Do you remember the day that you got the call? Hi Mom I'm officially a sailor.

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Permalink Reply by Kathy S on November 19, 2008 at 5:41am

I remember that day. I was at work. It was mid-afternoon. My son had been talking about joining the military since his jr. year in High School. It was his first week at Jr. College. He called and said"Mom, I just joined the Navy.College just really isn't for me right now." Very matter of fact. No real emotion. I think he was expecting me to be upset or some other negative reaction. All I said was, ok. When do you leave and where are you going? His Dad and I told him later that day that we were in his corner. Whatever, he decided to do, we would support him and his decision. We haven't regretted it. I think the Navy has matured him and taught him self control and responsibility. He was always a good kid before that but the Navy seems to have brought out alot of his stronger qualities. HIs PIR was Mar 2007 and we were thrilled that he carried one of the flags for his ship. PIR is one of the most moving and awe inspiring things I think I've ever witnessed in person. We couldn't be more proud of our Navy son.

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Permalink Reply by Kathy S on November 19, 2008 at 5:58am

I commented earlier about when the call came when he joined the Navy. The rest of the story on BS is typical of my son. He called the day before and said that BS was coming up and it was "THE" test. I told him that his Dad and I knew he'd be fine and that he would do well. He, of course, wasn't so sure. His entire ship did well and he, of course, was fine. He called when he got the results and said he had passed and would be sending the info on PIR. He sounded so tired and yet relieved. It was a great feeling of accomplishment for him I think but he's not one to show alot of emotion. When he called, his Dad and I were watching TV and wondering how he was doing ( as we did every night then and since). We couldn't be more proud of him then and now.

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Permalink Reply by Amy (Ezra's Mom) on November 19, 2008 at 9:47am

My husband and I were actually at home together that day....just a couple of weeks ago actually. He PIR'd on the 31st and he called one the 27th. My husband hadnt gotten to talk to him at all since he left so it was really great that he happened to be off work that day. The only bad thing was the horrible connection we had, but we still managed to talk for 30 minutes. I was just so glad that he got to do it so early in the week. That was a great thing!

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Permalink Reply by momofjhrazk on November 19, 2008 at 10:35am

I didn't get to attend the PIR because my son got bronchitis w/a 103 fever & he wasn't able to graduate w/his class. He graduated one week later & was immediately flown out to attend sub school, but I do remember the call. I said hello, he said....'I PASSED! I am leaving this afternoon for Groton, but I PASSED. Sorry things worked out like this." I didn't care at that point, I just know that I was proud of him!

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Permalink Reply by Sam's Mom on November 19, 2008 at 11:08am

Yes, because it was just a few weeks ago! We drove to Illinois to attend her graduation. I am very impressed on how much she had "grown" in the 8 weeks she was at boot camp. She was so happy, and I was too!

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Permalink Reply by Simone on November 19, 2008 at 12:58pm

I never got that call. Instead, I got, 'Hey Mom, I want to marry a sailor.' Also, a very cool call and the adventure becomes even more amazing. I miss them both like crazy, but couldn't be more proud to have a sailor in our family. I did watch him graduate from Power School and got to see him become an official Nuc. That was fun. So our journey continues. This was a great question and thanks for asking it. I got a phone call from my daughter last night in tears. She sometimes has a really hard time when Dean is away. This question reminded me how far they have come and how amazing their journey is. I am so proud of both of them. I'm rambling, but it feels good to focus not so much on the tears and the hard times of deployment as much as what these amazing Navy kids are learning and what they are doing every day for our country. Again, thanks for the question and for reminding me of all the good!!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Ruthann on November 19, 2008 at 1:14pm

I am so awstruck by these amazing stories from all of you. My sons PIR is scheduled for 12/5 so I am anticipating that phone call....and I just can't wait. This is such an amazing journey for our kids, as well as the parents. We send away "kids" who were "kids" and we get in return fine young men/woman in a mere 8 weeks.......so much to be proud of...isn't it? So...with that being said, No, I haven't got the phone call, expecting one in approximately 2 weeks and I just can't wait. Congrats to all of you wonderful parents who now can call their kid a "sailor" ....I can't wait to come back on this site and tell you all that "YES! I GOT THAT CALL!!!".....

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Permalink Reply by Joanne on November 19, 2008 at 1:46pm

I can tell you one thing I was disappointed when I wasn't able to see my daughter wearing that Navy Cap but she promised she would bring it home for Xmas

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Permalink Reply by JANEAN BROOKS on November 19, 2008 at 4:37pm

I was told that only 4 per division get to graduated, is that true?

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Permalink Reply by Debbie (Paul's Mom) on November 22, 2008 at 10:08pm

No that is not true. As long as they pass battlestations, they PIR.

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Permalink Reply by Lynne Meeks on November 19, 2008 at 5:58pm

I was sitting in an all-day inservice day (that we have at the end of our school year each year), not knowing when the phone would ring. I had told my colleges that the phone was in my pocket on vibrate and if they saw me jump up and leave the class, it would be "the call". Hour after hour went by and finally, during the last class of the day, the phone began to ring. I took it out of my pocket and saw the area code. I could not get out of the room fast enough! When I left the room I just let go of the door and it slammed so very loud. I guess I really woke some of them up! He had had some problems passing the running part of the PT and had been told he might have to be pushed back if he didn't pass on one more try. We knew battlestations were going to be on that Thursday and had not heard if he was getting to participate in it. I cannot describe how I felt when I heard Adam say, "Mom, I'm wearing my Navy hat! I'm officially a US sailor!" We were still talking when the class ended and as we walked across the street to our cars. And continued to talk for about 30 minutes. His PIR was on the next Friday (June 13) and I was the proudest mom in the stands!!

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Permalink Reply by Lorraine on November 19, 2008 at 6:55pm

Hi Jeanine,
My son left on 10/28 and I will always remember that day and that phone call. I was really having a hard time at the swearing in, I felt overwhelmed, and I knew that he was anxious and tired. I had to go into the bathroom to get myself together for him. I recieved a call when he got in Chicago, then the final one that let me know he was there. I was in bed, it was 11:00 pm. He sounded relieved and tired, but at that moment I knew he would be ok. It was the start of a new and maturing experience for him. I can't wait for PIR on 12/19. I really miss him, and not being able to communicate with him. I know it's for the best. Thanks

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