Just sent my son off to boot camp

[sswheeler]

Well, he's gone. He left yesterday morning for San Antonio Texas for USAF boot camp. I'll have to say it's the hardest thing I've ever done. We are a very close family. He's excited about it and so are we, but it's hard to see your first born leave the nest. I miss him already. Boating this summer won't be the same without him.

 

[BlkY2k]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

I understand exactly how your feeling. When my oldest left it was the same way around here. Kept waiting for him to come bouncing through the door and it didnt happen for almost 4 years. Mine joined the navy and they shipped him off to JA- pan, Damn that sucked. especially because I was Army myself, lol But you know what? When he did finally come back through that door, he wasnt my little boy anymore, he came back a MAN. It was the best damn thing that ever could`ve happened to him. You try your best to teach em right from wrong and to respect people and to be a man, but Uncle sugar straightened him right out. I`m proud of him and I`m proud of your son. Its going to be hard for awhile but it will all be worth it when he comes back through that door. Best of luck to you and yours.

 

[sswheeler]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

Thanks for the kind words. I hope this gets easier to deal with soon. I'm going crazy. I have new found respect for anyone who has served or has sent a child. Thanks again.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

I havnt sent one off , but i went thru it. The bennis of serving in the military, will last a life time. The discipline he will learn, VA benis. [ VA loan for my 1st house] It looks good on a resume. I can proudly say I did my share, I served my country for 6 yrs... No one can ever take that away from me...

 

[freelancer]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

I was in your son's shoes many years ago and I looked forward to the letters (no email or skype back then) more than anything else, so keep in touch. You never said how old, so I'm thinking he's still a kid, you should be very proud I was Army; USAF is a good choice too, he's really going to have a great experience.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

Wish him well from all of us.

Bob
Retired Army

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

May the Good Lord keep a eye on him and keep him safe !!!

 

[Autotech]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

Know how you feel.. Mine is still in the Med somewhere. Thank him for me.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

Thanks for the kind words. I hope this gets easier to deal with soon. I'm going crazy. I have new found respect for anyone who has served or has sent a child. Thanks again.

SS, when you see him at graduation please pass on my families thanks, thoughts and prayers, for his service.

And thank you for raising such a great young man for a Son.

 

[AF rigger]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

good luck and god speed for he will surely "get it" real soon! It was hard to leave for me, being from a close nit family, but like others have said, a card or letter helps out a lot. If you get the chance, try to go to the graduation, He would absolutely love it! Served 12 years in the Air Force and was partially trained by the Army also. I'm proud for anyone who wishes to join the service. salute

 

[sswheeler]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

Man, you guys are great. You're all doing wonders for my heart. Alot of bittersweet feelings right now. Someone asked how old he is, 19yrs old. He was on a waiting list for a year. (delayed entry program). I thought I would have taken it better since we waited so long. Its definatly better today, still hard though. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.


On a even better note , I found a Facebook page for the USAF basic training. They post random pictures almost every day. If I'm lucky, I can get a look at him. Crossing my fingers!!

 

[sswheeler]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

good luck and god speed for he will surely "get it" real soon! It was hard to leave for me, being from a close nit family, but like others have said, a card or letter helps out a lot. If you get the chance, try to go to the graduation, He would absolutely love it! Served 12 years in the Air Force and was partially trained by the Army also. I'm proud for anyone who wishes to join the service. salute

I will be sending letters daily, as soon as we get an address. And the flight tickets and hotel are already reserved! Can't wait!

 

[AF rigger]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

I had a blast during basic training, as I grew up in a military family. Do you know what type of career field (AFSC) he is going into? You will enjoy your trip out there, it is a pretty town and lots of things to see and do there. Good luck, I know emotions have a tendicy to run crazy sometimes.

 

[MRS]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

When you go to the graduation it will be the best feeling in the world you will be so proud of him and all of the kids there too. I made it a point to go to all the kids on our block graduation that joined it is something special makes you choke up I do not care how tough we think we are. Thank you and him for serving and protecting our wonderful U.S.A.

 

[sswheeler]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

I had a blast during basic training, as I grew up in a military family. Do you know what type of career field (AFSC) he is going into? You will enjoy your trip out there, it is a pretty town and lots of things to see and do there. Good luck, I know emotions have a tendicy to run crazy sometimes.

When he entered the DEP a year ago he picked 4 jobs and an apititude area. They guaranteed that he would at least get a job in his ap area. None of jobs on his list came up so thats what he got. (mechanical) he waited a year. He won't find out what his job is until week 5 of BT at the earilist. He scored very high on his ASVAB so I am hopeful he will get placed in a good job.

 

[JB]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

I went into Navy Boot Camp in April, 1953 and served 9+ years.

I sent my #2 daughter off to Navy Boot Camp right out of high school in 1975. She served three years, went to college and grad school on the GI Bill and took a reserve commission. Now she is CDR with scrambled eggs on her hat and nearing retirement. My heart swells with pride.

Sent my only son to Marine Boot Camp right out of high school in 1985. He served 6 years.

In my family serving our country has been tradition and privilege for 7 generations.

It is always painful when your descendants leave the nest, SS. There can be no better next step than a tour serving our country. Be proud.

 

[AF rigger]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

I had scored around 80% in mechanical and pick out a job in air transportation, I was a Air Cargo Supervisor when I got out. Did four and a half years in a mobility unit out of Charleston SC and LOVED my job there. Did a LOT of traveling and saw a lot of differant countries when I was there. Was also stationed in Anchorage AK and Omaha NE. Loved Anchorage but disliked Omaha (the base and people, not the town). If I had stayed in, I would be retiring with 30 yrs this December! Salutes and hats of to you and your son!

 

[thephildo]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

I graduated from basic in January of 2008. One of the best experiences of my life, and wouldn't trade it for anything. Getting mail was the best part of my day (before we got our cell phones after 10 weeks). I take full advantage of my GI bill and National Guard scholarship program. Congrats to you and your family for a decision that will benefit him for a long time! He will be VERY excited that you are attending his graduation, I know I was when I saw my parents there.

 

[Blue2Green]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

Please Thank your Son for Serving our Great Country. Please try and make the Graduation ceremony, my family was unable to make it. But it was partially my fault, I went to the Navy recruiter and within 2 weeks I was off to Basic Training. The letters are the best, received quite a few while in Basic. The AF is a great Branch and he will do well. I am a Navy and Army Veteran.....God Speed.

 

[sswheeler]

Re: Just sent my son off to boot camp

Thanks to everyone!
We still haven't heard anything from him and it's been almost a week. No calls or letters. We were told that they will be mailing a postcard with their address within the first 72 hours. Crossing my fingers! Hopefully it will be in the mailbox tommorrow.