PIR 5/14/10

wade142 - I didn't even think about the time factor! You must be very proud of both your son and daughter. ; ) Do you think the girls will wear skirts or pants at graduation? Seems it would be kind of hard to march in pumps.

Hi! Wow, this site should be a requirement for all moms! I can not believe the Navy doesn't tell all kids to have their moms sign up! I got accepted to the site today and wished I would have known about it from the start of this journey! Just knowing that there are so many other moms going through the same thing is such a comfort to me! It's funny that you think that you are the only one feeling that way! I have read all of the comments and realized that what I am feeling or the questions that I have are the same as others! Thank you for this site, and the count down:)

Hey everyone!! So I'm officially into panic mode. No letter, no phone call and this is the third week. Sunday was the time he's been allowed to write letters, I figured it would have been here by now? Is this normal? I'm so worried about him.. help!!! :(

To CC's Wifey,
I was right there with you on that one, I also went into panic mode I haven't gotten a phone call either, however I did receive a 6 page letter today! I can not even begin to tell you the relief that flooded through my body! It was truly uplifting! (Your turn is right around the corner!!) Be patient, I have been told no news is good news! They are just keeping him very busy! I think this is the hardest part, the not knowing whats going on with them! Keep the faith that he is doing just fine! Keep us posted for when you do get that letter or phone call!

I live in Alabama, maybe it takes a few days.. I dunno.. But he toldme on the phone last Thursday when he had to call, that he gets to write me Sunday, so I KNOW he wrote me, just worried that I haven't gotten it yet :( What state are you in ?

I am in Wisconsin, so just a hop, skip n jump away from Great Lakes. That could be it! I would love to see your reaction when that letter does come! Hang in there!

CcsWifey - I haven't received a letter from my son either - and no phone call outside of the one requesting info to be faxed - I live in Western New York... I'm working on that no news is good news attitude

Yes, that's my only hope and faith. NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS. but good grief, I wanna hear something from him.. and Tiffany, that makes me feel lots better knowing that.. I just figured with m living so far south it may take a day or two extra.. I need it so bad! I told my mom to check the mail for me tomorrow, and if they come, I'm leaving work early just to come home and read them. LoL.. Seriously, I NEED those letters, or a phone call.... Geez, that would REALLY make my month. but, on the upside of things, I guess he's doing good because I haven't heard anything.. And, WE HAVE 36 MORE DAYS!! Can I get an AMEN!??! haha!!

We just got our first letter from our son on Monday. There was no date on it as to when he actually wrote it but it was wonderful. Even though he is being discharged and should be home within a week, it was sure nice to be able to have something in my hands that came from him. And he has been able to call his wife several times and he even got in touch with his dad also. I must say that I am a little jealous since I haven't talked to him yet but he knows I am extremely hard to get in touch with and I don't want him to waste a call. I still have to wonder if more is happening to him other than shin splints but we are so excited to have him home. And I have to admit that I am also disappointed since I was so looking forward to PIR and seeing all our loved ones in their uniforms. I am so very proud of him and everyone who makes the decision of pursuing a career in the Navy or any other branch of the military. I wish everyone the best and my thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you.

Finally got my letters today.... he said he sent me a 21 page letter, and put 5 stamps on it, but I haven't receieved it yet.. That's got me worried :( But on a better note, It's such a relief to hear from him, but it makes me miss him THAT much more.. May 14th can't come soon enough!!!

I got another call from my son today - brief , looking for more paperwork - he did not sound happy - probably in part because he just had his wisdom teeth removed. It was good to hear from him, but now I can't sleep knowing he's unhappy. Fun...

My son left March 18th. He called when he arrived and told me about the "box", that was tough! He said it would be three to four weeks before he called again. But to my surprise he called the next day. The only sad part....I missed it!!!! Yes, I am still kicking myself, but my phone is permanently glued to my hand! In his first letter he said "Mom, I was meant for this sh*t." Pardon the language. I was happy to hear that, but then he went on to say there was a lot of yelling and screaming going on, but he was use to that.....not sure what he meant there haha. Anyway, I received a letter about graduation,k but nothing since. Anyone know what it means to be Division Leader? So great to find people to talk too!

