Paul Verst's Page

Our sons made very wise decisions Paul, for the Navy is cutting edge and state of the art when it comes to technology and science....some of the most sophisticated, advanced, and expensive weaponry (toys) on the face of the planet. My son's appetite to devour and learn would never have been forfilled like this in the Army.

Like you, our son caught us off guard too, but in a different sense. We were caught off guard on how quickly they wanted him to get started. Upon the Nuclear selection process in DC, he was chosen and they wanted him to leave for OCS 3 days later. Joe told them a later start would be better and off he went March 24th less than a month of having been accepted by the Admiral. We've been eager to dive in and learn all we can though, despite not having much time to digest it.

Welcome to NavyDads.com Paul! When my daughter enlisted in 2005 and left for RTC, I had virtually no knowledge of Navy life or how the Navy did things. By the time her PIR rolled around, I was starting to get the hang of things and understand some of the language and abbreviations, but still felt like a fish out of water when dealing with most topics concerning the US Navy. When my son enlisted and left for Great Lakes in 2007, I got serious about trying to learn as much as possible about the Navy. Now, several years into my journey, I’m blessed to say I have two sailors in the family - my son Eric (AM2) was on the carrier Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) and recently reported to Helicopter Squadron Light-37 (HSL-37) in Hawaii after re-enlisting earlier this year. My daughter Kat is now a Navy veteran and was stationed on the carrier Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) as a Mass Communications Specialist and is currently using her GI benefits to go to school. If NavyDads.com were around in those days, it would have made my journey as a Navy parent much easier!

I'm sure you'll find NavyDads.com as useful, educational and informative as I have over the past few years. I hope you take the time to explore the site and make some new friends. Read the discussions and add your comments. Browse through the postings in the various groups or start a new one. If you have any comments, questions or concerns about your sailor and what he is going through...be sure to post them! In my experience someone here can answer your questions or concerns or can point you in the direction to find out. And Paul this is a great place to brag as well! So join in, get active, and be sure to let us know how Chris is doing! Please remember that we talk about the Navy here and we must keep the security and safety of our sailors and the fleet in mind. On the right or starboard side of every NavyDads page is an area we call About This Site. Please take a minute and read through the Operations Security (OPSEC) link for some guidelines as to what we should not talk about in a public forum like NavyDads.com.

Play the following video for a brief introduction to NavyDads.com. We've made some cosmetic changes to the site since this video was made, but navigation remains the same.

Best Regards- Paul

Paul, wanted to add another comment here. You said you have a summer get away home in Northern Michigan. My wife and I hope to retire some day in Traverse City. Our oldest son lives there and we just love going there. Even in the winter!

Welcome aboard Paul! I'm so glad that you've joined us. I can't add very much to what’s already been said, but wanted to pop in here and say hello.

My son Stephen is an AWO2 and flies with VP-45 on the P-3 Orion Sub Hunter and is stationed in Jacksonville, FL. He has just returned from his first deployment. Be sure to join the groups that have to do with what Chris is doing with the Navy. If you have questions as a new parent of a sailor, or just want to keep up with others who are “veteran” dads, you can find what you're looking for here. See you around the fleet!

Jim                                                                                                   

Paul, be sure to check out our Groups. We have several Groups for PIR and Boot Camp, plus Groups for the different Rates like Navy Nukes, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Master at Arms. Check to see if your State or area has a Group already formed to locate others in your area. There are general interest Groups like: Care Packages,
A School for Dads, NASCAR for NavyDads and the book of acronyms and ranks. We’ve also added a Spanish language Group.

Also check us out on Facebook just search Navy Dads.

If you have problems or questions about the Groups, discussions or navigating our site please let me know. I’ll be happy to help or find someone with more knowledgeable about your issue.

Again Welcome to NavyDads.

Paul, Welcome to NavyDads. My Grandson joined the Navy and went to Boot Camp in February, 2008. When I joined this site I knew nothing about the Military. It’s really helped me understand what to expect and has relieved some of my worries. Please go to the Groups Page and check out all the various offerings. Join in to learn more about what your Guy or Gal will be learning and doing. We are a big family here and you can find answers to most any question or concern regarding what’s in store for your recruit. You will find members that are new to the Navy along with those who have Loved Ones who’ve made the Navy a career. We like to hear about your recruit; the good times, the concerns, and welcome questions. I think you will find our members are a big family and everyone wants to help others understand what to expect and hear about the progress of your recruit.

Please feel free to ask questions.

Again Welcome and keep us updated on your recruit.

HooYah US Navy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!