Stylist613: my son's flight was the following morning. The group arrived at O'Hare around 2:30 a.m. for a 10:30 flight. We arrived around 4:30 and hung out with them at the SRO until the flight. SRO was wonderful!!! Most of the boys slept. Our experience was the same as Kevsmom93, my son wasn't able to give us flight information until after PIR also.
Hi LaxDogsMom - Didn't get it yet but my internet is so substandard in this small town I live in that sometimes it actually takes an hour to get email. I'm going nighty night now - lots of yard work today - washed three cars in the rain tonight - I'm pooped. I will look again in the morning.
As for the airport, we just drove down, arrived shortly after buses did, gave him his electronics and talked briefly, We said our goodbyes and returned to Navy Lodge. We didn't feel the need to hang out with him all that time, plus we had driven from CA and were due to continue our trip across the country the next day. It is really up to the families what they can and can't do, or will or won't do. I think my son would have thought it a bit too much for us to hang out there with him anyway, he is spreading his wings and moving in his own direction, does not need me to coddle him anymore. ;) In fact, I thought it would be a bit too much, even if we had time,
You're right I held him in my lap like a baby coddling him....LOL! Personally I wouldn't have missed those seven hours for the world, every minute we treasured!
armynavymom - Great to hear about our Sailor! Yes, hurry up and wait for A School - he is not alone. NAVY finds plenty of things for our ACU Sailors to do - all a learning experience they will hopefully cherish always. Perhaps our Sailors don't think so, but it is good to have a little time to re-boot, catch up on rest and chill. We have been fortunate that there has not been too much ACU time. Our Sailor classed up for ATT. and he is happy! I hope all goes well for your Sailor in Techno. Proud of ALL our Sailors!
mrsb - Yes they are both in ATT Apprentice Technical Training (is that correct?). It is a self paced course. NAVY offers additional study class time - our Sailor says he will take advantage of it - yay! We hope he does not rush through toooooo fast! These young men are often in a hurry. Our sailor called us today - he stays busy, loves Groton and is enjoying ATT. He took a similar course in college.
Oy - a picture. Sure when I find one I like......not likely of me! I like your idea, I think I will post a pic of our pups! We'll see what I come up with. Did you look up info. on Blue Star Mothers?
May God guide and protect the mind, body and souls of ALL our Sailors and Armed Forces - God bless AMERICA!!!
Fathomom, I looked into it a couple of months ago but lately have been busy making pillowcases-it's taken over my life!!! but I really enjoy it. I'm soooo sick of this heat though!!! My poor dogs only go outside to potty, otherwise they're in all the time!
My son just called to chat!! Totally made my day!! We talked for nearly 45 minutes-he has no idea how happy he made me! Only one more month until we go to visit him, right fathomom?
Awesome news OklahomaMama and Annette. K - what is STS? Tooo many initials, I will eventually get them down. Love to hear that our Sailors are excited about their adventure - may they always feel this way!
mrsb - don't you just LOVE it when they call? Deep inside I think they know what it means to us. Wow to talk for 45 minutes - awe, love it!!!! I am so very happy for you. We are counting down the days till we are road trippin to Groton. Have you decided where you will be staying yet? I understand you are busy with your beautiful dogs and making pillowcases - you go girl. Blue Star Mom's will always be there for you - whether you are a member or not!!! I am looking at our dogs right now - inside - it is hot and sticky. Besides our male lab barks at the thunder, I am sure bringing him in is not the smartest way to stop the behavior! Stay cool NAVY Mom's.
Fathomom I think it stands for sonar tech, submarine. Don't quote me on that though! Lol. I feel like I'm still learning. Mrsb I LOVE him being at school! I talk to him every day. He texts me every morning and at lunch. He calls a couple of times a day. We Skype. He sends me pictures of everything. Lol. It's wonderful. He's so excited about class, and busy doing quals. I love to hear the enthusiasm in his voice. I'm so happy that he's enjoying this and that he is really happy he joined.
