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

Graduation was awesome!!!  I'm so glad to have my son home, if only for a few days before he heads out to A school.

My daughter will be in Great Lakes for A School as well.  We are very excited about her job and look forward to all that she will be learning!  We have such a blessed time being with her the past couple of days and will be very sad tomorrow to part with her.  I am hoping that we will be able to come out and visit her again when it warms up a bit.  Otherwise we will have to wait till she completes A school to see her.

My son is going to Great Lakes for A school. We still have 2 days to see him.

Graduation was awesome..

Our son is going to Great Lakes for A school as well...his rate is EN (engineman). We are having a great weekend here in Chicago.

Here is a link to your photos:

PIR PHOTOS 12/29/2011 RTC FB

Well finally back home in PA.  Graduation was wonderful.  Our daughter took 2 days of leave so we did get to spend some time with her.  Funny thing, she really did not know what to do with herself much of the time.  After 9 weeks at boot camp, she wasn’t sure how to do what she wanted to, when she wanted to.  Sarge was a saint!  He picked her up in downtown Chicago Saturday night and got her back to base.  He also called a sailor he knows on base and had them meet her at the gate and help her carry all of her things.  We had no clue where to go or where to check her in and he took care of her like she was his own.  It was also just as had sending her off again, but now she can use it phone, we feel much more connected.  The best part, she does not regret her decision at all and is ready to finish up and get to Norfolk.  Thank you all for all your help.  Let me know how I can help in the future.  LaLa’s ribbons were also a huge help in identifying each other. 

DEAR GROUP,

Hello! Well I have a question for YOU for a change! LOL

Which entrance were you directed to for PIR Illinois street off of Buckley or Ohio? Illinois is first and then Ohio is next to the Metra Parking. Also, did you aprk in the covered Structure?

Thanks!

THANK YOU Natalie'smom...A big HUG for you!

As far as A school and internet. My son was at Pensacola and he had to pay to have it hooked up in his room... and then for the monthly service. Had to get a router and shared the cost with his room mate. He needed it though as it was IT school. Well long story short...he failed out of the rate and was retained and able to choose a new one Seabee Builder and went to Gulfport Mississippi. When he left he agreed to let his roommate have the router as he would be coming home eventually and would not need it. He could get it in his room at Gulfport but never looked into it and did not want to incur the cost again as he did not need it for his studies. They can all go to the Liberty center and access the internet there. Most used their phones at Gulfport.

Craig may hopefully pop in for more info!

Good Morning, ladies...hope you are loving staying in touch with your sailors now and hoping some had some time at home!

We N4Moms veterans (which you all are now too!) like to keep the info we give out "up to date."  So we would like to ask a few questions here.  Please post your experiences so we can keep giving accurate info:

1.  Is PIR Shuttle still $3/pp each way?  Did your sailor travel back with you for free?  Any issues with this?  Any hotels who would not provide this service?

2.  What street did those of you driving use to enter RTC?

3.  Did you see any posters in the PIR hall that people made/displayed (usually not allowed)?

4.  Did GL A School students still move over to their new base right after PIR?

5.  Were you all still allowed to drive onto base on PIR day to return your sailors (with gate pass)?

6.  Please post any other info you can provide us that could be "new" info or changes in info we have been giving out.  Many of us had sailors who PIRed in 2010, except for FTLW whose was in 2011.  We constantly want to update our info to make sure it is accurate.  Also, please feel free to join us anytime on the PIR groups to share your info...advice...experiences!  You are N4Moms veterans too!  Congrats!

diannep- Yes the shuttle is still $3.00 per person each way. I did not take the shuttle, but the hotel offered. If taking the shuttle I am told that the base closes the gates at 12:00 noon therefore you would need to arrange with the shuttle to pick up outside along the street somewhere.

I do not know about the sailors that will attend A School in great lakes if they move move over to the new base right after since my daughter was able to take leave.

We entered off of Illinois to enter RTC

I did not notice any posters made by family members in the hall

That is pretty much all I can think of right now..

Yes that is correct along the side of the Metra rail.

1 more day for my sailor to be home on leave and then she will be heading back to GL for A School. I am not looking forward to seeing her off again, but this time I know I will be able to talk to her on the phone when she has the time and I will not have to wait for the letters to come in the mail.....I can't thank you all enough for the support while my daughter was in boot camp

We were there at 6:30am and came in on Ohio.  Words of advice, STAY TO THE RIGHT! People were not liking the people trying to sneak in on the left and saw one person pulled over for trying to bump in.  I stayed with a native Chicago friend so we had no problem getting there.  They only asked for the drivers ID at the gate along with all the vehicle information.  Once in, we went to a parking deck where we were greeted by many men and woman in uniform to guide us where we needed to go.  I got chosen for the random security check which was no problem and took about 10 seconds.  Once you get to the individual check you will need to have your ID ready.  Then we were in.  Glad we got there early because we got great seat.  I would recomend taking some cash for snack, drinks, and of course coffee.  Everything was very well organized and if you follow directions, very easy. 

Thank you Ruth!

