wife and I are talking about adopting a sailor next Thanksgiving.

Nov 29, 2008
E.G. - ND's Creator/Admin

Paul how was Turkey Day? I'm headed to meet seven Sailors that are staying with Howie and Cora around lunch time today. That will be neat to meet some of the kids of parents on the site. I love the change in the groups. Where it shows the most recent activity. I don't think I did that. So great job with that. I think that is the best way to show them. I hope Eric and Kat had a happy Thanksgiving. I'm getting in a little vacation. I'll visit with the Sailors today and headed to pick up Michele's Wes from the airport tonight. Talk to you soon.

Nov 29, 2008
Mark Schirtz

just a question about joining a group. I am having a little problem i click the link join nukes and it just goes to the middle of the page any help would be appreciated.

Nov 30, 2008
Dave

Paul
I have been trying to spread the word, my wife was encouraging me today to get more active on this site. I have joined Conservative Dads, Indiana Dads, and MA Dads. I will do my best to spread the word. I talk all day at work, I will reserve a little for Navy Dads. I think my wife and I are plannning on adopting a couple of sailors next Thanksgiving if they allow it.
Dave.

Nov 30, 2008
Chuck

What's this I see in the news. "The Big Stick" was host to Commander U.S. Central Command Gen. David Patraeous? WOW!!!

Dec 1, 2008
Chuck

Paul
I know about that kind of luck. I was of the impression that it only "blessed" our family?
Andrew went to medical the Friday after thanksgiving with abdominal pain. He was told that his white cell count was slightly elevated and he either had a touch of food poisoning or a case of the flu. I hope he told those nice families that fed him on Thanksgiving that it was the flu. From what he said on the phone he was beginning to think of the Friday morning breakfast burrito as the chief suspect. I believe that CSI Grissom will be flying from Las Vegas or maybe NCIS will handle this one!

Dec 2, 2008
E.G. - ND's Creator/Admin

Yeah Paul you'll have to make a trip to the beach. We love it there. The gulf coast does have some pretty beaches. Let us know when your coming and maybe we'll make Terry come along too. We had a great time with Howie and Cora. As you see we just kicked back and enjoyed life. The fourth of July week is the best down there. We go for that week every year. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. No cactus just sandcastles. ttyl

Dec 2, 2008
Chuck

Paul,
We did for these young people for close to or more that a decade and then they go far away and learn great responsibilities. We are left to watch in pride and wonder. I keep saying to my self wow something stuck that I tried to model. Being a home school family I and especially my wife find great pride that our first born is off on his own and successfuliy work his own way in the Navy.

Dec 3, 2008
Lisa A.

Thanks!!!! Will pass along.

Dec 3, 2008
Dave

Jim
Just came in from work, and thought I would let you know that once my 16 daughter gets in from school we are heading up to GL. We got the phone call that Andrew is a sailor, I thought I heard his voice crack when he explained the capping ceremony to me, and the instruct called him "shipmate". I can't wait to see him in his dress blues or what ever the Navy calls them. My father calls them the "cracker jack" uniform. Anyway, I will send a full report of the 05-Dec-08 PIR when I return on Sunday. Talk with you soon.

Dave

Dec 4, 2008
Michael Ritchie

Thanks - I know he is alright, just tough waiting on the call.

Dec 4, 2008
Craig

He's much better now that he won't be far from "real mountains", not these itty bitty ones we have here in TN! His aunt lived there for some time (now near us) and has already started recruiting adoption fams for him to visit. He'll be fine once he breathes the air and sees the scenery out there.

Dec 5, 2008
Bob, Andy's dad

Saw you're online. I was browsing around with Andy looking over my shoulder. He got home last night. Gets to stay for 2 weeks.

Dec 6, 2008
Yvonne

Thank you Paul for the kind welcome. I'm also over at Navy 4 moms and am in a couple of groups over there: single moms, California Moms, sub moms, and of course...U.S.S. Alabama (SSBN 731) 'ROLL TIDE"
I'm very proud of my submariner. This deployment is his second. He's working on his 'fish'. With this underway he should be getting. It's great having these sites especially during the Holidays....thanks again!

Dec 7, 2008
Natalie

Thanks, Paul. Do you know how long the blackouts last when the guys are overseas? My son is a flight engineer and was writing to me every day (early in the a.m., most of the time!) and I haven't gotten an email from him in about 3-4 days now. Makes me a little worried.........do you know when he MIGHT have access to a computer (email) again? I don't know how long there flying missions last but I do know that he is on a BASE overseas......I'm really surprised I haven't heard from him lately and wonder if he might even be upset with me (and that's why he's NOT writing) because of an email I sent him about some stuff in the past. THANKS sooo much. (just don't know how long the "blackouts" last but ladies in NavyForMoms told me it probably is a "blackout" but he's NOT on a ship.

Dec 8, 2008
Natalie

Thanks again, Paul! Wow....a chemist, huh? You must be one smart guy!!!

I don't know when my son will be getting leave. He didn't mention anything about any leave when we spoke on the phone on Thursday (I was shocked when I got a phone call from him after only being gone for 6 days, out of the states, that is). I hope he's either on leave or just busy working and too tired to sit in front of a computer, emailing at night-time.

Mom is just kinda bored right now. I'm a REALTOR here in Texas and am trying desperately to find me some BUYERS and/or sellers. I had a closing about 3 weeks ago but the money is already gone now (just sold a little house, my only listing!!).

Please keep me in mind if you know anyone who might be moving to the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas!!! I love helping people from out-of-state (esp. military people - haven't helped any yet!) find a great deal on a great house. Now is the time to find them. Hopefully, I'll have a closing just in time for my birthday, Jan. 15th!!! When's your b-day?

Your pics of your kids are GREAT!!! If you'd like to see mine, please go to Natalie93 at navyformoms.com

Stay in touch! I have nothing but time right now, when I'm not working on my MAIL-OUT campaign and trying to find other work (was a legal secretary for 15 years before becoming a realtor almost 5 years ago -- Christmas is gonna be TIGHT this year -- but I keep reminding myself that JESUS is the true reason for the season -- it's not about $$$, you know?

Take care!

Natalie ("Child of Christmas") =)

Dec 8, 2008

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