Yes, Sonar Tech, Submarine. I get texts from mine from time to time, hopefully he will call me on Monday. He went for a hike and picnic today at Bluff Point with my sister and her boyfriend. It's a beautiful spot, I hope he enjoyed it. She sent some pics. He is doing well, phased up so is wearing civvies, had a beer, got his wheels from his cousin's house up the road from base. And hopefully will take care of auto insurance today!
Hi, I am new to this group. My SR has PIR on 9/20 and will be going to Connecticut for SECF. Can anyone tell me what happens with him after PIR ? Thank You :)
Deann welcome . Your son will leave usually the next day after PIR to go to Groton. You and he will love that time when he gets to,Groton. It is much more a normal life, he will be able to call and text, if he has a cell. Wow he will be graduating from BC soon. Congrats.
My son left from O'Hare. He arrived at the airport at 4:00 AM for a 1:00 PM flight. We met him at the airport at 4:00 AM and stayed until he boarded his flight.
Has anyone stayed at Navy Lodge in the family suite? If so can you tell me if it as a full kitchen? I know my son would rather a home cooked meal instead of eating out! Crock pot chicken tacos are his Fav!
Select Groton and you can see availability. If none available, I strongly encourage you to call the local number directly. They are such helpful folks. They will give you all details you need. If link above does not work, try copying and pasting on to your browser, I hope you have an awesome day with our Lord!
mammawagzcory, just to get it straight, after you bring him back on Friday (and make sure he makes it back before the time they tell them), you will not see your Sailor unless you meet him at the airport the following morning after 3:30am. It will be so worth it!!!!! We got there at 4am and we got to spend so much time with him!!! I can't even remember what time he went into the airplane. mrsb would be able to tell you more. Her Sailor and mine were in the same plane, so was Kevsmom93. We were all in cloud nine! So happy just to be there with them. We took photos of him and his buddies. We got to hang at the, Lord knows what they call it, but it's where they have snacks for them and they can take a rest there too, while they wait for their flights. I was blessed to be with four of his friends and then one of their mothers came in later and it was just as if they were all mine!!! They were so sweet and funny. I think they were just happy to see a momma! HAHAHHA awesome memories. Thank you for reminding me fo these beautiful memories! All I remember is the love! Hugs from all! I hugged them as if they were my own! God bless them. I pray for all of them and all in our Military. Yes, we are one big family. So, I would book your NavyLodge right away if you are staying there, which I strongly suggest. I didn't know anything about Navy Lodge until my Sailor got to Groton! You have to book way early though. Ok have to go now to visit my other child at A&M! God bless us all. Happy Labor day!
ProudNavyMom#1, I just love your enthusiasm!!! We didn't get to the airport until about 8 or 8:30 I think. There was no way I or the rest of my family were getting up as early as you all did!! I commend you!!! We hung out with our son until right before they boarded, I think that was around 11 am. I didn't want to watch him get on the plane so we said our good-byes before that. He walked over to where your son, Kevsmom's son and a bunch of others were. I should have realized who you were but I had too many tears in my eyes!! I'm so glad you and Kevsmom took such good care of my son, and all the sailors, you were a God-send!! I just watched part of the dvd yesterday, cried through that too!!! I knew where he was standing because of a picture in the Keel so this time I could see him march in-what a sight!!! One of these days I'll watch the whole thing and see what I missed!
I was wondering if there are any Mom's from Friday aug. 30 th PIR. We waited with our son and several other sailors at the airport Saturday morning. We got to spend about four hours with him! Like ProudNavyMom said it is a vey special time listening to them relive their boot camp experiences and laugh about funny moments. They were excited to get a couple days of liberty. It is so good to be able to communicate with my son! He has sent several texts and called once, and even sent a selfie to his sister of a different uniform! His younger sister and brother did not get to attend PIR, so they have enjoyed getting to talk, text, Instagram, FaceTime all those things that young people do to communicate:)!
