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I would like to know more information on OS from someone who is actually doing this rate. Can anyone help me out?

Michael, an E-4 Airman is stationed at Lemoore, NAS.  He has spent alot of time talking with us on the telephone the last few days. He mostly calls us when he needs something. The last couple of long conversations were different though. He needed help and he shared many things with me.  I was thankful that he asked me directly for financial help. His generousity shone through as he offered to pay back the borrowed money and to send some money to help his sister get her first car. She is seventeen. I got several chances to tell him that we were extremely proud of his service to our country. I sent an email to all my brothers and sisters updating them on his ship duty.  Also, all the things I learned about the ship and squadron he will serve.  He has come such a long way.  As a father I must show my unconditional love for him, even at the cost of getting burned occassionally.   His lovely wife Brittany will stay in Hanford and work in a Dental office while he is away.  I know many other dads can relate. 

We have a strong family of faith that will support and encourage us over the coming months, and are excited about the stories and experiences we will hear about.  Michael has a freindly southern personality and wonderful smile which helps him win freinds over quickly. 

Finally the days are flying by and soon we will be able to see our new young adult sailors. Does anybody know how many are in the division currently?  Our son had said in an earlier days letter home, that some were gone already.

Captain Mark Walker of Destin, FL is extending prayers and well wishes to US military members and their families. He is devoted to supporting men and women from the US armed forces as they come home. His Charter Boat Bounty Hunter is a favorite in Destin Harbor for deep sea fishing excursions. Returning military members enjoy reconnecting with the world away from war and on the water.

Master of Arms Brad Williams, of the US Navy, has remarked on the level of compassion and help offered by US businesses, such as Captain Walker’s deep sea fishing business. He describes his experience on the Bounty Hunter as out of this world. MA3 Williams believes that the fishing experience brings families together, helping servicemen and women to start to enjoy life again.

After taking some time off for repairs, the vessel is back and ready for action this fishing season. The team is now accepting bookings for this season, but they are filling up quickly. Captain Walker is committed to providing customers with a memorable fishing experience in Destin, the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.

Captain Mark Walker was born with a love of the water. Raised in California, he has been familiar with fishing and diving since childhood. After moving to the Florida Keys, he ran a dive shop. As a dive master, he practiced both of his loves—diving and fishing. He is now the captain of the Charter Boat Bounty Hunter in Destin, FL. Endorsed by Verified Safe, this charter boat resides in Destin Harbor, providing multi-hour to all day excursions for groups of 6 or more. As an environmentalist, Captain Mark also recognizes the importance of fishing responsibly to ensure populations for the future.

As someone who understands the sacrifices made by US servicemen and women, Captain Walker strives to make their transition to civilian life easier. As many returning military members can attest to, a day out on the water can be healing for the soul. It draws families closer, bringing fun into brave men and women’s lives. It can be difficult to forget the horrors of war. Time spent fishing enjoying friends, family, and fishing can help to put war at the back of people’s minds, at least for awhile.

Bob Calvert, of Talking with Heroes, joins Captain Mark on his quest to provide support to members of the US armed forces. His talk show, based in Colorado Springs, puts politics aside to honor brave American servicemen and women, as well as their families. These positive stories found on Talking with Heroes provide an uplifting message to military members, their families, and American civilians.

Our Son said in his 2nd letter home that he has not rcvd any of our letters, even though they were mailed 10 days ago.....?? Any thoughts on how to resolve or should we be more patient with the post Master :)

Hello Everyone!! We received our first letter from our son yesterday, It was great to hear from him and know that he is meeting the challenge. He is 1/3 of the way through and I can't wait to see him at P.I.R.

Any groups local to me in the Fort Lauderdale Area with children who just left for the Navy?

CHRIS LEFT ON 1/4/2012 GOT 1 PHONE CALL AND HIS PACKAGE OF CLOTHES NO MAIL YET ANY ONE ELSE HEARD ANYTHING, IM SURE THEY ARE VERY BUSY. ANY WAY CANT WAIT FOR 3/2/12, ALSO HOW LONG DO YOU GET TO SEE THEM AFTER GRADUATION HIS A SCHOOL IS IN FLORIDA JUST WONDERING HOW MANY NIGHTS TO MAKE HOTEL RESERVATIONS FOR.

