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Comment by Always "Incognito" on July 17, 2011 at 4:33pm

We are also having a PIR reunion on FB for July 23rd.. it will be our ONE yr anniversary date.  I cant wait, lots of fun!  We had like the BEST Meet n Greet that weekend.

Comment by schotzi on July 28, 2009 at 4:06pm

Jonie - I too stayed at the Courtyard Marriott and took advantage of the shuttle from the hotel and glad we did -- we got a card from the driver and called for the car and it was there in a matter of minutes on the way back with our sailor.. Some things my son wanted to do -- movies -- the Marcus Cinema in Gurnee was the movie theater of choice -- filled with many sailors seeing Transformers, Harry Potter, and everything else that came out since they've been there. Be sure to leave time for the traffic -- I think Illinois is totally under construction! We went into Navy Pier one day -- Chris was always so aware of when he needed to be back on base we gave it plenty of time. For eating we ate in restaurants between Gurnee and Waukegan -- Joe's Crab Shack in Gurnee, Olive Garden was good, Anastasia's if you're staying near the Courtyard in Waukegan was good for pizza, IHOP for breakfast. Just getting caught up. The ceremony was very nice -- lots of pomp and circumstance and John Phillip Sousa music. They do come in fast -- it was a little different for our group because it was so large and there was construction outside -- they came in through the overhead door to the right (when you're sitting down). I believe normally they come in through the overhead door on the left. Enjoy yourself -- it's a once in a lifetime experience.

Comment by Mary, Proud Mom of Nick on July 16, 2009 at 9:29am

Most importantly I wanted to say Congratulations to your NEW Sailor and to the families that have just started his journey. PIR is amazing!

Each week at PIR they have a guest speaker - some are more special than others but I just read that the Defense Secretary will be speaking at your PIR this week. Here's the info that I read, don't know but it might make security a little tougher ...


By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

On July 17, Gates will travel to just north of Chicago to Naval Station Great Lakes where 50,000 recruits receive their basic training every year. He will observe some of that training and meet with instructors before addressing the 971 newly minted sailors graduating this week.

Enjoy your trip - you are going to be so proud!!!

Comment by schotzi on July 15, 2009 at 6:50am

Did I hear correctly? Is it possible the last group is going this a.m.? Sue PP -- do they do that? So that would mean that the 12 hours would be ending this evening -- if so would we get calls tonight -- that would be nice!

Comment by schotzi on July 14, 2009 at 6:14pm

Thanks Sue -- I needed that -- I know he's determined and doing well -- and if you rationalize the number of people who got calls here compared to the number of recruits that have been in this class, the numbers are quite small. Just getting antsy...but excited about getting on the road on Thursday a.m. -- I pulled up a pix of Chris today and realized I had forgotten what he looked like! I'm such an awful mother when it comes to photos -- NY Girlfriend, you'll need to take care of that department!

Congratulations to all you who have official sailors and those honor grads!

Comment by schotzi on July 14, 2009 at 4:32pm

I just lashed out at hubby -- I never call him hubby!!! We'll be half way to Chicago by the time we hear -- I'm confident that my determined son will make it to sailor, but it would have been nice to have a day or two before graduation to hear about this stuff -- people have to travel Thursday in order to get to the gate that early -- even with 'refundable' fares, we're on our way! I think it's just frustrating not hearing anything at all -- last I heard, he had just gotten over being sick, felt better, but he said other people in his div were sick -- so that's why I'm worrying! Sue, can you give us an update, at least, on that our boys are healthy to go through Battle Stations. I hear no news is good news, but then I've heard sailors being able to call before Battle Stations. What gives?)=!

Comment by schotzi on July 14, 2009 at 10:21am

I think Saturday may be the Chicago day -- but I'm playing it by ear. I know that my son probably wants to go to Six Flags as well. Also looking for any recommendations for places to eat in the Great Lakes area.

Comment by schotzi on July 14, 2009 at 9:34am

That's good enough -- I think we'll check out that one -- I've printed the Mapquest directions!

Comment by schotzi on July 14, 2009 at 9:27am

Anyone know what Marcus movie theaters are like -- I believe my son wants to see a movie and there's one close to the base -- we don't have them in NY and I'm fussy about movie theaters -- like stadium seating etc.

Comment by schotzi on July 13, 2009 at 3:54pm

Okay, go out for the morning into the afternoon and come back to 14 pages of posts!!!! OMG -- look at me I did I text thing -- and I am older than dirt (well as far as texting goes -- my teenage daughters crack up whenever I try!).

First, congratulations to everyone on their sailors making it through BS -- as I said in an earlier post -- all you div 250, 251 and anyone else that is last -- they've saved the strongest for last!!!:)

As far as NY Girlfriend is concerned, she is really quite special -- I'm glad she and my son have found each other -- they do treat each other well. I know we've talked about this, but I, too, believe they should wait to do anything drastic.....NY needs to finish her education and she has wonderful mentors that are providing her with opportunities that she needs to take advantage of. You never know what curves life throws at you so you need to stand on your own two feet always. I'm going to embarrass her, I know, but tough NY -- She's smart, sweet, funny and just a pleasure to be around! I couldn't be prouder of her accomplishments if she were my own daughter. And, I know Chris is crazy about her -- no one needs to say it, it's obvious when they're together.

Beckilynn -- I'm lucky. But I do know that it takes two to make the relationship work. I tried with my own mother-in-law for many years -- no go -- I was never good enough in her eyes -- she ended up losing her son's respect -- and frankly, she did deserve to. Not saying you do -- I don't know you and I don't know his girlfriend, but you have to have faith in your son's choices and let him make mistakes and learn from them. The one thing I can hear from your posts is how much you care about your son -- I'm sure you wouldn't want to lose him. There may be some underlying reason his girlfriend is acting out -- you as the adult may be able to help her through something -- it sounds as if you did once before, maybe it's time for a Beckilynn intervention again. As I say to all my friends and acquaintances -- tell me to shut up and mind my own business anytime and I won't be offended. I just know it's easier to bend like a reed and focus on the positive.

Congrats to everyone again -- and see you all in Great Lakes! I'm kicking NY Girlfirend and Chris' twin sisters (teenagers) into the car at 5:00am on Wed -- making a stop in Cleveland at the R&R Hall of Fame for a very short tour and lunch and on to Chi-town! See you just north of the windy city all....

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