Good morning,
Today is the 2nd full day that my son Joshua has been in boot camp. Although we were all prepared (we thought) for him to leave, it has been very hard. I have a whole new respect for all of you who have sent your sons/daughters into the military, and especially those who have deployed overseas. I am finding that it helps writing a diary-style letter of the first few days that I will send to him. I really enjoy this site and am happy that there are other parents out there to offer support and advice. Only 7 weeks and 5 days to go!!!
Rich
Replies
Thanks Rich, we actually received the form ltr with his address a few hours after the box came, glad to see he didnt have to sit around and wait to form a company, sorry Division, showing my age lol! Thanks again for the reply!
Michael,
The address came 2 days after the box did, so you should be getting it Wednesday or Thursday. I got my first letter last Friday, 2 weeks and 3 days after he left. Congratulations on your son serving in the Navy. It was really hard for me for the first few days, but now I am just excited for him and can't wait for PIR. When is your PIR??
Rich
Hi Rich, I have a question for you, approx when did you get your sons address, alot has changed since I was in, we received the box today (6 days) after he left, just wondering about the address Thanks and best of luck to your son!
Rich said:
I'm feeling much better almost a week in. This group has been great as well as the whole Navy Dad's site. I know that all of our sons and daughters are working hard, sacrificing and becoming better people in the US Navy. Just like everything else in life, the only thing that is constant is change. Thanks again to all of you for your kind words and support. It is much appreciated!!
I could not agree with you more ...its harder than anticipated even with all the preparation. My son is half way through boot camp now and I cant wait to see him on Aug 21 for graduation. I was on pins and needles not being able to talk to him but continued to write him every day. I finally got a phone call from him last week before I even received a letter. The second I heard his voice, I knew he was fine. He appreciates all the letters and is doing well. I am very thankful that I found this site and the useful information- vital tool. Good luck to you and your son. Thank you navydads for an excellent source of information and support.
Mike
My son has been in since July 7th, we just got our first letters from him the other day. From what I've read letters from home is what keeps these future sailors going. So the best thing to do is write often and have friends and family write him also.
Jim
Wow!! Thanks to all of you for the replies and the great advice and information. I really appreciate it!! I try to be the stoic one in the family, but I guess it's okay not to be once in a while. I will treat these feelings as normal and keep writing and counting the days to PIR. Thanks again to all of you!!
Rich
Rich, we (my wife and I) certainly appreciate your situation. After two years at the University we were more than just a bit emotionally unprepared for the news our Son decided to enlist in the Navy. The night before he left I was a bit of an emotional basket case. That said I cannot put into words how our Son has matured and after almost two years into his commitment, how much his decision was right for him.
A journal is a great idea and Navy Dads a wonderful resource; I did not discover Navy Dads until after basic training, Dah. Know your Son is in our prayers and I wish his family all the best in the months and years ahead!
Rich Ramirez
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