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Comment by WandaG on April 29, 2011 at 2:33pm

I just wanted to share with everyone that I ordered some Proud Navy Mom t-shirts from Cafe Press for the first time and received them today. They are nice but were a little snug. So I called to exchange them for a larger size. Check this out... the rep told me since this was my first time ordering, as a courtesy, I will not need to send the shirts I have back and they will send me the replacements at no cost to me. Free shipping as well. Is that amazing??!!! Talk about awesome customer service. :o)

Comment by LMC -mom of 2 Sailors! on April 29, 2011 at 1:23pm

Glad you know. some kids tried to take things back to BC barracks and well it's a no go. My son didn't go to his A school until the follwing Tues. so we didn't get to do the airport there with him.

Bring a pair of shorts and tshrt for him to hang in the hotel room. Mine didn't want to change his clothes but after napping he had a few wrinkles. He and 2 buddies did take showers in the room, one at a time and all had big smiles after that.

Comment by Mama C (PS E-Class 1202-1) on April 29, 2011 at 11:45am

LMC - Yes, I did know that undies can't go back to the barracks, but I intended to give them to him at the airport, maybe.  Of course, they would be wrapped or in a bag so not to make it obvious what they were!

Yes, I do know where he'll go for A School - Goose Creek, I believe - South Carolina.  He's an EM Nuke.

I will, however, make sure I have Starbucks and creamer for our hotel room!  He's really wanting a GOOD cup of coffee!  I guess it's pretty bad at RTC.

Thanks for the suggestions, ladies.  Have an awesome day!  We're finally seeing sun today and amazingly enough.....no rain!  Blessings!

Comment by LMC -mom of 2 Sailors! on April 29, 2011 at 11:15am

Mama C- I agree with Life. your going to PIR is the gift. That weekend of your time is what they so love. Besides you're gonna be mailig lots of care packs to him during his Navy time so in the end it balances out. Remember he can't take the new undies back to the boot camp barracks. Do you know his duty station yet? You might want to start your first care package at home and as soon as you have an address you'll be ready to mail it.

Comment by Mama C (PS E-Class 1202-1) on April 29, 2011 at 10:21am

Thanks Peachy!  I was thinking that way, but you never know.  My SR has most everything he could need or want (except comfy undies!).  Thanks for the advice.  I'm so looking foward to seeing him!

Comment by Mama C (PS E-Class 1202-1) on April 29, 2011 at 9:30am

I've got a question - I've seen different posts regarding Graduation Gifts and such.  Do most families buy their newly appointed Sailors Grad Gifts?  I've seen posts on Grad Boxes, Garment Bags, etc. 

To be honest, I've just been trying to keep my head on these next couple of weeks and trying to prepare for the trip and the ceremony itself.  The only thing I know for sure he wants is new underwear and a good cup of coffee!  He hasn't mentioned wanting or needing anything else.

What are your thoughts?

Comment by Sherri0210 PIR 4/22(Ship 3/148) on April 28, 2011 at 1:07pm

No problem:)  If you have any questions- message me and I will tell you what I know!!!  I am a control freak too!  Enjoy your visits!

Comment by WandaG on April 27, 2011 at 5:13pm

Sherri0210-thanks for sharing your information. That is very helpful.

Comment by jacketfan24 (corpsman mom) on April 27, 2011 at 4:48pm

Thanks SO MUCH for all the information, Sherri0210!  My sailor doesn't leave for boot camp until September 6, but I am already planning the trip for his graduation (gotta have a budget!) and I am one of those people that like to know exactly what to expect since I am a control freak.  This has more info in  it than anything else I have seen and it helped a lot!

Comment by Sherri0210 PIR 4/22(Ship 3/148) on April 27, 2011 at 12:12pm

I posted this in the discussions too...

