My father was 28yrs army. My uncles where in the navy for Pearl Harbour. My husband was army and so was my father-in-law. It's differant when it's your child. I just want to give a GIANT shout-out and HOOYAA to the moms whose children are past BC and yet stick around to help new moms. Thank you......
Written over several days, she really seams up beat, she had lost 17 lbs, but put 10 back on (she says in muscle). Evidently the guys don't wash their shower shoes? I'm not sure how this came about, almost sounded like discipline to me. lol
My son just graduated this past weekend and I wanted to pass on some information. 1. Wear comfortable shoes. 2. Get there EARLY!! 3. If you have a family member in the 900 division, they will be allowed to take a group photo prior to the start of the graduation. Make sure you dont miss it. I went to the bathroom and missed it. 4. If you are in need of any transporation services, I highly recommend Sarge. He was recommended to me by DianneP and I am forever grateful. He is a wonderful person and the services are second to none. I used him to pick up and drop my father off at the airport. Come to find out he and my dad went to the same high school. His communication is fantastic. I travelled with my 3 younger children. He gave me directions to the best park I have ever seen in my life. He gave us directions on how to get around Waukegan and Gurnee. He also guided us to O'Hare to see my son off. His number is 847-212-0246. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me.
Sharon, thanks for the clarification on the backpack issue. Do you know who we would contact if we have not received our Form Letter with the password?? I have looked back through her papers that my daughter had, but i do not see anything in there about a password. Thanks!
I just LOVE seeing the count down clock say TEN days!! :) Hope you all have a great night. I was sooo hoping for a call from my SR (279) but did not get one.
trapier: You daughter should have written the password towards the bottom of the 2nd page (if it is the same form letter I got 1.5 yrs ago). If she didn't write it in, you need to write her and ask her for the password. You have time to get the pass...it will be up until PIR. Or remember to ask her when she calls. Public Affairs Office cannot give you the password.
You did receive the form letter shortly after you received her box at the beginning of bootcamp, right???
Please see KSam's post below about "Sarge". He may be the answer for some of your transporation needs during PIR weekend! She posted his number in her post.
caylex: It is really up to the airlines to determine how many gate passes they will issue per sailor. Someone had posted that the usual amount is 4, but not sure.
You all are very fortunate that a N4M veteran ("Sharon" )started this group since she has lots of info for you!
***Before purchasing the black backpack, check with your SRs. I understand that their group was issued backpacks so they won't need another. Doublecheck to make sure. I know that the 8/19 group was issued backpacks.
Sorry I was MIA today, I spent the whole day working on the PIR ribbons. :-)
My sailor is coming home for Labor day and they are going to have a real wedding for their first anniversary. (they got married at the court house while she was in A-school, 4 days before her hubby went to boot camp.) Nothing like short notice lol. Lots of planning and lots of phone calls not enough time for invitations lol.
Don't know how accurate it is, but my SR told me in the only phone call I've gotten so far that their division was the first division to get the backpacks, but I think I've seen some people who have SR's in divisions before 279 that said theirs have them too, so don't know for sure
Awe Sharon that is wonderful! My SR & I talk about how some people don't seem to understand love at first sight unless it happens to them! We still can't believe we feel this way about eachother so quickly since we only met on march 26th of this year! An amazing feeling! Scary ( we have both been in long marriages that sadly ended in divorce) but I know he was hand picked just for me! It's weird!! Lol!
Thanks Sharon! I feel like I got a second chance at love, I'll be 44 this year and figured I'd be alone! Looks like I was wrong! Have a wonderful night :)
HvnlySno: Congrats! Best wishes to you and your SR!
I got three letters in the mail last night. My SR had filled out three of the questionnaires and wrote letters on the back of them! Was soooooo excited.
On the flip side she needs everyone's prayers...she's been sick with pneumonia the last week...SIQ(sick in quarters) for four days and then LLD (limited light duty) since...all right before the final PFA. I've nervous for her, but keeping my faith and praying that the good Lord is going to carry her through her run!
Thanks, I am sure it will be a beautiful day. She was picking out a dress last night and sending pics to my phone. I wish I could have been there with her :-( They met in DEP and knew each other for only 3 weeks when she left for boot camp. It was a crazy year lol.
Hi ladies! I know you are all anxious and getting excited! My Sailor just graduated on 08/12! The ceremony was amazing! So proud of all our Sailors!