DeAnn; You will likely get to spend the day with him, he does not need to be back until 8pm (but get him there early as he has to be reporting in no later than, and will have to walk from where you drop him off). Our son went back to his compartment to make sure everything was clean and all his stuff was ready, and we waited for him at the chapel, as did a lot of other parents. When he came back we first headed back to Navy Lodge so he could relax a bit, but we pressed him to figure out what he wanted to do for lunch, as we had to have an early-ish dinner to get him back in time. We went to the NEX off base either before heading to lodge or after lunch, he needed some things that he didn't find there. After lunch we hung out in the Lodge, watched a movie while he caught up with online stuff, had a shower, changed into boxers(they don't like the tighty whiteys!) and relaxed. We had dinner at Lovell's Steakhouse in Lake Forest, maybe 15 minute drive from Lodge, really nice, great food and fun memorabilia from Jim Lovell's astronaut days. I recommend this for a great steak for your sailor, if he wants. We let Dennis pick how he wanted to spend the day, and what he wanted for dinner, we made the restaurant choice though. We got back to base early enough to hang out in the NEX right inside the gate, he got the things he needed and we looked around a little, then sat in Ricky Heaven talking til he had to leave. His bus was leaving at 1:00 am from GL to O'Hare. Hubby and I got up at 12:45 am, left the sleeping daughters, grabbed his phone, ipod and kindle fire, and drove to O'Hare. We arrived right after the buses, found our son and gave him the electronics, chatted a bit then drove back to Lodge. You can stay, they have the USO lounge there and you can get a pass to go through and hang there or at gate with him. We chose not to for 2 reasons, we had driven from CA, were continuing our drive in the morning to CT where we would leave our son's car and fly home, also, it seemed too much like "hovering", he's a big boy, and though we miss him, he sure didn't need his parents hanging around with him. We are very close, but I didn't need that airport time. We were back in bed shortly after 3am. His flight was supposed to leave at 7:30 am but was cancelled due to mechanical issues (meanwhile, another flight with BESS sailors headed out on time at 10:30 that morning!). HE flew out at 6 something, and got to Groton that evening. Typically they fly into Hartford and are bused from there. His first week was in build, where they waited for more students to come in and fill the class, 2nd week was indoc stuff, then he started Sub School. He has worked hard to take care of his quals and passing the first big test, 95%! for phasing up to yellow card liberty, and earned it so now he can go off base on weekdays (as long as he is done with school for the day), wear civilian clothes and have a drink! My sister is disappointed because he can only travel 25 miles from base, and she lives 26.5 miles away! But she took care of that Saturday by meeting him for a hike and picnic at Bluff Point in Groton (see photos I posted here). So there you go, I hope I answered all your queries, best of luck and congrats on your new or soon to be sailor!
We hung out with our Sailor at the airport until they left too! Navy bus left very very early. We met at 4:30 a.m. they departed at 1 p.m. We would not change a thing. It was great to see ALL of them and share just a few more moments with our Sailor. Give him his cell phone at airport. They are held accountable if it is given at P.I.R. or on Great Lakes Base. Once at Groton a whole new NAVY world opens up. Your Sailor has more opportunity to communicate with you. They will be very busy at first and of course once he classes up too - text and I am sure he will return your text when he has free time. ALL good!! Our Sailor has been in Groton since May and is very happy there. Kinda sad for us here - but it is our Sailors new home. To ALL soon to P.I.R. - Congratulations, safe travel and enjoy your P.I.R. with your Sailors!! Take lots of kleenex! I thank God for all of you NAVY Mom's out there. Because if I can't be where our Sailor is and YOU are....YOU are totally there for him and ALL Sailors. Recently our Sailor was invited home to a fellow Sailors home for a weekend. Our Sailor was welcomed with open loving arms, oh, they ate, he was cared for unconditionally. I even sent a hug through the Sailors mom to give to my son.....and she did! It gives me great comfort knowing that we are here for one another. Our Sailor sons are brothers now, and now we are ALL NAVY family. Hooyah!
Thanks soo much for the detailed info. I didn't see a notification in my email so I didn't reply sooner. I am so grateful for this huge navy family and how they embrace all of us newbies with open arms and help us along this new journey. Can you tell me where you get the pass to go into the airport to meet your SR ?
DeAnn
When you meet your son at the airport, he will have to accompany you to the airline check in counter and show his military ID and you will show your IDs also They will issue each of you a gate pass to be able to wait with your sailor.
