PIR 4/8/2011 Alum Group!

129 members

DIVISIONS: 121-128 807, 808 920,921

This group started on 2/8/11 and we survived boot camp, laughter and tears. Now our recruits are sailors and headed in many directions, but we'll continue to support one another throughout!

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diannep

Here is a Navy coin link I found if someone is looking for a gift for their sailor for PIR.

http://store.fortamerica.com/navycoins.html

Mar 12, 2011
Bebe

thanks diannep...I found a website with navy saint medals and chains; I'll check out the coins to.

Mar 12, 2011
Debi (Ship 9 Div 126)

I got m son a St. Christopher metal with the Navy emblem on the other side, I gave it to him before BC , he wears it with his dog tags, he did send the chain that I bought for it back in one of his letters. I will give it back to him after PIR, I am wearing the chain now.

Mar 12, 2011
TB1983 (HM, A School, GL)

Im getting him a smart phone (not sure which one yet) so we can talk/text/ and video chat when he is in A-school.

Mar 12, 2011
NavyMomofOnly1Girl Ship 9 DIV126

When the Sr's get to their technical training, they can have their laptops, cell phones, etc. But, until they are wherever they are going next and until they have their room or whatever and a "secure area" in which to keep those types of valuable locked up, our recruiter said to mail those types of things to them. They can not go back to BC with anything like that and bring it with them to their next training. There is no secure area to keep it at BC. I can't belive my daughter has lived without her cell phone for this long. Not much longer to go now! I am getting really excited with anticipation at this once in a life time chance to see her at graduation!!!

Mar 12, 2011
sandy (ship 9 DIV. 126 ) PIR 4/8

I just got a 15 min. call from my SR. !!!!!!!!!!!

Mar 12, 2011
Debi (Ship 9 Div 126)

Sandy, thats great, I hope she is doing well!

Mar 12, 2011
sandy (ship 9 DIV. 126 ) PIR 4/8

she sounded great,but quiet. said she has lost weight.

Mar 12, 2011
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons

So glad you got a call Sandy :-)

For those who are looking at getting a crucifix for your soon to be sailor we got one for our daughter that had an anchor as the cross. It was beautiful. You can find a lot of them online in every price range from$30.00 to over $300.00.

Also I wanted to thanks all of you who were praying for my mom. She is recovering from the pneumonia and got to come home from the hospital yesterday afternoon. She is feeling so much better than a week ago and really appreciates all your prayers.

Mar 12, 2011
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons

Don't forget the time changes tonight, SPRING Forward....

Mar 12, 2011
Ragdollrae HM A school SA

Lala - thanks - i knew it but I keep forgetting. I think it is selective!! :0)

Also - i received my ribbon today. Thank you so much for making it and sending it!!

Mar 12, 2011
Jajajo

I love the time change, longer days and more sunshine...YYAAYY:)

Mar 12, 2011
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons

Thanks Ragdollrae, I am so glad you like your PIR ribbon. I know you will wear it with pride and have a great time at PIR. Make sure you checked you box for the free scrapbook embellishment, it seems some people have acidently thrown it away lol.

Jajajo- I like the longer days and sunshine as well; it's the trying to get teenagers to adapt to the change and get up for school that I don't like lol.

Mar 13, 2011
ProudNavySister

My brother (the one who graduated) has his laptop and iphone. We got him an iphone while he was on liberty after his graduation. We weren't sure what we the deal was with the laptop. My mom brought it to him a week or so after he arrived. They have a common area where there is internet and they can get it in their rooms (they can split the cost with their roommate). His roommate has internet service so my brother is able to use his laptop in his room. They also watch movies on an xbox in their room.

Mar 13, 2011
ntz4laa (HM Mom)

Denise - I know the RTC rep wrote on the FB page that they used to fly some recruits out of state the same day as grad, but that they don't any more. So the earliest they would fly him out would be Sat. My SR said that they wouldn't be able to confirm her A school departure until the week of grad.

Mar 13, 2011
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons

Denise- I am sorry but your son's "Chief" is correct. Only your son can tell you if he is Grad and Go or Saturday departure. The good news is if he is they rarely ever have anyone leave on Fridays. They usually leave in the wee hours Friday night/Saturday morning to go to the airport but then, in most cases, they can wait with family members until time for their flight. If he stays in GL for a week you will get him for the remainder of the day on Friday after PIR, and Saturday and Sunday during the day. I know it is frustrating not knowing but he will find out for sure when it get's closer to PIR. I would plan on staying until Sunday, just in case you get the whole weekend with him. Or if you are flying i would try Southwest airlines. They are the only ones who do not charge a fee for changing your tickets.

Mar 13, 2011
Ladybug<3

Denise, Chieft is right. Your son is the only one that can tell you. When my SR called he said he heard rumors that he might be grad n go but that he also may not. So i think the recruits all talk and try to guess about who might be what which could cause confusion. My SR also said that they will tell them for sure closer to PIR and he is hoping to let me know when the "I'm a Sailor" call comes. But either way they will be letting your son know for sure as it gets closer. Hope that helps!

