bootcamp

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Frank Pesek on July 19, 2011 at 6:04pm

Hi Anthony,

Absolutely!

My son just had his PIR graduation ceremony July 1st. He entered boot camp on May 4th.

We received the "I am here" phone call that night - only talked for about 90 seconds - that's all they give them.

Then about 10 days later I received the form letter with information about the graduation and other general things.

Finally got our first letter about 4 weeks in. He was permitted one phone call at about the 6 week mark - he called his sister. Then I finally got to speak to him right after he completed Battle Stations - which was the 8th week.

It was agonizing!

But, this site and the support from everyone here really helped me get through it. I heard over and over that "no news is good news". And that's very true. I kept reminding myself that every day that passed in which I did not hear from him means he made it through that day and was that much closer to PIR.

So plan on visiting this site a lot! And start writing letters to him the day he leaves. You won't get his mailing address until you receive that form letter. But I had no idea how much they truly appreciate the letters from home. It's their only reminder of the outside world. My son said getting letters was better than the best candy he's ever had!!!

But you will be so incredibly proud the day your son has his PIR. Seeing my son for the first time in over 9 weeks in his dress whites was just incredible. 

Good luck to you and your son!

Permalink Reply by Gil on July 19, 2011 at 6:16pm

Hi Anthony, big YES! knowing that someone that you love so much and that is part of your every day life is leaving for bootcamp, away from home and from your protection, it really make you and all of us feeling so nervous, scare, feeling the butterflies and bring tears to our eyes.  But the good thing is that we know that after 8-9 weeks of bootcamp, you will change the tears of worrying for him for tears of joy and pride!!  In case you didn't know, you can be present at your son's "Enlistment Oath", it's very emotional (bring your cam).  Talk to his recruiter for info about how can you be there with your fam.  So keep us posted and remember that we here for you!  Hooyah!

Permalink Reply by Mindy Hightchew on July 22, 2011 at 3:38pm

Hi, I have a question.  My step-brother just went into boot camp and I was wondering if there is a page that uploads photos throughout their basic training?  I have a brother who is in the Army basic training and they have a facebook page that one of thier sargents control and they upload photos every Thursday of their time thier, its pretty neat.  All of the families have access and can comment and ask questions on things that are unclear.  Does anyone know of a page for Great Lakes, IL bootcamp?  He is ship 04 DIV 819.  Thanks for any help.

Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on July 22, 2011 at 3:42pm

http://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand

 

random photos only....and we answer any questions  posted here as well--- don't expect much info though for a 800 division....

Permalink Reply by John Human on July 23, 2011 at 10:13pm

Hi Anthony,

Yeah, nervous and proud when my son left for camp in June. Now we've gotten some letters, he's doing great, loves it, and we have our plane tickets for graduation August 12th.

 

It's just part of the process, I guess, but it's draining. Our youngest left for church youth leadership camp last week for 3 weeks so the house is real quiet these days. Strange.

 

John