My son is in Ship 12 Division 185. Would like to chat with anyone who has a son or daughter in the same. I could really use some cheering up right now and I'm sure someone else could, too.

Caren: My son is currently in Ship 12 Division 185. I say current because he is receiving a medical discharge and should be home sometime next week. When did you son leave?

My son left on 04/17/10. I miss him very much

Caren: It is HEARTBREAKING when they leave!!! Even though my son has been married, we are a close family, even getting together on Saturday nights to play games with he and his wife and her parents. It is wonderful when you are finally able to get some news from him. We got our first letter on Monday and he actually was able to call me yesterday. Just hearing him say "hi mom" brought tears to my eyes. This website is a Godsend and the best thing I can recommend is to check it often and "blog" exactly how you are feeling. Everyone is here for the same reason - we all need support and just being able to connect with others in the same situation is wonderful. Keep your chin up but remember, you are allowed to miss him and there is no harm in crying every now and then.

I'm sorry. See, I'm so upset I can't even think straight - hahaha. He left on 03/17/10.

HOORAY FOR THE COUNTDOWN!!!! LOVE IT!!!!

I got my first letters from Erin TODAY!!! I must have read them 20xs over!

Does anyone know what the weather is generally like in Mid may in GL ?

In May GL is far more likely to have cold rain than snow. Here's the averages and records for May 14

AVERAGES
Hi 66°F
Lo 45°F

RECORDS
Hi 87°F
Lo 35°F

So, it may be coat weather or sundress weather, but you're unlikely to see snow. A raincoat and lightweight sweater and slacks or a skirt would be appropriate on the cooler end, or a blouse and slacks or skirt for the warmer end of average.

Remember, this is a formal graduation, your sailors will be in their dress whites. You don't have to wear suits and dresses, but please respect your sailors' accomplishments by dressing up for the occasion.

Oh, I forgot to mention, the graduation is indoors in a fully climate-controlled building. Even in February it was warm and comfortable enough to remove coats and sit for several hours without getting chilly.

Hey anyone from ship 12 div 186?? I still have not gotten a call, in one letter he said that 25 of them that scored high on the ASVAB test had to retake the test and they missed their chance at the phone banks. I guess it is reserved for a certain period of time for each division, just wondering am I the only one to not get a call yet? I'm starting to think he is calling someone else! Lol! The time in between letters is just too long! Any news from others on how their division is doing would be greatly appreciated:)

My husband is on ship 4, div 811, with the same pir ( 5/14 ) and none of us have gotten calls.. It's supposed to be during the third week is what they told us, and he told me in the letter he wrote me last sunday.. I wonder why we haven't gotten a call yet... I'm worried too :(

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Susan how do I get to the other link? Thank you for sharing the info from your letters!! I really appreciate it :)

WOO HOO!!!! Just gonna let everyone know that I got my first phone call at 5 today! 45 minutes.. omg, it was the BEST EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JessicaB-Sailor Mom, Thanks a million! I found it!!! 2 absolutely great letters today! No phone call, but from what he wrote he has been a very busy man! Yes he has been very busy, a lot of testing for academics lately. Great news to share, ship 12 div 186 earned the academic flag! They will have this flag to carry during graduation! Congrats to all! It sounds as though they are really coming together as a team! Thanks in part to Chet whomever that is, he didn't say in the letter, but Chet is doing a great job of keeping them focused! So thank you to Chet!!
To CCsWifey, I'm so happy that you got your call! I'm patient, i know that mine is coming soon!

Does anyone know if I am allowed to send a self addressed manilla envelope so they can send all their mail back to make room for the new mail?

Jessica, yes, you can send that SASE manila envelope.

