Ship 6 Division 937

[PANavyMom]

My daughter is in Ship 6, division 937. She arrived at Great Lakes June 12th and I called this morning to find out her division and PIR date, Aug 10th.

Does anyone else have someone in this division?

Carol

[KYmom]

Hopefully someone who has a loved on in that division will be along soon.
Now start writing those letter's.
WOW PIR Aug 10, my son will be in his 3rd week of boot camp then.
All these dates sure are bring reality closer for some of the rest of us whose's loved one's haven't left yet.

[PANavyMom]

I'll be mailing a letter today questioning her about that division. I can't wait to hear what she'll be doing....instrument or flag or both, I don't know what to expect. I've been busy for the last two hours passing along her address to friends and family and emailing about yesterday's events about her swearing in ceremony and her leaving. As much as I had dreaded yesterday, I'm now looking forward to the events yet to come!
It's interesting to find out how complete strangers get tangled together because of "like interests", such as a loved one joining the Navy. Enjoy the upcoming weeks with your son, as I'm sure you are already doing!

Carol

[evan's dad]

Carol,,,,congrats on your daughter's assignment to a 900 Division! Let us know what her assignment is,,,,,,flags,,,triple threat, or admin. Those who are in 900 divs are held to high standards! Our Sailor played trumpet in div 945 last year. It was a great learning and maturing experience for him. I hope it will be the same for your brand new Sailor!!!

Bob

[PANavyMom]

Bob,

I can't wait to find out what she'll be doing. She knew she'd be eligible for this division since she was in high school marching band, but she really wasn't interested in volunteering for it since she heard that it takes away from any extra nap time! I can't wait to find out if she was "convinced" to join, or if it was her choice, or what????
From your understanding of the 900 divisions, is it easy to get into the division? Also, is it any easier on the recruits in this division?
Any info you can provide would be appreciated.

Carol

[pamsguy]

Hey PANavyMom, thanks for the link to this forum! As you already know our son is in the same div/ship group. What exactly is the significance of the divisions. My wife has had a very brief telephone conversation with our recruit during which he mentioned "Triple Threat" and the fact that he would be singing in the choir at his graduation. Do these things relate to his division?

[PANavyMom]

From what I've learned through these message boards, all 900 divisions are performing divisions. They could be in the band, a flagholder, rifle or choir. They perform at a few graduations, including their own. So in addition of all of their other training, they also have to learn their music etc. My daughter and her friend were both in their high school marching band, but I've yet to learn what they'll be doing in this division. It's been two years for both of them since they've picked up an instrument, but who knows.

I'm glad to see you found this website, the Navy message boards are nice but it takes so long for messages to be posted! I submitted a message yesterday and in the message I listed this website, but they haven't posted that message yet. Maybe they won't since I listed another website!

Carol

[KYmom]

Sorry Carol, they won't post any info about this message board or any other than themselves, and if they don't like what you have to say that won't post it either. LOL


We welcome you both to the cafe.

[PANavyMom]

I guess I shouldn't have included the part about how frustratingly slow they are in posting messages!! :) I though I found this site, from someone listing it in one of their messages on the Navy website. Maybe they were just more clever in how they listed it.
Yesterday I checked that message board and there still weren't any other messages than mine asking about other parents with kids in Ship 6 Div 937, so I posted again "still looking.....". Then about 10 minutes later 3 new postings hit the site from other parents. Then hours later my 2nd post hits saying that I'm still looking for other parents with kids in that division. How silly is that!?!?
Anyway, I'm glad Pamsguy made it over here!!!

[Kristie]

Welcome to the new members.....I am so glad thay you guys have found us.....navymomme (http://www.thenavycafe.com/forum/member.php?u=297) on here has the same PIR with her daughter....hopefully you guys can get together at PIR......

[PANavyMom]

Kristie,

I have chatted with Navymomme - Valerie on here and the other message boards. We've been comparing notes :)
Thanks for the info anyway!

Carol

[Kristie]

Wonderful....just wanted to make sure everyone can talk with each other....it is so important....

