PIR Reference Information

thank you Capricorna

Jo1

I had to dig back a ways, this is from 12/2010 - not sure if anything has changed (doubt it except maybe the prices):

Reply by JessicaB-Sailor Mom on December 9, 2010 at 8:54pm

Here is the info I have on pictures, dvd and keel...sorry it's lengthy

Per the NEX Photo Lab at RTC on 7/27/10:

IF a recruit orders Pkg A for $140 while IN boot camp, the Cruisebook (known as the Keel Yearbook) automatically comes with that package. IF a sailor or family member decides AFTER PIR weekend to order Pkg A, it does NOT come with it - and the price is not lowered due to this fact either. Reason: The Keel book is like a bonus feature for those who order early. Those who do not order Pkg A, but want a Cruisebook, can order one at the time photos are taken for $30. Very important: If a recruit orders Pkg A while in boot camp, but does not pay for it by PIR day, the Keel book will NOT be included in their photo order.

There are two exceptions: #1 - IF a parent/sailor walks into the NEX photo lab ON graduation day, they can order a Cruise book that day for $30 and #2 - IF a sailor is still at RTC for those few days after PIR, they have 5 days to walk in and order the book. The lab will NOT accept requests by mail or by phone for this book, even if you call or write within that 5 day period!

The reason for this is because they order the exact number of books that are paid for one week after PIR. Unlike photo re-orders that give you a year to re-order, you can never request a Keel Cruisebook after the fact.

Also, he wanted me to remind everyone that prices do change, so even if you see a post on N4M that states a photo costs "X" amount, that price could change by the time your recruit orders their photos. They can change things (like including the Keel book) at any time, but recruits will always know exactly what they are paying for when they make their order and those orders are safe from any changes that may go into effect later.

DVD's and VHS tapes of PIR are mailed out to the address given by the recruit approximately 5-7 weeks after PIR. The Cruisebook (Keel Yearbook) arrives 8-10 weeks after PIR.

 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!

Here are the packages, prices and important things to know about Navy Portraits as of 8/26/10:

Your recruits picture will be taken in their Navy Blue uniform and these are very nice, professional portraits.

No order form is sent to the families, it's up to the recruit to decide to order them or not, and how many.

These are taken around week 4 or 5, they are ready and available for the recruit to pick up the last week of boot camp.

They must be paid for with a debit or credit card, or personal check (cash okay - but they should never have that much cash with them at boot camp!). They cannot have the cost taken out of their pay check. Families can go into the NEX on PIR day to pay, but it's a bit crazy on PIR day, so advise you to let recruit get them earlier that week. If your recruit did not bring a debit/credit card, mail them a check. Call the NEX Photo Lab for more info on that: 847-578-6205

There are only two packages they can order:

Package A - $140.00 (no tax charged)

1 - 11x14 photo, 2 - 8x10, 2 - 5x7, 24 wallets, 1 - 11x14 formal Division photo. IMPORTANT: If they order and PAY for Package A no later than PIR day, it includes a free bonus - the Cruisebook (aka Keel Yearbook).

 

Package B - $120.00 (no tax charged)

1 - 8x10, 2 - 5x7, 16 wallets, 1 - 11x14 formal Division photo. There is no free bonus book in this package.

Things you can order separately:

Note: Your recruit cannot just buy a few photos, they must order a package to receive any photos at all. However they can just order a DVD or a Cruisebook without ordering photos.

DVD or Video of PIR ceremony $29.00, includes shipping. It will be mailed to the address given by recruit 5-6 weeks after PIR

Cruisebook (aka Keel Yearbook) $30.00, includes shipping. It will be mailed to the address given by recruit 12-13 weeks after PIR. NOTE: This book is printed just one time, so if it is NOT ordered and paid for by PIR day, you can never get one later. The photo lab orders the exact number of books ordered and paid for the day after PIR, so there are never any left over. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Reorders: You can order more photos in various sizes for up to one year from PIR date. There will be a form in the portrait package to do this. Reorders can only be ordered if your recruit ordered a package.

Frames: The above packages come with thick construction paper frames - it does keep them safe when traveling. The NEX also sells very nice frames in a variety of sizes and styles. Prices are on the order form that comes with the portraits.

