Hello again, Thanks to all who responded. We did get our 10 second phone call on 01/24/12 in the afternoon. My son sounded in control and not upset, which made me feel better somewhat. We got his address this week so now it's time to write, write, write. I can't wait to get the 1st letter from him. Looking forward to April and the trip to Graduation!!

Hello, My son also shipped on 01/23/12 to San Diego. We are very proud but miss him so much. My son left from St Louis where did your son leave from? We waited all night on the 23rd but did not get his phone call until the 24th in the afternoon. It is going to be a long, long 12 weeks but I am focused on going to San Diego for graduation and the 10 days having him home after. Hope your son is doing good and you hear from him soon. I can't wait for that 1st letter to arrive.

Hi Patty.
I'm new here (as a mom) and my son is due to start training in May. I'm looking forward to reading your feelings and experiences as a mom.

Hi Patty - my son also shipped out on January 23 for boot camp in San Diego. I also have not heard from him as of yet either. If I remember correctly usually it is the first weekend that they are there that they will be able to make the call. It will be a short lived call. I do agree with you, no news is good news. They are doing a lot right now with registering and all to get ready for the hard training yet to come over the next 12 weeks. I wish your son well during his training.

As a parent, as far as contact, our worse case scenario is going to be no call and just a letter which is at least contact, however, if your like me, I want to hear his voice.

Take Care,

Vickie Brazel
STL. MO

Patty, from a very proud MARINE DAD near Philly,Pa let me welcome you and your family to the MARINE CORPS family.. I also want to congratulate your son on his decision to become a MARINE and wish him well through recruit training....The pride you feel now will only grow. Although the days will be rough on you emotionally, you will find as they pass that you will be proud of your son in a way you did not know was possible. And next time you see him, he will be the same, but very,very different. You will will have to contain yourself when you see the transformation that he and his fellow recruits have gone through. Remember, no one gets through boot camp alone.. So be sure to ask about the guys that he is training with when you finally get the address and start writing. Once you start writing, don't stop !!!! It is good for your recruit, and good for you as well !!!!!!! So again welcome and SEMPER FI