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Comment by Terry (ship 12, div 096) on March 15, 2011 at 8:25pm

We just got home about 3 hours ago. We managed to squeak another late afternoon/evening in with our son as he is in A School there at GL. Had a fantastic time. Didn't get a ribbon and forgot to look for all of you while there at the Meet and Greet at the Ramada. Met some wonderful parents though. Everything was fantastic on PIR. Was amazed that they didn't ask for insurance/registration/parking pass. Just got another call from our son on what was happening. So glad he's got his cell and we bought him (well, he paid for it too) a new laptop so his youngest sister could use his old pc at home (as it's only a couple of years old and still in excellent shape). Now if he'll get his cough looked in to! I told him he better or I'd be checking with his superiors! LOL I'd rather have it checked and be nothing serious, then have it be serious as to me it sounds like his bronchitis is kicking in, but I could be wrong.

Comment by TxLadyJane(ET Nuke Mom) on March 15, 2011 at 2:07pm

Well I wanted to give my account of our PIR weekend. First off, it was amazing, EVERYONE should try to go, it will mean A GREAT DEAL to your Sailor and you will always remember that weekend for the rest of your life. Lessons Learned:

1. If you are a “Debit Card” user, then make sure you understand both the hotel and rental cars will charge your card for over what was quoted for some new federal mandated card requirement. It’s ok if you plan on it but we hadn’t, so just beware of these fees. Hotel was $100.00 extra Rental Car was $200.00, it is no problem but remember it takes your bank time to reconcile the funds.

2. The Residence Inn in Waukegan is GREAT. It has plenty of room for everyone. To include once your Sailor wants to hang out in the room. The Breakfast’s are good, and they have a buffet style dinner the night before the PIR. The facilities are GREAT, they even have a large guest laundry one on each floor. Also dishes/pot and pans in their small but functional kitchen. The room was 740 square feet, with 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a pull out sofa bed in a small living area. Both bedrooms have queen sized beds, my husband is 6’6” so it was a little tight for us but we managed.

3. Use the PIR Shuttles WORTH IT, as you only have to walk through the gate, just inside to the PIR Hall, less than 100 yards, no long lines to deal with trying to get onto Base. Sailor’s directing your way once inside the gate and outside.

4. From what we were told only use the yellow and orange cabs/PIR Shuttles as they are not going to rip you off with a “long ride around.”

5. If your Sailor is a Saturday Departure, GO WITH THEM TO THE AIRPORT, if at all possible. We were able to see him interact with his new Shipmates and hear more stories about his Boot Camp experience. My husband did not go, but me and his Fiancée did. I wouldn’t trade this time with him for the world. He had to be there at 0100 hours, we got there about an hour later, they were still dividing up into departure groups so we had plenty of time before we all had to go through security which opens at 0500, the security was no problem either, they let us though with a GATE PASS. This was at Midway. Once our Sailor was handed his boarding pass, we just handed the Ticketing people our ID’s (must be a driver’s license or STATE ID card). The reason I mention this is because we had “military ID’s” and they didn’t want us using these. I also was able to get photos of the people that he hung out with during Boot Camp. This is a MUST. Please do this if you can even if you get little or NO sleep. His Fiancée and I only got 3 HOURS sleep, but we did this, and it was worth every moment.

6. Book the extra day on Sunday even if you have to be back at work early on Monday, stay AS LONG as you can “just in case” they get longer on liberty. You may think that the RTC is trying to prevent you from seeing your new Sailor, but they are trying to save the government money, by shipping them out as quickly as they can. It costs the military more money when they are in a training environment. I had to be back to work on Monday at 0700, and got back into my house Sunday at 2330, but again it was worth the LACK OF SLEEP, to see my new Sailor.

7. We used Budget Rental Car Service, after we returned the car, they gave us a discount but they didn’t tell us about it up front as it is not advertised. Shhhhhh LOL.

8. Don’t make plans, let your new Sailor lead the way on what he/she wants to do; this after all is their weekend. Do have options for them. If their favorite food is let’s say Korean Food, well have the directions already for these places it makes it easier to make “quick” plans and to adjust.

If I can think of anything else, I will let you know.

Comment by Carol(ship12 Div.091) on March 15, 2011 at 1:11pm

Kim, I sent you a request for pictures and copy of the video.  I would be more than happy to pay you for them along with postage of course.  Please let me know.  My computer has been acting up so hoping you received my message.  If not please send me an  email.  Thanks.

Comment by paybacks398 on March 15, 2011 at 11:55am

After PIR our grandson had to be back at his ship by noon then we didnt pick him up until aftr 4:00 PM-he did not get overnight liberty had to be back by 8:45 then we had to go sign him out at A-school 5:00 AM and keep him until 8:45PM both Sat and Sun, but we had to leave around 11:00 am headed to Texas-we drove 2255 miles round trip-but it was worth it-We recorded all of the PIR we could see, but I am waiting on the real DVD from the Navy so we can see all of the PIR. 

Comment by amacs/mom on March 15, 2011 at 9:05am

Scott'smom: I sent you e friend request. I would love to know if you have pics of the choir? I did not get good pics at all and my son was in the choir. Div 917. Please let me know. I do not mind paying for a copy of a cd. I want to have these memories for my Son later down the road. Thanks..

Comment by TxLadyJane(ET Nuke Mom) on March 15, 2011 at 9:04am

Ok I see a Meet N Greet Folder, in the photos area, but am not able to view this, does anyone know how to view that picture folder?

Comment by Scott's mom (Ship 12 / Div 091) on March 15, 2011 at 7:33am

PIR 03-11-2011, if anyone would like to share pictures please contact us! We also took videos. (We were upstairs and have the events from different angles.)

Comment by AGCSailorMom(Ship12Div096) on March 14, 2011 at 10:30pm

Congratulations to all of the New Sailors and their families from PIR on 3-11. I was so PROUD and happy my heart hurt!!!!  

Comment by AGCSailorMom(Ship12Div096) on March 14, 2011 at 10:16pm

OGM PIR was breathtaking, unbelievable, and awesome!!!!  We arrived back home today.    My son is stayng in GL for his A school, and was able to spend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with us. So we extended our stay an extra day.  We  great family tome together.  He wanted to check out Chicago and the surrounding areas so we did.  It was awesome to see him and spendget to spend time with him.  We even saw the St. Paddy's Parade downtown Chicage.  He said he felt like he was at Mardi Gras, which was good, because he missed it this year.  He is doing great, and ready to move onto the next phase.  (I was sad to leave though)   

Comment by soliz53 on March 14, 2011 at 5:52pm

I will call my brothers recruiter and make sure he spreads the word. I'm sure any of them will be happy to do that cus trust me if it will make his job easier he will do it. Lol

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