my son is new at fort benning, i am looking for someone who also has a child training at this place...he was sent to the receiving plce on nov 20. 2008

My son actually went through there about 18 months ago. If you have any questions I will try to answer them. Just know that he is fine and you will hear from him soon.

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Proud Mom of a Proud Soldier

thank you for reply....i know he is okay, he calls a lot...excited about the stuff he is learning...excited about coming home for christmas...i will be driving from ohio to ga to pick him up....i received a letter about a pov checklist enclosed, it was not enclosed....are you familiar with this privately owned vehicle checklist and what exactly i need to check on my car...?

Hello,
My son is also at Ft Benning and is graduating next week. We too are driving up from Key Largo FL. I was wondering if there is a dress code for family for the Turning Blue Ceremony and the Graduation? Also reading on I see there is something about driving a personal vehicle and a check list. I too did not get anything from Commander on this. Any adivce is appreciated. I do know that we to will be bringing him home for Christmas for 10 days and he is going to Ft Drum to the 10th Mountain division on Dec 30th. For someone that was born and raised in South Florida, he gets to see plenty of snow.
Thank you,
Proud Army Mom

I don't remember needing anything more than my driver's license to get on base. We went to family weekend because unfortunately I had a conflict with graduation. I just made sure I looked neat but not over dressed. Think pictures!

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Proud Mom of a Proud Soldier

I just came back from my son's graduation in Ft. Leonard Wood. The information I had with the POV check list was that you had to show your registration, proof of insurance and identification for all occupants in the vehicle (driver license, etc.). Also, keep in mind that your vehicle is subject to search. When we went, they did not search our vehicle - but did look at all of the documents the first time we went out. After the first time, they just looked at our driver's license each time we went back.

If you are driving a motorcycle on the base, you must wear a helmet and must have a driver's license that has a motorcycle endorsement.

Good luck --- you are going to love it!!! Gives a new meaning to proud. Thank your sons for their willingness to serve our country.

You'll probably have to register your car at the main gate. Registration, proof of insurance & drivers license plus as previously stated ID for everyone in the vehicle. We got by without having to do that for almost the whole time by using the Sand Hill gate. One day we happened to be near the main gate & decided to go in that way. We had to show all the proof. You'll get a card that needs to be displayed on your dash.

As far as appropriate dress is concerned I saw everything from short shorts & skimpy tops on young ladies (and some not so young ), Class A uniforms for us retirees, jeans, t-shirts, suits, & about everything in between. My son graduated in May of '04. I'm sure dress hasn't changed that much except for time of year. Dress for the weather & it seems to be a do-your-own-thing type of clothing.

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Proud Dad of a US Army Ranger SSG-Former 3/75 Rangers, 2/334-95 USAR at present
US Navy 1960-1966 Submarine Service, Navy Diver-UDT 21
US Army 1980-2001 Airborne Infantry,G3, Army Instructor, Commo Instructor Company 1SG
Retired 1SG/MSG
I was a Soldier. I am a Soldier. I will always be a Soldier.

They made us use the Sand Hill gate. It was very well signed once you got in the gate.

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Proud Mom of a Proud Soldier

Thank you for the heads up on all of my questions. I have learned alot by being a member here. I told my son about this sight and he thinks it is great. We can't wait to get there and see him. I also am a volunteer for Wounded Soldiers in Key Largo that come from Ft Campbell and dive with us at dive shop in key largo. Don't want to mention any names here but if anyone wants contact information you can send me a private message. We just had a group of 13 come through this past week for 5 days. All of their expenses are paid from gas money to get here to food and hotels. The community really does a great job. Just a little note if you know of someone that came back that would maybe like to contact them I can provide the information.
Thank you.
Proud Army Mom

i too am so happy to find this site...you are all most helpful....I will be sure and have all my info....
think i will check out the chat and see if anyone is in there....
this is a great site for us newbees and thank goodness we have a few pros here to help us out....