ALUMNI OF PIR 12/29/2011 TG 06 — 10 Divisions (021–028, 904 & 906)

Ruth:  SO sorry you missed it, but glad she got to reach her bf.  And so happy that she is happy!

And just for info, Ramada has their own shuttle to PIR...leaves a bit later than the shuttle service that many of the hotels use.  But it's free; the other shuttle service is $3/pp each way.  Sailor usually returns with you on shuttle for free.

Thanks diannep.  I feel so much better now.  She is a jock at heart, has done 4-H since she was 9, worked on a farm at 15, and at a Vet clinic form 16.  Work doesnt bother her.  I just worry about everything.  how did you son make out?  He has been on my  mind all day.

Anyone rcv a graduation packet yet? Just curious.  Saw it mentioned below and I've not seen anything here on my end on the homefront.

ArNavyMom - I think Michelle meant the form letter. It comes with a brochure for hotels and such, along with the form letter. This is the only info you will get about PIR from RTC (via your recruit).

Ruth...here is a hug!

...and a little bunny to make you smile!

Glad she was able to get her BF and hope that the NEXT call is a long one for you!

Good morning everyone. Glad to hear about the Boy Scout Troop. Not sure what this week will unfold for me. Plus this year neither kiddo will be home. Guess I better get used to that. :"(  Oh well- both boys will be home soon. So glad our oldest is getting to come home for Christmas and go with us to PIR and stay while his brother will be home before A school. I am going to take these little gifts as I can get them. Few and far between as they most likely will be for a while.  Between work, trying to go with hubby to the deer woods, getting our new puppy and Thanksgiving, it going to be a busy week so I think I will go find the "wheaties" and get prepared. Chat again in the morning. Have a blessed day!  Couldn't resist this one----

What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets.  I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?  ~Erma Bombeck

FireTeam-You always make me smile. I am OK with not getting the call, just glad that she caleed and all is well.

You were all right.  There could be 100 reasons why our SR doesn't call with the rest of the group and all of them are not bad.  the mother is us however, wnats to now everything NOW!  I guess this will be part of my life for the next several years so I should start getting used to it.

Have a GREAT Monday everyone. 

Good morning, everyone!  Have a wonderful day!

AZ- it is so cool to find out who his bunk mate is and I hope you can find his family on this site. I am still amazed at how many families go through this experience without this site. However, you will need to delete your post because it has a last name in it. You can rewrite your post and include everything except the name you could even use the initials on the post and send private messages to anyone on see if you can figure out. I bet they will both love the cards you are sending :-)

I totally agree with Lala - Remove the post because of the last name.  Geez, this is an open forum, you don't want a bunch of spammers mailing SR Sxxxx porn and other stuff at boot camp.  That will make this poor recruits life miserable.  

I removed the comment that stated last name.  Please confirm it is now gone - Lala, Craig and others.  Thanks!

Thanks Ar, it is gone. I am sure she just didn't realize. No harm done I am sure.

You bet.  I did the same thing a while back...before I knew not to.  Been there...done that...is so cliche! lol

@ ALL - Good day to you and your recruit!  What are you thankful for today? Me? Thankful for my husband (of 20 years!) and for a healthy, strong, and committed SR. 

ArNavyMom:  What you can do is post on here that your SR's friend lives in ______...and ask if his family is on here...ask them to message you if they are and you can exchange info by private message on here.  That is allowed!

My blessings?  They are many!  Yes, sometimes they get "buried" in the busy-ness and problems of the day....but when on my peaceful morning walks with my pups, my mind is clear, the day is still in darkness with light beginning, and there is peace...so I thank Him then for so many blessings!  AMEN!

...well....that is, if your SR told you where this bunkmate was from!

@ AZ - see post below as an example for looking for your recruits bunkmates family.  Sure thankful for the veteran's on this site!

@ Diannep - love the blessings!

Sorry, ArNavyMom. Meant to address that to AZ!  Thanks for directing here there!

Good morning!  Everyone - have a terrific Tuesday. 

@ FTLW - 25 years?! That is awesome!!!  I was so touched in my son's first letter to us, he thanked us for providing a stable home life as a lot of the kids he's met in GL didn't have that.  I will note that we do have two older son's (22 and 24) as I was blessed to be their "other mom" when I married my husband.  So, we did have somewhat of a blended family.  Not even close to perfect but we love each other unconditionally! 