[nojusticehere]

This is my first post to this board, thanks to Carol (PANavymom) for giving me this link!!!!

My son is also in Div 937 Ship 6. I wasn't aware until Carol explained to me about this division. OMG makes me so proud. Not sure if my son "volunteered" for this division of not, but proud that he's in it. He did mention, during his quick call, that he was doing something with flags. He was talking so quickly that I wasn't able to catch everything....plus I was just so excited to hear is voice. It was such a blur. I'm sure glad the boards exist, don't know what I'd do without all the words of encouragement and all the info. Thanks again!!

[Kristie]

nojusticehere......welcome to the Navy Cafe.....I am so glad that Carol pointed you our way.....we are here to help and support you in anyway that we can....

[evan's dad]

Hi Carol and everyone!

I have been absent from the computer for a week or so, as we took a 1000 mile ride from Michigan to Goose Creek, SC to visit Evan who is in Nuclear Power School there. We simply had a surpurb time with him!

Carol, by now you surely must know what your new Sailor will be doing in the 900 unit. Yes? Please let us know which type of 900 unit she is in.

Answering your questions Carol,,,,,I know that Evan was asked if he had any band, marching, junior rotc experience in the day that he arrived at RTC. He certainly had lots of band/marching experience, and was fortunate to arrive when they were trying to fill the triple threat unit. He ended up playing first trumpet in the band. I think that they have to speak up when arriving, and are selected for 900 units based on experience, academic accomplishments, etc.

As far as bootcamp being easier for 900 units,,,,,,,,,,,well that is NOT TRUTH! They are held to the highest standards!

They are selected because the Navy needs to have these performing units at PIR, and due to their past experience, etc, the Navy can quickly form them into performing groups.

If I am not mistaken, your Daughter may be in the State Flags unit. They put on quite a nice show at the beginning of the ceremony at PIR,,,,,,marching the flags in front of the enthusiastic croud. Everyone roars as the flags pass by.

Bob

[PANavyMom]

Bob,

Melissa is playing Baritone in the band, and her division is "triple threat". Her division., 937 is sharing barracks with 936 which is flag and rifle only. She said they asked if she had any band, chorus, JROTC experience and she told them band and she said "against her will" they put her in the 900 division. but I can bet that she didn't put up an arguement! :) She's ok with it. She said "they"(don't know who "they" is) told her she's pretty good, not bad after not playing for two years. I'm excited, it'll bring back the same old excitement I had watching her band competitions. Probably better.

Carol

[Kristie]

Bob.....welcome back....i am glad that you and Val got to go see Evan....yippie for road trips.....

[evan's dad]

Hi again Carol and everyone,

I see that your Sailor is playing baritone in the recruit band. Good for her!

I hope you are already planning your trip to PIR. Don't miss it as it is a memory that will never be forgotten!

A few words regarding PIR for the triple threat unit families. You will not witness your 900 unit march in at the same time as all other units. However, they will enter the drill hall through the left hand ( from your perspective as you sit in the bleachers) large garage type door well before the ceremony starts. The garage door will go up,,,Div 937 will march into the drill hall in formation all by themselves.

Then they will march single file into a door that is in the center of the drill hall across from you. This is a good photo op especially if you have a decent zoom on your camera.

After a while, they will emerge from the band room door once again and will march over to the opposite end of the drill hall. This all happens before the ceremony begins.

You will not see the recruit band again until halfway through the ceremony, when they come in from your right playing and marching Sousa's "The Thunderer". (Unless the music is different,,,,but I doubt that it will change)

Then they stop on the right side of the reviewing stand where they play a beautiful piece called "For America". The choir sings it as well. (very impressive)

Then they play "Anchors Aweigh" while everyone sings. You won't hear the band very much, as the Sailors drown them out! haha!

Then they will march right in front of you (anotherr great photo op) to the very left end of the drill hall.

When liberty is called, everyone rushes onto the floor, but the 900 unit has to put their instruments away in the band room before you can meet and hug them.

