Robert D's Page

Since I was in the Air Force I think things are a lot different by listening to all the salty dogs talk here on Navy Dads. I called when I could. Like here in Great Lakes we were at the mercy of our flight leaders when it came to making calls. In the Air Force they use the term flight instead of division.

The second half of bootcamp is all go, go, go. For us bootcamp was only 6 weeks. In the second half we had the obstacle course, physical fitness, final exams, barracks inspections, 2 retreat ceremonies, and a parade to march before we got to graduation. For us it was passing the final exam. We didn't have anything like battle stations to get through. I bet that is hard and a rush all at the same time. Sometimes I wish the Air Force was more like the other services. Since it is the youngest service, being just over 60 years old, there isn't as much traditions as in the other services.

I'm betting their last 2 or 3 weeks they are so busy they don't have much time to think about much else but what they are doing and what is coming up. It should be a fun time for them. Maybe exhausting at time, but fun.

Talk to you later!

Gatesville is only about 40 mins from me... I'm a Physical Therapist & I've worked in their nursing homes before; but that was a long time ago... I don't know anyone that lives there now that I'm aware of....

Also; It's been 2.5 yrs since my son's PIR so I'm sure some things have changed; but one thing for sure I'm sure the security is still tight....

What is your son's rate & where will he be training???

Gino's is a great place to eat & we also ate at a Steak house that is close to the Gurnee Mall (which is a fantastic mall/HUGE) that is really good too... As far as advice for PIR??? Get there EARLY!!!!!!!! It's a great experience & it gets very crowded.... Have a great time...

Just wanted to say congrats on your sailor to be.... The next few wks will go by pretty fast... & PIR is an event you will never forget... My Sailor is now in the fleet... He's been in Japan 2 yrs & he's on his second ship... He loves it there & having a great time....

Hi Larry,
So glad that you heard from Travis. It's so hard to go back to old-school communication in this age of texting and cell phones, especially when they are away for something like this.
Good Luck, hope to see you in Great Lakes.

Hello Robert,
Sam is going to A-school for IT training after BC. His first letter made it seem like DIV 321 was having a lot of trouble working together, getting along or staying out of trouble. I think this is somewhat normal. His last communication stated that it is getting better in those regards, however, he did mention getting yelled at a LOT. Looking forward to seeing everyone.
Doug

Robert, “Welcome Aboard”. I am glad that you have joined us. This site is for you to use and enjoy. We love to talk about our sailors around here and we have been known to brag on them a little. We are also here to support and encourage each other. After all we are all in this together. I have two sons and they are both in the military. My youngest joined the Air Force 5 years ago. My oldest joined the Navy and is stationed on the USS Abraham Lincoln CVN 72. Please thank Travis for his service to this great country from an old Vietnam Vet. Thank you for raising a fine young man.
Terry

Welcome Robert! I am a Navy Mom who loves being part of Navy Dads!! My husband Howie is also a Navy Dad member. Our youngest daughter just left whidbey Island Washington for her first duty station in Atsugi Japan. She was deployed to the USS GW two days ago to meet up with her squadron. She is an ADAN Aviation Machinist Mate Aircrewman. She works on jets and jet engines. Although I first heard of Navymoms through a letter we recieved from the Training Center Great Lakes I heard about Navy dads through it and then checked it out and now I am on here all the time. I have learned so much, made so many new friends on here and it has really helped me through my daughters advancement through boot camp on to A school, C school and now her first duty station. I am an Army Veteran and never lived the Navy life although my husband was a Sailor I met him after he was out of the Service. I think it is awesome that your Son is into Nuclear Engineering! You will really feel the Pride when you see him at PIR! you do not want to miss it. When is your Son due to graduate BC? Be sure to post pics of him on your page here! if you have any concerns or questions feel free to ask. Again welcome!!

Also go through these posts in this discussion...in particular Larry's last post as you'll get an idea about leters and early bootcamp days for your son.