Good morning Navy family.  Where do I start?  How about the early morning arrival to GL for PIR.  Though we rented a car, we used the black & orange shuttle to take and bring us back from PIR.  $3 per person and they didn't charge for or Sailor on the return to hotel.  We were dropped off at gate next to Metro Train (?) about 6:25a.  No wait getting through first gate...even though their were several in line.  ID was requested.  Not real happy with the young Sailors eyeing my son's girlfriend...the momma bear in me almost came out! lol  I quickly composed myself and proceeded across the drive and into the next gate.  (directly outside the hall!)  We were about 25 people from front of line.  A Sailor came thru and checked ID and this time with a stamp.  Stopped right at us as the doors were opened for all to enter at 6:45a.  At that point our ID's were checked again and were "checked off the list as present".  Once in we quickly found Div021 section and parked it!  The ceremony was amazing.  None like I've ever seen.  The moment that garage door opened and I knew my son's division was the first out, tears of joy surfaced.  I spotted him right away.  (he's over 6 ft so it wasn't that hard!)  It was a wonderful day and very organized which made things a lot easier for all of us.  VETERAN MOM"S and CRAIG - thank you for all the information and for guiding us along the way.  Y'all are the best!

One last thing, Loved the Meet & Greet at the Sundance Saloon but was not too impressed with Sarge.  It appeared to me that he was more concerend about soliciting business for himself and his one cab driver than anything.  Anyone else get that vibe?  Nonetheless the M&G was a good time. 

ArNavyMom:  Thanks so much for sharing this.  Things have changed a bit since I used the shuttle up there 2 yrs ago apparently.  We were dropped off at Buckley Main Gate, ID checked in gatehouse, and then we didn't have to go through another gate.  Just headed over to PIR hall...but I think showed ID at hall entrance and got hand stamped.

So disappointed to hear that about SARGE.  That certainly is not the purpose of the MeetNGreet.  He recently started that...just a few weeks ago.  Before that, we just passed along his name/number for those needing transportation.  I will say that the reports we have received from those who have used his services have always been "positive". 

Thank you Ruth ..for your info! 

Hello Navy family; I am FINALLY able to come up for air, the last 3 weeks have been so busy and I have been so overwhelmed with out of town guests, PIR, our son coming home for a few days and fighting a kidney infection.  But I can offer our experience of PIR from the time Sarge picked us up at O'Hare until he dropped us off on 12/29 with our Sailor.  We were originally going to rent a car, but decided against it, and were SO glad we did. I sent Sarge an email the day before our trip, and he texted me at 4:00AM (our flight was to land in Chicago at 8:05 AM)  He was GREAT!  Arrived before us, advised us what door to exit through so we wouldn't have to walk too far in the cold, and even served as a tour guide as he drove us to our hotel.  (I originally booked us at the Navy Lodge because of their low rate, but Sarge suggested Springhill Suites and we were not disappointed) Springhill is walking distance to the Sundance Saloon, Walmart, Chili's, and other shopping/eating venues. They have a great hot breakast (navy families eat at 6am to accommodate PIR) King size bed, cable TV, great size room very clean for a great rate. They also have the shuttle to PIR for $6.00 round trip PP.  Sarge met us at the hotel at 6:AM and took us through MLK Blvd right up to the gate and avoided 2 miles of traffic (yes by 6:30 a.m. the line was quite long)  Also, checkout at the hotel was 12:00, and we were unsure of the time we would be done at PIR.  Sarge offered to hold onto our luggage as opposed to leaving with hotel concierge.  We waited behind about 35 people for 20 minutes, they stamped out hands and asked for I'D.  Once inside......what an experience!!  I cried, smiled, sighed and cried some more....I couldn't wait for Liberty to be called so I could hug my SAILOR/my son. I wished all of my kids could have been there, but x-mas and airline fares made it an impossible task. I can't thank all of the Veteran Mothers enough for your advice, words of encouragement, and tips to making that day SPECTACULAR.   

Sarge's services were outstanding, although he might have come across as trying to market his business..(which he may) my impression is that he genuinely cares about the families, Sailors and the whole PIR experience.  The Meet N Greet was great....I spoke with another family there who ended up paying $150 for their cab.  $75.00 for cab + $25 for occupants ($5.00 per person) and $50 for their luggage ($10 per bag).  Sarge only charged us $50.00, and he even said if there had been another family, he would allow us to split the cost.  At the meet n greet he offered tips on leaving early for PIR, road to take to avoid traffic, and other great info.  He picked us up with our Sailor, and got us to the airport early - which enabled us to be put on the same flight with our Sailor.

All in all....I don't have anything to complain about......except that my son will be leaving on Sunday for A-school. I wish I could keep him longer.  

Sarge was a life saver for me.  He knew when we met at the meet and greet that we drove and my friend that was there is from Chicago. I ended up having him pick Jami up New Year’s Eve, we originally planned New Year’s Morning, but she was worried about checking back on base.  We had no idea where to take her.  Because he was that night he could not walk her in gate, but called a friend on base to meet her and help her with all her things.  When I told him that I gave my daughters number to call if she needed a ride to our friends house (40 minutes away) he explained to her how to use the Metro and what to do.  Jami called me when she got back to base and told me that he gave her so much helpful information, and the sailor he had meet her, not only helped her check in, but also helped her carry her sea bag and other luggage right to where she was staying.  He was also very patient and reassuring to me, the bawling mother in the middle of the street, even thought it was a busy holiday night.

