Diane(Alyssa's Mom)'s Comments

Hi Dads....Alyssa is in Divison 361 Ship 5...I got the form letter on Monday, and a phone call on Tuesday, but only because she needed me to fax info for her security clearance. She wants to be a Crypto Tech...

Just stopped by to say Hi,and how ya doing?When my son ,,Jason ,was in boot-camp... I got my first letter on week 3..Then they came every thursday after that..Yup..I used to look forward to thursdays.Jason said that he was bored in boot-camp.. And its not that bad.. Jon

No, you shouldn't have to wait 3 weeks.
After processing (which could take a week,) they have time every sunday to write. I think they (the RCD's) actually make them write. You know the old saying patience is a virtue? Whoever came up with it, wasn't waiting for their first letter from boot camp. That letter is going to seem like it's the brightest rainbow you've ever seen, and you'll treat it like it was made of gold! My family and I ALWAYS looked forward to Wednesdays, since they were letter days. The only time we didn't get one, we had a phone call, telling us ahead of time.

I know how you feel. I was the Dad/Mom and my son just graduated 08/1/2008. He had a tough time but made it through. He is now in Virginia Beach and says that it is much better there. They have a rec Hall, a movie theator, semi private room and a 10 minute walk to Virginia Beach.
I miss him allot but know this was the best thing he could do for himself. You will love the graduation ceremony and don't worry about getting there at 6:00am in the morning. You can go at 8:00am and still get a seat. I suggest taking a cab in as they really do check all the cars going on to the base. If you ger dropped off you just walk in show your ID and your good to go.

Hey,How are you doing? I know what you mean this to me was the hardest thing I have ever gone through with any of my children,I would cry all the time when he left and I would try to be strong then I would break down again.. I know each time you talk to them you feel better but it is hard not seeing them everyday and hugging them.And by the way we are suppose to be selfish I think haha..Hang in there if you need to cry just let it out..we are all here to listen.God bless you.Cindy

Anyone know how to get the ship or division...her recruiter said they have no idea.....who would Know????

By the way, do you have any idea of her division or ship yet?

Diane, I'm sorry, I misunderstood how many kids you have. I'm sure that 1, 2 or 10, really doesn't matter, when they leave home for the first time, it's scary, and when it's the baby, it is even worse. (For the parent especially.) We just need to remember that they're probably safer there than on a lot of the city streets around America, and the work they're going to do is going to help them and our country! I actually have 3 boys, and Dillon is my oldest. The second is already talking about joining the Sea Cadets, to get a kind of a jump on what will be expected in the Navy. Keep your spirits up, and like Terry said, she'll definitely be looking for your letters. No matter how much they grow up, they're still our kids. We love them and they love us.

Thank you very much for your support!!! And I am very proud of Alyssa...I think at PIR I will cry more than I did at her HS Graduation in May. I never really thought she would go in to the Military...but as along as she is happy. I am sure she is homesick...and cant wait to get her first phone call. I cant wait to get the first letter!!!!!

Diane, It is hard. I can't pretend to know the bond between a single parent and an only child, but my oldest left for B.C. on June 5th, and just graduated last Friday. The day he left, was a VERY emotional one for me. I saw my son growing up before my eyes. He wasn't going to be around for me to watch out for anymore. He was going out on his own, becoming an adult. Nothing can prepare any of us for that. The thing that I guess was one of the best things about B.C., for me, were the letters. Every week (we got ours on Wednesdays) you can expect a letter from Alyssa. They're great! You get a glimpse into the adventure she's on, and yes, it is an adventure. And when the day comes that you're the one sitting in the audience, watching her at her PIR, you will feel like you're going to burst with pride. Look for those letters, and make sure you write back, weekly if possible. My son told me that he really enjoyed hearing about what was going on at home while he was gone.

Diane I am Cindy EGs wife. I read what you wrote on the poem page I know she will start to write again Evan wrote alot at boot camp and in a school we just have not shared them yet I know a little selfish we just treasure every thought he has. We are all here if you need some peeping up these dads on here are a great support and of course us moms are the best... You are in my prayers I know what it feels like to let a child go I do promise the end result is very rewarding you will be more proud of her than you ever dreamed.. If you need to talk just send me a note we are always on..ttyl

This was an answer about liberty after graduation.It depends if he is a grad n go, where he will go to A school, or whether he has guard duty. Generally after the graduation ceremony you will here the greatest words spoken ( "Liberty" "Liberty" "Liberty" ) they can leave with you right after graduation and return by around 9:00 p.m. that night. The next day you can pick them back up around 7:00 a.m. and return again that night. So most of the time the weekend. If he stays in Great Lakes for A school those kids left graduation and returned back sunday. All they had to do is call in to report. I've also heard of people only getting to spend 30 minutes with their sailor before they had to leave for the airport to report to A school immediatley. Alot of factors add in to what your child's liberty will be. I would say most of the children had liberty the entire weekend to spend with family. If you have questions we will try our best to answer them. EG My son graduated Friday as everyone does and flew to Pensacola Sunday morning. When they get to P'cola they have three phases. You can always visit them but they will not come home untill after they graduate A school. You will be able to talk to your daughter everyday while she is in A school. Anything you need to know feel free to ask.

Diane if you need any advice or answers from us men feel free to lean on us. Bootcamp will be tough on you because it was hard on me and I'm the dad. Just know that Alyssa is in good hands. The instructors are normal people just like you and I. Just not as easy on them as we are. They will not push her any farther than she can go. Keep me posted on her progress and lean on us if you need to. We are here for you. EG