ROD KEEFE's Blog (7)

Well - I have not posted anything since PIR on 11-9-12. Now "A" school "Logistics" is over and our son John just spent the last two weeks at home with us. It was very good to have him home. But now the Hard Part.   He left today to go to his first assignment aboard the USS Rushmore that is based in San Diego. The Rushmore is currently deployed in the Persian Gulf area and I think he will go meet up with it. I can't put in words how hard it was to say goodbye this time. Bootcamp and "A"…

I guess I am not stating anything new for the Senior Navy Dads but PIR last Friday was simply an inspirational experience. When my son's division paraded into the hall past us I did not even recognize him as he walked 20 yds in front of me. What a change 8 weeks of bootcamp can make in a young man. My wife and other sons were saying "there he is" while I am saying "where? where?". I finally saw him and was struck by the thought that I did not recognize my own son. Crazy! We are very proud of…

I was wondering if most people take binoculars to PIR to be able to spot their sailor in the sea of lookalikes. Is it the norm or will I look like a geek? Just a thought I had today. 

We still have a month to go before PIR on 11-9. 

We got a call from our SR John today.  Ship 3 Div 370- It was sure good to hear his voice. Seems to be doing well. He said he is the Master at Arms "currently". Sounds like fun. He gets to yell but said yelling at bootcamp is the norm so it does not seem odd. He said about 15 recruits have had wisdom teeth removed so far and he should next week. They are on day 2-5 as of today. They had their first academic test this week. He thought the swim test was very easy. He said they eat well in the…

Well- we received the Box from RTC today with our son's belongings. Backpack, shorts, t-shirt. We discovered in the pocket of his shorts his Driver License.  Do you think this was a mistake on his part? Or would they have told him to send it home? I would think he needs it. He took a wallet, cash, Social Security Card and Driver license. If he needs it back we will wait till we get his address and mail it back.

Any Thoughts?

Rod Keefe

Thank you to each of you for your warm welcome. Well, John left yesterday for RTC. We got the call last night at 1:00am from him for 10 seconds or so stating he was there and would call again in 3 weeks. I heard a loud voice in background shouting "You Have 5 Minutes!" then the line went dead. We didn't have a chance to say anything. Yesterday, at MEPS his recruiter said they would not sleep the first night and it would be tonight before they get sleep. Is that correct? Wow, after getting up…

John leaves for Great Lakes 9-12-12 and I have feelings like I did when I first saw him walking to school as a kindergartener with his backpack on. It is amazing the mix of emotions that are sweeping over me. When will I settle down?