Not wanting me to be taken advantage of and not to my knowledge, my friend’s family called a few other cab companies to check prices.  He was by FAR the cheapest and I am sure there is not another one that would have had someone waiting to help my girl and given this crazy mom a pep talk.  He was extremely sensitive to her father and I needing that time to say goodbye again and never rushed us. 

He did market his company at the meet and greet, but I think it was meant more as a service.  I truly believe from my phone conversations and interactions with him, he really has a heart for these kids and their families.  He was a true blessing to my family. 

The meet and greet was a blast.  I have to say I have not had that much fun in a very long time.  Free food, cheap drinks, and GREAT Company.  It was so nice to finally meet everyone and talk face to face.  Once again, LALA’s ribbons were a huge help.  

You guys are making me cry! What wonderful stories...all of you!

I love hearing the after PIR stories! I was so thankful for getting those extra days with my son (he was originally supposed to leave the next day but didn't have to until Sunday...plus we had a Thursday PIR)...who knew he would be gone for 7 months after BC rather than 5....it was a blessing.

I have never met Sarge...when he started his Meet and Greets a few of the moms got the ball rolling on here and one mom Invisible12 typed all the info for her PIR group...I rewrote it and "carried the torch" for his M & G info. So I have only texted with him. One time he let me know when the moms were coming out of PIR. I try to keep him updated on wether or not a PIR group is small or large as there were some small ones when he first started and head count was low. He texted me a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year too!

It is comforting to know that there is "someone" for you all there when you get to GL.

Thanks to all the veteran Moms and all the supportive folks for TG 06. I depended on this site for EVERYTHING related to bootcamp. Now, I am referring a new Mom here as her son leaves on Jan 9. I remember the first week or two...WOW it was so hard! Then, Hell Week, Battlestations...and finally PIR. It has been a wonderful roller coaster. Thanks Navy for MOMS!!!

You are welcome...and Thank you My son for referring the new Mom! Just as an extra there is a "DEP leaving for Boot Camp in January" group on here as well as Boot Camp Moms. Those are great places to start before she gets a PIR group. New Members Start Here is good too.

http://www.navyformoms.com/group/leavinforbootcampinjanuary

http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms

http://www.navyformoms.com/group/newmomsstophere

Yep, you are very welcome!  We love doing this-- and now ALL of you are N4Moms veterans and can help whenever you like on the groups!  We welcome all help on the PIR groups!  :-)

I'm leaving this group now...blessings to all of your new sailors in their future Navy adventures!

Great news!  My daughter will be coming home on the 24^th for 8 days.  She will be working with her recruiter for some of the time, but I already told him he gets her during the day.  I want her when I am home.  Her dad and I will be driving her to Norfolk.

That's awsome Ruth!  My Sailor is hoping to work with his recruiter after A school.  June is my guess...

Have a wonderful visit!

Our son will take leave mid March after A school at Great Lakes and will also work at the Recruiter's office.

Leaving your group now! Thank you all! Blessings to you and your Sailors!

Any one have a Sailor that graduated 12/29/11 A school at Great Lakes for Hull Technician?  (other than me :)

Our son was div 023 and PIR 12/29. His rate is EN (engineman). He is at Great Lakes now in A school.

Not been on here for a while now.  I have missed you ladies!  Praying all your Sailors are doing well thus far and A schools are going well and or the next command. 

My son is still in A School.  I am so excited that I get to see my him this weekend.  You gotta love those government holidays!  Three day weekend in San Antonio.   Thankful...

@ natatlie'smom-our son will graduate from BECC next Monday I think...then the EN strand class. Maybe our kids will be in that one together?? Our son's BECC class doesn't have any women in it. Did your daughter get her orders? Our son is going to the USS Arlington 24 LPD. It will be based in Norfolk. Our son really wanted to be based in Washington State however...his Dad and Grandpa were both based in Norfolk. What will be...will be!

@natalie'smom-my son is in the same EN class as your daughter. Did she get her orders?

Yes she got her orders this Monday...We are very excited she will be in San Diego which is about and hour & 1/2 away from home. My parents live very close to the base, so she will be close to her grandparents which is nice because she is very close with them...Does your son know my daughter?

Hello Everyone.  Wow, I haven't been on here in a long time!  Doesn't seem like it's been that long since PIR 12/29 but it's been almost half a year. Time really flies. My youngest son just left yesterday for Army Basic Training. Which is what brings me here this evening. Does anyone know of a site similar to this one for Army moms? Thanks, hope all is well.

Hello Navy Moms, family and friends.  Next month will be ONE YEAR that our loved ones will be in the Navy.  So hard to believe! 

Checking in to see where your Sailors are and how they are doing?!!

My son is in C-School.  Observing in the OR...in local, civilian hospitals.  Graduation is end of October and then he will get his first command.  No clue where or how long he will be in "holding". 

Repsond when y'all can.  Looking forward to reading how our young men and women are today.