Kevin's Comments

Thanks for the comments - and ditto back at you for your service. I was 12 years in Field Artillery and 13 in Recruiting. My son joined the Navy and chose Religious Program Specialist... he will most likely go further. We are very proud of him. His major in college was Religious Studies and had a double minor. He had many choices with all branches but made his own decision based on what he wanted not what anybody else thought was best or offered the biggest bonus, etc. What does Luke do in the Navy?

Thanks for your comments Chief. I have been told many things about what could happen, Now I am overjoyed about experiencing everything out there. If you have any advice that you might be able to toss my way I would appreciate as well. Thank you for your service.
Have fun.

Hi Kevin. We got back Monday from Morgan's PIR. What an experience. He's moved across the street and we've been told he'll start a school on Monday or Tuesday of next week. Then again, we learned that things can change two or three times within a day or two! He changed, yet he didn't. He was so tired and really didn't care what we did, so we didn't do a lot. We were going to take the train into Chicago last Sunday, but because he had already moved, he couldn't go anywhere without his buddy. So, Sunday afternoon was spent in the commissary and Wal-Mart purchasing irons, ironing boards, alarm clocks, etc. I had to remind myself that it's not the quantity, but the quality of time we had with him. When is Luke's PIR?

Hi kevin, Went to Matt's PIR last weekend. It was amazing. When things don't happen, he takes things in his stride. After PIR he told us that his classification hadn't come thru yet. He called on Monday. He needs a waiver, he was one point of the asvat score (think I probably spelled that wrong). They didn't tell him how long or what will happen. Did you know anyone who was on hold after PIR and what happens? One thing Matt learned at boot camp was patience and acceptance. I always thought I had these things but any more, I need to learn them all over again

Kevin ~ Thank you, so very much, for all your support. Morgan mentioned to us that he picked up a Bible. He said it's different than what he's used to (NIV), but it still gets the point across. He also said the church he's attending is packed on Sunday's, what a thrill that was to hear.

Kevin ~ I wanted to let you know I got a letter from Morgan today. It was thrilling to read so I know God has been answering prayers. He said he is almost 100% better, ran a 1.5 mile run, his div. is starting to work together, the 'stick' guys got high remarks and a 'jr' division asked them to help their stick guys. I am just on cloud 10! Thank you for all your prayers, Bible verses, encouragement, and anything else I missed! 2.5 more weeks and I'll get to give him a big hug. Question is....will I get a big hug back.

I must say Kevin, I did not get a lot of experience in the scraping, but I did some painting inside the skin of the ship. I had the pleasure of 8 months in dry-dock in Pascagula, Miss. back in '82. I did do some painting then. Yeah, there are some definite advantages to being in electronics. I don't know about you, but I look back and have to say that at times I envied the snipes. :)

We each have our own definition of "creature comforts." Some people are honor students and prefer to work outside and be physical. Some prefer to be inside.

And what's wrong with scraping and painting the hull of the ship? It is very important.

Thanks Kevin. Dean will PIR 8/1. After that he starts A school at GL to be a Machinist Mate. We are leaving Thursday for Chicago and can't wait to see him. I see you took some great pics while you were there. You must be proud. I know I am of Dean.

Kevin - No worries, I read others posts too, it is how I stay informed :). I guess the toughest part as a mom in all this is that he has worked very hard in every other aspect and they base everything on a test on whether you are worthy or not. He has voluntarily been doing Saturday school for the last 3 weeks, he does his watches (duty) with deep conviction, he keeps his uniforms in A1 shape, and follows every order to a T. They don't even take in consideration he was SIQ for 4 days and probably lost track of where he was in his studies. I do understand what Bob said about the 'pride as motivation' and what you said about him scrapping paint for a job. The last thing Wes ever wants is too fail, as soon as he gets to the hands on work or book work where he can study in his room I know I won't be posting about missing on tests :). Keep the prayers coming, I know it is what is working! God Bless, Michele

Kevin- Dillon, like so many other new recruits, just graduated from high school in May, and we have known since Feb that he was leaving in June, so we put on a special party for him. He made it all the more special by becoming an Eagle Scout, so we had an Eagle ceremony / Graduation / going away party for him about a week before he left. We're all very proud of him, and are really looking forward to seeing him this Friday. I s'pose after this weekend, it'll be a little better. I've been told they have more time to contact family and such when they get to A-training. I hope so!

Hi Kevin ~ Wanted to let you know that I sent a letter off to Morgan yesterday with your comments. I know it will lift his spirits. I had also found a card for him. It talked about how big we see the mountain are to climb. Instead, we need to think how much bigger God is than the mountain. I'm taking that to heart myself. Just read Michele's last comment to you. Do they take tests only in school?

Kevin - Yes it is a wonderful answer to prayer! Yes he has been doing Saturday school for a few weeks now to help and also some open study classes but he says those are useless because the other sailors are rude by being loud with ipods, etc. . . so he can't study unless in class. He says he is doing computer work - I am guessing no instructor? Monday he goes in front of the Chief for failing a test for the second time and says they don't care how hard you are working or what you want to say, he says it is just a yelling session to put him down and make him feel worse. He told me this stuff is really hard to learn and is loosing confidence in himself :(. I am sure the work has become more technical since you went through it because of the advances in technology. . .but I will tell him the suggestions you gave :). Thank you so much for the prayers, they are helping! God Bless, Michele

Kevin, Thanks for the compliment. I viewed your family photos and ya'll look like a great family. The pride we have for our children and grandchildren, words cannot say. Let's keep in touch and this is how we are all going to make it. Ha Ha. May God keep your family safe and strong. Good Night for now. I'm sure we will talk again. Carol

Kevin - Wes called today and his back is feeling better, he was able to go to school today. . .he did however fail a test today (which was his second). He is very worried about his ability to learn the material. Is it really hard material to learn, he is doing the computer work? I told him he is very smart and he must fight for what he wants and to keep his head up. . . any other suggestions to help him pick up on the material easier? Thank you for all the help thus far :). Did Luke say whether he contacted Wes yet. . .I forgot to ask today? God Bless, Michele

Thanks Kevin! I will certainly let Morgan know about the Bible. Those are great verses. He has taken "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength" (NIV) a few years ago. I will continue to encourage, there's nothing else I can do except for leave him in God's hands. I'm holding on to that since we haven't received a call, that he's better. Doesn't make sense that they remove the wisdom teeth, all at once, if it's not needed. He doesn't like going to doctors, but he wants to be a nurse.

I don't know how Morgan would take having to stay there longer. He does have a lot of determination, grit, and strength when he wants it.

Mom's? Pamper? I haven't been able to pamper him in almost a year. You can bet I'm going to pamper some in 3 weeks!

You're certainly not old. My husband says he saw the last dinosaur killed and he's 55! His Mom told him when she found out I was 10 yrs younger that he had robbed the cradle. So glad he did!

Thanks for your prayers, and I will tell Morgan in my next letter that there are a lot of people praying for him. He'll appreciate that.

Kevin ~ Thank you. I can't send one now can I? I would send him a Bible in a heartbeat if I could.

Oh yeah, what is Luke's last name, this seems to be the way they know each other or by nicknames they got in BC :).