Ship 02, Div 911 -- Roll Call!!! ;o)

[sherrys (Alumni-Ship 02 Div 911)]

Hello All and a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I hadn't seen a group formed yet for our ship, so I thought I would start one (Ship 02, Div 911 - USS Reuben James (PIR Feb 4, 2011)) so we all can be in touch! We have a special connection with band, choir, and drill team!  It will be great to share our experiences, stories and plans to meet up for PIR in Feb!  I'm a new Navy mom, and missing my daughter greatly right about now (as I am sure we all are missing our loved ones!), but am so very proud.  Let's chat!

[sherrys (Alumni-Ship 02 Div 911)]

12AM in Great Lakes...HAPPY NEW YEAR to our SRs in Div 911 and their families!!! ;o)

[sherrys (Alumni-Ship 02 Div 911)]

I've taken a short break the last couple of days, trying to regroup and refocus!  I'm just now starting to check into my travel options (am I the last one?!)... Where's everyone staying?  I think I would like to be as close as possible to the base due to the weather and early morning wake up call on Friday for PIR(!), while not giving up "comfort" but don't really know the area nor the hotels.  I'm thinking about possibly taking a red-eye flight on Feb 2 and staying until Monday so that my son and I will have the most time possible with my daughter over the weekend (Fri, Sat and Sun!).  Anyone else's plans similar to this?

[aprilan]

Hi Sherry

I haven't made reservations or flight plans yet but I plan on flying out on 2/2 (my daughter's bday) and returning on Sunday. My sister already booked a room at the Navy Lodge which is where I plan on booking in the next day or so.

[Arizona mom]

Hi Sherry
I'm new to the group and was just getting ready to book hotel and air.
I was thinking that we would take a shuttle from the airport then rent a car in great lakes?We live in chandler az and have never driven in snow.I would like any suggestions as well as I like the idea of maybe staying at same hotel if we could. thanks Doreen (arizona mom)

[sherrys (Alumni-Ship 02 Div 911)]

Hey there, Doreen!  So happy to have you come aboard!  ;o)  Regina has a son in Ship 02, Div 911, and is also from Arizona!  I think that makes two from Arizona, three from California, one from Texas, and one from Wisconsin in our DIV so far!  

I am still checking into my flight options, and will most likely target 2/2 to fly in to either O'Hare or Milwakee.  I hear it is less expensive to fly into Milwakee as well as less expensive to rent a car from there. 

Did you see that there will be a Meet & Greet at the Ramada Inn on the 3rd?

Also, I am ordering ribbons for those from our group who want them, to wear in support of our Sailors at the PIR on Feb. 4.  There is a mom whose son graduated from BC earlier this year, who makes these ribbons.  On one strand is your Sailor's name, and on the other strand will be their division # (911).  I will bring them all with me to the Meet & Greet and to the PIR for anyone who is not able to make it to the M&G Thursday night.  If you would like to jump in on the order, it is not too late!  Just send me a message with your SRs first name, and how many you would like!  ;o)  Here is a picture of what the ribbons look like:

[Shelly Ship 02 Div 911]

Sherry

 

If it is not too late to order i would like 4 with Chris on one side... let me know and the cost so i can be ready to get them at the meet and greet.

 

Thanks

shelly 

[sherrys (Alumni-Ship 02 Div 911)]

Shelly ... not too late!  ;o)  I'll get your 4 added in right away! ;o)  I sent you a PM (private message) about this too! 

[sherrys (Alumni-Ship 02 Div 911)]

I think Regina is planning to stay at the Residence Inn in Mettawa/Lake Forest?  (Regina, did I get this right?)  I was previously looking into the Residence Inn in Waukegan, which is about 3 miles from the base from what I understand.  I haven't booked yet, and am still checking on rates.

Regina, do you happen to know if there is a difference between these two properties besides location?  (I think the one you plan to stay at is not too far from base either ... 5-6 miles?)  The one in Waukegan I am told has a nice packet of information they've put together for the PIR guests, as well as offers some sort of shuttle service to the base for the graduation.  

If anyone else has suggestions or further information, or have reservations already, please do share!  ;o)  

[Rosie (ship 2 div 911)]

Good Morning Mom's,

 

I am flying into Milwaukee from San Diego. It is just as far as Midway/Ohare, but much cheaper. Also, before you book your hotel please go to Trip Advisor and check out the reviews on the hotel you will be staying at. I found that very helpful. We are staying just outside of GL in Gurnee.

[sherrys (Alumni-Ship 02 Div 911)]

Hey DIV 911 family!  As of this Friday, we are exactly 4 weeks away until we see our "Sailors"!!!  WooHoo!  ;o)  (But I guess I didn't have to remind anyone of this! LOL!)  Any more on the letter front?  Any new news?  Texas Navy Mom (Robyn) ... I hope everything is okay on the home front ... you've been pretty quiet for awhile!  ;o)  (Perhaps the fear of bringing up the scarf issue again is holding you back?!)  LOFL!  I'm expecting another letter from my daughter in tonight's mail.  I'm soooo hoping to hear that their division has rounded that corner and all are coming together as a team by now!

[sherrys (Alumni-Ship 02 Div 911)]

Arizona mom (Doreen) -- As for any tips for driving in the snow, the best thing I can say is to take it slow!  No sudden starts or stops or turns, etc.  Leave double the normal distance between you and the next car as it will take twice as long to bring the car to a stop in icy conditions.  The roads should be pretty well cared for in that area, as they are accustomed to that type of weather and have their snow plows at the ready!  It's the "black ice" that worries me, typically at night.  Patches of water that turn to ice at night when the temperature drops.  Hard to spot, and very slippery!  Also, it is always harder to maneuver the unfamiliar (e.g., rental car vs. your own car), so I might suggest finding a large open parking lot or someplace where you can take the rental out and get the feel for its handling.

Anyone else have some helpful pointers/advice for Doreen?

[sherrys (Alumni-Ship 02 Div 911)]

Gals -- Be sure to check your personal mail on this site (up in the upper right hand corner of the website window you should see a box header with your screen name and then "Inbox (1 new)" or something like that.  There have been a couple of personal messages sent to the individuals of this group in the past couple of days.  ;o)