All Blog Posts (898)

My son Zach is hours away from RTC.  He sent me a text while layed over in Denver.  He enjoyed his first ever flight!  He's got a great attitude so far and I'm encouraged by it.  He should be landing in Chicago 11PM and then we wait for his " I'm here" call.

Unfortunately, his mom had to go to a conference same day he left.  She's been delayed since she left the house.  There is a small chance she will miss the "I'm here" call while she is in flight.  I told Zach to send her a…

... in Gulf Shores one last time before Kaitlin leaves for GL on Monday.  She has been showing them different videos about boot camp (way different from Grandpa's days in the Army during the Korean War).  Right now she is at the gun range with Dad and Grandpa getting in a little practice.

My mother-in-law summed up the emotions very well yesterday when we arrived and she started crying.  "I am just a little verklempt."  Perfect definition!

Absolutely hardest thing I've ever done.

Well the day has come. Today our baby boy, now a man with his own family and baby boy, leaves for the Navy Boot camp. We are so very proud. But we will miss him immensely!!! Thanks to all who came to wish him well!! We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We pray for Grace and Wisdom in the adventures ahead! God bless you all and your families as well. Anchors Aweigh!!! Go Navy

120113-N-ZZ999-001 WASHINGTON (Jan. 13, 2011) The official U.S. Navy logo commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Navy SEALs. (U.S. Navy photo illustration/Released)

We are all very excited to be heading out to Chicago this week to witness my girl Kelli as she does her Pass and Review to become a full United States Navy Sailor. Hoorah!

So far, she has done very well and was assigned to the ship's staff as well as the security team. She went into boot camp as an E2 and is graduating as an E3. She has earned her stripes and will continue to do so in the future. I will not be surprised if she becomes an officer sometime in the future as I…

My son who just entered boot camp signed his letter as

RCPO JD....

What does it mean?

...was Saturday and a huge success.  About 45 people came by to show support for our almost-Sailor.  The best surprise was a visit from a Chief friend of ours.  I thought K was going to cry when she saw him - she didn't.  Then, since he is a Boatswains Mate, he had a little ceremony where he piped her, "on to boot camp."  Again, she didn't cry (but she almost did this time).

All of the hard work she has put in since she was 13 (Navy Sea Cadet) will definitely pay off in the…

Thank's very much for the tremendous welcome, just a little about my son Zac. Zac is 25 years old, an honor graduate from the University of Arkansas and is currently a sworn police officer. He has enlisted in the Navy Reserves, will leave for boot camp in GL june 28.

Zac will be in intel and hopes to apply for a DCO commision after he finishes A/C schools. Zac has always wanted to be in the Navy, his Grandfather was a Navy man so it is in his blood to serve.

Again thank you for…

I had the honor to travel with my Son on a Tiger cruise starting from Pearl Harbor to San Dieago  this year.

If anyone who is going on a Tiger cruise has questions about what to expect, please feel free to contact me.

Sailor's Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming,

Sailors stood watch while others were dreaming.

They lived in a crowd with racks tight and small,

In a 80-man berthing, cramped one and all.

I had come down the stack with presents to give,

And to see inside just who might perhaps live.

I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,

No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stockings were hung, shined boots…

by the Navy Dads Admins. Thanks, guys.  As an Instructor in the Navy Sea Cadets for the last 5 years, I feel I have a leg up on a lot of the "newbie" things.  Ratings, Lingo, history, etc. are taught to our cadets and at the National trainings our unit hosts.  There is no having a leg up on the emotional roller coaster, however.  One day last week I would just well up with pride and tears for no apparent reason.  I told a friend whose daughter is in the Army that it is just part of the…

Received a short phone call from my sailor yesterday to inform us that she has been promoted to E3 effective immediately. She went in as an E2 due to her having 2 years of college. We are very proud of our daughter and expect to see future promotions based on her abilities and commitment.

I have no doubt she will prove to be a great asset to the Navy and our country and I haven't stopped smiling since hearing this. lol

One year ago today my son started boot camp. There have been times when the clock stood still and times that have flown by. I have learn so much and I know I have much more to learn.

Thank you Navy Dads for your understanding, support and your willingness to share knowledge.

Anyone with a son or daughter in this unit? It would be great to hook up and compare notes. Fair winds and following seas.

Anyone with a recruit in this Div?

Our sons cell phone broke and we have not been in contact with him in 2 weeks. He is in navy nuke school in S. Carolina.What is a good way to get in contact with him?

Boot camp is over. The experience we had in post PIR liberty was priceless and quite comforting.  There have been differences during this period even at a far. The muted communication gave a synthetic stress like no other. Differences did occur and have only become partially resolved, mostly by concession. We are in love. Are we in love with the idea of being in love or is it the real deal?

I figured I would not end the relationship or permanently engage during this…