Praying that everyone has a blessed day. Busy at will be and hectic as the next few days will become I am going to try and take a few moments and just remember to breathe. I write that to my SR all the time ( & have said it to both my kiddos many many times) If you take a moment and breathe- really breathe- then you are focusing and focused breathing gives energy and energy breeds success! It always seemed to calm them down and redirect stress! Me too for that matter! So ladies of the site and all the moms, gf and such on the next comeing days just BREATHE!  THANKSGIVING IS UPON US- READY OR NOT!

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Love that Momsdivided.  I caught my self inhaling and exhaling.

momshousedivided:  I so agree!  And it helps to be humming Faith Hill's song "BREATHE" and listening to the words...it is amazing how a nice slow deep breath or two can refresh.  I find it funny that in my gym classes, the teachers have to remind the ladies to BREATHE as they are exerting themselves.  But it's so true!  We sometimes hold our breath! 

Good morning everyone!

momshousedivided, you always have such wonderful messages.  Thank you.

@ veteran's and or Craig - RTC - my recruit is PIR 12/29. I understand that he can only have 4 guests. My dad (recruits grandfather) is a retired Lieutenant Colonel - does he count as one of the 4? If not, does he have to be dressed in uniform? And, what type of id does he need to provide?  I don't know that he has a uniform that fits nor a current military id.  It has been over 20 years and am since his days in desert storm! Thank you, in advance, for answering these questions.

No, ArNavyMom.  He doesn't count as part of the 4.  As long as he has his military ID, he is good.  And remember, extras ARE allowed anyway.  Just not guaranteed to get in (but they will...just may have to wait until others are in).  He won't have to do that with military ID.  He will go in with you all.

Thank you Diannep!

WOW!  36 days and counting!  Need some advice on driving.  I noticed alot are taking shuttles.  How much extra time should we allow if we are driving?  I noticed ther are 10 division graduationg that day.  I do not want to miss a minute!  Any advice?

Sorry I was MIA today, I got called in to sub and then had to tackle the grocery store for all the Thanksgiving fixings :-) I hope everyone is having a great day.

@ RuthL - Though we are renting a car, we may use the shuttle service.  Still undecided!

Ar - I always show the rules and where I got them when I post things.  You can't argue with the rules (yes, maybe bitch about them)...  Here it the rule on # of guest...

Q. How many guests per recruit are allowed to attend Pass-In-Review?

 A. Four seats are guaranteed per recruit; however, children 12 years old and younger do not count against the four-guest maximum. The graduating recruit is responsible for identifying those individuals to be placed on the access list. Please coordinate with your recruit via letters regarding who will be on the access list. No additions, deletions or changes will be made to the access list the week of graduation. The four guests on the access list will be admitted into the ceremonial drill hall first. Additional guests not on the access list will have to wait inside the Visitor Center until after the start of the ceremony at which time they will be allowed into the ceremonial hall if additional seating is available as space permits. No additional seating can be guaranteed.  PLEASE DO NOT CALL FOR ADDITIONAL SEATS.  All visitors must have valid photo identification. This requirement includes children (school ID, Social Security card or copy of birth certificate). Please be aware that security may deny base admission to guests NOT on the access list if they are not accompanied by a guest who is on the access list.

http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/faq_family.asp

Per the LtCol, as cool as it maybe, he will go crazy saluting every 5 seconds.  Every sailor deserves a proper salute and must be rendered on as well.  I truly think he will come away with not seeing his grandson having fun because he is too busy saluting 1000 freshly minted sailors.  Remember, they (the sailors) only salute once, he returns as many as given.  Yes, he could ignore it, but what is that teaching our new sailors?

I'd recommend he go as a civilian.  He should enjoy his day with his grandson.

btw: having a ill fitting uniform is another good reason not to go in uniform.  He must have his class "A" uniform in an inspection ready state (ie this means fitting as well).  It just sends the wrong message to these new sailors otherwise.  Just my thoughts... 

Craig:  From what I understand, he can still go with military ID and not be in uniform?  That way, he is guaranteed entry but avoids all of the saluting!

