Marco A. Velazquez's Blog (16)

At this time I would like to wish A Happy Father's Day to all the Navy Dad's out there. May The Lord Bless you on this Special Day and through out the year.
Navy Dad,
Marco V.

Finally the day came, all of our fillings, anticipation and worries came down to one day, "PIR", Graduation. As I sat there in the bleachers with my wife and other Moms, Dads, Grandparents and Love ones we were waiting for that moment when the Big Door would roll up and we could get a look at our sailors for the first time since they left for Boot Camp. But leading up to that moment they entertained us with the music of the Navy Marching band, Color Guard with all the different Flag of the… Continue

What a great experience this evening was at the Meet and Greet. Got to finally meet the "Sarge" and some of the Mom's and Dad's. What a great thing the Sarge does every Thursday for the love one's of our new United State Navy Sailor's. When they say he's got a lot of good Information, he does and then some, for example; like what our Sailor's need after PIR, giving us tips on how to navigate to the Graduation thru the streets of Chicago, which Gates we need to go thru. I could spend more time… Continue

A question was asked about Back Ground Checks, I can't tell you if it's for everyone using the Navy Camp Ground or maybe because we're Retired Armed Police Officers and they needed to verify it. But if you call the camp ground I'm sure they can give you a reason...sorry I wasn't much help!
Proud Navy Dad,
Marco V.

After a disappointing arrival at the Navy Camp Grounds, and what I mean is, we had made reservations at the camp ground prior to our arrival which included a back ground check. We had asked if the spots were Full Hook Up, and they advised yes they were, they even ask if we needed 30 or 50 amps, so we advised we needed two spots a 30 and a 50 amp so we figured everything was a go. We get here today and the spots were only 30 amps, with only electric, no water or sewers. Well what can i say? We… Continue

Well 400 more miles closer to PIR June 7th. We made it to Chattanooga, Tennessee on this second leg of our trip. So many beautiful sights this Great Country has to offer, that's probably why I don't mind the driving. Lets face it would drive to the end of the universe just to see our son. By the looks of it we'll be getting to the Navy Camp Grounds a day earlier. Well time for rest until the next update.
A Proud Navy Dad,
Marco V.
God Bless America.

Made it to Georgia, the first leg of the trip to PIR, getting closer and we can't wait for that phone call that he's a Sailor now. We have the House phone transferred to our cell phone. Tomorrow we celebrate our 23rd Wedding Anniversary, It's not what I had in mind, but my wife and I can't wait to see our son, so for this year I think it'll be ok.lol. We get to see our son!
A Proud Navy Dad,
Marco V.

Just a simple Happy Memorial Day from a Grateful and Humble Navy Dad.

Honoring & Remembering all those military Men & Women that gave the Ultimate Sacrifice for the Freedom of this Great Country. Let us remember them not just today, but each and everyday of our lives. I want to also thank all of our Military for their Service and Commitment for the protection of our Freedom that we as Americans live each day. May The Lord Bless them and their Families and keep them out of Harms… Continue

As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our servicemen and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and your presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.



We also remember the families of our troops. We ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes, and we pray your peace, provision, and… Continue

8 more days and we're off to Illinois. Back ground checks done and reservations made at the Navy Campground. Our son's PIR is on June 9th, and we can't wait. We're so excited. I'm figuring the next phone call should be after Battle Stations, to let us know he's now a Sailor. If there's anyone else with suggestions for restaurants please let me know. Well that's it now till next up date.

May you all have a Safe & Great Memorial Day, and let us reflect on all of the men and women in the… Continue

It's getting closer to Graduation day, June 9th, we've gotten confirmation on our back ground checks to be able to camp in the Navy Campground, we've made reservation and we're excited to get there. We haven't gotten a phone call but we've received letters every week on Thursdays. Our son sounds very excited and also can't wait to see us. He's already asked if we could go out to dinner in the city and that's ok with us. If any of you know of a good place to take him please let me know... Well… Continue

I was kinda wishing for a phone call today not so much for me but for my wife, being Mother's Day, that would have been the icing on the cake for her, but it never happened. Our son on the last pone call told us that they may not be able to call on Sunday, but we always have that hope that they would be able to. We're looking forward to the next letter or phone call and we are excited for the up coming trip for Graduation. Till next time, A Proud Navy Dad, Marco V.

At this time I would like to wish all the Navy Mom's the Happiest of Mother's Day. Even though our sons and daughters are not with us on this special day and as hard as it is, we as parents need to look at the future for them, and very soon we'll be able to see and talk with them on a more regular basis. For my self I keep looking at the picture of my son and me and remembering the times we had together with the family. It's true they grow up way to fast!
A very Grateful and Proud Navy Dad.

What a wonderful surprise this Sunday, just when I thought our son was not calling, the phone rang, and it was our son. What a great feeling to hear his voice again. He sounded very up beat, we even notice a change in is voice. It's true what they say he won't be the same young man after Graduation. He told us he had passed all of the test so far but he needed to pick up the pace in the mile and half run in under 13 minutes. He's always been into sports so I know he can do it, I have confedence… Continue

We got a wonderful surprise yesterday, our first phone cal from our son. Thank God my wife forward the land line to her cell phone or we would have missed his call. The Lord works in mysterious ways, we were on the motorcycle when my clip on sun glasses flew off, their about 100 dollars, but anyway I pulled over and started to look for them not even 5 minutes had past when my wife's cell phone started to ring, when my wife answered she got a big surprise it was our son Christian calling, you… Continue

Coming to the end of our sons second week of Boot Camp, still no letter from him. We would love to hear from him, we know its part of the program, but you figured 211/2 years of being here with us, & now not to be able to at least pick up the phone and see how he's doing is hard for parents. I guess you all went thru the same thing. It's not easy!
My Humble Opinion,
An anxious Navy Dad.