Ship 11 Div 366 - PIR 092713

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Permalink Reply by Jason Wagner on August 22, 2013 at 4:47pm

Savannah is terrified of shots! In one of her letters she said specifically, she got 7 shots, and cried at each one of them! 

She sent 3 letters in one envelope. They were all written on either P-Hold or during P-Days. The first one she wrote was a few days into P-Hold. She said they hadn't done anything at that point and she was actually looking forward to shots and dental so they could get on their way to doing SOMETHING! She said that 2 people from the division had been sent home in just the first few days. Also, while on hold, they had a girl who had been ASMO'd (sent back in training to become more proficient in a certain area typically, sometimes it's for getting into trouble, which is the case with this girl) for a couple of weeks who had been re-assigned to the 366. She said that the girl, even with getting in trouble, was very positive and upbeat and was able to give alot of them advice and a heads up on what was to come. She rounded out the first letter by basically telling us they were just doing busy work and learning basic things like rack making, folding, stamping, etc, and then told us about her adventure of getting to the airport the day she left. Apparently, she was the last person to get to the airport and the bus had already left for RTC. So they actually sent a RDC to the airport for her. She was the last recruit to get to the division. At which point the RDC's took it as an opportunity to yell at her for being the last one there! I had to laugh when I read that. Typical boot camp! She said by the time all was said and done with in regards to checking in, uniform issue, haircuts, etc (she didn't need a cut as she had done it before she left) they had been up over 48 hours and that night she got the best sleep of her life!

Her second letter was kind of hard to read at the end. She was happy because it was the night before P-Days started, which at that point, she had been there for 6 days and had been doing lots of nothing. She was excited to get "Boot Camp Stuff" started. She told us that they were going to have to cram for their DEP test b/c they didn't have their study guides until late and didn't get to study as much as they wanted to. She told us she had been given the nickname "Peanut Butter" or "Peanut" for short because apparently, the chow hall has small cups of peanut butter that she eats lots of at every meal. Takes after her old man!  Buuuuut, then the letter got a little "homesick". It was really starting to sink in for her that this was not just a long summer trip that she gets to come back home at the end of it all, but that she won't be coming back for anything more than visits. She said it was quite upsetting. BUT, then she went on to immediately say that she is still excited about being in the Navy and still knows that this is where she is supposed to be, but just that she loves being around us. (It's amazing what we realize once we leave home isn't it?) That's how she wrapped up that letter. Thank God there was another cause I'd have gone mental if that's how it conclude until the next letter!

On the third letter, they were wrapping up P-Days and had gone to their ship and compartments. She was talking about the march over from the processing ship to their divisional ship. She said it was really humid and that she was helping carry recruits gear to the ships b/c some of the recruits were SIQ or on light duty. 

She said their RDC's sat them all down (before the yelling started she said) and they told them what they were all about, what they expected, and how to avoid I.T. They told them that they were going to strive and work hard at being a 500 Division. I'm not sure what a 500 Div is. We tried looking it up and had no success. The only thing we've been able to assume is that it may be like an honor division?. She said that she already had respect for the RDC's just for the way they talked to them. 

She talked about their sister/brother division, 365, and this was her exact quote about them, "They suck." HA! Apparently the recruits in that division don't get along, too many chiefs, from what she wrote. She was really happy about the way the 366 is gelling together. They have some bickering every once in a while, but it gets resolved quickly. I was glad to hear that. It sounded like they are just "feeling each other out". 

They had just gotten their cami's, and were all very excited about that! Again, a direct quote, "We. Look. Bad. Ass." She was VERY excited about this! 

They didn't get to go to church that first Sunday, (I'm sure it had something to do with the processing. I'm pretty sure we didn't get to go to church during processing when I went through too), but looked like they would be going that coming Sunday, which would have been two Sunday's ago (the last letter was dated the 9th).

They are getting their dog tags soon, she was excited about that. She said they were getting a call next week, which was the call they made on Saturday.

Then, to finish it all up, she tells me she saw a new kind of Chex Mix at the NEX, and that it looks really awesome, and she wants me to buy some and bring it at graduation! Let the list of "stuff to bring" begin!! Lol! 

So anyway, long posting, but that was what she had to say. I figured we can all hang on each others letters and calls so it makes us fell a little more connected.