Some parents send a quart-size ziplock baggie, too, to store their mail. That way when the RDCs toss their racks (literally, they toss everything in the rack out on the floor) they don't waste time picking up scattered pages of letters from the floor.

Also, after the 4th week many RDCs allow "female care packages" that contain favorite brand "sanitary items" (pads, tampons) for your girls.

Fold it up and put it in a smaller manila envelope, with the ziploc. Don't forget to get it weighed at the post office to make sure it doesn't get returned to you! And make sure you have a lot of postage on the SASE, being full of earlier mail will make it really heavy.

Marlinspike this week for some divisions.

Hello...I got a call from my son. He was a little down, but I just continued to encourage him.. I hope to get to meet you all at MG at the ramada.

OK, I've been pretty patient. My son is Ship12 Div186. I've received one note and one phone call for about 5min during P days. Its been a while. I know no news is good news, I'm desperate to just know what's going on with him. I see where they earned the academic flag. Any other news would be appreciated if anyone knows any. Apparently, Dan missed one phone call by having to retake the ASFAB (?). I know he scored high - - he's a NUKE. But what about yesterday? Thanks!

Thanks cameron'sproudmama! That's really the first news I'd had. Wish it had been better - demerits and "Hell week" sound bad. We're praying daily and glad to add you and Cameron to our list. Bonny

I have not made any hotel reservations yet and want to take care of that this week. We're renting a car for the drive. Does anybody know if it would be better for me to go through Expedia or something like that to get hotel and car together? Thanks!

CBsMom - I left you a friend request. It's nice to make a little connection with another Illinois recruit's mom!

Hi my name is pat and would like to go to meet and great let know where and what time my son graduates 5/14/2010 me and my husband are coming from california

Is anyone else staying at the Ramada?

I will be getting there in the morning..
I am dying to know what they are doing now.
either way I pray for them every chance I get.

Just adding my 2 cents here. I have a son graduating the same day and the 6-5 might mean the 5 day of the 6th week at boot. They do everything by the week and day according to my son. Not sure if that is right but it would be close. (And dont count the weekend).

Since four divisions go on PIR each night, they won't be going on the same training day. My son's PIR group BS21 schedule went like this:

095 & 096 Day 7-2 and 097 & 098 Day 7-1 went on Thursday
099 & 100 Day 7-1 and 101 & 102 Day 6-5 went on Friday
913 Day 7-2 went on Sunday, along with the recruits who failed the earlier sessions.

It all depends on how many holidays there were during their training (holidays don't count as training days) and how many divisions there are to go through. Some lower-numbered divisions do their Battlestations in week 6, others not until the end of week 7 and a few late-number divisions don't do it until the beginning of week 8.

Sandy I hope someone can help, but mail is slow so hopefully he will get your mail soon. I had an issue like that too, but my Husband is Ok with staying behind so my daughters and I can attend.

Is your husband going to wait for them to let everybody in on the guaranteed list gets in and hope he gets in also?

Unfortunately my husband wont be traveling at all.
Let's put it this way initially it was my family of 4 only.
But when My son saent his list he removed my daughters to add someone else.
My husband volunteered to stay behind since this would be the only opportunity for the girls to see their brother for a while. I am not happy but I am thankful for my husbands thoughfulness. I hope it all works out , my son's uncle said they are very strict about letting people in not on the list.

Good Luck... Iris

Ship 6 Div 926 just got phone calls! Did you get yours?

I think the latest they can be modified is one week prior to PIR, so there's still hope :)

With only six divisions, there will be plenty of room for additional guests. They might not even make you wait outside until listed guests arrive. My son's graduation had 9 divisions, and the place was almost echoingly empty.

Strict restriction to four guests generally only applies to large graduation groups.

We have 15 days ladies!!! WOO HOOO!!! It's finally our turn! :)

Good luck Rikki Lee! We're fortunate to live just a few hours away from Great Lakes. I don't know what we would have done had we lived as far away as you do. Best of luck to you and I hope you are able to make it graduation to see your son.