Ruth:  If you are driving to PIR, you should be in the line no later than 6 a.m. from what I have been told.  We took the shuttle when up there.  Wonderful since it bypasses the car line!  :-)

diannep - Back in 2007, I wanted my son to leave me off the list since I'm retired and knew I could get in.  However, when I got there, I was not allowed anymore benefit compared to a normal civilian about getting in.  So, unless they changed the rules, I don't think this guy would have any privilege if he's not in uniform.  In uniform is a totally different story.  But lets face it, there is not too many times they don't allow all the people in.  The ones that can get in just reserves a seat for the ones that have to wait.  

I'd love to see the official rule on this... and not hearsay....

Been MIA too sorry...just life!

Sooooo.....

Craig;  One lady asked on RTC FB a couple of weeks ago.  She said the post said that as long as they have military ID, they get in.  She said there was no mention of having to be in uniform.  So I dont know.

But regardless...as you said...the extras get in.  The worst that could happen is that they may have to wait in the Visitors Center until all are seated, but even that doesn't usually happen.

I hope everyone has a great day. I bet this site will be a little quiet. I know I will be cooking most of the day. Making Pecan Pralines, fudge, and Pumpkin Pie that is as soon as I finish up some ribbon orders and get them in the mail :-D

FYI, if you go to the post office to mail your letters to your Sailor you may want to check their holiday hours. Our local post office closes at 2pm today.

Have a great day Navy Family!!!

you veterans and Craig are fabulous!  you answered my questions and I appreciate it.  My dad will come as a civilian!  My son's GF will be added to another recruits guest list. (thank you, you know who you are!!!!)

diannep - Here is my thought.  I cannot see how the RTC people can say this.  With the military, we following the rules to the letter.  Let's say the building is fire code rated for 1000 people.  They count the people going in and it's 1001.  Who gets kicked out? The person with their name on the list, or some military guy who happens to be in uniform that was not on the list?  Someone can't go.  My thought is the the recruit (now sailor) wanted the person in their family to go.  Thus they should have priority.  This military member, although in uniform, has made sacrifices their whole life being in the military.  This is just one more.  I know if this would happen to me, I would gladly give up my space for them.  

Now will it ever come down to this?  No.  However, I've seen about 5 times when not all the people can get into the graduation.  That's 5 times in over 5 years.  Meaning they don't get to see the graduation at all.  Pretty good odds of them getting in.  

Remember on facebook it's just one person views from RTC.  When it comes down to fire code regulations, no one will put their butt on the line and say "Yea, we can squeeze one more in.  If they do, they're history....

Just my thoughts.... 

Hope everyone has a great thanksgiving. Remember to keep our SR's in our prayers as always. I am posting now because I know I will not be back on probably until Friday. God Bless

Craig:  Believe me...I know that there is sometimes conflicting info given out on RTC FB by different individuals. But this has been checked by phone calls to the PAO (yes, same ones answering on FB, I know) also in the past.  They consistently say that with military ID, they get in and do not have to be listed as part of the 4 guests.  So .....I dunno....although we had larger PIR groups over the summer, they are not quite as large now...so maybe RTC doesn't feel it is such an issue anymore of space.  In fact, today's PIR group graduating only has 4 divisions! 

Indoors

Ladies.  I will be hoping for phone calls home tomorrow.  For those who are able to have dinner with their SR's enjoy and please give them from us.   

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!  Flying out early in the morning to visit my sailor son for 2 days.  If he brings his laptop, will try to check in on here.  If not, I'll catch up on Sunday!  Enjoy your holiday!

Presleysmom:  Continue knowing that no news is good news at bc....it helps a little!  Hoping you'll get a call today?  But if not, he's ok!

Happy Thanksgiving, I know it is hard to be away from your recruit but try to enjoy this time with your family and friends. Take the time to count your many blessings knowing your recruit is in good hands. Hopefully this time at bootcamp will pass swiftly and you will be hugging your Sailor very soon. I will remember each and everyone of you and your recruits in my prayers and I really hope you get a nice phone call home today. If you do put them on speaker phone and let the whole family tell him/her how proud they are and how they know they can reach this goal. Have a wonder Thanksgiving, Lora

Here's a little video from my favorite Thanksgiving show.

May you all have a Blessed day!