I had my wisdom teeth pulled in boot camp. They pulled the bottom ones, and then they got infected! I looked like a chipmunk with his cheeks stuffed! I only missed like two days of training because my 4 days of bed rest was over the weekend, so thankfully I didn't get held back!

From what we've been able to gather, sounds like the Division is solid! That makes me feel good. Can't believe that some of these kids would try stuff like sneaking out. Or even talking back for that matter. What did they expect? Summer camp? It's the NAVY for crying out loud!! With what Savannah was saying, it might be 365 getting into trouble! 

Anyway, look forward to hearing about Mike and Pete and how they are doing.

Permalink Reply by Lance Pixler on August 22, 2013 at 5:41pm

How I wish I could write a lengthy post regarding Mikes letters. But we still don't have any. We are really being tested in the patience department. Maybe mail up here in the mountains is slower than I thought. Thank God we have Savannah's letters and phone updates to keep us going. Thanks for the detailed updates Jason. Its a real pleasure to read about whats going on. Priority 1 at PIR  - Thanking you and Savannah personally for helping us through these first few weeks. Jason, I know you have been through boot camp and have some idea whats going on. My wife and I pretty much know nothing and are learning as we go. Had know idea what to expect going into this. Anyway, we are staying very positive and when we hear from him, that will be our day. " No news is good news" is our new motto. In fact, today I booked our flights and rental car for PIR as the plane was nearly full. We are staying at the Navy Lodge. Will keep our fingers crossed that Friday or Saturday finds a letter in our box. I also hear that they might get to call home again this Saturday. Looks like its going to be a stay at home day. I hope soon that when you check this Discussion page, you will see a very lengthy post from me. We will all know what that means.

Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on August 22, 2013 at 5:50pm

had to smile Jason.....she will learn a different meaning to "peanut butter" soon enough.....it's what they call the super duty antibiotic shot they will be getting...."the peanut butter shot"......thick, viscous, and am guessing painful......

Permalink Reply by Peter A. Barber Sr on August 22, 2013 at 7:04pm

Hate to do this to you Lance,but we got a letter from Pete also. The first half is about the 48 straight hours he was awake and then he talked about the waiting to get the division filled. He said he spent a lot of time studying,making his rack or the fine art of clothes folding. He said he is eating well ( he is a very picky eater). He reluctantly told us how to get in touch with him God forbid something happen to his immediate family.
I was happy to read that he is reading he book of John in the bible. He said it is a good read. Lol.
His second letter told us he was doing a lot of marching and school work. He passed the swim test, but was a little slow in his run. I was impressed when he said he just has to work harder!! His first written test is coming up, but he was confident he would pass because of constant studying. He thought the shots "sucked". Pete's proudest moment was when they put his name on his cami's. Thats when he knew he made the right decision joining the Navy.
Lance, your letter from Mike is on its way. I will keep your family and Jason's in my prayers. As a matter of fact I pray everyday for those that serve this Great Country of ours. God Bless and Go Navy!

Permalink Reply by Jason Wagner on August 23, 2013 at 12:32pm

The "PB" shot! Yes! That was in the last page. She said she had gotten the shot and her rump was still tender to sit on two days later!

Permalink Reply by Lance Pixler on August 23, 2013 at 12:39pm

Not to worry Peter. My time will come. Thanks for sharing with us. I do enjoy hearing about Savannah and Pete so don't you guys stop posting. Hoping today or tomorrow we hear something from Mike. I look forward to sharing his adventures, trials and tribulations with you both.

Permalink Reply by Lance Pixler on August 23, 2013 at 4:37pm

Mike's girlfriend called about an hour ago saying she just got a letter. She lives in Redding Calif, so we figured today was our day. My wife just came in from the mail box crying holding our first letter! Looks like Fridays will be our day. We were right about the wisdom teeth. He had all four yanked the Friday before everyone got to call home. His letter is from Sunday the 18th. It isn't very long, but I'm not complaining. He said it was his first opportunity to write and he was doing it from SIQ. Said his mouth hurt and was all swollen. Had also received a bunch of shots a few days prior. Didn't sound like this was a good week for him. I could tell he was also a little home sick. Other than the shots and wisdom teeth, he didn't complain about anything

The prior weeks he seemed a bit more upbeat about. He passed his first PFA without any problems and was waiting on the results of his DEP test. Was sure he passed, and would be ranking up to an E-2. Said he also passed the swim test and wouldn't be required to do any more swimming. 

