Just a thought: for those sailors who will not have loved ones in attendance...

[Kate]

For those who have a desire and means: I wrote to my daughter and told her that if there were any sailor graduating on the date that she will be graduating (11/20/09), who will not have any loved one in attendance- that if she appreciates the sailor...that she is free to invite them along with us where-ever we go.

I received a letter from her 2 days ago and not only does she have one but two sailors who will be joining us.
I don't think any graduating sailor should be alone on this day and having anticipated that this may be the case for some sailors, is the reason that I gave my daughter the option to invite another to come along with us.

I thought that I would post this, in case other's have a means and desire to do the same.

[Kathy]

this is a great idea...be sure to take extra pairs of jammies...my sailor wanted to take a nice hot shower and take a nap...so we watched TV and her sleep...it was so peaceful.

[Paige Hellums]

You are the best for doing this. It is heartbreaking to see the Sailors without family in attendance. I saw a Sailor crying after PIR and felt so bad. I wish I had invited him but I didn't and I still regret that. I guess I was too excited over my own child but I can't get that picture out of my head...poor baby. Please buy lunch for a lonely Sailor...I wish I had.

[Jonyboy1988]

That is a wonderfull thing you are doing. I am very sure the sailor's will appreciate it.

[Momrat329 (Ship 07 Div 004)]

Kate-

We have done the same. My son wrote about a young man who had no family support. We immediately invited him to be with us after PIR.

[Laura A]

We did this as well and had a wonderful girl spend most of the weekend with us. My sailor is a son and there wasn't anything romantic about it; they were just on the same ship and got along. I have to say that we were much better off for the experience. Since she was female, she told me so many things about their experiences that my son would have never shared (he's a man of few words). She was funny, smart, and a people person. It was great! I was sad at the end of the weekend to leave them both...and yes, I do wish something more could have come from their relationship - she would have made a great d-i-l! ;0)

I highly recommend for visiting families to 'adopt' other sailor's. You won't regret it!

[AirmanHutch's Mom from WS NC]

I like this idea. I will ask my Son at graduation. We just talked to him so we will ask him next time we see him.

[Marie -RE]

We have already told our soon to be sailor that if someone needs a weekend family we will be there ...at my cousins PIR (7 yrs ago ) my aunt ended up with 4 extra sailors...they went to the pier and to eat ...she said they had great time and they were just happy to get away

[James' Mom]

Hello Kate,

My Husband and I thought about this too, what a Wonderful way to show our Appreciation for our sons & daughters, devoting their lives into the service of our Country. I hope more parents are thinking about inviting these Sailor who will have no loved ones there to share this Special and Proud time with them.

Our Son is scheduled to graduate on the 4th of Dec., Excited = Yes!!! We will be asking him the same question. You are right, these graduating Sailor shouldn't be alone, they need to be encouraged.
S 11 D 016

We have made all the necessary arrangements Flight, Car, Motel (being sure of refund or rescheduling abilities), much info we have found through the Navy letter, Navy Dad's as well as through the Navy for Mom's = Thank You Dad's and Mom's for passing on your knowledge, It really helps, especially when we live on the West coast!

Someone had mentioned about the Toll Roads (.80, $1.25 to $2.50 is what we heard), Very good info, keep spare change in your car for these.

By the way, all this is new to me, I just opened my page today and I'm excited to hear what other mom's have to say.
Thank you for sharing your info for all to see.

[Michele ((SHIP 07 DIV 010)]

My son graduates 11-25-09..I am sending him a letter and telling him the same...I am not a wealthy person by no means, but those young men and women should have someone there to recognize their accomplishments and give lots of encouragement on their future endeavors. Great idea Kate!!

[Pat]

This is a suggestion for a place to eat. A family style restaurant, most of the employees have some form of disability, great food, not too far from base, although a little difficult to find...worth the effort. Called Country Inn of Lambs Farm. Large tables available. Do a google search ahead of time to get details and directions.
"This spot specialize in comfort food and makes most of its meals from scratch. Breakfast items include eggs, French toast, omelettes and skillets, while lunch items include sandwiches, salads, homemade soup, wraps and appetizers. Daily special tend toward the traditional side with roasted turkey, homemade fried chicken, carved roast beef and meatloaf. A variety of homemade breads and desserts are made on-site at the Lambs Farm Bakery."
Country Inn of Lambs Farm
14245 W Rockland Rd.
Libertyville, IL 60048
847-362-5050
My best to all of you and your new sailors!

[Julie K]

Great idea! I will ask my son to bring along a sailor with no family there for PIR this coming week. :-)

[MaryK.13(Ship3Div043)]

Great idea! I son is a pretty compassionate person, so I think he'll probably have a few people in mind as they get closer to PIR, but I will make sure to send a letter or tell him in a call that we would be honored to have a few extra sailors with us that weekend.

We live in the area, but are planning on getting a hotel closer to the base for the weekend....assuming he's not Grad N Go.

We may have to look into a rental van for the weekend too. :)