Marine Corps Bootcamp Forum

* Wow.. It's almost time!

moondollie@oxle.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 22:06:39 +0200

There are 9 replies, with the last one on 05/15/2008 at 22:06:39 by moondollie
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If they take anything not on the list (which is very short), it will get tossed as soon as they start processing. I know they won't toss out a bible, but make it a very small one - 3x5 for example. I honestly haven't heard of recruits taking anything other than a bible. I would be really afraid of risking anything happening to a rosary. HOWEVER, when your son gets settled in and asks if he can be allowed one, then send it when he lets you know. My SIL went with the clothes he was wearing and $20 in his pocket for food etc. while waiting in airports. Sometimes that can be for hours. If you want, you can send a pre-paid phone card so they can call you from the airport. We did this for my daughter and she called us, plus let a bunch of other girls call their parents. Then she tossed it, cause it would get tossed when she arrived anyway.

Lisa, well you're going to be traveling to PI at the hottest possible time of the year! Loose comfy clothing goes without saying and bring plenty of water bottles staying chilled in a cooler in your car! The sand fleas are going to be nothing short of awful. Pass on bringing the bug repellent, it's not terribly effective. The little buggers however, have an aversion to Avon Skin-So-Soft. Bring lots of it - take a bath in it even before you set out for family day/graduation. If you have males in your family coming along, whining about smelling like a girl, will be nothing compared to the whining they're gonna do covered in sand fleas. LOL!

I have lots and lots of info and tips on PI, so ask anytime and email me too if you'd like.
Another thought about the rosary beads. They have locker dumps in boot camp. That simply means the DI's go up and down the DI Highway (aisle between the bunk beds), open their lockers and dump them out in the middle of the highway. Shocking I know, but this is boot camp the Marine Corps way. So again, I would be very worried about something as precious as his grandmothers rosary getting ruined.

Yet another thought......There is a chapel on board the depot with a Chaplain. The services are non-demoninational, but the Chaplains are able of course to work with recruits of any faith - perhaps he might have a supply of rosaries???? Wouldn't hurt your son to ask the first Sunday he goes to church there.

* Preparing for Bootcamp

proudbutsad@oxle.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 22:01:34 +0200

There are 4 replies, with the last one on 05/15/2008 at 22:01:34 by proudbutsad
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Robin, I would make sure that he understands how slow the mail coming to him is at first so he doesn't get really down at mail call. It normally takes about 3-4 weeks before the mail starts rolling in regularly and believe me, some of their first letters home can be heart breaking because they aren't getting any mail and wondering why we aren't thinking of them. Good luck to you and your new Recruit!!

When Do We Stop Sending Mail?

zeesmom@oxle.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:59:43 +0200

There are 5 replies, with the last one on 05/15/2008 at 21:59:43 by zeesmom
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Hi Chaynesgirl! It takes 10 to 14 days for the recruits to receive our mail so if we stop sending it 2 weeks early, they will still be getting mail that just has not made it to them yet. Also, we'll be freeing up the mail staff at MCRD to get newer recruits their mail. (Is that clear as mud?!)

Cheryl

Platoon 1046?

Ryno89@oxle.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:58:43 +0200

There are 91 replies, with the last one on 05/15/2008 at 21:58:43 by Ryno89
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Hello Platoon 1046 family. I have had many days that I have missed my son, but never more than today. I got a letter today that was written on Mothers Day, before he knew he would be able to call. I will start off saying that he is a loving and kind spirited boy that has always been a good kid. He started out with "first of all, thanks for shaping me into the man I am. I am just now realizing how fortunate I have been to have the love of a great family and a mother that has kept me accountable with love and discipline".
He went on with many examples thru the years of hardships he had faced and how we were there for him. He seems to be quite touched by the church services and the opportunity to share this time with the other recruits and the Chaplains. He said the singing is awesome and just sets a person right for the week. He said he has learned so much about himself and is learning that he has much to give. He loves his platoon and really respects his DI's and though anxious for graduation and seeing all of us, said he will miss the guys. He also asked for prayer for tomorrow. He said all feel alot of pressure and want to do their best, so they just need clear heads and health to keep going strong. Rarely does he write about his own successes or losses, but always about the group. This is the part I love about the Marine Corp. They are truly brothers for life. I am going to pray for them frequently tomorrow and hope they all qualify and do well. I know they want to do well to represent their DI's and their Platoon. Good Luck, Platoon 1046

PLT 2044

hvbears@oxle.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:58:03 +0200

There are 20 replies, with the last one on 05/15/2008 at 21:58:03 by hvbears
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Hello 2044, yes i agree
As to the order i did it slightly different,as my son's recruiter gave me

I put
Rct Last name,First,intitals
Plt 2044 2nd BN Fox Co
box 16200
Parris Island

Got THE Call! :)

veronic450@oxle.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:57:17 +0200

There are 9 replies, with the last one on 05/15/2008 at 21:57:17 by veronic450
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I received my call today around 3:30 p.m. it was so good just to hear his voice. He did at the end say I love you mom! Which just made my day. He sounded really good, he actually sounded upbeat! I have started the letter writing process just waiting to receive his address! I can't wait!

i received my first letter

mom of aaron@oxle.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:56:53 +0200

There are 1 replies, with the last one on 05/15/2008 at 21:56:53 by mom of aaron
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Congrats young mom, I am glad you finally hear from him. I understand the first three weeks are the hardest being away from family and friends. Just keep encourage him and keep your letters to him positive. Remember he left as a young man and when you see him, he will be a man. My son is also homesick, he does come right out and say it, but his words speak for themselves. This is all new, hard and challenging, but both our sons will do fine. There isn't too many moms that I know that didn't cry when they received that first letter. It like you can actually hear then talking to you. You might be surprise and get another letter sooner than you think.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
`Pam`
VPM of Aaron, Lima Co, Plt 3255

platoon 1045

DawnMarie@oxle.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:56:44 +0200

There are 81 replies, with the last one on 05/15/2008 at 21:56:44 by DawnMarie
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I recieved a written out Mothersday card today. He says im the best mom in the world and he cant wait to see me. Of course there were tears. ha ha. I still havent recieved a phone call. But that card sure was great to get. We also recieved a card with information on travel arangements from Jimmy. Well i hope u all hear something soon if u havent already. It is getting closer. Platoon 1045.

Platoon 1041

Need2Know@oxle.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:54:51 +0200

There are 11 replies, with the last one on 05/15/2008 at 21:54:51 by Need2Know
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Hello Parents of Platoon 1041.

Wow, we are past the halfway mark and I am counting down the days.

Hang tough recruits.

PLT 2135

dww_dww@oxle.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:54:28 +0200

There are 65 replies, with the last one on 05/15/2008 at 21:54:28 by dww_dww
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Thank you for welcoming me to the board. I'm looking forward to getting to know you also.