PIR 8/29/08

Comment

Comment by Becky on September 4, 2008 at 9:17pm

I'm so sorry I didn't find out about N4M until last weekend! This forum would have been such a great help to me during the long 8 weeks of bootcamp. I'm also sorry I didn't get the chance to meet with all of you when we were Great Lakes last weekend. Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS to all of our new sailors (I love the song!) and I hope to get to know all of you better as we go through A school or whatever is next for everyone. My son is still in GL but will, hopefully, be going on to Pensacola in the next few weeks.

Comment by Jenny...CBmom "CAN DO" on August 27, 2008 at 9:35pm

Hi there, my son's PIR was 8/22. Hope you dont mind me butting in but thought i would share a few pointers with you. I know you are all excited right about now as the battlestations calls are coming in! Sorry I could not get this to you sooner....We stayed at the homewood suites in Lincolnshire, A+! Great rooms/suites, free breakfast and they take good care of you. We arrived at the base at 5:55 am and were the 6th car in line, they will have you all get out of the car and open everything, a full search will be done and you will have to show your i.d. They take cars in groups of 30 or so at a time. i had my grandmother with us so we were able to use handicapped parking lot and they provided her a wheelchair right there in the parking lot. once inside there will be a table on each end of the hall selling the division t-shirts. I recommend getting there as early as you can, the wait is long I know, but so worth it!! bring binoculars if you have some and lots of kleenex!

my son had liberty all weekend, so he left with us right after PIR and had to back that night at 7pm. We expected to pick him up Sat morning but he called and said he had duty that morning and could be done anytime between 10 and 2 but also had watch from 4 to 6. so....he called at noon and we got to see him for 3 hours that day. Sunday we had him all day until 7pm.

i dont recommend going to the nex right after PIR as it will be VERY crowded! We went Saturday afternoon and again on sunday evening.

one thing to keep in mind, they will seem somewhat reserved at first, it will take some of them some time to adjust. after being told what to do every minute of every day and then getting a little freedom it's hard for them. he was constantly worried about what time it was and wanted to be back on base an hour before he was supposed to. he did listen to his music and did some texting over the weekend, but you could tell his priorities had changed. I will say that he did open EVERY door for me and always made sure I had a place to sit down, impressive! thank you Navy!

I cried a alot friday and sat, but by sunday I was better, i had to be for him. i knew it was hard on him to see me cry. be strong just like you have been these last 8 weeks and be greatful for every minute you get! Take lots of pics and just do whatever they want to do, which may be a lot of nothing.

Enjoy your trip and have safe travels, soon you will be hugging your sailors! im here if you have any questions!

Comment by Anita Willy on August 27, 2008 at 6:58pm

Hi everyone,
Congratulations to the Sailors of DIV 318! Got the longed for phone call around 5:00. Yippee!!!!!

Comment by Anita Willy on August 26, 2008 at 12:29am

Gosh, love the song to listen to while I post a comment here, again! Thanks Renee. I don't know which day is gonna drive me nuts more, Wednesday waiting for the "Mom, I'm a Sailor" phone call when he's completed Battle Stations or getting through my work day Thursday when I can finally load up and hit the road. Short drive for us but some unnerving days around the corner. DIV 318 starts Battle Stations tomorrow night.
Anita W

Comment by Shannon Casias on August 25, 2008 at 12:47pm

Is there anyone that is flying in on Thursday around 3 pm? If so, is there anyone that is staying at the Sunset Motel in Lake Bluff?

Comment by Shannon Casias on August 25, 2008 at 12:46pm

I just got a call that my daughter passed her tests and is in her Battle Stations now. I can't wait for Thursday.

Comment by Colleen aka seansmom on August 25, 2008 at 12:17pm

Hello all I just found this site and of course PIR is in a few days I sure could have used it during the long haul...I think BS is tonight for my Son (div319)we will leave Mo on wednesday morn. for the 12 hr drive but it will be worth the drive just to see Sean!

Comment by Grace on August 25, 2008 at 11:43am

I am in Chicago now, just counting down the days to seeing Tony. I haven't heard from him in over a week. I am sure he is ok. My Brother and Tony's girlfriend will be arriving on Wednesday. Hopefully we will all be together when the call comes in. Have the days gotten longer, or is it just me? More than likely just me. Can't wait to meet everyone on the 28th.

Comment by Cyndi Blake on August 25, 2008 at 9:15am

Congratulations to all new Sailors !!!!!! Congratulations to all you parents who made it these LONG 8 weeks and for supporting your young men and women through this experience. I am so proud to welcome all the new Sailors who will someday be beside my son - in one journey or another. I feel your honor and your pride in your children but the experience of PIR is just beginning. Your pride will shine through on 8/29 at PIR when you see your young men and women walking into the drill hall for the first time in 8 weeks - you will not be able to contain yourselves but you must try. PIR is a very proud moment for a Sailor and a professional ceremony for them as they are celebrated as Sailors. They will not be able to wave to you or maybe even look at you during the ceremony - AND DON'T GET UPSET IF YOU CAN NOT FIND YOUR SAILOR - THEY ALL LOOK ALIKE FROM WHERE YOU WILL BE SITTING. Before the Sailors arrive, they have a vendor that sells your Division T-shirts. They are designed by your son/daughters division and they are pretty cool. Make sure you get a shirt and wear it proud over the weekend. It is so great to see another proud moment of parents for PIR. Make sure if your son/daughter heads for Pensacola for A-School they look up my sailor - Jimmy Blake. Once again let me say how very proud I am of your son/daughter and of course you parents who made it these long 8 weeks. CONGRADULATIONS SAILORS!!!!!!

Comment by Jacqueline Manning on August 25, 2008 at 9:03am

It is 8am and I know we have new Sailors about to be capped very soon! Phone calls coming today!!! We want to hear your stories. Just remeber to keep a tissue handy for that call.

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