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Comment by Vickyrun on November 23, 2009 at 1:28am

Yeah the body snatchers, that was one thing I did not learn about before PIR, this woman I was sitting next to her daughter fainted and they took her away. The mom was upset. Thank goodness my daughter didn't faint, she doesn't lock her knees. They have reshearal at anothr hall before they march into the hall we are in, so they stand at attention a long time. Yeah they take anyone, guys or girls that is not standing at attention properly, like if there eyes start to water, etc. Yeah, I was glad her PIR was 8/21, Don't think I would want to go to Chicago during the winter. I hate snow!

Comment by Vickie - Rooney's mom on November 23, 2009 at 1:08am

Oh yeah, at least 5 went down at my son's PIR. Guys too. I saw a guy go down who was manning the rails when we did the tiger cruise.

Comment by Cindy on November 22, 2009 at 11:38pm

Body Snatchers -- those are the guys (not sure exactly who they are) who move up and down the rows checking for recruits who look like they're about to pass out. When someone starts to drop they sweep in and snatch them away, somewhere they can sit and rest. We saw about three girls pass out at our PIR.

Another thing just came to mind-- gotta love those BCG's!

Comment by Tee-1sailor's mom on November 22, 2009 at 9:27pm

Cindy, what are the body snatchers? I must have missed that!

Comment by Cindy on November 22, 2009 at 7:26pm

My son talked during BC endlessly about how much he wanted Chicago-style pizza during PIR weekend. So, I did my research found the best rated places and had 3-4 in my GPS so depending where we were or what we were doing, we'd have pizza close by. We met him after graduation, went by the NEX briefly and said "...so, ready for pizza?" He said his RCD's had thrown an all-you-can eat pizza party for the division the night before, and he took them up on the challenge! So, okay, we did a variety of other things during the weekend and got the good pizza for Sunday lunch.

I definitely recommend the Gurnee Mills Mall, about 10 minute drive from the base. There's a Rain Forrest Cafe in the mall, and a wide variety of restaurants all around. For our son, the pleasure wasn't as much what he was eating, but it was being able to relax, take his time, and enjoy the meal.

I'd agree with the gift card recommendation, my son was on hold at GL for a couple of weeks and said that he went with guys off base fairly regularly.

We were stuck in traffic and later than we hoped getting to PIR. We sat in the second row of the upper level. A bit further away, but a great overall view of the proceedings. I just wish I had a better telephoto lens for my camera! I heard to check the upper row at either end of the hall. The sailors watching are those who completed Battle Stations the night before and they get to sit and watch the graduation. Don't miss the "body snatchers" and be ready when the door rolls up and the divisions start to march in...tissue alert! It's such an awesome experience, enjoy your time!

Comment by Vickyrun on November 22, 2009 at 5:55pm

The only 2 gifts I gave my sailor Chrissy for PIR the weekend w/ her son (Yes, crazy me took a 2 year old on a 4 hour plane trip!) and lunch out. She would not let me buy any other meals. But she did want to eat constantly. She was so happy with the first meal when it came she said "Aww, it is not galley food" Lol
There is a suburb near the base called Gurnee, good food and shopping there. I recommend that you don't leave w/o getting some real Chicago-style deep dish Pizza. It is delicious!

Comment by Tee-1sailor's mom on November 22, 2009 at 4:41pm

If your sailor will be at GL for a while, one of the moms in another group said she went online and bought a gift card to the NEX. I've heard that keeping food is a ship by ship thing, depends on what their CO decides. Mine actually has a coffee maker in his room! When they go off base, there's Starbucks, and Chipotle, (my sons favorite). Keep in mind that at PIR they aren't allowed to keep anything because BC isn't offically over until the following Wed. (unless they are gread and go). I hope this helps.

Comment by paddysmima on November 22, 2009 at 3:30pm

I only know what Mike was told. No food in his room. I am sure they sneak it in anyway. Maybe they make exceptions or they have a different barracks, different CO. I do not know. I do know that he has seen edibles sent confiscated. So it may benefit all to check with the rules before they send these things.

Comment by paddysmima on November 22, 2009 at 3:02pm

I love the gift card idea. It is perfect. Now..Does anyone one know what eating establishments are onthe base at Great Lakes? I know about the Mcdonalds and the Subway. For anyone who is wondering. My son is in his A school there. ( electricians mate) He thinks he will be there for the next 10 years or so. I know that they are not allowed to have food in thier rooms. So mailing those cookies is questionable. I know they would love to have them. Just keep in mind that sometimes they cannot keep them.

Comment by Tee-1sailor's mom on November 21, 2009 at 5:41pm

Hi everyone, I changed my picture again if you didn't recognize me. My son is coming home form Thanksgiving and I'm SO excited, I took the whole week off so I'd be ready and can spend every possible minute iwth him (have to share some you know.)

I'm going to the 12/6 M&G and hopefully more through the year and looking forward to meeting for of you. Bea, you're the best!!

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