Comment

Comment by Jaime A-Corpsman St. MOM on June 18, 2012 at 10:31am

Thanks Diannep for the Dvd info! Def would like to order one!

Comment by diannep on June 17, 2012 at 8:12pm

Lars:  I'm not sure how quickly you have to order it (I know you have to order The Keel -yearbook-right after PIR or you can't get it...I tried!), but you can call that number and check.  They may be able to confirm that your sailor ordered the DVD. I'm not sure if they can give out that info, but maybe.

Comment by ellen0502 on June 17, 2012 at 7:20pm

FYI!!! My son ordered the DVD of PIR 4/20 and I got it a week ago, so it took almost 7 weeks. Don't panic if it isn't there right away (still don't have the KEEL).

Comment by Hm-in-the-Fam-Mom on June 17, 2012 at 6:55pm

So sorry, I thought I put that in there haha! It was Quality Inn in Waukegan, on S. Green Bay Rd. t was the second Hotel on the list in the brochure they sent. And he said he ordered the DVD, but not sure if it's coming to me or him in A school. How long do I have to order it if I need to ? Thanks.

Comment by diannep on June 17, 2012 at 5:58pm

Which hotel did you stay at, Lars?  Thanks so much for sharing your experience here!  Helps us N4Moms veterans to keep our info updated for the next groups. 

Jaime, thanks for posting your experience also!

Lars, I hope you ordered (or your sailor did) the PIR DVD.  We didn't spot our sailor either when we were there...during the entire ceremony.  It was nice to have the DVD and to finally SEE him as he passed the Review Stand.  If you didn't order one, here is the number to do so if you want to:

Photo Lab  847-578-6205

I believe it is $29 and ships in about 3-4 weeks.

Comment by Hm-in-the-Fam-Mom on June 17, 2012 at 3:51pm

Well, I finally have time to post my PIR experience!

I arrived to Great Lakes via SW airlines to Chicago Midway at 1pm ish Thursday afternoon. I picked up my car from Enterprise, whom by the way was very efficient and professional, the Enterprise counter is right by Baggage claim at Midway airport. They processed my INITIAL payment and then sent me up to level 2 to pick up the car.(they give you the option of renting a GPS unit at this time, and I recommend you get one), I had brought my own from home and used that. It was an absolute lifesaver.

Once upstairs they met me at the elevator, helped me with my bags and into the car in record time. I was given the option of renting an I-pass for the tolls at 6.99 a day and I took it since I was told there were a lot of tolls. Turns out the roads I took I didn't need it and they were nice enough to return those charges when I returned the car.

The hotel was very nice, clean comfortable beds, microwave, fridge, small 4 cup coffee pot iron and ironing board in the room. Only like 38 cable channels though, HBO, Discovery and what not. Free hot breakfasts were very nice with scrambled eggs, biscuits, bagels, I saw pancake syrup but didn't see pancakes or waffles, I might have missed those. Hot oatmeal, cereal, fresh fruits, juices and coffee. Very nice spread! No pool though.

I was too wiped out to try to find the meet and greets, so I just stayed in, relaxed in a hot bath and went to bed about 9pm.

The next am, up at 4;45, left at 6am, and found the line of cars stretching about 4 blocks to PIR. They have signs that tell you to stay in right lane for Navy PIR etc. This leads you to the garage via Ohio street, gate 8. Lots of helpful recruits
directing traffic and telling you where to park. I'm glad I drove my rental car instead of taking the shuttle, as it was really lots more convenient and not much walking to get to the visitors center. Once they opened those doors, at 6:45 am another long line ensued to the front of that building where they checked your ID against their list, stamped your hand and directed you through the double glass doors to drill hall. Once in there, you find your seat according to the Div numbers. And wait...

9am and the program starts. I sat at the last row, against the wall for my back and also brought along a Stadium seat I purchased at Walmart for $24.00 just in case I got stuck with one of the lower seats with no back. I ended up using it halfway through for the cushioned seat, as those metal bleachers do get hard on the bum!

