Seems Like Yesterday...

[NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary]

Right out of high school, it's almost been a year since my son has served in the United States Navy, 10 months to be exact. Our whole family miss him dearly and yes I still open the door to his room every now and then only to find it empty...

To date we try to keep in constant communication through whatever means possible. May it be him checking my posts on NavyDads.Com, occassional text and phone call, or other popular social networking sites and Skype if we're lucky.

I am so proud of him and I can't say that enough. I can hardly imagine what his daily routine must be like but I always take comfort in knowing that the good Lord will look out for his safety and the rest of his crew. I constantly pray that he is always in good hands.

After Pensacola A-School, we were excited to find out that his homeport would be in San Diego, CA which is just a drive away for us or a short flight. He's currently in Avondale, Lousiana aboard the USS Anchorage for pre-commissioning detail. He graduated from bootcamp on November 2011 as an E2.

Under his new command, he's excited to tell me that he has been nominated for the Blue Jacket of the Quarter award (BJOQ) and is getting an "EP" (early promotion). He's also turned in his packet for STA-21 (Seaman to Admiral Program) in hopes of becoming an officer in the future.

All I could say was Son, I love you and BZ! At that moment in time, there were no other words for me to express and describe how I felt, but only to cherish a silent joy that I will forever treasure...

I just want to say God Bless to your Sons, Daughters, Husbands and Wives who are serving!

[Jeffrey K Reed]

My son will be going July 23, 2012 to Great Lakes for basic training. He then will be going to A School for Mineman probally at Ingleside Tx. We our excited for him this is what he has wanted to do for some time. If anybody can tell us anything about Ingleside Tx training for this job and any other information we would appreciate it very much.