Chuck's Comments

yep...I remember when Kat told me about that trip. She had a good time and glad to get to spend some time with the Captain and Master Chief and discovered that they were pretty darn human after all and they joked at lot with each other on the trip!

Hi Chuck, haven't posted on here in a while, so I thought I would today. You were right, pir was awsome. It is hard to describe the feelings when the big door finally opens and new sailors come marching in.The video I shot was not to great as I was shaking so much. I'm glad Buck ordered a video, mine made everyone seasick. Buck is doing good, and now that he has his cell, we talk about every night.We are going to bring him home for Memorial Day and he is looking forward to seeing friends and family, and some good home cooking. How is Andrew doing? Hope all is well on your end. Tom

He shipped 4-15-09, no word from his folks yet

I'm sure he's glad that part is over...since Conner is on med leave he's had some extra time to site see and is trying to not be bored...glad he got his car out there when he did!

Aaron is doing well - graduates from A school and is going to be stationed on the USS George Washington in Japan. He just received his orders this week. He is very excited. Not sure when he is leaving, assuming it will be around the beginning to middle of June....

Chuck, yes we are ready. We are already packed, and leaving on Thursday morning. Looks like the weather is going to be great on Friday also. Buck has to move to the other side of the base after PIR, so he can't leave right away. We can pick him up after the move, about four hours later.Sounds like he might even be able to stay with us till Sunday evening hopefully.I'll be sure to get the pictures on here when we get back.Sounds like Andrew is getting along well in the land of good weather and hula skirts. I think that Buck would love to be stationed over there. He can't stand the weather in Ohio.I wouldn't know why, we had rain,sleet hail, and sunshine in a two hour period today, and they are calling for a chance of snow over night.What's not to love, right? Well, gotta get going, so I'll talk to later. Tom

sorry I missed your chat invite Chuck...I was in and out all morning and just wasn't paying much attention!!

hey Chuck...how did Andrews exam go? Conner will get his wheels day after he gets off wire so he's real excited. The MA's have been working crazy rotations due to being short but all is well. Conner spends free time doing his laundry and working out...he still thinks he can take his old man so we'll see if he gets to come home im May. Hope all is well with your gang...did I tell you one of my Eagles from last year is shipping out next week for GL?

Hi Chuck, Buck is doing fine from what we can gather from his few letters. He has 17 days left till PIR. He has made a few friends aand hangs out with them mostly.It sounds like he is turning into a workout junkie, he has laundry duty and said its the best job as he can do pull ups on the drying bars between loads. He stated earlier in the same letter that they do around 500 push ups a day, so I'm guessing he wants to be ready for dive school, which is good. I heard that it is hard. Glad to hear that Andrew has gotten some freedom (friends wheels). Hope they can get out and see as much as they can. You never know when you will get back. I was in Hawaii 5 times and didn't see much. We were never there more than a few days and only had over night liberty the night I met my dad for a tiger cruise.Talk at you later Tom.

Andrew sounds like a fine, young leader. Know what they say about fish that don't swim upstream? The USMC is not known for it's godly behavior, but there are STRONG Christians that are Marines. I've met a few in my home church in VA. By chance is there a Navigators or Sailors For Christ ministry there? Another option might be Cadence International. I have personally profited spiritually by the ministries of believing Chaplains, Navigators, and Cadence missionaries, so I'd recommend them for at least a visit or two so he can see who they are and what they do. Hope that helps. Also, it is very refreshing to hear that Andrew is seeking the Pastor's counsel regarding this young lady. Very positive move! Blessings, Kevin

Hi Chuck, thanks for waking me up! I appreciate your contact and concern. Luke has had a couple of challenging weeks at work and in his personal life, but we see the Lord working there and so does he! Recently Luke was invited to a local church, and he has enjoyed the company of fellow Christians over the worldly sailors on base. We are rejoicing in this, and keep praying for the Lord to show Himself strong, merciful, and gracious in Luke's life. I see that I never responded to you in February, and noticed that you wrote on our 27th anniversary. Sorry for the delay, and thanks for your prayers. Blessings to you.

Thats a good way to describe the differance. I was able to meet some of his friends at the airport and I could see it in them too. Obviously I am very proud of him.

We had a very nice time at PIR. We were able to spend the whole weekend with him before he flew out to Texas. The change in him was suprising in such a short time.

Chuck he's doing good. They have been at sea training and should be back in late this coming week. I'm sure he's ready to reunite with his new bride. They weren't even two weeks into marriage before the Navy came calling and said it's time to do what we do. I'm sure just like other married couples in the Navy, this will be an obstacle they will deal with a lot. Navy = water and that means most of his work will be at sea. Other than that, life has been good for him and us. So how is Andrew and your family? Oh! by the way, tell your troop they will be in my next video. The picture of them holding the flag is awesome. Tell them I'm making them movie stars.
Talk to you soon, EG

Wow that was some ceremony for your town Chuck...very impressive stuff!! Conner's leave situation is a lot like Andrew's..fairly messed up. He was wanting to come home in May with enough time to drive his car back (cross country) and We'll have to wait and see to do this his time with us will be cut much shorter.We'll have to wait and see. His is doing fine...will frock up sometime in June, a true credit to his Eagle Scout.
As for Meagan...she was released recently and is in Norfolk with Jeremy now. It was discovered that about 5 years ago (in another relationship with a complete jerk)she self admitted herself to a hospital because she was unable to sleep (this was due to his staying out all night) and was diagnosed with depression. As you well know, this is an automatic discharge. It is noted as "erroneous" info so not too damaging...she will resume her schooling and wants to become a science teacher. Now that she and Jeremy are together things are much more stable for her (and us). Take care my friend...

doing ok check! Kat is getting used to a new boss....she always has set ideas and doen't handle change well when she thinks there is a better way of doing things....but she is adapting and learning to pick her battles and say "aye aye sire" when needed. Amazing what happens with age, maturity, and experience! Other that that, she is loving being back on land....don't she is cut out for sea duty! Living with a friend of hers in a nearby apartment...so she is pretty active.

Eric is really looking forward to some lan as well.......getting down to the last few weeks now so making plans for the Tiger Cruise and all....hasn't given me a list of things to cook yet, but I think we'll be looking at steak, lamb chops, some good Mexiccan grub and who knows what else......I may have to light the coals for a Corona-style turkey over mesquite.....we'll see!!!

I manage to pretty well keep track of Andrew through some of your posts on the site...I wander around here and there keeping tabs on things..........I'm sure he'll have his ups and downs....kinda like the rest of the real world! Hope he gets the leave issue all squared away...you learn that too int he real world...keep track of what you are owed !!!!!!!!!

My son goes to Fort Leonard Wood after boot camp for 13 weeks of school to be a Seabee..

Yes,we got the one when he arrived.We also got the box with his belongings....

Thanks chuck for the support this site will help as my son Ray goes through boot camp

Thanks again, Keith