Thank you to all of you who welcomed me to the site and given so much information. My son , Jameson, flew to Great Lakes on Wednesday 1/11/12. We miss him , but know he is in good hands. He will eventually be doing.SEMS?? on a sub....?? I will be "surfing" the Navydads site to learn as much as I can about his journey.

Hope all is well with your loved one!!

My son Zach is hours away from RTC.  He sent me a text while layed over in Denver.  He enjoyed his first ever flight!  He's got a great attitude so far and I'm encouraged by it.  He should be landing in Chicago 11PM and then we wait for his " I'm here" call.

Unfortunately, his mom had to go to a conference same day he left.  She's been delayed since she left the house.  There is a small chance she will miss the "I'm here" call while she is in flight.  I told Zach to send her a text if he didn't get through so she knows he's there.  For some crazy reason she thinks he might get lost!  I called her in Seattle and tried to assure her he was in good hands.

I've been updating his departure and arrival on the N4M blog, so I figured I'd do the same here.  

Great kid.  loves to run.  Started running track in MS and eventually ran XC in HS and also ran 1600 in HS.  He has a great love of the outdoors.  He and I would hiker in Glacier National Park and hike to mountain passes.  Our greatest feat was climbing Divide Mountain which borders Blackfeet Reservation and GNP.  Originally, he wanted to be a park ranger, and maybe that might happen, but we will see what the Navy has in store for him.   

Miss him, but so proud of his decision to join the Navy.

... in Gulf Shores one last time before Kaitlin leaves for GL on Monday.  She has been showing them different videos about boot camp (way different from Grandpa's days in the Army during the Korean War).  Right now she is at the gun range with Dad and Grandpa getting in a little practice.

My mother-in-law summed up the emotions very well yesterday when we arrived and she started crying.  "I am just a little verklempt."  Perfect definition!

Absolutely hardest thing I've ever done.

Well the day has come. Today our baby boy, now a man with his own family and baby boy, leaves for the Navy Boot camp. We are so very proud. But we will miss him immensely!!! Thanks to all who came to wish him well!! We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We pray for Grace and Wisdom in the adventures ahead! God bless you all and your families as well. Anchors Aweigh!!! Go Navy

120113-N-ZZ999-001 WASHINGTON (Jan. 13, 2011) The official U.S. Navy logo commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Navy SEALs. (U.S. Navy photo illustration/Released)

We are all very excited to be heading out to Chicago this week to witness my girl Kelli as she does her Pass and Review to become a full United States Navy Sailor. Hoorah!

So far, she has done very well and was assigned to the ship's staff as well as the security team. She went into boot camp as an E2 and is graduating as an E3. She has earned her stripes and will continue to do so in the future. I will not be surprised if she becomes an officer sometime in the future as I know she has the ability.

In any case, her mother and I, as well as her brother and the rest of our family, are very proud of her and what she has achieved so far.

I will post some pictures of the ceremony here to share with those of you who are looking forward to your own children's/ loved one's graduation and for those who have already experienced it.

It will be a well needed break for us and a welcome get together for Kelli.

Counting down.

I

My son who just entered boot camp signed his letter as

RCPO JD....

What does it mean?

...was Saturday and a huge success.  About 45 people came by to show support for our almost-Sailor.  The best surprise was a visit from a Chief friend of ours.  I thought K was going to cry when she saw him - she didn't.  Then, since he is a Boatswains Mate, he had a little ceremony where he piped her, "on to boot camp."  Again, she didn't cry (but she almost did this time).

All of the hard work she has put in since she was 13 (Navy Sea Cadet) will definitely pay off in the weeks to come!

Thank's very much for the tremendous welcome, just a little about my son Zac. Zac is 25 years old, an honor graduate from the University of Arkansas and is currently a sworn police officer. He has enlisted in the Navy Reserves, will leave for boot camp in GL june 28.

Zac will be in intel and hopes to apply for a DCO commision after he finishes A/C schools. Zac has always wanted to be in the Navy, his Grandfather was a Navy man so it is in his blood to serve.

Again thank you for the welcome aboard, hopefully I will have something to contribute.