"A" School is over- Now Reality

Comment

Comment by Greg Griffin on February 23, 2013 at 1:07pm

Though I've used this website often since We dropped my son off at his recruit office to lkeave for RTC,  I now realize that by joining today would be as helpful to me as I see it is for all who have joined. My son's PIR is 15 March 13. Being the youngest of my 3 and having never been seperated from him for more then a week, needless to say its been a  tough adjustment. But, as I told him in one of the letters I sent, I thanked him for not only making himslek a part of an elitr group, but also for making me a part of an elite group in that I am a father of a sailor. He will be going to Meridian MS for A school, he is an AZ. Such beautiful helpful words Ive read here. Thanks to all of you and God Bless our sailors!!

Comment by Paul Olson on February 14, 2013 at 7:30am

Last evening my wife and I were discussing my son's recent starting of his A-school.  She wondered if "it" ever gets easier dealing with the emotional impact, the highs and lows, of our sons' and daughters' military commitments.  Rod, I think you have answered that concern.

One thing I came to realize during my son's recent PIR and the few hours we had together thereafter while he shipped out to FSH was that we have been unknowingly adopted by a very large, concerned, and caring family of the Families of the United States Navy.  Brother, you are not alone on this journey, none of us are.  While your family's concerns and issues are unique to you, we can all help in getting us through this rocky transition of individual and family development.  Sometimes it's just putting these deep emotions, which few of us were prepared for, in writing and sharing them with others in this supportive setting which takes the weight off a bit to lighten our load; other times it may be asking for help.  Whatever the need, you're not alone and no one can be left behind.        

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on February 14, 2013 at 6:37am

You've realized the reality of Navy life Rod....during RTC and A-school it was always about getting a call...now the hard truth of deployment sets in.  This is why I've said so many times that boot camp and A-school is as much a learning process for we parents as it is for our sailors---- it is all preparation for these months at sea and time away from home.  Many of us on NavyDads have gone through this...many more than once.  Do not hesitate to call on us for support and advice.....check out our Care Package group and get the scoop on what to send and how to do it.....you sailor and his shipmates will appreciate it!!

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Jim on February 14, 2013 at 6:01am

Rod, first of all, we all feel the pain and emptiness of a loved one gone from home, serving our great nation. You most certainly are not alone. May your son always have fair winds and following seas.

As far as communication goes, from a ship, the internet can be spotty. Many times the internet and communications are limited to ship and Navy business only. When you are in the middle of the Pacific, cell towers don't exist. LOL!! You may get a call now and then when they pull into a port somewhere. Make sure that you get his ship board email address. When the internet is available, he can communicate that way. Good luck and hang in there!

Jim