I.T. Phone Home: Do you remember the days of standing in line to make a call home? Now there's a new phone app to stay in touch!

2014-11-13T09:00:11-05:00

If you are lucky enough to get a cell phone signal while deployed....

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/tech/2014/11/12/sandboxx-iphone-military-app/18907843/

Sandboxx app keeps off-the-grid service members connected

Sandboxx app sends photos, letters and care packages to service members, even when they are off the grid, with just a tap on an iPhone.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jul 21 at 2015 2:06 PM

2015-07-21T14:06:27-04:00

SGM Private RallyPoint Member - I tried using my cell whilst deployed. I whistled through those minutes like 90 headed South! During BCT I don't let my Privates even think about having their cell phones until at least week four, when I let the high BRM Private have 10 minutes. I let the survivors have their cell phones the Sunday before we head out for the final FTX so they can advise their parents IRT Family Day and Graduation. Apart from that, absolutely no cell phones.

Response by SPC William Weedman made Jul 22 at 2015 1:18 AM

2015-07-22T01:18:51-04:00

I remember especially in basic we would line up at the phone booths after lunch on Sundays. Drill Sergeant standing there allowing us 5 minutes then hang up. About week 6, my mother had outpatient surgery, I asked my Drill Sergeant terrified if I could call her the evening of the surgery just to make sure everything went well. He told me to remind him the night of the surgery, I did and he told me to use the phone in the day room. Up to that point, we had only been allowed in the day room to clean it. I called all went well and she was glad to hear from me. Once I got to Texas for AIT they had a phone center with very inexpensive rates but long waits. Korea it was collect only from a phone booth near Bn HQ, although somehow my parents found the phone number to the hall phone in our barracks in Korea, and called me on my birthday!