I submitted my package on the 16th of September. Followed it up with another email a week later to get receipt confirmation. Heard back about a week or so after that, confirming it had been received. I think it was about 4 days later that he let me know it was being processed and sent to the next board. He does answer calls and he will answer emails. A lot of people submit at the deadline though and he gets bogged down. I've had packages with no confirmation and not even be listed on the at board list still make it to the board for consideration (for other designators) He's good at what he does, but it takes time.