Gift

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mark Byrer on September 13, 2011 at 4:54pm

My son will be graduating on 10/7 and we wondered the same thing. He will be going to his A school in California and he doesn't have a camera so we bought him a nice camera. Hopefully he will take some nice pics and send them to us.

Permalink Reply by Chris H. on September 13, 2011 at 5:09pm

Being there is the best gift you can give.  And they're grateful to get their cell phones, if they're used to having them - but remember the chargers.  There are regulations on the usage, and unless a laptop or Netbook-type computer also comes with a wireless (expensive, and you don't know where they will be) account, there is no furnished Internet access on base (if A School is there).  Cameras are nice, but they're very restrictive where they can have them and actually use them to shoot pictures.  You'll see the warnings when you go to PIR.  You are not allowed to take pictures just anywhere, and if caught they'll be confiscated.

In most cases, you first need to know (and that won't happen until after PIR) where any additional schools will be, and what they're allowed to have.  Once they're based somewhere, it is a lot easier because usually the NEX or other on-base community area will have wireless Internet.

What they appreciate the most is the hugs, maybe - if they have liberty - a real bed to sleep in at the hotel where you're staying, and a good meal somewhere.  Things change a lot for them during boot camp, and the next step is mostly unknown, too, until they're stationed somewhere.

Permalink Reply by Glenn on September 13, 2011 at 5:53pm

Thanks guys. He already has his own cell phone, which he had disconnected when he went to boot camp, but I guess we'll take it with us so he can reactivate it if he's allowed to do so. Maybe a nice book. I checked Amazon and there are several interesting Navy titles available. I figure no matter what, he'll at least be allowed to read good old-fashioned books! But you're also right about our attendance being a gift also. My wife and I are flying to Milwaukee with his girlfriend, so I'm sure he'll be happy about that ... especially seeing the girlfriend, probably!

Permalink Reply by MIKE EDWARDS on September 13, 2011 at 5:56pm

my son came back to the hotel where we stayed he ate and then went right to the bed and fell asleep till we had to wake him and bring him back lol and we had got him a 500 dollar camera and it is still home with us so think about that camera as a gift it will be something they have to worry about and most times where they are they cant take pics but goodluck and congrats

Permalink Reply by Chris H. on September 13, 2011 at 6:07pm

Yes, about cell phones.  If they're at Great Lakes for A School, there are rules.  They still have rules in the berthing areas, and (our daughter learned!) you cannot walk and talk on the phone between buildings, etc.  You must be standing still or seated.

Also, keep in mind, they're still on limited space, even in school.   And, when they move from the boot camp berthing to another building, they can only carry what they can hold in one arm at a time.  They must have the right arm free to salute, AND must walk with a buddy, too.  Our daughter had heavy, wool winter coats and bulkier stuff, and it was a major chore to get everything packed even though she was staying at Great Lakes for A School.  LOL! 

 

 

Permalink Reply by Steve McElroy on September 13, 2011 at 7:38pm

Hello all, My son Graduated on August 19th....He was so happy to be away from the base and doing other things, he did not want anything else except food. I did bring his laptop and phone to use while on Liberty, which was a good treat. I had to meet him at the airport when he shipped off (could not bring it back to RTC) to give him his stuff to take to "A" school...

Permalink Reply by 1rdori9yfdzqi on September 13, 2011 at 9:08pm

Glenn,

The best gift you can give your new Sailor is just being there. Going into Chicago and treating your Sailor lunch/dinner is great with them. The funny thing is that my son couldn't wait to give me a t-shirt he bought with his division's name and flag on it. I asked my son if there was anything he wanted and he said "yeah Dad, Chicago style pizza!" You know he didn't want anything else because he wasn't sure about moving over to A-school and what he could take and couldn't take so..food was all he wanted! Have fun at graduation, it truly was an awesome event!

Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on September 14, 2011 at 11:35am

It might be "tedious" to you, but these are parents are pretty damned proud of what their sons and daughters have accomplished while 98% of their friends have stayed home and occupied their life playing Call to Duty.....

Hannah Baxter said:

It is not encouraged, but there's a perfectly logical reason: your sailor cannot take it back to the compartment. Until they depart RTC and move on to their next command, they will only have authorized purchases from the NEX on base or what they were issued while in boot camp.

 

But think about it: after months of separation from family, nothing's better than seeing the people who love you enough to fly out and watch a very tedious ceremony so they can tell you how proud they are.

 

Well... maybe a good steak. ;D

Permalink Reply by Glenn on September 14, 2011 at 12:10pm

Since I haven't been, I won't offer an opinion on whether it's tedious or not. All I know is that we're really looking forward to the event. Many thanks to all of you for giving me some ideas on what to do and what not to do!

Permalink Reply by Chris H. on September 14, 2011 at 12:59pm

I was going to object to the word "tedious" too.  Sure, it is pure military in nature, but we're there for our sons or daughters, brothers or sisters, grandchildren, etc., and I respect the ceremony and the accomodations afford relatives provided by the Navy for all of us to attend. 

 

I'm seriously sorry for those who may find such an event "boring" and hope those who find it that way never have a visit from a couple of the officers who have to say "We're sorry to tell you . . ." to far too many families.  I have a lot more to say, but will end this post with Got Freedom?  Thank a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Permalink Reply by Glenn on September 14, 2011 at 2:27pm

Truly, no offense taken by me, and even if there was, you've already apologized. Be well.