Formal Navy Portraits

[SOBE,PIR 6/4/10 IT Mom, Italy]

Hi everyone, I noticed a little confusion/misinformation in other PIR groups regarding formal Navy portraits. I had to talk to the NEX Photo Lab last week because of a misunderstanding in my son's order, so he gave me the "facts", which I will share with you.

First, the recruit pays for these, either with a debit/credit card, or a check when they pick them up a few days before PIR. What I could not get confirmed was whether they can deduct it from their wages, but several Moms have posted that "yes", this can be done. Now... the parents/family can go in and pay for them and pick them up on PIR day - but you must be present to do that or have sent your recruit a check.

Pkg A is expensive, but it's your best deal at $140.00: It does NOT come with the DVD of PIR, that is ordered separately for $29 (includes the shipping). However, the large pkg DOES include the Cruisebook, also known as the Keel Yearbook. It comes as a "gift" for ordering and PAYING for Pkg A by PIR date. If a recruit does not order Pkg A, they can order the Keel separately for $30 (includes shipping). Here's the confusion though - IF a recruit decides AFTER graduation that they want a Keel, it is too late, because the Photo Lab submits their order to the printing company that week - and they only order the exact number of books that have been PAID for. So, if you decide to order Pkg A AFTER graduation, you will not get the Keel book as a bonus. Hope that makes sense!

Most recruits pick up their portraits a few days before PIR, then right after the ceremony they run back to barracks to pick them up and hand them to you. The DVD is mailed to the address the recruit writes down and arrives 5-6 weeks after PIR (got mine on time). The Keel is also mailed, but takes about 10 weeks to arrive (should get ours by next week).

So, even though my son spent $174, it breaks down to this: Pkg A $140, DVD $29, and $5 for a 5x7 of the "casual" Division picture. The large 11x17 formal Division picture is included in Pkg A. And remember, Keel book (worth $30) is included if Pkg A is ordered and paid for by graduation day.

My suggestion is to write your recruit now and discuss what you want. My son paid for his, so it was his choice - however I did surprise him by reimbursing him on PIR day, which is something we chose to do. We did not buy him a graduation gift, our thought was "our present is our presence", it cost a small fortune to go to Chicago!

[navy]

Thanks for the information.. I definately didn't understand what was in each package I am going to have to change my instructions to my son and order package A... I really can't wait for this all to be over... you and the other moms have been sooooo helpful!!

[SOBE,PIR 6/4/10 IT Mom, Italy]

Hi Darlene - I originally got the packet information from the form that came in my son's photo package (that we got on PIR day), but the info about the Keel yearbook I received from calling the NEX Photo Lab. I didn't see anything on my son's receipt about it, so I called them. You don't see it listed because it's a "bonus item", like I explained above. I wish the Navy would mail home the photo info with the form letter so families had a "heads up", but that would make too much sense!!

[navy]

sobe, roger that.. about the making sense part...

[Margaret (RSJMom Ship13/Div322)]

Thanks for the info...I can included this in my first letter to him!