Vanity: 'Newbie' Military Parent Needs Assistance

Indy Pendance | October 29, 2003 | Indy Pendance

[Indy Pendance]

Thanks for the advice. I know my kids won't be 'sad sacks'. The recuiting sargeant told us how he appreciates parents like us who support the military. He sees many kids wanting to enlist, but it's the parents who throw out the roadblocks.

[Indy Pendance]

Definiately! It will be fun watching new soldiers develop. I'm certainly looking forward to it, but being a parent, I suppose I'm a little biased!

[COBOL2Java]

Prayers for your kids! My daughter just finished Basic and AIT at Ft. Jackson, SC. She's now stationed at Ft. Myer, which is near us. My Son-in-Law is also at Ft. Myer, and is being deployed Dec 3 to Somalia for 6 to 12 months. We'll be proudly putting a Blue Star on our window!

[Indy Pendance]

Thanks. I plan on sending this thread to the kids when it winds down. It's really loaded with useful advice. I'm sure they'll love it.

[Indy Pendance]

Thanks again, you all have been so helpful and really nice with the advice and compliments to both my kids.

[Indy Pendance]

Thanks TexKat. Maybe my kid will be trained by your kid!

[Indy Pendance]

Thanks Sabertooth, and for the advice.

[Indy Pendance]

"Do you only want pictures of female soldiers?"

No, that's not necessary. Any good photos will work. Like I said, I'm starting a directory on my hard drive, a collection if you will of really great pics. I searched google, but I know many good ones were posted here over time. I plan on sending various photos based on the letters I receive.

[Indy Pendance]

Thanks for the excellent links.

[Indy Pendance]

Thank you so much for the kind offer.

[Indy Pendance]

Savinig for future reference. "Charlie's Angels" patrol the skies over Iraq

[Indy Pendance]

Got it, replied and thanks.

[Indy Pendance]

Thank you, I will.

[Indy Pendance]

"My advice is to write to them often. Phone calls are not a substitute for getting letters at mail call and nothing has a more positive effect on a young soldier than letters from home.

Their recuiting sarge said the exact same thing. He did mention to write funny stuff on the outside of the envelops, they get a little razzed for it.

[Indy Pendance]

Congratulations! You must be so proud of your family!

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

You must be very proud, and SHOULD be!!

I'll keep my eyes open for the picture.. and I have some links I'd like to give you when I have more time for Female Vets. I think you'll like them.

More later!! Wow.. two!! That is just wonderful!!

[Chuckster]

Their recuiting sarge said the exact same thing. He did mention to write funny stuff on the outside of the envelops, they get a little razzed for it.

Some things never change. d8^)

[trussell]

You're welcome. Happy to be able to help.

Blessings,
trussell

[Spruce]

I have just been through what you are going to go through. My daughter just graduated Air Force BMT just 2 weeks ago. A few tips.

Do whatever it takes to make it to the graduation weekend. The kids need that re-bonding with their family after BMT.

Write every day. I just sent a far-side cartoon and a few lines about baseball and the family, but make sure you send your love and pride.

My daughter used the internet furiously when she knew her job was confirmed. By researching her next few months as much as possible she was prepared. They will have rare, if any, internet access for quite a while so now is the time.

Make sure all of your family writes while they are in BMT. Getting grateful letters from obscure mythical great-aunts and cousins can make a bad day good.

I think the most important step I took as a father was this. As soon as she passed all her tests and her intake was confirmed I made it my job to teach her what I could about The United States Constitution. The most emotional part of the graduation parade is when these kids stand proud and in a loud, clear roar pledge their life to defend the Constitution. It is wise that they fully understand the oath they will take.

Here is a small collection of some of my favorites

(August 2003) Shooting her M-16A2, Spc. Liana Bombardier, a U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit service rifle shooter, won the Service Rifle National Long Range Rifle Championship at Camp Perry, Ohio

Candy Gram for the Hussein Brothers!

An Iraqi family comes outside to wave to U.S. Marines patrolling in a western town of An Nasiriyah, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Brent Harvey

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM -- (Clockwise from lower left) 1st Lt. Alison, Capts. Heather and Waynetta and, Senior Airman Lyndi, all from the 376th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, flew an all-female KC-135 Stratotanker air refueling mission over Afghanistan on Jan. 31. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Elizabeth Ortiz)

Check out the dents on the nose. This bad boy has been brawling!

Diego Garcia. This is a rare shot from the mysterious island airbase.

[Indy Pendance]

Fantastic! Thanks so much. We are definately going to their graduations.