I just wanted to sing praises for Sarge and his taxi services.Sarge and his "friends" were fantastic and a blessing several times throughout our weekend! If he couldn't be there, he made sure someone was! They went out of their way to help us! I would STRONGLY suggest his services to all that are attending future graduations!! His cell number is: 847-212-0246 Keep his number handy. He helped us at the drop of a hat a couple times!
Congrats to all your Sailors and safe traveling to all of you!
Mann-Clan: "Sarge" and his group do it all...to/from airports, around town, to/from PIR. I literally have never heard a bad word against him. He is a real asset to PIR weekend for those without cars!
I'm staying at the Ramada near the base and they offer a shuttle service to PIR every week so we're covered there. I was mostly worried about getting from O'Hare to the hotel without costing me more than the room did. I know it's about 40 miles according to the brochure I was sent and I'll be traveling in my wheel chair and I know from experience some cab services tend to charge extra for larger vehicles.
Received a phone call today ... kind of. My SR needed more phone numbers of people that went to high school with her for security clearance. I can't believe they are still doing this. She called several weeks ago a few times for names and numbers of people that know her for security clearance. Has anyone else been receiving calls for this still? Is this normal? I don't know why she still doesn't have clearance.
I had to look up so much info for him... Lol he calls me and goes "Hey babe, I needs some numbers and addresses". "OKay, I will email them like I did the last ones?". "Well I kind of need them now while I am on the phone..." I had to get 2 teachers, the high school football coach, the college, and the personal info of the apartment manager. Lol
It may be for the job she is going to have. Certain jobs need security clearance. We needed proof that our oldest son was a citizen because he was adopted from a foreign country, but this was after boot camp.They do check!!! Especially when you have a job that is of importance to national security.
For those of you that sent/are sending a large envelope for the SR to send home all their letters, is the regular manila ones okay? And is this just so we can keep their letters safe for them, or is it because they are not allowed to take them to A School?
Quick FYI....As of this morning I've sent out 163 lanyards for our pir....I need 5, for my family attending, so I had 32 left but before I could type this people emailed wanting more, so I'm down to 23 left....they get to you in 3 days so there is still time to get them & travel wearing your sr photo! & brag about them becoming sailors! Also I'll bring what I have left to graduation
Looking forward to calls next week!!
SailorBrittysMom - I received our lanyards yesterday - LOVE THEM!! We are all so excited to wear them on the plane next week!! Thanks again for doing this for all of us so we can brag about our children/loved ones!!
I saw this little tidbit of advice on the FB page and with our PIR coming up thought I'd pass it on
...and when you get to the visitors center to check in for PIR, do so as a group, so make sure you have all four of your Sailors guest together and check in at the same time. when we were there last week, if you didn't have everyone there to check in, you didn't check in until everyone arrived.
Good to know!! I am arriving with my daughter and family friend and my Ex-husband is on his own...
Question...my 15 year old is attending PIR. Will his high school ID suffice, or should I get a state ID? And our 9 year old- just his birth certificate?
If you have someone added to another recruits list they will still need a gate pass to get in the gate or come in with you and they will need to know that recruits first and last name and DIV number. You just have to hope and pray that that recruit does not have a delay in PIR.
I have heard that high school ID is fine and you may want to take their SS card as well just as a precaution. Birth certificate is plenty for anyone 12 or younger.
Kimberley- that must be something new, we didn't all check in at the same time. My ex-husband was over an hour later arriving after we did. I wasn't even sure if he was there until after PIR when we saw him looking for our Sailor.
Kimberly: was that a post by RTC themselves or an experience by someone attending. It just doesn't make sense....a lot of recruits will have family/friends not travelling together, but are included on the guest list.
I appreciate the info, just makes me a little anxious that we will all be able to make it there the same time.
SOrry for causing any confusion. That was a post from someone (Kerry Morelock Elks Finland) who attended PIR last week in response to a post from Lajasmine Wilkerson about 4 hours ago (Approx 3:40pm Cali time) on FB - I copied their post in its entirety - You could go to that posting and pose additional questions if you would like, or perhaps ask RTC to clarify in the morning when they are back on the boards (I would wait for the AM though so your question doesn't get lost in "Good night Sailor" postings LOL)
Doreen-I have a 16 year old daughter and was going to get a state id for her. Unfortunately when I went to the DPS office all I had was her birth certificate and needed her social security card which my sister had and I knew there would not be enough time for her to send it to me and to go back to the DPS office and get her id card back by Aug. 26. She has not started school yet, so doesn't have a picture ID and can't find hers from last year. I e-mailed the PAO and they sent me an e-mail back saying that if I had her birth certificate and social security card she would be able to get in without a picture id.
