My son just arrived at the airport in Chicago. We got to speak for a few minutes before he had to go.
Although I read a lot of forum posts and watched the videos I find myself in a bad place in my mind. I am happy that my son chose to join the Navy, but the idea of getting a two minute call in a couple of hours being the last time I hear from him for awhile does not seem appealing at all. Also, being from the Dallas area it is not like we will see him very often even after basic.
I guess these feelings are natural, but I truly hurt inside and I cant seem to shake it. I am excited for him and the opportunities ahead of him, but I can't help but be a little selfish.
Chris
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it is natural. Really iy is. You will get a call in a couple of weeks and you may even cry. however dont let him know. show support, happieness and pride. they need our support no matter how much it kills us. Sorry wish there was a mgic way but we have to just be patient and support them.
Sorry. Our son graduates the week prior on 9/20. I was just letting you know we'll make sure the Navy still has a good reputation after he leaves, we won't buy all of the t-shirts out of the NEX etc.
By any chance does your son PIR on 9/20? If so, what division is he in?
John M. Kuhn said:
Chris,
We live in the Houston area, and know that we won't see him much either. The day he left was hard on us because he was always at the other end of the phone, but you know, it is getting easier, and the comment about long days and short weeks is so true. Seems like he left yesterday and he will wake up in the morning to his 4th Tuesday at RTC. For us, counting the Friday's has made it go by just a little quicker. Hang in there, be proud and when he calls, make sure he knows how proud of him you are. Welcome Aboard, and BZ to you and your son for joining the NAVY FAMILY.
As the Admiral said during my son's PIR last Friday, These are the best trained and most advanced group of graduating Sailors that the Navy has produced.
As parents of these Warfighters, the pride is indescribable.
But the one thing that does ring true, when they say, "Welcome to the Navy Family", it is a Family.
The first good bye is the hardest when you're son/daughter leaves for RTC Great Lakes. But that is the first of many more yet to come.
We've all been through it, and are still going through it.
Together, we lean on each other and get through it together.
I have also heard from some other dads who's son's went Navy while they had went into a different branch.
Either way, Thank you for your service, Thank you to your Sailor for his service.
Like you said, the military is the right choice for the present time.
Replies
Well, we wouldn't want them to have a bad reputation. would we!!!! Hope y'all have as much fun as we plan to have!!!!!
Evan Barnard said:
better verify address with the form letter....recruiters are often not aware of current division assignments
As long as you have the address, you are good to mail your recruit letters.
Do not send any items other than just the letters.
However, they may not receive the incoming mail right away.
When my son was at RTC his recruiter gave us his address and I wrote him.
Found out later that they didn't allow the recruits to receive or send mail for the first 2 weeks.
it is natural. Really iy is. You will get a call in a couple of weeks and you may even cry. however dont let him know. show support, happieness and pride. they need our support no matter how much it kills us. Sorry wish there was a mgic way but we have to just be patient and support them.
It was originally intended as a reply to John Kuhn, who commented on the post.
Sorry. Our son graduates the week prior on 9/20. I was just letting you know we'll make sure the Navy still has a good reputation after he leaves, we won't buy all of the t-shirts out of the NEX etc.
We'll try not to tear the place up too bad for you at PIR the week before.
Our Son is in Ship 03 Div 368 and is scheduled to PIR 09-27-2013.
By any chance does your son PIR on 9/20? If so, what division is he in?
John M. Kuhn said:
RGIII,
As the Admiral said during my son's PIR last Friday, These are the best trained and most advanced group of graduating Sailors that the Navy has produced.
As parents of these Warfighters, the pride is indescribable.
But the one thing that does ring true, when they say, "Welcome to the Navy Family", it is a Family.
The first good bye is the hardest when you're son/daughter leaves for RTC Great Lakes. But that is the first of many more yet to come.
We've all been through it, and are still going through it.
Together, we lean on each other and get through it together.
I have also heard from some other dads who's son's went Navy while they had went into a different branch.
Either way, Thank you for your service, Thank you to your Sailor for his service.
Like you said, the military is the right choice for the present time.
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