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Comment by diannep on August 26, 2011 at 2:02pm

I would also give the Public Affairs Office a call to run your situation by them:

847-688-2405

Comment by diannep on August 26, 2011 at 2:01pm

Candace, no worries.  There are sailors posted on the base with wheelchairs for those needing them.  When you go through security, mention this.  They will get him into the hall and back out again.

Comment by diannep on August 26, 2011 at 2:00pm

Jenelle:  After Hurricane Andrew (Cat 5 storm), we had no power for 3 weeks!  I was lucky that my parents had power (different part of town), so I would stay at my hot house each day, cleaning up and out since water came in through the roof and soaked 90 percent of our house...then would head to my parents that night for a bath, hot food, and a good night of sleep.  They had our area in a quarantined/curfew zone....National Guard was guarding entrances to this part of town.  You didn't get in without ID stating your address.  Curfew too, so no one was allowed in after dark, whether you lived here or not.  I would be up at the crack of dawn....ready to enter my area again once it was light to work.  It was not a happy time....never want to experience a hurricane of that magnitude again.  It truly looked like a war zone....

Comment by Jenelle on August 26, 2011 at 1:52pm

One of the worse things about Hurricanes...even if you home is intact...you will have lots of outside damage...and most likely no POWER! That is the kicker!

Down here in South Florida, it gets very hot and muggy after a Hurricane. 

TEmpers flare, no gas to be had, no power to pump the gas pumps. MOSQUITOES are out 10 fold. So, I stock up on bug spray with DEET, garbage bags, propane gas, do all my cooking on the grill top, lots of water. I filled

my bathtubs with water so I could force flush my toilets...I live on a septic tank....so, if you are not on city water, your toilets wont flush, but you can force flush them with a bucket of water. paper plates, plastic utensils so you can just throw the stuff away. I was without power for 9 days...had to get water to horses...it was a nightmare...we now have a generator.....but, you can't run an entire house on a generator! We ran fridge every 8 hours, than switched to fans at night....so, plan on NO POWER...even if you aren't in the flood zone, it's the wind that gets you...downed trees....and more downed trees! Our worse Hurricane came from the West coast of Florida, across the entire state! We thought and the MEDIA thought that it was going to be only tropical storm winds... so over all that land, it picked up the warm Everglades water and built up its steam....and Whammy...we went out during the eye of the storm...it wasnt bad, horses were all okay in their stall and all was fine, than as the back side went over us....that was the worse think ever...sounded like a freight train, took our entire metal roof off the barns and twisted it all around the trees in the front yard...my horses were up against the wall in their stalls shaking...I was crying and complaining........but, it just goes to show you that these storms do some very peculiar things that are totally undpredictable.....so, expect the worse...please when they say it's extreme, act on that.

As far as your sailors at the base, I'm sure they are all safe. I would tell them to get some zip lock bags and put their paperwork in them and stick them in a locked, safe place. Even computers, anything they don't want to get wet, lock it in a locker and /or put it high up. My daughters locker has metal doors and a shelf up top, put the computers up there in a plastic garbage bag!

Thats all for now.....Stay SAFE

Comment by Jenelle on August 26, 2011 at 1:37pm

When you get into the PIR bldg. All the people in wheelchairs will get a front row seat on the floor and they will get you a folding chair for you to sit next to him.

The walk is not that bad, 1/4 mile if that and all side walks...you can push him easily....no hills to climb.

I would just rent a wheelchair at the airport if that works best for you, than you will have it the entire weekend.Or, you can call your hotel and ask them if they have one or you can get access to one! Where are you staying? The Ramada has an awesome manager and she would find you one I'm sure.

Well, now that I think of it, the airport I'm sure if just for the duration there?

You could also call the Public Affairs Office 847-688-2405...I actually just called for you...they  said they have wheelchairs...only to transport you to the facility, seat you in the handicapped seating (which is down in front), and when the ceremony is over, they will wheel you down to your vehicle...via cab, shuttle, car, etc. I hope this helps.  My daughter PIR'd on 8/12 and my son PIRs 9/1.

BTW, the wheelchairs are first come first served. So, worse case scenario, you have to wait until one is ready and an attendant will come get your boyfriend!

So, I would also call your hotel and see what they have as well for usage at the hotel.

Hope this helps

Comment by mia on August 26, 2011 at 1:15pm

Still no call :( but thank you for all the information.

Comment by Candace on August 26, 2011 at 1:14pm

Can any of the veteran moms who have been to GL give me some advice.  My boyfriend's hernia surgery went well but he is still in a lot of pain even with the painkillers.  The doctor said he should be fine to travel on Wednesday but needs to really limit walking, not climb stairs and no lifting.  I know I can rent a wheelchair at the airport but from what I understand there is a considerable walk from where you get dropped off on the base to the hall and then you have to climb bleachers for a seat. Is there any place at the base that I could call and see if they can give me any help in maybe finding a place to get a wheelchair or if they have any suggestions on what I can do?

Comment by giasams on August 26, 2011 at 12:21pm

Jenelle: thanks for the info, I put my things in plastic, but didn't think to put it in the car. I don't know if anyone else in this group is in this area (10 miles out of Norfolk in Suffolk, VA), but I'm getting a little confused about the different predictions. Either way I don't live in a flood-prone area so I don't need to evacuate, and I have supplies if necessary, but watching the news is just confusing me more. Some stations say it's not gonna be as bad as originally thought and some say it's the storm of the century. Either way, I can't do anymore than what I've done.  I'm just focusing on keeping the kids busy and focued on other things. But I have to admit, I'm starting to get a little more nervous than I usually do when we get warnings/watches.

Comment by Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons on August 26, 2011 at 12:20pm

MamaCas- It sounds like you have it all planned out. RTC is in Great Lakes though north of Chicago. 6:30 is a good time to go to the base and get in line. If you are arriving early enough the day before you should check out the Meet and Greet held at the Ramada for all families who have Sailors graduating.

Comment by Candace on August 26, 2011 at 11:58am

All my prayers going to those of you in the path of Irene and to all the sailors stationed along the East Coast.  I'm sure the Navy has been on top of things for the last week, but its still scary to know your son or daughter is facing this. 

mia - I think if they don't pass Battlestations they still get a call home to let you know.  I've read so much about it, I'm not sure exactly where I read this, but it said some sailors may have the bad luck of being on watch afterwards and missing their phone call.  My son is Ship 11 Div. 281 also. I didn't ask specifically if everyone passed, but I did ask about how the Division in general did and he said they really came together.  If by any chance I hear from him again, I will try to find out if everyone ran it and made it through.

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