That is good to know, Jana! Does it say that in your form letter? Mine (from 2009) said that pik ID was necessary, so wondering if they have changed that policy.
I know others have had a hard time getting state ID for their teenagers so I'm glad they are not requiring that anymore.
rhonda: If you get more info on whether those on the list must arrive together, please post here. We have always said that extras should be with the 4 on the list, for sure. But we had always heard that if you have family members on another sailor's list, you just need to know that sailor's name.
peony45
Aug 15, 2011
caylex 9/279
Aug 15, 2011
1DYBUGs Mom/Dana - S9/D280
I GOT AN UNEXPECTED LETTER!!!
Written over several days, she really seams up beat, she had lost 17 lbs, but put 10 back on (she says in muscle). Evidently the guys don't wash their shower shoes? I'm not sure how this came about, almost sounded like discipline to me. lol
Aug 15, 2011
Kenya
Aug 15, 2011
trapier
Aug 15, 2011
caylex 9/279
Aug 15, 2011
diannep
trapier: You daughter should have written the password towards the bottom of the 2nd page (if it is the same form letter I got 1.5 yrs ago). If she didn't write it in, you need to write her and ask her for the password. You have time to get the pass...it will be up until PIR. Or remember to ask her when she calls. Public Affairs Office cannot give you the password.
You did receive the form letter shortly after you received her box at the beginning of bootcamp, right???
Aug 15, 2011
diannep
Aug 15, 2011
trapier
Aug 15, 2011
diannep
caylex: It is really up to the airlines to determine how many gate passes they will issue per sailor. Someone had posted that the usual amount is 4, but not sure.
You all are very fortunate that a N4M veteran ("Sharon" )started this group since she has lots of info for you!
***Before purchasing the black backpack, check with your SRs. I understand that their group was issued backpacks so they won't need another. Doublecheck to make sure. I know that the 8/19 group was issued backpacks.
Aug 15, 2011
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
Sorry I was MIA today, I spent the whole day working on the PIR ribbons. :-)
My sailor is coming home for Labor day and they are going to have a real wedding for their first anniversary. (they got married at the court house while she was in A-school, 4 days before her hubby went to boot camp.) Nothing like short notice lol. Lots of planning and lots of phone calls not enough time for invitations lol.
I hope everyone had a great day.
Aug 15, 2011
Jana
Aug 15, 2011
Kenya
My son said that his PIR group was the last group to get the waist packs. All other PIR groups starting with 8/19 were issued the backpacks.
Aug 15, 2011
HvnlySno (S11, DIV 276)
Aug 15, 2011
HvnlySno (S11, DIV 276)
Aug 16, 2011
rhonda121199 (Div 269)
HvnlySno: Congrats! Best wishes to you and your SR!
I got three letters in the mail last night. My SR had filled out three of the questionnaires and wrote letters on the back of them! Was soooooo excited.
On the flip side she needs everyone's prayers...she's been sick with pneumonia the last week...SIQ(sick in quarters) for four days and then LLD (limited light duty) since...all right before the final PFA. I've nervous for her, but keeping my faith and praying that the good Lord is going to carry her through her run!
Aug 16, 2011
diannep
Thanks, JoJo!
Sarge's number: 847-212-0246
For those of you with sailors staying on at GL, he is a great resource for airport transportation for them as well.
Aug 16, 2011
diannep
Aug 16, 2011
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
Aug 16, 2011
HvnlySno (S11, DIV 276)
Aug 16, 2011
ProudNavyMom
Hi ladies! I know you are all anxious and getting excited! My Sailor just graduated on 08/12! The ceremony was amazing! So proud of all our Sailors!
I just wanted to sing praises for Sarge and his taxi services.Sarge and his "friends" were fantastic and a blessing several times throughout our weekend! If he couldn't be there, he made sure someone was! They went out of their way to help us! I would STRONGLY suggest his services to all that are attending future graduations!! His cell number is: 847-212-0246 Keep his number handy. He helped us at the drop of a hat a couple times!