I was looking and looking for my Sailor but never could identify him, they DO all look the same! I would recommend a camera with zoom or binoculars even better! lol. The ceremony was beautiful and will never forget that feeling :) Once they called Libery, it's a mad dash to find your Sailor! I just stood in the bleachers and let him find ME, lol.

Then most of the Sailors head to their ships for their pictures etc.

We finally left and my Sailor was not zombie like at all, he was his usual self,animated, happy relaxed.

We headed to Giordano's Pizza near Gurnee Mills Mall, alot of Sailors and families go there so get there as soon as you can. They fill up fast. He had to get back to base by 7 so really 5pm, so we had to ditch our plans for Navy Pier. It's just too far, 1 hr drive to and from. He and I didn't wanna risk it so we went to the mall and he got things he's been wanting. Sunglasses, watch, wallet.

We went back to base and spent the rest of the time we had at NEX and playing video games. He had to leave at 6am Sat so we said goodbye at this point.

He just wanted to spend time at the USO, surf the web, and sleep and he didn't want me driving to the airport in the middle of the night by myself. He's made it to San Antonio, 3 hrs from us, so happy bout that!!..on to the next Chapter...
.

Comment by Jaime A-Corpsman St. MOM on June 17, 2012 at 2:28pm

Had the best time seeing our sailor! We just spent 3 wonderful days in CH.  The PIR ceremony was great! We took a shuttle from our airport which was awesome and easy and would def do again, took us right to the front gate!  We left the hotel at 7:30am, by the time we arrived to the PIR Hall, all the bottom bleachers were full. We were directed to the balcony and we actually sat in the div beside our son's because there was a pole in front that would block our view! It was absolutely the best seating! I could see my sailor at all times and even brought binoculars to see his face up close. I think the ceremony was perfect, from the  video playing in the beginning to the marching, the choir, the drills, the guns, and then the entrance of the sailors! It was awesome!  My absolute favorite part of the graduation were when the sailors spoke in unison and sang. They sounded amazing and powerful!   I brought something soft to sit on so the bleachers were fine, not cold and uncomfortable. I brought a jacket but didn't need to wear it since we were up in the balcony, heat rises!  All n all  it was an amazing experience and one of the best days of my life! Our son looked and carried himself just as I imagined he would. He bought pictures  so we brought them back to the hotel and looked through them. They were wonderful!  We treated  him to a steak lunch at Chilis which was right by our hotel. He loved it! He wanted to see a movie so we asked the hotel for information and the Courtyard Marriott was the perfect choice. From food to service, they were always so helpful. It was a great hotel, would go there again. They printed out directions and movie times and did so with anything we asked for. There were a ton of sailors with the same idea at the mall and the movies! He ran into several he knew and enjoyed a long awaited mocha frappe!  We didn't have much time after the movie and were all still full from lunch, so headed back to the base. We walked around to give him a dif view. He said he hadn't seen it like this since they were always marching and training.  He had an extra hour since they had won Hall of Fame to be back. It was so Incredible and I miss him.  I really enjoyed hearing all about his experience. Our trip was full of conversation and stories. We are so proud of him and pleased with his choice to serve in the US Navy. Thank you to all the moms who shared so much on this site. You all made it such a pleasant experience and took away a lot of the unknown and worry. I am so proud of the transformation I've witnessed already. And can't wait to support our sailor with more letters and care packages as he moves on to his A school.

Comment by flgirltwo on June 16, 2012 at 9:14am

Hope everyone had a great time with their Sailor!

Comment by diannep on June 15, 2012 at 7:00pm

Sooooo.....how was it, ladies????  Share your experience when you can!

Comment by FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW on June 15, 2012 at 1:55pm

Craig - You're welcome! I'll keep posting it 'til we do! Some of us are thinking it is the Navy Fed but not exactly sure...or what the other building is.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• …
• 69
• Next ›
• Page