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Comment by Momce on August 2, 2010 at 9:57pm

hitomi926
My son did the "chant" for us when we were in the car, it was really good, He said that "everyone" liked it, it was a big hit!! It is like rap with really good lyrics, and he said their division really "got into it" and everyone else did too. He mentioned that one guy did a "belly slide and pose" at the end of the chant and everyone went wild !! It's still exciting to know they got the capt's cup! I'm not so computer savy, but I'm hoping to post some photos from PIR once I figure out how to do it. Momce

Comment by Momce on August 2, 2010 at 9:46pm

emsmom,

Norfolk is very nice, I have relatives in Richmond, Midlothian, Va. However, I'm keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed that when he transfers from A School, he'll go to S.Diego as we live in California and it would be easier to visit our son

I was sitting in Div. 259 at PIR, I talked to all four moms who were seated 'round by me and "none" of them were aware of N4M, I filled them in and encouraged them to check it out. I too was also asking do you know ems'mom and sue rife's mom...what a bummer, "so close, yet so far !" yikes !..Momce

Comment by Momce on August 2, 2010 at 9:35pm

Hi emsmom/ship12/div259 Congrats to your daughter !
So great to hear from you. I'm happy you went to the meet/greet, (I wished I cld have made it). We (my hubby & 20 yr.old daughter) had spent Thursday in Chicago, viewing the sites, "Cloud 9 ..aka"the bean", Navy Pier,etc. walked Everywhere! Had a great day.We thought we gave ourselves enough time to head back, but, there was tons of traffic and construction, and we got lost because of turnarounds, etc. and it was 7:30 when we were "back near the Ramada" and I thought it was too late to go. When we were touring Chicago, we got our "sailor" call on our cell# while walking through a park. It was so good to hear his voice ! Our son said BS21 was challenging, and he was glad he made it through. I think he said 4 or 5 recruits had to "do it again"..I couldn't imagine having to do it twice, how exhausting and nervous/anxious one would be. I'm sorry you daughter was "caught with the group" and had no liberty 'til 1pm, but, it seems like "navy life" has it's 'moments' and it's uncertainty and last minute changes. I remember Sobe N4M said, "always say I love you when you say good-bye" 'cause you never know what changes may occur once you've dropped off your sailor" You were lucky you were informed about the 1pm w/your daughter, sometimes parents just wait at the gate with no info. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as you had the lovely opportunity to revisit and walk down memory lane with your husband, (very romantic) and be a "couple". Very sweet xo In closing, no matter "how much time" we have with our sailors, it's never enough, right? There's always wanted to say one more "I love you" and wanted that "one more hug"..it's tough being a Navy mom, there was key ring in the NEX that said, "Navy Mom" Toughest Job in the Navy. I think we would all agree. We "moms" made it through boot camp too. I appreciate the info about joining A school group, I was planning to look into that "next step" thank you. Im sorry we didn't get a chance to meet each other, however, know that I'll be thinking of you and your daughter and sending out good thoughts&prayers always. MomceShip12/Div259

Comment by Jaz04 on August 2, 2010 at 9:24pm

We were supposed to have a bi-level at Red Carpet Inn. But some of them where under reconstruction (due to water damage). So we were put in a regular room. I wouldn't recommend it unless you are there for a night. Room 153 had a mold spot on the ceiling, the sink kept getting clogged, the toilet sweat badly and would stop running unless you wiggles the handle. The water for the shower would not regulate itself, so at times it was very hot and went to extreme cold. But loved going to Flanagan's next door for breakfast. Would not advise going on the deck at night for a drink, unless you like the smell of pot (happened to us Sunday night). They have latino dancing on Saturday night, by the looks of the parking lot on Sunday, it was wild.

Comment by emsmom/ship12/div259 on August 2, 2010 at 9:13pm

Sue-RIfe's mom,
So many of the parents that I met said to me, "Have you ever met Sue-Rife's mome?" And we never DID get to meet you. Did you sit in the 259 section on the floor? We were probably all sitting together. Why didn't we use the time that we had to just SIT there waiting as more of a MEET-N-GREET?

Hey! And Norfold is GREAT!!! My husband and I lived there for about 4 1/2 years. Both of our kids were born a Norfolk General. I graduated from Norfolk State/ Old Dominion University. We loved VI Beach, Waterfront, Williamsburg and Water Country USA, Bush Gardens, and quick week-end runs to Washington D.C.

Comment by emsmom/ship12/div259 on August 2, 2010 at 9:01pm

Momce,

So glad that you posted what you did, because now I can just say "ditto" to almost all that you wrote. We never went into Chicago. We did Libertyville one day and Long Grove the next. They were very nice for us (quaint, quiet, and great places to eat and talk). They are both very close so very little stress.

Also our daughter was in your son's division. Sorry to have missed you at the meet-n-greet. After a long ride trying to get to the Ramada, and being a little late, my husband and I started not to go. But then we reconsidered. We were so glad that we did. We met families in so many different ways. Not only connecting with families from our division, but from our state, or people we found connected to by common interests, and just in other ways I had never considered.

I'm so glad that you had a good weekend. I have joined the AG mom's group just earlier today. I am hoping that this will give me more information from experienced moms that are at the same A school. Just go to groups and type in the search your son's rate? (Is that we call their jobs/ positions?) Anyway, from what I understand, not all bases have exactly the same rules or requirements. I've been told, (but really do not know), it is somewhat like students going to different colleges. Some do not allow freshman to drive while others will give unlimited parking passes.

