re: My son just left for basic training

Apparently you didn't if he's going to bama.











Kidding

I had 4 nine years apart so by the time the last one left the nest I wasn’t as sad. Don’t get me wrong, I still get kinda melancholy about them growing up but I was ready to be an empty nester.

My oldest boy left for his first placement after basic back just after the new year. I haven’t seen him since. It is weird and not great. He’s stationed In Monterrey, CA. He may have time to make a visit in a few months.

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What MOS? Where is he headed?

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He is joining the Navy.

Scored a 94 on the ASVAB so he got picked up for nuclear engineering.

Like I said, I'm not worried about him. He'll be fine.

I was in the military, too.

I just didn't expect to feel this gut punch like I am.

Which branch? My son did army basic a while back and I was shocked how much I heard from him. They get their cell phones a fair amount in later phases, plus there is an online service taking pictures of them.

I remember scouring that site for a glimpse of him.

I get it, baw. It's hard to see them go, but be proud! He'll still need you, but now your advice will shift from dad to son to man to man. Continue to teach him and by showing him how much you trust him to make his own way.

May I ask which branch of service?

first, congratulations. The military remains a noble and honorable pursuit. I am grateful for families like yours who make sacrifices to serve this country.

While my sons are not on that same path, I remember vividly when my big brother entered military training at Ft. Leonard Wood. I was afraid and protective of him, and can only imagine how a parent would feel in your shoes.

My God protect your son

I was where you are now a couple years ago when my son shipped out to Fort Benning. It’s tough. Take my advice. Write him often. It helps you as much as it does him. Mail Call is the most important thing for morale during Basic, especially in the first stage. It was called “Red Phase” in my day. I still remember standing in formation nervously awaiting my name to be called. When it was, my spirits would soar. It’s a little piece of home. He will want to hear from you.

Now, as a father, I’ve found myself on the other end of Mail Call. It’s me writing letter to my soldier instead of being the soldier receiving letters from home. I found writing him helped make me still feel like we were connected. So, write him at least weekly.

Thank you for your service. Being a parent of a military kid is hard

On my way to basic my dad let me ask him about his three tours in Vietnam in the infantry, it was not a fun conversation.