Welcome to NavyDads.com proudpapa! I'm sure you'll find NavyDads as useful, educational and informative as I have. Please explore the site and make some new friends. Read the discussions and add your comments. Browse through the postings in the various groups or start a new one. I certainly have! If you have any comments, questions or concerns about your sailor and what he is going through...be sure to post them! In my experience someone here can answer your questions or concerns or can point you in the direction to find out. I'm blessed to have two sailors in the family - my son Eric (AM3) is stationed on the carrier Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) and my daughter Kat (MC3) just completed her enlistment on the carrier Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). And proudpapa this is a great place to brag as well! So join in, get active, and be sure to let us know how Nicolas is doing! Please remember that we talk about the Navy here and we must keep the security and safety of our sailors and the fleet in mind. On the right or starboard side of every NavyDads page is an area we call About This Site. Please take a minute and read through the Operations Security (OPSEC) link for some guidelines as to what we should and should not talk about in a public forum.

As a parent of a sailor currently or soon to be at Great Lakes you'll have many questions about what your son is going through. In the Navy Bootcamp group is a discussion called A MUST READ for all New Navy Parents. Read through this post as it will do a lot to give you some understanding about what your sailor is learning and why. And be sure to check out the videos available in the Bootcamp Group as well.

As PIR draws closer, be sure to spend some time going through the PIR-Tips, Hints and Helps group- we’ve tried to assemble some tips and suggestions to make your sailor's PIR more enjoyable. Best Regards- Paul

Welcome to NavyDads !

Play the following video for a brief introduction to NavyDads.com

I just signed up when I saw post about others leaving in November. My son leaves on Nov. 9. I hope he adjust well to everything.

Hi Proudpapa!! So your son is leaving in a few days..hey men I know that feeling, is a mix feeling of pride and sadness, but I pray God to take away the sadness in you and your family. In a way sadness means that there is a great love for our children and we don’t want for them to leave..but..they need to spread their wings!! Hey, I love your family pic and there is something special about your son playing that guitar!! It's a blessing. Today mark one week since my daughter left to boot camp, I already got the box with her personal belongings and hoping to receive that first call soon. So let’s continue praying for our children my friend and write me back anytime. Saludos! Gil

My son, Billy, left Boston on 11/4 and (apparently) started training on 11/8. Ship 12, Div 039. I guess this is the critical part of his mailing address. I received a longer one from his recruiter. I haven't received anything from my son other than the "kid in a box" delivery.

Hey, Bubblehead..the waiting to hear from your son is the hardest part..my daughter wrote my only one letter so far and that was on her second sunday..now I have received two phone call from her so far, and she told me that they keep her very busy and that's why there are not that many letters going out...back in my days when I was in basic training..I found time under the blanket when we were suppost to be sleeping..jejeje..and also our children are used more to the hightech stuff, I guess! Anyway, hang in there..you're not alone..and if you're blessed like me, you'll get two phone calls in two days..lol

Proudpapa, Your Welcome! I'm glad to have put this out there for us dads too! Hope the site helps throughout your sons journey in the Navy.

proudpapa (Daniel Valenzuela?),

That's great to hear. I'm having terrible trouble adding stuff to your page -- I think the trouble is on my end. Would you mind sharing your email address to communicate more directly? Here's mine:
Bill Mills-Curran
bill@mills-curran.net

Dear Proud Papa,
While on NavyDads.com I found myself looking at a photo of your beautiful family. I understand how you feel. My daughter is in the DEP Program and leaves in June. I am also proud and sad, and a little scared, (But mostly proud). Good Luck to you and your Sailor.

Hey there Proud PaPa
I was not aware of the event on the 13th at the Ramada, if you could give me the info my family and I would love to get together to meet the other families.
God Bless and protect your Sailor
Michael

Thanks so much, i will be waiting