Congrats to all your Sailors and safe traveling to all of you!Aug 16, 2011
BrendansParents
Aug 16, 2011
diannep
Aug 16, 2011
BrendansParents
Aug 16, 2011
Kira's mom Ship 02 Div 941
Aug 16, 2011
Brenda72
Aug 16, 2011
Navy_wife_in_training92
Aug 16, 2011
Navy_wife_in_training92
I had to get 2 teachers, the high school football coach, the college, and the personal info of the apartment manager. Lol
Aug 16, 2011
Kira's mom Ship 02 Div 941
Aug 16, 2011
Navy_wife_in_training92
Aug 16, 2011
tysmom
It may be for the job she is going to have. Certain jobs need security clearance. We needed proof that our oldest son was a citizen because he was adopted from a foreign country, but this was after boot camp.They do check!!! Especially when you have a job that is of importance to national security.
Vet mom of Ty.
Aug 16, 2011
Kira's mom Ship 02 Div 941
Aug 16, 2011
caylex 9/279
Aug 16, 2011
caylex 9/279
Aug 16, 2011
diannep
Mann-Clan: Call Sarge then! I'm sure he can help!
Aug 16, 2011
SailorBrittysMom
Looking forward to calls next week!!
Aug 16, 2011
kiminaz (ship 11/div 274)
Aug 16, 2011
Navy_wife_in_training92
Aug 16, 2011
Cathy_ProudNavyMom
Aug 16, 2011
Kimberley (Dillon's Mom)
I saw this little tidbit of advice on the FB page and with our PIR coming up thought I'd pass it on
...and when you get to the visitors center to check in for PIR, do so as a group, so make sure you have all four of your Sailors guest together and check in at the same time. when we were there last week, if you didn't have everyone there to check in, you didn't check in until everyone arrived.
Aug 16, 2011
rhonda121199 (Div 269)
Aug 16, 2011
BrendansParents
Aug 16, 2011
Doreen(07/272)
Aug 16, 2011
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
If you have someone added to another recruits list they will still need a gate pass to get in the gate or come in with you and they will need to know that recruits first and last name and DIV number. You just have to hope and pray that that recruit does not have a delay in PIR.
I have heard that high school ID is fine and you may want to take their SS card as well just as a precaution. Birth certificate is plenty for anyone 12 or younger.
Kimberley- that must be something new, we didn't all check in at the same time. My ex-husband was over an hour later arriving after we did. I wasn't even sure if he was there until after PIR when we saw him looking for our Sailor.
Aug 16, 2011
rhonda121199 (Div 269)
Kimberly: was that a post by RTC themselves or an experience by someone attending. It just doesn't make sense....a lot of recruits will have family/friends not travelling together, but are included on the guest list.
I appreciate the info, just makes me a little anxious that we will all be able to make it there the same time.
Aug 16, 2011
Kimberley (Dillon's Mom)
SOrry for causing any confusion. That was a post from someone (Kerry Morelock Elks Finland) who attended PIR last week in response to a post from Lajasmine Wilkerson about 4 hours ago (Approx 3:40pm Cali time) on FB - I copied their post in its entirety - You could go to that posting and pose additional questions if you would like, or perhaps ask RTC to clarify in the morning when they are back on the boards (I would wait for the AM though so your question doesn't get lost in "Good night Sailor" postings LOL)
Aug 16, 2011
Jana
Doreen-I have a 16 year old daughter and was going to get a state id for her. Unfortunately when I went to the DPS office all I had was her birth certificate and needed her social security card which my sister had and I knew there would not be enough time for her to send it to me and to go back to the DPS office and get her id card back by Aug. 26. She has not started school yet, so doesn't have a picture ID and can't find hers from last year. I e-mailed the PAO and they sent me an e-mail back saying that if I had her birth certificate and social security card she would be able to get in without a picture id.
Aug 16, 2011
diannep
That is good to know, Jana! Does it say that in your form letter? Mine (from 2009) said that pik ID was necessary, so wondering if they have changed that policy.
I know others have had a hard time getting state ID for their teenagers so I'm glad they are not requiring that anymore.
Aug 17, 2011
diannep
rhonda: If you get more info on whether those on the list must arrive together, please post here. We have always said that extras should be with the 4 on the list, for sure. But we had always heard that if you have family members on another sailor's list, you just need to know that sailor's name.
Would love to know what RTC says. Thanks!
Aug 17, 2011
caylex 9/279
Good morning everyone!
Isn't it awesome to look at the clock and see we are no longer in the double digits?? NINE days until we see our loved ones :) <3
Aug 17, 2011