help 2-05-2016 I really need advice. PIR

[lzlove777]

I am really concerned. I will be going to PIR to see my recruit graduate. However I will be in the chapell. That is one of my concerns. Will i still get to see him right after they are released? Or do I have to immediately go off base ? My other concren is spending time with my recruit for liberty. Are there cabs or taxi's that go to downtown Chicago? Are they pricey? But I am just very worried. I want to see him after graduation. I truly do and it will break my heart if i dont get to see him and spend time. I am coming to Great lakes alone so that is another concern. I guess i will have to put this situation in Gods hands and know that he will work it out as he always do. any advice from people who went?

[D's Nana]

Hope to meet you there @ the Chapel. His (God) hands are the best!

[lzlove777]

likewise :) Yes, I agree :)

[lzlove777]

I will see him at the airport too and liberty. I am going to show my support because it is an important event and milestone :)

[Mominmich]

Well yes God's hands..but it's best to not ask too much. First, downtown Chicago is pretty far from the base and typically these sailors go to A school or their next station after PIR..and though they have some 'hours' for Liberty, as I recall they are not allowed to leave farther than 15 per 20 miles..so I don't think your sailor will be going to downtown Chicago. I'm not sure what you mean by you being in the chapel, but I can tell you my experience. First off driving is horrible - good for you if you are taking shuttle..we were staying just 3 miles away and left the hotel at 6:20am thinking we'd have lots of time...it took my husband 3 hrs to get in and park. I say my husband..because I ended up getting out of our vehicle that was stuck in traffic and leaving hubby to deal with traffic/parking and I walked to the base and the ceremony as one of us needed to be there as we had come a long ways and I was not going to miss it.
So the ceremony lasts roughly an hour and a half. There is seating on two levels..the upper second floor gives you a rally nice view of the whole broad ceremony and it's nice cause their are flags from all the home states etc. The lower floor might be nicer at the end as you are right on the floor where the sailors are..so you don't have to fight the crowds coming down the steps..but that's the best time to visit with your sailor. They are so happy and it's a great time to get some photos of them with their buddies. They then needed to back to their rooms as they said they needed to check out to be out of their rooms...we met back up with them at a spot we said we'd be at and were able to take them back to hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon with them at our nearby hotel.But they had to prepare t fly out and again they had to be back on base by 6 pm to prepare for their flight out the next morning. Of course all will depend on where your sailor will be heading afterwards. Again I don't know where the chapel is or if you'll be able to see the ceremony from there, but certainly afterwards there should be some time to visit, but I don't foresee a trip to downtown Chicago with the sailor. That's my two cents.

[Martha]

My son just graduated 1-15-16. What I was told if I had visitors that were not on my SR list of invitees is, once you get on base you will be escorted to the chapel. They have a live stream of the graduation where you can watch what is recorded. I was told sometimes the live stream malfunctions, in that case you will have to stay in the Chapel until graduation is over and will be escorted back to parking area. It is a long walk apparently and I was told you will not get to see your recruit at that time. Once liberty is announced at the graduation the sailors will get anywhere from 15-30 minutes with the family at the hall. For those going to A school at Great Lakes they will have to move to school ships and process in. Which takes approx 3-4hrs. If the A school is not at Great Lakes then their liberty time will depend on when they leave to airport in the morning. A lot of parents posted they got about 4 hours with their sailor. They strongly recommend you do not go to Chicago as traffic is really bad and they can not miss cerfew under any circumstances. They do have to get back early as they have to walk back to their ships. It takes about 35 mins to reach Chicago area. Not sure on cost of taxi as I drove up from TX, but there is a great taxi service available. Sarge's Taxi Service. I saw them all over the area. If you call them I'm sure they can give you some type of estimate. I'm sorry I don't have the # now but I can post it later. You will be able to meet your Sailor at the airport if they are shipping out. Some parents did that to spend some more time with them before they left. They should have a support group on FB according to the PIR date and they are very infornative and helpful. Also the parents and families of the SR'S are a huge support as well. Will pray things come together and you get to spend time with your SR. Hugs and blessings. :-)

[Martha]

Just another suggestion. Let his family know the Chicago trip during liberty is not recommended. Perhaps then, they will plan on doing something nearby base that you can easily go to. Also my son wanted to just take a shower ALONE for once and chill at the hotel for a bit with us. There's a lot of restaurants and movie theaters and the mall is Huge. Surprisingly, my son wanted a good hamburger. Lol. He didn't want to go to a sit down restaurant. So he got to relax and tell us about his time at boot camp and listen to music and watch TV. Ok. Well Good luck and God bless. :-)

[mamaboat]

Hopefully, your sailor will be able to phone you when ready for the short Liberty.
He/she will inform you where he can be picked up. You must sign him out and have him back on time. The drop-off sight and car line-up at end of Liberty is a mile long, so plan accordingly and don't be late. If they say 9 pm. Have him back by 8:30 pm to avoid a reprimand. It would be a good idea to stay at a nearby hotel/motel where you can wait for his call and can have some quiet time together. Our son was exhausted after Graduation and just wanted a warm meal, hot shower, and a real bed to sleep in for a few hours. They work them right up to graduation. It is not uncommon for a few graduates to drop on the floor and be escorted to sick bay at the ceremonies. So, try not to over-plan. Keep it simple and quiet. They have not had the worldly stimulation we are so accustomed to, and their first few hours of Liberty are stimulating! Chicago trip is not a good idea. It takes hours to get there and back, even in the best of weather.

[D's Nana]

Thanks!

[lzlove777]

Of course :) You can go in the chapel for PIR if your name is not on the list for PIR. My SR put his family's name on the list to go into the hall to see the ceremony, however since my name is not on the list I will go to the chapel on the campus to see it live stream :)

[NANNY03]

get in touch with sarge his # is 18472120246 he is a super guy retired from military of 23 yrs very helpful he actually does the meet and greet for parents and has his own cab services and is a great guy