SHIP 3 DIV 294 PIR 19SEP2014

Learned of our son's mailing address late this afternoon. He began Boot Camp, 22/23 July 2014. His "box" arrived home yesterday. We don't have the letter yet with potential PIR date.

Writing in case anyone else is new to this as our Navy journey begins! Thank you. ~ Pat

31Jul2014 - Form letter arrived today!! Three days to travel from IL to NH. Good to see his handwriting. Very pleased with Navy's effort to communicate with family. He's only been gone 9 days!!

31 Jul 2014 2130 hours - Unfortunately, my son telephoned tonight. He is at Ship 5. Apparently, "waivers" that should have been completed by local recruiter and MEPS were not completed. Despite favorable medical Navy reviews today (my understanding, at this point), my son is sitting in Ship 5 and may be there for upward of two weeks before being permitted to travel home-medically separated/discharged. He has been told, again my understanding, he is eligible to apply for re-enlistment. Feeling confused is an understatement; my son was above board with all his disclosures to include paperwork I provided to him during enlistment application. I have telephoned the recruiter; sent an email; and plan more advocacy on behalf of my son. I wish to thank all at NavyDads.com for their acceptance and support. I also wish to thank other Navy Dads for their supportive messages since I applied for membership to navydads.com. Sad day....best wishes to all. Perhaps, there will be a favorable ending to today's disappointment. Good Luck to those in Ship 3 Div 294 PIR 19 Sep 2014!!

Hi, Pat. My son reported to GL 16 January of this year, and our initial days were like yours are. We got the box after about a week and then got the form letter about a week after that. We wrote a lot of letters to our son but didn't get many in return. No problem with that as Hunter said when he finally had time to write he was too tired to. That's easy to understand when you know what boot camp involves. Write to your son every day, even if you don't have much to say; it will mean a lot to him.

Boot camp will be a whirlwind for your son; PIR will be here before either of you know it. I was happy, proud, scared, and several other emotions when Hunter left for GL, and I think this has turned out to be a great decision for him. I'm confident the same will hold true for your son. He will be a different and better person than the one who left home last week.

Replies

Gabriel Marroquin July 30, 2014 at 12:19am

My son left on the 22 of this month also but I have not received what ship or division yet did he send you a letter?
- Patrick J. Doherty > Gabriel Marroquin July 30, 2014 at 6:13am
  
  Hi Gabriel - no letter - his recruiter was able to share the information with me.
Chris Black July 29, 2014 at 10:07pm

Hi, Pat. My son reported to GL 16 January of this year, and our initial days were like yours are. We got the box after about a week and then got the form letter about a week after that. We wrote a lot of letters to our son but didn't get many in return. No problem with that as Hunter said when he finally had time to write he was too tired to. That's easy to understand when you know what boot camp involves. Write to your son every day, even if you don't have much to say; it will mean a lot to him.

Boot camp will be a whirlwind for your son; PIR will be here before either of you know it. I was happy, proud, scared, and several other emotions when Hunter left for GL, and I think this has turned out to be a great decision for him. I'm confident the same will hold true for your son. He will be a different and better person than the one who left home last week.
- Patrick J. Doherty > Chris Black July 30, 2014 at 6:12am
  
  Thanks, Chris. I suspect Michael will not be a letter writer, either.....nevermind being able to read his chicken scratch!! I've already sent him two general information notes. Hoping it helps ease his adjustment ....... Thank you for your reply.

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