This information was confirmed with two different employees at the NEX Photo Lab!

 If anyone wants to contact the "picture people," here is an email address where you can ask any questions:

Jerrold_Klinkosh@nexweb.org

Capricorna,

thank you

Thanks for that info, Capricorna. I haven't discussed this with my SR...I will pop it in the letter.

Parrot...PARRRRRTAY AT YOUR RV!!! WOOOHOO!! ;) Are you driving up from St. Cloud?

I am so excited!  We made the long drive from Florida and we are here!!  2 days!!!!

Teresa-We used to have Guinea Pigs...love the GPGames pictures...I included the rowing one in a letter to my SR a few days ago!! :)

I think it's Ohio St....I *think*...

See the little green building next to the Drill Hall? That is where some people parked for previous PIR's. The Drill Hall is where graduation will be held. Just follow the flow of traffic. :)

Donna646-

The Silo in Lake Bluff

http://www.silopizza.com/

Giordanos in Gurnee

http://www.giordanos.com/locations.html

OHIO is the street you turn right on.

I have pictures of the Silo on my blog-"BLOG OPS" MIssion 4.

I went to Giordanos too! They had a lunch special for $6.95.

Drink, salad, individual pizza. You can add toppings for $0.50 each.

We liked both very much. Both are very filling!

Giordano's has a unique crust. Flaky but not falling apart. Rich tasting! Silo- thick crust that I am familiar with. Has a thin crust too and other menu items. Trains and lots of old wood. Gets busy at dinnertime!

I had good service at both places.

Haha, parrot...so, party. ;)

fireteamwifeleaderofawesomeness-thank you!! I stole your map from the other forum, obviously. :) I'm going to drive by when I get in on Thursday so familiarize myself with the area.

How do you start a discussion group? I dont know where to find one for ship 11 div 234. Grad date is 7/22

Hi WDW! go to Group Then click All Groups (if you aren't there already) Then on the right top you wil see +Add click there and add the group. Pretty simply.

Welcome. Also see if you find a group for the State you live in most have one.

Good morning WDW!  I added you as a friend - your husband and my fiance are in the same division!  I started a PIR 08/05/11 group, (and a discussion about our division) I invite you to come join! 

PIR 08/05/2011

Also, anyone who has a loved one graduating on this day, please join!  :-)  Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Mostele, most SRs order them so I would check with yours to make sure he did before purchasing him one. 

NavyWife - there IS a path to walk from the navy gateway to RTC but it is a longer walk. I would personally keep the rent a car though....you are really going to want the connivence of taking your sailor places! I am from a small town so I was sooo scared to drive around here, but its not bad AT ALL! As long as you have a GPS you will be fine. I was a pro at driving around here by the end of PIR weekend so by the time I moved up here i was awesome.  Also I bet  you will save money if you do the rent a car because taxis are expensive!

What do we wear to PIR? Suggestions. Comments? I assume good walking shoes is a must LOL.

CorysMom- You wear what you will be comfortable, Soem folks go in suits and Sunday best others go in whatever was on top of the laundry basket. (I hate to say it but some dress as if it's a party in the park. You will be entertained seeing some of the outfits.) Comfotable shoes and you are sitting on metal bleachers. It is indoors with a/c so a layer item might work well in case you're hot or to cold. I would say a roll of lifesavers will also come in handy. 

Handicap parking is close. Make sure you tell someoen directing traffic you need to use the drop off. Handicap walking was a concern we had for my folks so they didn't go. They could of handled what it was. Also wheelchairs are allowed. 

Bob- You will find others it will happen. Also the division shirts are ordered thru your sailor. Make sure you let them know what size you want. :D

bob-you can order the shirts yourself now (via http://www.mwrgl.com/gen_info/rtc_graduation/div_tshirt_order_6_201...) or your sailor can order them for you-but make sure you communicate so you don't both order them! :)

I agree with what LMC said about attire. I wore a dress and flats (comfy shoes are a must!) because I wanted to look nice, but some people were dressed like they were going to prom, and others...well, like they put on whatever was on top of the laundry basket! :) It really is up to you...just make sure you are comfortable, because the bleachers aren't!