mailin 0 #1 December 1, 2006 My 20 year old cousin was recently laid off from his job as a journeyman plumber. He's decided that he doesn't want to be a plumber anymore, but he doesn't know what he wants to do - so in the mean time he's decided to enlist with the Air Force. He only just saw the recruiter last week, but he's sure he's going to enlist. I don't know when he'll have to leave but I want to get him a 'good luck' gift, something he'll find useful while he's training and such. I figured many of you would have a good idea of what would be good for him, so I welcome any insight! Thanks! JenArianna Frances Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skysurfer_Rob 0 #2 December 1, 2006 When he talks to the recruiter, and MEPS, tell him not to take whatever job they want to give him...stand up for himself until he gets the job he wants, otherwise he might just end up being a plumber in the Air Force. As far as a send off gift...a small box of paper and envelopes to write letters home with, plus some stamps of course. Maybe a phone card that he can use once he gets to tech school. There really isn't much else he will need or be able to use while in training. Also, tell him not to take ANY candy with him when he leaves. Good luck to him, I hope he does well."Though I Fly Through the Valley of Death, I Shall Fear No Evil...For I am at 80,000 Feet and Climbing." SR-71 hangar entrance sign at Kadena AFB, Japan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mailin 0 #3 December 1, 2006 Quote When he talks to the recruiter, and MEPS, tell him not to take whatever job they want to give him...stand up for himself until he gets the job he wants, otherwise he might just end up being a plumber in the Air Force. His much older brother, an airforce alumni, is helping him with that. I think he was sure plumbing was out QuoteAs far as a send off gift...a small box of paper and envelopes to write letters home with, plus some stamps of course. Maybe a phone card that he can use once he gets to tech school. There really isn't much else he will need or be able to use while in training. This is good! Thanks! How about a disposable camera? Would that be ok? QuoteAlso, tell him not to take ANY candy with him when he leaves. Uh oh, why?Arianna Frances Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skysurfer_Rob 0 #4 December 1, 2006 "This is good! Thanks! How about a disposable camera? Would that be ok?" Yes, that should be ok...might be able to get some pics of himself and his buddies in Blues. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Reply To -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also, tell him not to take ANY candy with him when he leaves. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Uh oh, why? If he forgets about it once he actually gets to basic training, and the TI's find it when they do the bag dump, he will get shit for about fifteen minutes. Well...he's going to get shit for fifteen minutes anyways...but that just gives them a reason to pick him out of the crowd of 60 people."Though I Fly Through the Valley of Death, I Shall Fear No Evil...For I am at 80,000 Feet and Climbing." SR-71 hangar entrance sign at Kadena AFB, Japan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mailin 0 #5 December 1, 2006 Good to know - thanks Rob!Arianna Frances Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leapdog 0 #6 December 1, 2006 They will give him what he needs. However somethings cost money like stamps envelops and such. It must be different than the Marines. We weren't allowed to take anything but we could get stuff sent from home like envelops, stamps. I'm speaking of Boot camp. later in traning after boot camp we could get just about anything sent to us in the mail legaly or purchase it from the post exchange. I would recommend not sending food or magazine subscriptions, or anything during boot camp unless it is requested. Some guys got cookies and when the box was opened it was a tinfoil package contianing crumbs by the time it got to them. disposable camera is good if you want him to send photos back to you but again after bootcamp. Boot camp is too busy for any extra stuff. Again it must be different than the Marines but all I had time for in boot camp when I got my hour of personal time each night was to write a letter and diary entry, shine brass and boots, maybe press a uniform. Family Readiness, Assistance and Support is part of my job in the reserves. Here is an idea I gave the Marines who were still here when the rest of the unit got deployed. http://usmilitary.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=usmilitary&cdn=careers&tm=73&gps=71_1449_1020_581&f=00&su=p554.2.150.ip_p560.3.150.ip_p284.5.420.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.aafes.com/docs/homefront.htm This way they get to pick up what they need. For anyone else reading this post and want to do something fo the hlidays to support our servicemembers this web page has a few legit resources and ideas. http://usmilitary.about.com/od/deploymentsconflicts/a/militarysupport.htm scroll down to the bottom of the page there isa second page to this with links as well. Gunnery Sergeant of Marines "I would like it if I were challenged mentally at my job and not feel like I'm mentally challenged." - Co-worker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ExAFO 0 #7 December 1, 2006 Ideas: A nice new leather wallet A not too expensive watch that will weather some abuse Phone cards Pre-addressed stamped envelopesIllinois needs a CCW Law. NOW. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sweetmoose 0 #8 December 1, 2006 I was in the airforce myself, recently got out. Not much you can give him for basic, but if money isn't a big deal, a laptop would be great when he's in tech school. I bought one during electronic principles and it helped a lot with boredom and keeping in touch with friends and family. Tell him not to take a crap job. As long as he scores good on his ASVAB he can get whatever job he wants. If he's thinking of a career, have him get a job like services or MPF. If he's just gonna do it for 4 o 6 years (like me) have him get an aircraft avionics job. I was in 4 years working on F-15s and now I'm working overseas making 50 grand a year non taxable and don't have to pay for anything except food, so I'm pretty much pocketing 80 percent of my pay and investing it. Also, tell him to say "trainee (your name) reports as orderd" and practice it, it will help out in basic.We die only once, but for such a very long time. I'll believe in ghosts when I catch one in my teeth. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sweetmoose 0 #9 December 1, 2006 Also, tell him to take care of anything that makes him stick out of the crowd, basic will be easier on him that way. If he has long hair, go ahead and shave it before he goes. If he has piercing, might as well take them out prior to basic. Don't wear a crazy t-shirt when you get there. Best plan is to wear generic single color shirts and jeans, and have enough of them to last 5 or 6 days, cause I think it takes that long until you get your uniform. Until then you're a rainbow, so dress accordingly.We die only once, but for such a very long time. I'll believe in ghosts when I catch one in my teeth. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
