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.

[MamaBear kk]

Kate...This is a great idea! ~ kk

[Kate]

MamaBear kk,

A few weeks ago, thinking about graduation...how excited I am and how excited she is to see us...I couldn't help but wonder and think about those who may have nowhere to go. That would be the absolute pits and depending on who you are, could be a painful experience.
Initially, I wasn't sure if we would be able to make it to her graduation and the thought of her alone on that day, really bothered me. Fortunately, that wouldn't be the case.

We have extra space in our [rental] car and I know that any sailor would probably be happy to just go!
I don't suspect that they will be "picky" about where to go, what to do or what to eat.

I'm scouting for places to go, places to eat and keeping in touch with my daughter. I will let her and her two friends be our "guides" in that area. We'll navigate and provide for them what we can.

I think it would be nice if there was a "sig" option for our posts, one that is automatically left at the bottom of each post written, with a sentiment... that being what we've discussed here and as a means to give others something to consider.

~Kate

[William D. Farmer]

An excellent thought, my son pir in july and on the last day we were there, that topic came up in conversation with my son. If I had only thought of it earlier a young sailor from Guam would not have been alone all weekend. I still feel badly about that.

[Hoppi aka Angie]

Don't feel bad, the Sailors somehow always seem to find each other and hang out if they don't have family that comes to the PIR.

[vettespace]

Kate, wonderful idea. We saw several at the Gurnee Mall that didn't have family attend (most couldn't afford the trip from far away). Some do link up with others and head to the mall, but I'm sure there are others that stay back at the ship alone. I wish that I had more communication with my son ahead of time to plan what you're planning.

[katsfancy**Ship9Div028]

What a kind and generous gesture. God Bless you! I haven't received any notice giving an exact graduation date yet, but my husband left for BC on 10/27 so I'm thinking he'll graduate on 12/18. At leaste that's what his recruiter was predicting. I'll keep your idea in mind and do the same.

[diana]

katsfancy, your husband left on 10/27, my son left on 10/28, his recruiter was predicting a date of january 8. it will be interesting to find out exactly when things may be happening.

[MommaT]

My daughter went on 10/28 and I just got her grad package today, She is graduating on Dec 30, 2009. If that helps anyone : )

[Maureen]

Go to Recruit Training Command under "family" It will show Division #'s with the scheduled graduation date. www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/upcoming_grads.asp

[Christine Ship 09 Div 037]

What a great Idea! I'll tell my son as well! Thank you!

[Cheryl HAMILTON]

We did take one of our daughter's friends with us on the graduation week-end it was so much fun to watch them eat !!!!!! It was like a little child in a candy store !!!!! I also found it interesting to hear about the different backgrounds and families we all come from !!!! You will not be sorry you invited your daughters friends along!!!!!!!
Cheryl

[NotAChance]

I have also written my daughter whos PIR date is 11/13/09 to invite a sailor who will not have family in attendance come along with us. I have yet to hear a reply. Will update when I hear news on this from my daughter.

Kind regards,
Lisa