Where are you staying? I originally had a Marriott Courtyard booked and it was in a great location to Great Lakes but, a friend works for a hotel chain and got me such a great rate at a Comfort Suites. We are a little ways out ( Grayslake ) but only 15 minutes or so. My niece, her husband and their two children live in Gurnee. We have been down there quite a few times but, if you have any questions about restaurants etc, just let me know and I will see if I can find out for you. 

Hi RIta!

My name is Vonda. Our son Josh is also going to A school in Pensacola. We are not sure for how long, we think 4 months. 

From our understanding, they will probally leave for the airport at 2 am on Sat. morning. We are planning on meeting Josh at the airport. Family can go to the gate and sit with their Sailor until they fly out. I am planning on taking his cell phone etc to the airport because that is where we can hand it over to him. I am super happy about that. I am so excited to have that communication with him again. Looking forward to the phone call that we might get next Friday after Battle Stations. I guess that they might be going to Battle Stations on Thursday night and then they would call us around 2:00 p.m. on Friday to let us know that they are now Sailors. 

Hi there!  Sorry...I haven't been keeping up as I should!  I'm still in sulk mode lol.  My son left on 9/26...and I haven't got a call or a box!  Still waiting on my letter though.  Thanks for finding me!  I live in Lewisburg, OH....but I consider mmyself Cincinnati...since I was born & raised here.  Yes, it is so very nice to talk & meet all the Moms on here.  It was SUCH a comfort for me through it all.  Congratulations on your SR date!  I hope I get mine soon.  I'm pretty sure it will be around the end of October though.  Hugs for being such a great Mom! You raised a SAILOR! :) Thanks for the nice note too.  Have a wonderful day :)

Since your recruit has a contract for Aviation Boatswain's Mate, join AB - Moms, Sailors In Pensacola, FL For A School....Corry Station too!!, and Parents of A School Sailors in Pensacola. You may also want to check out Airman Family and Friends. The Rating Information Card for AB can be found at https://www.cool.navy.mil/enlisted/rating_info_cards/ab.pdf. Your Sailor will most likely fly out to "A" School the day after PIR. See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend to help you know how to plan your weekend. The AB ratings requires a 60 month (5 year) service obligation.

Welcome to Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones). I look forward to sharing this journey with you. Be sure to check out the Pages (found under the pictures of the Members) for information on what to expect and to help you prepare for PIR. Start with OPSEC and PERSEC (Making Changes to Your Profile) and Arrival and What Happens at the RTC and read 1 or 2 pages a day and then go back to them as you need the info. What is your SR's rating (job/specialty) going to be? There are groups for most ratings and/or "A" Schools and knowing that will help you to better plan for PIR weekend. Take care and blessings to you and yours.

Thanks for the Friend request; I hope we can be around for some time to support each other. If there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask. Take care and blessings to you and yours.

Join the group, DEP-Leavin for bootcamp in August. You will meet others with loved ones leaving 08/06/2014 or that week who may be in the same TG and have PIR together. Be sure to check out the discussion, Things to Do in the Last Month before Your Future Sailor Leaves for the RTC. I also suggest you to join Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) and begin checking out the Pages (found under the pictures of the Members) and Discussions there.

Your future Sailor may want to join http://www.navydep.com to learn the ins and outs from the DEP point of view. Craig runs that and will steer him to some good links on there.