We simply stayed a few minutes extra in the bleachers, watched the revelry, and before we knew it, there was Evan in front of us.

I hope this is helpful, and you will get some idea of what to expect Div 937 will do at PIR.

Bob

[evan's dad]

Hey Kristie!!!!

Just curious if you noticed whether the music changed any for Jennifer's PIR from the pieces played at Brandon's PIR last year????

Bob

[PANavyMom]

Bob,

Thank you for all of the information! I will re-read your post over and over again until it's burned into my memory. I love knowing what to expect at events.
I already have reservations for her PIR weekend. I'm already looking forward to it!

Carol

[dcarmic]

Hi Everyone

Thank you Carol for letting me know about this site. My son is all so in Div 937 and is in the band. Bob thank you for the information on what the band does at the PIR. I will have my camera ready. :cheesy:

Donna

[Kristie]

Welcome Donna.....I am glad that Carol let you know about us!

[army&navymom]

Ok, I just have to ask as this is killing me! My daughter said that their final PFA was on Tues. 7-17 and she had to pass it to graduate on time. She was really worried about passing as she has had pneumonia and shin splints. She hasn't called to say she got ASMOed so if she hasn't called that's good new right? The not knowing is driving me crazy!

[PANavyMom]

army&navymom,

I thought I've read on these message boards that the recruits calls home if they get ASMO'd, but others will have to chime in on what they know.

What really caught my eye was what you said about your daughter, I could have written that since my daughter has been complaining about shin splints, head cold (ok, so it's not pneumonia), purple bruise on the bottom of her foot and a sore bump on the top of her foot.
She had a PFA run on the 17th, so I can only hope she made the qualifying time. Although I don't know if that was her final run or not?

I know we all seem to hold our breathe when we know our recruit has something they HAVE to pass. I guess no news is good news?

Carol
ps....is your daughter in 937?

[army&navymom]

Yes, this is Peggy. It's a wonder they ever graduate at all with how banged up they all sound. I know I'm probably just being a worry wart, but can't help it.

[PANavyMom]

lol....ohhhhhhhhhhhhh...Ashley's Mom!

I haven't heard from you in a while, I was wondering if everything was ok. I was just looking back at our old emails and both Melissa and Ashley had made their practice(?) run but I guess then the head, chest, foot, leg stuff set-in and things haven't been the same since.
Melissa's foot sounds bad, but she doesn't want to go to SIQ. If she can run on it and do PT and pass her run, then maybe she's ok. But she could also be doing more harm to her foot. I keep thinking that we'll be pushing her around in a wheelchair all weekend!
I'm sure that at this time it's in her mind that she'd get set back if there is a serious probably with her foot, so she's holding off.
What's the lastest from Ashley....other than needing to pass her run?

Carol

[army&navymom]

Ashley said to keep praying as she can feel it working as her pneumonia is better! Thanks for your support Carol.

My son that's in the Army just got on the Greyhound in WA. this morning and is coming home for a visit. He will be here Monday. I am so excited. He won't be able to stay long enough to go with me to see Ashley's PIR, but at least I get to see him!

He told me another funny story about being at the firing range with the Marines. At least it seems funny when he tells it cause he's such a comedian. He said they were at the range and the Marines were to their right and all were facing left and the drill was to stand, then right face and start firing. Well the Marines forgot to right face first and started shooting!
Aaron said that happened twice in 2 weeks! Aaron said when the 2nd time happened his entire company automatically dropped into a kneeling V formation and returned fire! He said "we were shooting 6 inches over their heads with tracer rounds, and it's a good thing those 'curse word ' Marines are such bad shots! He said they closed the firing range, probably more because they returned fire than because the Marines shot at them in the first place.
Mind you this was only funny to me cause since I was talking to him I knew they were okay and I could just visualize the mayhem! I sent this story to Ashley. I knew she would get a kick out of it as it sounds just like her brother to think this was funny! He was very impressed that his company reacted just like they are trained.
I'm sure he will keep me well entertained while he's here and I won't have as much time to worry about Ashley. THanks again. I hope Melissa heals up quickly! Your daughters birthday is coming up soon too isn't it?