Was excited the day he received his cami's. I knew he was looking forward to that. Was also wishing that time would go by faster and was looking forward to PIR and seeing us. He also said to write lots of letters and send wallet size pictures as that was about the only thing they had to look forward to. Also wanted to make sure I didn't forget to record the Oregon Ducks football games. We lived in Eugene for 19 years and are big fans. 

I could tell from his letter that he has not received any letters from anyone. That seems odd since we started sending them weeks ago. Maybe they were being held until....... Did any of your letters from Savannah or Pete indicate if they had received mail? Hopefully we all get a call this weekend and can catch up on everything. That's it. Hope to have more after this weekend.

 

 

Permalink Reply by Jason Wagner on August 23, 2013 at 4:57pm

Fantastic Lance! Happy to hear! When we talked to Savannah on the 17th, the day before Mike wrote, she said they had just gotten their mail. Maybe they were holding it until he was out of SIQ? Regardless, it'll all catch up to him at once and he'll get inundated with letters. Savannah said she got 17 the first day! Amy has literally written one each day, and I'm about every other day average. He'll get em' for sure. Glad to hear that other than a little homesickness, he's doing well. I wonder if Savannah passed her swim, she hasn't mentioned that in letters or the call....oh well, no news about that is good news!

I've been printing multiple pic's on a blank piece of paper, then writing little captions on them and stuff, then sending it with a letter, that way she is able to get multiple pic's at once of a bunch of different stuff. 

So happy you heard from him Lance! Glad it was nothing more than pulled teeth! Fortunate thing about that is, now they're gone!

Permalink Reply by Peter A. Barber Sr on August 24, 2013 at 7:02am

Good things come to those who wait. Patty was worried about Pete having his wisdom teeth pulled without her there to comfort him(he didn't). Such a mom!!! He did have a cavity filled. Pete's letter were short also, but we get the feeling he has adjusted well. Hopefully more info will come in this weeks letter. Hope everyone has a glorious weekend. It is beautiful here in Connecticut.

God Bless. Less than 5 weeks to PIR,but whose counting! Lol

Permalink Reply by Peter A. Barber Sr on August 24, 2013 at 1:24pm

Just watched PIR from yesterday. OMG! I was getting all choked up watching other families recruits. I can't imagine what I will be like on our recruits day. Hope all are well. No calls today(wishful thinking).

Permalink Reply by Peter A. Barber Sr on August 25, 2013 at 5:22pm

Just got a call from Pete. He sounds good. Says things r going good and he's passed all test so far. They r in week 2 day 5. I guess they r still behind from their late start. I made my call short so he would have time to call his mom. Hope you all have heard from your recruits.

Permalink Reply by Lance Pixler on August 25, 2013 at 11:11pm

Received our first call from Mike today!!! Feels like X-mas. He sounded much better than I expected. He was upbeat and I'm sure happy to finally make a call. He said his first day at boot camp was like a 48 hour day. He said he knew both Pete and Savannah. In fact, his first bunk mate at boot camp was Pete! Then they moved to their permanent ship and he ended up with someone different. That SR only lasted a while and then got moved back a few weeks. He said the food was good and he had made a few good friends. He didn't have any kind words for division 365 that shares their ship with them. He says they get in trouble and talk late after lights out. I guess he has a few cross words with them at night when he is trying to sleep. He said division 366 is still having their problems, but slowly coming together. They still have a few that are having marching and inspection issues. I asked if it was mainly girls or guys and he said equally both. Even though he knows Savannah, he said the boys don't get to socialize much with the girls so he hasn't really talked to her. Said Sundays were the hardest for him because that's the day you get to write letters and that makes you think about home. Really liked the food and felt like he was starting to settle into boot camp life. Was one of five people that got 100% on their academic test. So he also got promoted to E-2. Said he was the division leader for something to do with medical but I"m not sure what that was. Still taking medication for his wisdom teeth but said they put him under and the removal wasn't to bad. Said Pink Eye was spreading around but he hadn't got it yet. They were working on their division flag but still hadn't agreed on anything. I'm sure there is more, but I can't seem to remember anything else. We talked for about 15-20 min but the time went by very fast. He did say that they might get to call again Mon or Tues. Last time we talked to Mike was when he called to say he made it there. He sounded nervous and scared. Today it sounded like OUR MIKE. So we are feeling really good about everything. Hope that feeling is mutual. 

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