Let me say - my daughter was in the group that had to stay on base for talking on Sat. You don't have to be talking to anyone to get in trouble. Just stand near someone else who is. Anyway, no liberty until 1:00 p.m. that day. (The folks at the base and other guys in the div. were great at letting us know that she wouldn't be coming and when to come back to get her.)
So, my husband and I went up to Zion (just above Waukegan) to retrace our step from 25 years ago when he was stationed at Great Lakes and we were newly married. We found our old apartment building. He remembered where it was, our apt no. and everything. Then, we located our old church - then MT. Carmel Baptist - now Meadowridge Bapt. It was all very romantic and somewhat like finding out about a past life.

The church has completely changed, name and all. We had just about given up. We went to get coffee at the McDonald's. We noticed a group of "old timers" sitting at their local "coffee council group table". We recognized this group right away. Most small towns have one. Anyway, we knew if anyone would know where this was, they would. It only took them a moment to discuss together. Then it was announced, "That church merged some years ago with another and built on to their existing building. It is located on Hwy 173 just before Green Bay Rd." So, we went just to see. Sure enough, when examined closely, we could see to the left of the new building the outline of our old church. We took lots of pictures.
We hated that our daughter had not gotten to be with us the whole day, but it gave us the opportunity to do something memorable we probably would otherwise not have done.

Comment by Momce on August 2, 2010 at 8:54pm

Hi Sue/Ship12/Div259, Congratulations to your son !! I wish we could have met at PIR, I was looking for you, but, there were lots of people and of course, when "Liberty" was called, everyone was running and focused on their sailor. I'm so glad you had a wonderful time with your son. Again, many congrats to all our "sailors" and their families. Thanks for your info about Red Carpet, I'll note that for future visits. Our son is going to A School, (however, I think after 6 mos. he'll transfer from A school to another school either in Norfolk or S.Diego, not sure, no details)..and, Jaz04, I will let you and everyone know how the "storage" thing works out, hopefully, this was a good choice...oh well. And Alva, if you're out there, wld like to hear from you. MomceShip12/Div259

Comment by Jaz04 on August 2, 2010 at 8:38pm

Momce, if the storage works out ok, please pass that on to future PIR's. It seems like a very logical idea.

Comment by Sue(Rife'smom)Ship12Div259 on August 2, 2010 at 8:34pm

We stayed at the Red Carpet Inn in a bi-level suite. This was superb for allowing my son to rest without disturbing him. It was comfy and great location. Less than 3 min to return him to base. Fridge and microwave made snacking easy. We even bought some groceries @ local market to have on hand. Pool was fun and jacuzzi was fun and allowed for some relaxation without having to travel. Staff was nice and accomodating. Laundry came in handy to dry bathing suites after early morning dip before leaving. Internet was available in lobby w/ printer. Wi-fi also. Shuttle srvc and continental breakfast.Not the fanciest but clean. Most of all inexpensive.

Comment by Momce on August 2, 2010 at 8:26pm

PIR 7/3010 was terrific. It's wonderful to have and to "hug" an "official US Navy Sailor". Like everyone, the pride and joy is immense. What a "huge" accomplishment they all achieved. Our son and his division 259 (along w/260) were the last division to do BS21, they were all exhausted but happy.. yahoo !! I couldn't make "meet/greet" as we were stuck in Chicago traffic, I was disappointed to miss it. However, at PIR, every mom I talked to I asked them if they were on N4M site, if the answer was "no", I certainly "filled them in", so, hopefully there will be "new" members. We stayed at the Comfort Inn, Waukegen. It's "no frills", pretty basic, but, it was affordable, clean, micro/fridge, internet, coffeemaker, iron and near the base. They gave a Navy grad. discount and provide a modest "complimentary" breakfast (you can make your own "fresh baked" waffle, tho.). The staff is nice and we liked that it was close to base, about 10 mins.drive.(they also provide shuttle to grad.but we had rental car). There's a restaurant near Comfort Inn called Gojo's, open 24 hrs., yummy comfort food, affordable, service good (and several fast food places nearby). One N4M on site, prior to PIR, suggested visiting the John Hancock Bldg. dwntwn Chicago, what a great suggestion!! We splurged and did the Sunday brunch, it was so perfect, my son loved it! Outstanding View from 95th Floor of Chicago, superb brunch, DElicious !!! My son is going to "A" School but he isn't going immediately, (perhaps mid-week), thus, he remains at RTC. Bummer for us as we had to return him to base every night, AND, we couldn't give him cell phone, laptop, etc..We put his electronics in the "U Store It"facility, (only 5 miles from RTC) but not sure "when" he will be able to go and get those items once he moves to A School. We felt storage would be best as mailing (w/insurance, etc) is approx. same cost and there would be no worries of "lost/damage" in mail transit. Does anyone know "when" a sailor at A School will have "liberty" or "leave" to go "off school grounds" ??? We're hoping he will be allowed to go to get his items Soon.. If anyone knows, please post. Thanks. Although the time was limited and went very quickly, it was great to be with our sailor. Again, many thanks to you all and congrats "moms" ...we made it through boot camp, whew !!! Momce

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