Mar 13, 2011
Ragdollrae HM A school SA

It's funny, Denise. I just finished responding to the "not knowing" part of this experience in our division group.

My take on this is that we are having to be conditioned with this boot camp experience as much as our SRs. We have to learn how to deal with the unknowing and manage the emotions and the stress and take things in stride. When our "Sailors" are out on assignment, there will be many times that we may not know where they are and how they are doing and we have to put faith and trust in the government to know that they are keeping them safe.

We will know what we are supposed to know once our SRs know and can tell us. I do understand that it is frustrating, but at least we have each other to vent to and support one another. I feel horrible for the families that are not aware of this site and are going through this experience without support.

You hang in there and remember, this is only what I have learned of my experience and have started to be more at ease because I have stopped fighting it. If anyone else has some actual information for you - that is wonderful!

Stay strong!

~stephanie

Mar 13, 2011
diannep

Kiwi: Just remember before sending him too many games...HA! They need to be studying in A School! So as long as they can manage, both...go for it! I do know that many purchase these things once they arrive at A School, or ask family to please send theirs to them.

Mar 13, 2011
diannep

Denise: Welcome to the world of the Navy and its confusion! They usually find out about 3 weeks before PIR if they are GradNGo....but that can always change. My older son and I had already booked our trip from Thurs-Sun when my sailor told us that he was GradNGo, leaving on Sat. We didn't change our reservations and used the extra time to sightsee a bit (and my older son saw a friend who lived up there). So it is best to book until Sunday just in case. And, for those who think they can see their sailor during the week if they aren't leaving out until mid-week, it doesn't always work that way. Sometimes they are not allowed to visit with family after the weekend (unless it is a holiday). So keep that in mind too. We have heard that they don't fly anyone out on Fridays anymore, but in the last few months, a couple of ladies had posted that theirs did...so maybe they really don't do that anymore as of now. Usually they bus them to the airports in the wee hours of Sat. morning to wait on their flights (there you can spend time with them and wait at the gate with them until they leave--- with a military gate pass received at the airlines counter---sailor with you to get it).

Mar 13, 2011
diannep

Denise: Your son is a very wise man! He knows that any place a few women are gathered, information abounds! We are "fixers" and "figure-it-outers!" But I have to say, the Navy is quite a challenge for us ladies....we know we will never have the Navy all figured out! :-)

Mar 13, 2011
emilee27kak

Anybody know when our sailors do battle stations?

Mar 13, 2011
SR Mom Ship 11 Div 124

Talked to my SR today...Hell Week (week 4 day 1)starts on Monday. Week 5 fire and gun exercises; Week 6 last chance to pass PFAs; Week 7 Battlestations, Captain's Cup, practice for PIR. That's it and that's all. He sounded under pressure, and a little worried (started tearing up). Praying for him.

Mar 13, 2011
five10fevr(HM school)

SR Mom-

Did your SR say what hell week consist of? How many calls have you received? I was wondering if they were going to let the recruits call this weekend if most of the Div did last weekend.

Mar 13, 2011
SR Mom Ship 11 Div 124

Hell week is an inspection each day. Uniform, ship, and something about a gun. lol he used a lot of acronyms and lingo I did not understand. I have received 4 calls total not including the "I am here" call. His division recently won a flag for beating their brother division in some kind of competition. Maybe that's why he got to call.

Mar 13, 2011
five10fevr(HM school)

Thanks SR mom for the explanation. I think my son is in his brother division 123. We have only recieved one call last Saturday.

Mar 13, 2011
ochaos

For those that have not booked flights yet, consider flying into Milwaukee as it is the same distance to the base from Chicago and usually cheaper and an easy drive.

Just remember that your recruit will have the most accurate information that applies to them in regards to PIR, leave after, when they go to next training, etc.

Mar 13, 2011
SR Mom Ship 11 Div 124

@ fiveten...I think you are right but he did not say which one. He said they are improving as a division and coming together as a unit. With the upcoming gun, fire and gas exercises I'm sure they will come together as a team.

Mar 13, 2011
diannep

This group will probably start BattleStations on Mar 30th or 31st. Please be asking your SRs for dates for their division, post here and on BattleStations discussion above so we can get a schedule going.

Mar 13, 2011
emilee27kak

I didnt know there was a battle stations discussion! Sweet! I will post when he tells me when its going to be! Im soo nervous for him!!!

Mar 13, 2011
NavyMomofOnly1Girl Ship 9 DIV126

Does anyone have any advise on whether to drive into the graduation or go in in the hotel van? Heard the vans go right in whereas in your own vehicle it can take up to an hour to go through security. Don't forget to print out your passes from the PIR website where they will be posted 11 days prior to graduation. Do you need those whether you go in by hotel van or car? Someone please advise. As alway, thank you.

Mar 13, 2011
ntz4laa (HM Mom)

Yes, take the shuttle. It has been highly advised. You do not need the pass if you are taking the shuttle. But, it you are going to be going back to the base to pick up your SR later in the weekend, you will need it.

Mar 13, 2011
emilee27kak

But if you take the shuttle will you get there in time to get good seats? Ive heard you should go super early to get good seats.

