It gets better and some helpful hints!

[TJsMom SHIP 03 DIV 021]

I just wanted to take a moment to share my experience while it was still fresh in my mind, so I am writing here to help and give some free advice!

My son just went through his PIR, and I don't know what I would have done without this site! There is a wealth of information here. So even if you don't contribute, read it and take what you want from it. You will be ahead of the game just from observing. Sometimes your SR will not have all the info, or maybe even incorrect info. Here you can know exactly what's going on-this site will help!

I was a basket case when my son left. This site added comfort, and gave me real answers to what was going on and what he was going through. I missed the 1st phone call they were allowed and it about killed me. If you check in on the comments in your DIV, moms are very good at posting that they got a call, or posting which DIV is calling. So you can have a heads up then.

Most calls are short, and they are exhausted. In the excitement, you may not remember things you want to ask. This may sound silly, but make a list of questions. It helps! I also sent a few letters that he just had to circle "yes" or "no" because they don't have a lot of time to write. My sailor told me one thing that really helped him was the letters. I wrote almost everyday. It helped me, too. I felt close to him by writing. I would type out all the football scores for him. Oh, make sure the envelope is not thick. They can get in trouble for that. I also sent a self addressed stamped manilla envelope for him to mail back all the letter he got. They only have so much room in their bunk area.

If you can, be sure to go to the meet and greet that Sarge hosts. Its a nice buffet dinner and you can meet the moms you have gotten so close to. Its the night before PIR.

My daughter and I stayed at the Waukegan Marriott. I highly recommend it! The staff caters to military and are very welcoming and friendly! It was $99 a night. It might be out of your budget, but it was well worth it. They are close to base (10 mins? or less) and very easy to find. Close to eating areas, and they have an indoor pool and hot tub.

For PIR we took the hotel shuttle. We had a car there, but this is MUCH easier. We took the 1st shuttle at 6 am and as we drove up, the line of cars was a good 3-4 miles! The shuttle by-passes all that and takes you straight to the gate. It was $6.

If you drive they search your car. If they play Taps you have to pull over. For me, it was the right choice to shuttle. We waited outside the gate for 5-10 minutes, and yes-it was very very cold! They let us in the gate, we showed them our ID's and were directed inside.

It was recommended to sit in the balcony to watch PIR. But we sat on the floor-3rd row bleachers and it was perfect! The bleachers are metal, and they don't heat the room too much, so plan accordingly. You can take arena seats in. My son was a flag carrier and in the front row so we were right in front of him. Let your SR know how you plan on meeting him after the ceremony. Either you stay put or tell him/her to stay put. There are a lot of people there!

After PIR we went out to eat. Anastasias was next to the hotel so we went there. He had a great steak. They give you a ton of food and reasonably priced. We went to the movies and he fell asleep. It was his idea... so keep these things in mind. I would have recommended just hanging out at the hotel looking back now because he was so tired!

We were their for Thanksgiving and went to a place called Lovell's. It was highly recommended, and worth it! A former Naval astronaut (look it up!) owns it and your SR eats for free! Beautiful place, just 10 mins from the hotel.

So, if your SR is flying out, and flying out from Midway, I can tell you that you can go all the way inside the airport, up to the gate with him. I believe it was true for O'Hare also. Lots of misinformation about this and the moms were burning up the comments with questions that night/early morning about it.

The RDC tells your SR to have their parents call the airlines to get a boarding pass. I did. They cannot do that over the phone. So don't waste your time. This is what happens... you take your now Sailor back to base. They are bused to the airport. You will know ahead of time what airlines, flight and what time the bus is leaving base. You park in short term parking. We were there from 2 am to 6 am and it was $10.

After you park, enter the airport. We entered right where the baggage carousel is and saw a sea of Navy blue sailors. They were tagging their gear, getting stuff ready to go. Once they are all checked in there, we got a drink and hung out for awhile. Then they all headed upstairs for airline/baggage check in. All the parents follow behind the group of sailors.The USO representative was very nice and helpful. She was there at 2 am the night after Thanksgiving!

So, now you wait for your sailor to get checked in at the ticket counter. You then stand in a special line, which you will be directed to, with your sailor, to get your boarding pass. Have your ID handy and they print out the pass and you can be on your way with your sailor then. You will go through security, all that.

We spent as much time with him as we could, so that meant camping out at the airport from 2 am to 6 am. It was a nice time, actually and fun to meet his bunkmates and hear the stories. Take lots of pictures, even there, because its just a nice finish.

They have a backpack to carry on the plane, so I brought his laptop w charger, tide wipes, lint brush, snack for plane, and cell phone w charger to take with him on the flight. They can have a cell and laptop then, and it was cheaper to give it to him there instead of shipping it and worrying about damaging his laptop. And they are sooooo happy to have cell phones again!

I brought another sailor his cell phone because his mom had to leave earlier and would not be able to get it to him. He was so grateful for that, and really-it was no trouble. So, be aware of these kind of situations. Some sailors did not have anyone to see them off and were happy to hang out with us.

The time went by so fast, the next thing I knew he was boarding the plane! I could not stop the tears, but its much easier now that he is at A School. We have talked several times and texted. I am a much happier momma with that!

I am so proud of him. Its an adjustment, but a good one. He is so happy, proud and good with his decision. I hope this helps some of you on this journey. I don't have all the answers, but someone here will be able to tell you. Just ask!  

I wish you all the very best and hope this helps! Bravo Zulu!    

[lemonelephant]

The airlines usually only impose a limit on the number if a very large number of loved ones are wanting to accompany the group of Sailors who are flying out. Four should not be a problem. Yes, with a 1 October ship date it is possible that he would be in the Thanksgiving TG, which will have PIR on Wednesday and the Sailors who fly out will fly out on Friday in most cases.

[Nancystj]

Thank You!!

[lemonelephant]

You are very welcome.

I left info for you on your My Page.

[Angie]

Thank you so much for this Information my Son left October 1st.....counting down the days until we get to see him again.

[lemonelephant]

Angie, counting Fridays may be easier on you than counting days until you get to the last week.

Check your My Page.

[HoneyBeeQueen]

Thanks!! Super helpful!