Here is my two cents on my PIR experience.  We drove up to Great Lakes on Thursday- Hwy 294 has 3 tolls to go through ($3.00).  We did not attend the meet and greet at the Ramada, so I cannot comment on that.  We brought signs to hang in the room, so he would be surprised when he came in.  We also brought all kinds of snacks and drinks to have in the room.  We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lake Forest.  Right off the highway… easy to get on and off the highway.  One toll to the base $0.50.  Close to a lot of restaurants (drive), shopping and a mall. Very large hotel for a Hilton Garden, nice indoor pool and hot tub.  Room rate was $79 per night for Navy Grad Package.  I am an expert traveler, I travel 3 times a month and this is as good as any room I usually stay in and I would stay there again-highly recommended.  Right next to one of the Residence Inn’s (same parking lot).  The hotel had a breakfast buffet and made to order breakfast- not sure if included in price of room, or if we got it because of my level of membership- but I would inquire about it.  Not crowed and very laid back hotel.  We took the advice of others and took a cab (Sarge) to the PIR.  He was very helpful and informative.  It was $20 dollars one way for 4 adults and one child.  We were picked up at 6:15 am and got to the PIR at 6:30-6:45.  Plenty early!!!  We actually could have arrived later, but I was so anxious to get there.  Sat in the middle of the lower bleachers- I think all seats are great, as long as a 6’5” person doesn’t sit directly in front of you.  We bought the three kids that were with us sailor hats when we arrived ($5 each).  We also brought coloring books and sticker books to keep them busy.  The family that was with us forgot their birth certificates for the little ones, and still got in with out any problems.  Two adults were not on the list and were seated with the one on the list without issue.  PIR was amazing!!!  Even with a long camera lens, pictures did not turn out great.  But that was not a big deal to me.  The ceremony is over exactly at 10:30, so around 10:15 gather your things, because it is a mad stampede when liberty is called. 

My Sailor was staying in Great Lakes, so we were able to spend 45 minutes with him after grad, before he had to check in.  We all walked over to the NEX and had lunch with him.  I ordered the DVD before lunch, because you can only order it after grad.  I did not shop at the NEX- it was insanely crowded!!!  When we were done, we walked back to the cab area- and grabbed any cab back to the hotel to wait for our sailor to call.  He finally called around 2:30pm.  Make sure they have money on their calling card to call you when they are ready.  Where you pick your sailor up is completely different than the PIR.  It is East on Buckley at the Visitors Center.  You wait out there, until they all march up to be released.  Everyone claps, another moment you will tear up.  If you park in the visitor’s lot, you do not need your pass.  They CAN have their cells phones back at this point and even take them back to the base… and laptops.  There is NO internet on base so you may need an air card or use your cell phone as a modem.  We went back to the hotel and went to dinner that night at TRATTORIA POMIGLIANO LIBERTYVILLE IL, it was just okay.  Had better Italian and service elsewhere.  For 11 people food and cocktails was $227 with tip.  We took our sailor back before 8:30pm, since we were uncertain about the line of cars.  They all had to be back by 8:45!!!  Very, Very hard to find barracks on the base- not much lighting and the map was awful!  So give yourself extra time the first night. 

They can leave Saturday morning as early as 4 am and my sailor wanted to picked up ASAP.  So we picked him up at 4:30- we love that kidJ.  On Saturday and Sunday they will meet you at the visitor center and then you WILL need your pass to get on the base.  Because you drive them back to their barracks and someone has to sign the sailor out!  The person who returns him, can be different.  It is really an awesome moment to see them salute to enter the barracks.  Everyone should witness this!  We went back to the hotel and my sailor passed out.  Ate brunch at hotel, served until noon!  We also made a trip to best buy to get a new laptop!  That night we went to Kona Grill, since Cheesecake Factory was an hour wait (right next to each other).  This dinner was one of the best meals we had there!  Service and food was awesome!  We returned our sailor on time! 

Sunday morning we picked our sailor up early again at 5:30 am and had a late breakfast and took lots of pictures.  We did not sightsee, which I left up to my sailor!  I would rather spend the time talking which he did a lot of, than go to the city.  On Sunday the NEX at the training center is open 9-5, so we drove back over and did some shopping.  We all were allowed to shop!!!  Less crowed than after graduation.  I am glad we waited and lots of Navy Mom t-shirts and items.  We then went to dinner Sunday night at PF Changs- always good and returned our sailor and said our final tearful good-byes at 8:45pm.  I would recommend staying as late as you can on Sunday.  We left for home on Monday!  I would have felt terrible if we did not stay late.  On the way home, I was able to have Chicago Pizza GIORDANO'S very good salads and pizza. 

One last detail… there is a program called RAP.  It gives your sailor 5 extra days at home if they work at the recruiter office when they come home.  Have your sailor talk to his recruiter to set it up!

I made some really great friends on N4M’s, but unfortunately due to wanting to spend every moment with my sailor, I did not get to meet many!

I will remember this weekend the rest of my life.  It was the most special time.  I saw my son grow from a boy to a man.  I have never seen him so happy to be done with basic and to embark on his future!

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