NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary's Blog (14)

My son has been stationed in New Orleans for the last three months or so. Even though he dislikes the extreme humidity, he's grown accustomed to LPD 23's pre-commissioning weather and has taken every chance to learn and inhale everything about his duties and the Navy in general.

He is eager to hopefully get a ten day leave approved some time around Thanksgiving weekend. But obviously there are no guarantees. I know he really misses my brined turkey...



To date he's proud…

"It's been about one year since I've enlisted in the United States Navy. Many things have changed in such a short time! Although, it is a good change. I'm happy with where I am at, and I cannot wait to continue on the path I'm on. Thank you all, friends and family, for giving me your support in adjusting to this new lifestyle. God Bless you all! Keep in touch, I'll reply when I can."

Right out of high school, it's almost been a year since my son has served in the United States Navy, 10 months to be exact. Our whole family miss him dearly and yes I still open the door to his room every now and then only to find it empty...



To date we try to keep in constant communication through whatever means possible. May it be him checking my posts on NavyDads.Com, occassional text and phone call, or other popular social networking sites and Skype if we're lucky.…

18 November 2011 Graduation Day (a.k.a. PIR) - We shuttled in and arrived at the main gate drop-off area roughly around 0700. As we made our way to entering the base, we were warmly greeted by courteous heavily armed MAs who checked our photo IDs. From there we walked a short distance to the graduation hall and at the door we were handed the graduation programs. They asked for our names, our sailor’s name and division number.



Our names were validated and checked off of the access…

It’s been almost eight weeks since our son entered the doors of the U.S. Navy RTC. Since day one, I’ve done nothing short of worrying non-stop about him all the time…



I just wanted to express my gratitude to his recruiter S. Sargent from the Navy Recruiting Station, Fairfield, CA and the entire team at RTC for giving him the opportunity to serve our country in the most awesome Navy in the world.



Bravo Zulu to all of the Sailors for a job well done Hoo-Yah!…

I’m happy to have received yet another letter from my son. As we all know with boot camp schedules, there’s no telling when you’ll get a letter or a phone call from your SR.



He is doing well and continues to focus and work hard to remain in the top ten percent. At this stage the “welcome to boot camp” culture shock is pretty much over. He’s passed the PFAs required to-date and told me that they were awarded the Athletic Flag. Though I really have no idea what this means, I do know…

With exactly three weeks left to go and a day for PIR, I’m feeling ever so anxious. I’m so anxious that I haven’t slept straight for weeks ever since my son left for boot camp.

I’d wake up in the middle of the night wondering how he’s doing, how he’s feeling and I still constantly worry but I always just hope for the best. I wish I had a Time Machine... Usually, I’ll have one of my “If I can only turn back time” moments, but in this case I wanna go full-throttle at warp speed…

I received a second letter from my son. I was pretty bummed out about missing his phone call the other day but hearing from him again via letter I feel much better now.

I'm happy to hear that he's doing well in boot camp. I'm a worry wart by nature and most of the time I am my worst enemy. I've always try to set the bar higher for myself in life. My son has taken this to heart.

He's pushing to do his best and his commitment and dedication is unquestionable at…

This afternoon my son called and I missed his call by seconds. By the time I picked up, I was too late. I feel horrible! Today I'd say is one of the crappiest days of my life. I can't help but to blame myself.

He did get a hold of his mother and from what she tells me he's a bit emotional from being away from home cause he misses us all. Otherwise, he's doing fine in boot camp. That made me feel happy and sad all at once.

So for all you folks out there who are…

By this time I'm sure my son has been bombarded with letters galore from family and friends. I do realize with the very limited time they all have in boot camp, that he may or may not be able to respond to all or if any, of the letters that he's received.

I don't expect any letters back from him while in bootcamp though I'd be thrilled if I get anything after the first. The family and I know that we've sent him our well wishes and letters of support. That's all about what we…

Today I received a letter from my son. It surely made my day! He misses all of us at home and most especially the Bay Area food and the home cooked meals…

He talked a little bit about his experiences and the challenges of RTC. It’s hard work; little free time on Sunday’s and will put one’s mind, body and soul to the test of self discovery – what you’re truly made of.

Though he hasn’t received any of our letters yet, I wanted to thank all of you at NavyDads.Com…

Oliver's mom received the form letter today that we've all been waiting for. I gather she’s the lucky one who got the letter and I on the other hand, ended up with the box of his dirty laundry LOL - go figure! It's all good though…

On the back side he wrote her a short comment. From what she tells me our SR is culture shocked with the instant transition to military life to say the least which is not uncommon but he's very optimistic. I’m certain that this status is shared by…

Today I received my son's civilian box which contained all of his personal belongings that he had with him on the day he left for RTC which was exactly seven days ago.

As I opened the box, I couldn’t help but get sentimental. After all we all miss him so much!

Eagerly waiting for the form letter, I hope it comes soon...

I received a call from my son Oliver last night at around 21:30 PST from his day one at RTC. He sounded a bit rushed but okay. He was trying to get as many phone calls out as allowed. I'm to expect a letter in the mail in a week or two.

Until we talk again Son!

I want to send my well wishes and prayers to all of the new recruits on base. God Bless You All...