Peggy

[PANavyMom]

Peggy,

I don't know if I liked this story or the bear story better. In each case, you could find the humor because you know the story ended well. It's good that he's keeping you entertained, since it would take your mind off of Ashley. It's good that you'll be able to spend some time with him, again making Ashley's time go by much faster. Maybe she'll get to call while he is home.
Does any one out there know if they usually get phone privileges after week 4? I've seen postings that on average they usually get 3 phone calls home. I know that there most likely isn't any specific time frame that they all get. But it's worth asking about :)

Melissa's birthday is on 8/7, is Ashley's the 25th? Did you decide on whether or not you would send her a card? I know you mentioned that she didn't want others to find out that it was her birthday. Since Melissa's is the last week that they are there, I'm thinking she wouldn't care who found out it was her birthday....she'd just be glad that she had a few more days!

Carol

[army&navymom]

Carol,

Ashley's birthday is the 25th and she has been reminding me in every letter home that its her 21st birthday. Like I wouldn't remember! She said it's okay to send birthday cards just don't make it look like a birthday card from the outside. So I have been sending her cards like thinking of you cards, etc. for the last week so that maybe they won't realize when she finally gets a birthday card. I sent 2 of them earlier this week just to make sure she got them in time. She said one girl got a bunch and the RDC's didn't realize. If they do catch on it's 4 hours of IT. OUCH!

I am waiting anxiously for Wed letters. Have you heard about grad-n go status yet? From what I have read, since Ashley is supposed to go to Pensacola and not staying at GL I may not get much time with her.

Peggy

[PANavyMom]

Are you saying that they get 4 hours of IT if the RDC's find out they received birthday cards? Yikes!

From talking to folks on the message boards, since Melissa's PIR invitation did NOT mention grad-n-go.....she'll have liberty. It does mention liberty in the invitation and that we need to ask our recruit about specific liberty information. They mention that the GL Public Affairs office won't have the specific liberty info for each grad.

So I'm going on the assumption that we'll atleast have Friday and Saturday with Melissa, Sunday too depending on when she leaves for MS. But that's all a guess until I hear from her.

Did your invitation mention grad-n-go? I talked with a mom, who's son left a week after Melissa and she received his PIR invitation and grad-n-go was mentioned all throughout the information.

Carol

[army&navymom]

The invite I got did not say anything about grad n go. Where are u staying up there? Yea, Ashley said 4 hrs of IT in one of her letters home, but then in letters after that she acted like it's okay to send them as long as it's not obvious.

Peggy

[PANavyMom]

We're staying at the Quality Inn in Waukegan, only about 3 miles from the base. I had to find a place that was pet friendly, since all of my dog-sitters may be going. Plus it's Melissa's dog anyway, she just HAD to have this dog. So if he goes, I'll be taking a lint brush and the sticky paper roller things.

Do you know where you'll be staying? If you stay at the Quality Inn, we'll see to it that you get a ride to the base and back and so forth.

Carol

[army&navymom]

I have reservations at the Navy Lodge, $61 a nite. How much is it where u are staying?

[PANavyMom]

For 2 double beds, they quoted me a price of $80, but Jackie's parents called last week and they told them $85.
For 1 queen bed they quoted a price of $70. That is the Navy rate, the regular prices were 20-30 more.

[nojusticehere]

Hi all. I can't wait until Aug 10th to see my son Corey graduate. I still get the lump in my throat. So Proud.

Bob, I read your post about Div 937 entering. But I have a question. My son is in the silent rifle exhibition. He will be positioned in the front (he sent me a diagram). He said their formation (at least right now) will be three sailors in the front and the rest in formation behind them. Do you know when and where they will enter? He told me to sit in the very center. Is that a good place to get pics and video? He also said that he will be positioned in the front right (when we are facing him in the bleechers). He said he was just promoted to Section Commander, I'm not sure what that means, lol. I've already made my flight reservations and am staying at the Navy Lodge. Sooo excited!!!!