Mar 13, 2011
Jajajo

The shuttle leaves from the Ramada @ 7. Gates open @ 630. From what I understand the shuttles drive straight through without having to wait in line,

Mar 13, 2011
Tina - socalnavymom

I don't understand, I have not received one phone call from my son. Has everyone from 11/127 received phone calls from their SR? I'm really getting bummed.

Mar 13, 2011
Jajajo

Denise what ship and division is your son?

Mar 13, 2011
emilee27kak

My boyfriend is in ship11 div122. I got a call on the 3rd. It was only for about 1min.

Mar 13, 2011
SR Mom Ship 11 Div 124

@ Denise why won't his division be in the ceremony? I thought 900 divisions were instrument players.

Mar 13, 2011
sandy (ship 9 DIV. 126 ) PIR 4/8

if its there Grad.day there must be others to cover for them. if not what are they going to do when Div. moves on to A-school???

Mar 13, 2011
Tina - socalnavymom

Denise: Correct, I have not heard from him since his first call saying he made it, he's fine, he loves me and he's gotta go.

Mar 14, 2011
jim'scupcake

Tina...we are in 11/127. We got a call on Tuesday. Maybe your son has a "job" and was not able to call (and they did not let him make up the call). I know it must be very very hard, but remember what has been said..."no news is good news". Hang in there. My son said they are doing fine. Everything is going very well.

Mar 14, 2011
texasmom Ship 11 Div 179

Yes that is true Tina, no news is good news...Just hang in there. Does he have a calling card?

I posted a few days ago regarding my son that was going to PIR 4/8/2011 but, now is in rehab for 30days, he called today and he is not doing well. He says that RCU is like Jail. It is so lonely I think is how he feels, he says they tell them that everyone is broken in there because, they are no fit for full duty. He sounds like he wants to give up and I know that is not what will be the best for him. I also heard that they sent another daughter home for injuries on medical discharge. The mother said that they had not done an MRI or nothing. I guess I thought with all the Navy has invested in these men and women they would do everything to keep them there. Is that how you all understand it. It is so hard for me to log into this sit now, because it is getting so close to graduation. It would be so wonderful for him to be able to graduate in 25 days. Congradulations to all of you who have loved ones that will be there that day.

Mar 14, 2011
Cheryl

I am so sorry texasmom to hear that your son isn't doing well. It has to be so tough for him. Is his injury doing any better, or is he just discouraged because of the lonliness and boredom? I wish I had encouraging words for you. I'll be praying for your son that he can recover from this injury. Stay strong and take care!

Mar 14, 2011
texasmom Ship 11 Div 179

Thank you so much chery187, I appriciate your sweet words. He hasn't been in there long enough to know about recovery yet. He says it hurts still really bad. He is very lonly and bored. I sent a long letter today, I hope the words sound encouraging to him. Thank you for all your prayers.

Mar 14, 2011
Debi (Ship 9 Div 126)

Does anyone know if the Navy Lodge has a shuttle? Sounds lit\ke the shuttle is the way to go. When my older son graduated two years ago, we were in traffic for about 40 minutes and we were only 15 minutes away!

Mar 14, 2011
diannep

No, it doesn't, Debi. But I understand that you can take a cab, or if enough are there and want the shuttle, they can order you a shuttle (it is actually a cab but cheaper rate!). I would call the Navy Lodge and ask to make sure.

Mar 14, 2011
diannep

texasmom: Getting depressed is common when they are in RCU so please be sure to write to him everyday, and ask others to do the same. They need constant encouragement. Remind him that we know of some who were in there for 6 mos and still came out as sailors, so he needs to try and stay positive! If you would like for the ladies on here to write to him to help lift his spirits, please send a message with his address to all....use the prompt at the top "Send Message to Group." He needs to stay encouraged!

Mar 14, 2011
diannep

NavyMomofOnly1Girl: It is not a hotel van; rather taxis that they schedule that function as the shuttles (unless Ramada has their own van and you are staying there?--I head that one is free, whereas the others are $3/pp each way...sailor returns for free). Shuttle is the way to go in my opinion. Worked great for us! Yes, they do not wait in the car lines...they go right in. Gate pass is for cars driving in...but I had mine in my purse just in case. You also need that to return your sailor to base.

Mar 14, 2011
texasmom Ship 11 Div 179

diannep thank you so much for the kind words. Yes that would be great for others that have kids there to write. Is this a safe things to do? I have read so much on this website about keeping everything safe. How would a person know who to ask? When I say Send message to Group, is that everyone on this group? or my friends or how does that work?

Mar 14, 2011
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons

texasmom- If you click on send message to group it will send it to every member of the group. You can also send a message to only your friends from your page. There is also a group page called ANSWER, member of that group have to be approved but they will also send letters of encouragement. I know Hunters Mom is in charge of that group and if you send her a message about your son she will get back to you. She is not back from PIR yet so it may take a couple days for her to get back to you. I would be happy to write him as well if you would like me too just send me a private email to uniquememorymakers@yahoo.com I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Mar 14, 2011