[sparkplug33]

My 18 year old enlisted in the US Army, he has been in Fort Leonerd Wood since Monday . Having no contact with him has been challenging for me and his mom, and sister ;we miss him and it's only been 4 days. Any parents out there that have gone through this ? How do we deal? 3 months of basic seems like an eternity .

 

[bad8nti]

I can't help you with what you are feeling, because I have never been in your situation. I can however, wish him and your family the best and let you know that I and others here on this Forum Thank You and him for his Service!

 

[Sweden]

i can only second that, thank him for his service!

 

[TheOldGuy]

It Sucks!

My 18 year old enlisted in the US Army, he has been in Fort Leonerd Wood since Monday . Having no contact with him has been challenging for me and his mom, and sister ;we miss him and it's only been 4 days. Any parents out there that have gone through this ? How do we deal? 3 months of basic seems like an eternity .

I you want the truth, I won't gloss it over. Take a look here.

http://www.challengerforumz.com/showthread.php?t=106256

This is what "could" happen. Who knows, your son may have an uneventful tour of duty. My kids weren't as lucky. I am with you though. You might all be in for a rough ride. I thank your son for his service.

-John

 

[bruce reno]

Hi, You will hear from him soon. My son went in the Marines back in 94. My wife was going nuts and I was too but everything was ok. I was in the Army from 70-72 so I knew pretty much what was happening. They will let him call soon don't worry. Tell him we are all thankful for his service. I never heard anybody say thanks to me back then but that's ok, I did what I had to do. We will pray for your family and your son! Bruce Reno

 

[MIDNITE RT]

I can't help you with what you are feeling, because I have never been in your situation. I can however, wish him and your family the best and let you know that I and others here on this Forum Thank You and him for his Service!

Could not have said it any better. :smileup:

 

[MommaBetty]

I am grateful for your son entering the service of our country. Yes, I can relate to how you are feeling. Right out of high school, my 18 yr. old son left home and went on a harvest crew from Kansas to Canada. He was gone six months! That was very hard to adjust to. I only got to see him once as he was passing through Colorado. I drove down and paid him a visit and it was only for a few hours. Very hard, but when he came back, he was a much more grown up young man!! He is now 24 and in Ohio working in the oil fields. Way too far from home and we haven't seen him in a month. I truly sympathize with you and your wife.

 

[challengerfan56]

Congratulations and a thank you to the parents and a thank you to him for serving!

 

[trudyc]

yes with all my heart I thank him and all that serve, hang in there. my son in- law went in and later my girl went to be with him. the hardest thing I have done was putting my girl on a plane. my wife and me done a lot of praying and crying but god had his hand on them and also on your son and all that are there. we will be praying for you all. thank you and your family for all that you give up for us and this country. god bless you my friend

 

[MarcPhrey]

Congrats, it will be okay he havent even started training yet. I remember when I 1st left home almost 15 years ago for basic. dont stress about it, the bird has to leave the nest.

 

[devildawg315]

Semper Fi to All branches

Being a former Marine I can remember when I made the decision to join. My parents were none to happy but once I got through the boot camp phase they were as proud as any parent could be. Although times are bit more strained right now and cause for concern for anyone entering the military you have to believe & trust that they will receive the best training which will prepare them for whatever the task may be. Thank you to your and your son for their service as that in my mind is one of the greatest callings any young person can fulfill in their life.

Semper Fi

 

[ScatPack15]

service

1- I thank him for his service.
2- when I was in boot camp for the Marines, letters from my family helped...... ALOT!! So I recommend you write as often as possible. I didn't get many from my stepdad, but the ones he sent meant alot. They are a life saver when in training. I wish him and your family the best.
~Semper Fi~
If you ever need anything please let me know!

 

[wvhemis]

Thank your son for me that he has gone into the service of our country... I am sure basic has not changed that much from when I went in over 40 years ago... Somdeome else commented that letters from home are welcome. I second that...

 

[Coyote]

Kudos to your son and please let him know that he has so much support from us in the forumZ. He will grow from this experience and become a better person with more confidence. It is sad that it really hasn't been too long that we all woke up and realized that we owe our service men and women a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.

 

[sparkplug33]

I want to thank everyone on the Z for all the kind words and support!

 

[Adam]

I want to thank everyone on the Z for all the kind words and support!

I would like to add to the words of support...

You have a great son that wants to serve. Never forget that. Thank him on behalf of all here, but also from your own heart.

Let him know that he is an adult that you are proud of. That will give both of you confidence.

Letters from home are treasures and snapshots that you will both have for the rest of your lives. Photographs are also greatly appreciated by both. (I have my parent's letters to me from basic training and they kept my letters as well. It is a great record that makes that time a wonderful memory.)

Right now you may not be able to do this, but care packages and Skypes will also be greatly treasured. The most important thing is keeping in touch. Most likely, your son is wondering "WTF did I do?" or something to that effect... (I went through the same thing myself LOL!) He will be helped by your letters, e-mails, etc. Your son is in good hands that will add to the upbringing you gave him. You can rest assured that he will come home more of the man you want him to be, and that will grow the bond between you.

Again, your son is great for volunteering and is a reflection of the great parenting he received. :smileup:

 

[Home Theater Guy]

Sparkplug, feel free to ping me with any US Army training questions. He is in good hands, will not be mistreated and will come out a much stronger man both mentally and physically.

Next up AIT and the possibility of high end schools like Airborne, Air Assault, etc.

 

[jackal]

I went through Ft Leonard Wood basic back in 2002. He is likely still at the 43rd AG (http://www.wood.army.mil/newweb/43rd/) waiting on a training unit to pick up. Probably has a pretty sweet buzzed haircut by now though!

 

[Home Theater Guy]

Basic

I went through Ft Leonard Wood basic back in 2002. He is likely still at the 43rd AG (http://www.wood.army.mil/newweb/43rd/) waiting on a training unit to pick up. Probably has a pretty sweet buzzed haircut by now though!

Fort Lost in the Woods, in Misery.

 

[jackal]

Fort Lost in the Woods, in Misery.

Exactly.

Hope they gave him some snivel gear first thing lol It's 18* there right now.