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Comment by aster on August 2, 2012 at 10:13am

Stalking the buses to the airport - your sailors will be able to tell you when the bus will collect them to take them to the airport. When we dropped our sailor off on Saturday we were early - we collected cell phones, iPods, iPads, laptops and goodie bags from parents to take the airport (some families flew out Saturday - we flew out Sunday). Sarge will tell you where to park to follow the buses. Our sailor flew out of Midway - my husband helped unload the car and he parked the car while I started distributing all the goodies - I had baked cookies before I flew up and one of the sailor's grandma made her famous fudge brownies - everything was quickly devoured!  LOL!

The sailors going to Pensacola - the only civies they can bring are 1 pair of sneakers, their boxers or boxer briefs and 100% white cotton socks that go halfway up their calves, my sailor brought some running shorts and compression shorts - had to turn those items in to his Chief, and will get them back when he is in Phase 2. They have limited room at "A" school, did not want the laptop until later. You can send care packages, no food, Your sailor will give you the new address on Monday after arrival! and you can text all day if you chose, they can only answer at night!  :)

Comment by aster on August 2, 2012 at 10:05am

AFTER PIR -  met our sailor at NEX - store will be crowded better to shop there when you return your sailor to base later in the day. We went to Chicago, but the Mall is nearby if you prefer the mall. The Metra (train) is right next to the base, parking is cheap (carry $1 bills with you) go to the machine, purchase your parking pass, place in the window. Walk to the station, purchase your tickets on the Metra, get off the last stop (Ogilvie Station), go downstairs, hail a cab outside to go to your destination. I suggest do whatever your sailor wants to do, if you have AAA get a Chicago map and a book of the things you can do and see. check out http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en.html Our sailor wanted to see the Navy Pier (very touristy) and very crowded. We then went to Willis Tower (Sears Tower) they had an hour wait so we headed back to RTC. When leaving Chicago - buy your Metra ticket at the station (saves a few bucks) - get off at Great Lakes, we rode all weekend on the upper part of the train. We got a bonus - our sailor flew out early Sunday morning. We went to Chicago - saw the Willis Tower 1st thing - they get in free there - then we rode the double decker tour bus around Chicago - stopped at Millenium Park - had a yo-yo contest that day, - had our photos by the "Bean" went down to the lower level had lunch - walked around the park - took the double decker back to Navy Pier (some in our party did not go on Friday). Metra back to GL. You drop your sailor off in the RTC at the NEX store and that's also where we collected him and friends in the morning.

 

 

Comment by aster on August 2, 2012 at 9:54am

Sarge' Meet and Greet - that is fresh FRUIT  :)

PIR - we only had 6 divisions at out PIR - my husband and I got there at 6:30 drove right in - the Navy personnel will direct you to the parking garage, and you will walk through covered areas to the hall. You will need your photo ID and they will check your name against the list, if not on the list - they will be directed to a waiting room. In the hall there are 2 concession stands, selling water, covers (the white sailor hats) and other small items. These are only there for a short time, they are not there during the ceremony. Ask your SR during the "I'm a sailor" call where they will be standing. My son is tall so he was towards the back and we couldn't see him from the stands. You basiclly can see the faces of the first three rows, as they are in height order...and they do "all look the same"    :) When Liberty is announced - your sailor will probably see you before you see them, you might get to meet the RDC's also (we met one). Buy Lala's ribbons, it helps you locate other moms from your division at Sarge's Meet and Greet and at PIR. Photos inside only - my sailor had to muster at his station so we met him at the NEX after PIR. The 900 division needs to return the instruments and flags immediately afterwards and those staying at GL need to take the bus to their new location - they were able to meet with their families around 3, but then had all weekend they could see their families.

KEEP your car pass!

Comment by aster on August 2, 2012 at 9:42am

Hi ladies! My sailor's PIR was this past Friday 7/27 - it was wonderful! Here is what I did. We flew SouthWest, as they are very generous with changing flights - better than using non-refundable tickets - they fly into Midway.

Car rental - if you are renting a car - use your discount rates - AAA - AAPR - union rates whatever, we used Hertz the best deal was with AAA - you will probably go through tolls on the highway - instead of carrying around a bunch of change, ask the car rental company for a car with an iPass - if you go through a toll without paying - the fines are hefty and will be applied to your rental bill - iPass is the way to go.

 

Hotels - we stayed at the Courtyard Marriott - it's fairly new - Christine the manager is unbelievable - I have never met a manager so helpful, friendly and going above and beyond for the Navy families. We had a king bed with a sleeper couch. It is 10 minutes to RTC. It is 1/2 mile from Sarge's Meet and Greet. Wal-Mart is across the street, McDonalds down the road, Denny's nearby and other small stores. Good location.

Sarge's Meet and Greet - he is wonderful - I was expecting snack type food - he had for our group 2 types of pasta, meatballs, sausages, breadsticks, salad, and fresh fresh and sodas. We ordered drinks from the bar. He showed some video clips, did a slide presentation, gave you answers to questions you didn't even think about. Repeated information often for those that did not hear. Children are welcome - it is a private party. Please RSVP on his site to the amount of people in your party - he pays for this out of his own pocket - leave a donation in the jar on the table. Put his cell phone inumber in your cell - I did not use his service as we had a rental car, but he answered my questions. He has a FLEET of new minivans, when you go to the base you will see a lot of his taxis.

Comment by diannep on August 2, 2012 at 8:37am

Hmmmm....I think if you plan to drive, I would head over there before 6:30.  Lala was at the Navy Lodge which is the closest hotel (about a mile away) to the base...so maybe the reason they could leave a bit later.  

We took the shuttle (our hotel was about 4-5 miles away) and left at 6:30.  Shuttles bypass the car lines. Arrived at the gate in 10 minutes and it took about 25 minutes to get through security and into the hall.  We were there shortly after 7 and were surprised at how many were already in there.

So for those looking to pick out seating (floor or balcony?), I would suggest being in the car line by 6:15 or so or on the first shuttles from the hotels. 

Congrats, Blue Eyes!  Great news!

Good morning all!

Comment by Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons on August 2, 2012 at 12:17am

Cars will be lined up before 6am but they don't open the gate until 6:30. We left the hotel at 6;30 and was in line, parked near the chapel, checked in, and in the PIR hall by 7:30 and we had 13 divisions graduating.

Comment by diannep on August 1, 2012 at 8:09am

Some of the ones who seem to be "going home" from a division may actually be "asmoed" (setback) for a week or two, and then will join another PIR group/division to continue training. They can asmo for many different reasons...and discharge for the same.  The divisions usually start around 88 or so SRs and graduate with between 65-75 sailors.  But that last number includes ones who joined from earlier PIR groups after being setback.

Comment by nursecat(ship 2/ DIV 942) on August 1, 2012 at 6:43am

MissMe27...what div is your SR in? You have probably said before but I cant keep track of everyone! LOL :)

Comment by nursecat(ship 2/ DIV 942) on August 1, 2012 at 6:41am

AMOMMSO we are staying at Navy Lodge also & going to Sarge's meet & greet on thursday night!

Comment by AMOMMSO on August 1, 2012 at 6:10am

Did he mention why some were going home? And how many thst is sad I hope they change their minds if they can and stick it out,I hope my son is okay,since I havent spoken to him and only received one letter to date its hard to tell,but he did sound upbeat.so I am keeping positive thoughts for him...

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