DeAnn, just a side note about the airport. We couldn't find our son. He was already in the USO area (beyond the security check point). We just went up to a ticket counter and told them about seeing our sailor off to Groton. We did show them the info he wrote down for us (flight info). We showed our ID and they gave us a pass to see him. We did still have to go through security. I think the airports that the sailors fly out of our use to seeing this since they do fly out every Sat. It was very interesting to see so many sailors waiting around to fly out. You don't see this too often.
Annette, since you're from Groton can you recommend a good pizza place? Fathomom and I will be in Groton the first week in October and want to meet up with our boys and a few extra for pizza one night. My son doesn't really know anyplace to eat and since he doesn't have a car there he won't pay a taxi to take him anywhere! thanks!!!
My favorite is no longer there. My son says the best is 7 Seas, and his cousin who lives up the road concurs, he(my nephew) says they usually order from there a few times a month. It is almost across the street from the base if I recall from my brief time there early in August. Also I heard Pizza Palace in downtown Groton is very good, from natives who still live there. Oh, and 7 Seas delivers to base. I know they do because for the first couple of weeks son could not get off base!
Also, for a good breakfast that my nephew's wife swears by, go to Puffins on Thames St. We had lunch there last month and it was very good and well priced. The staff are all mentally disabled, they cook, clean, wait tables, etc. Really awesome place with nice view of Thames River and bridges. And The Shack in downtown Groton was a good breakfast, my sister took me there when I was back east in May.
Sharon
Stylist613: my son's flight was the following morning. The group arrived at O'Hare around 2:30 a.m. for a 10:30 flight. We arrived around 4:30 and hung out with them at the SRO until the flight. SRO was wonderful!!! Most of the boys slept. Our experience was the same as Kevsmom93, my son wasn't able to give us flight information until after PIR also.
Aug 22, 2013
LaxDogsMom
navymom2013- I just sent you a friend request...
Aug 25, 2013
navymom2013
Hi LaxDogsMom - Didn't get it yet but my internet is so substandard in this small town I live in that sometimes it actually takes an hour to get email. I'm going nighty night now - lots of yard work today - washed three cars in the rain tonight - I'm pooped. I will look again in the morning.
Thanks, I am happy to be friended....
Aug 25, 2013
Annette
As for the airport, we just drove down, arrived shortly after buses did, gave him his electronics and talked briefly, We said our goodbyes and returned to Navy Lodge. We didn't feel the need to hang out with him all that time, plus we had driven from CA and were due to continue our trip across the country the next day. It is really up to the families what they can and can't do, or will or won't do. I think my son would have thought it a bit too much for us to hang out there with him anyway, he is spreading his wings and moving in his own direction, does not need me to coddle him anymore. ;) In fact, I thought it would be a bit too much, even if we had time,
Aug 26, 2013
Kevsmom93
You're right I held him in my lap like a baby coddling him....LOL! Personally I wouldn't have missed those seven hours for the world, every minute we treasured!
Aug 26, 2013
Sharon
I concur, Kevsmom.
Aug 27, 2013
Rascal73 (Ship 11 Div 279)
Aug 27, 2013
Annette
Doesn't mean I don't want to coddle and cuddle him some, I know he appreciated his space
Aug 28, 2013
mrsb
I'm right there with you, Annette!! So hard to let them grow up but that's our job. :)
Aug 28, 2013
FATHOMOM
armynavymom - Great to hear about our Sailor! Yes, hurry up and wait for A School - he is not alone. NAVY finds plenty of things for our ACU Sailors to do - all a learning experience they will hopefully cherish always. Perhaps our Sailors don't think so, but it is good to have a little time to re-boot, catch up on rest and chill. We have been fortunate that there has not been too much ACU time. Our Sailor classed up for ATT. and he is happy! I hope all goes well for your Sailor in Techno. Proud of ALL our Sailors!
Aug 28, 2013
mrsb
fathomom, are our boys in the same ATT class? I figured since they both graduated from BESS at the same time but who knows!!!
You still need to put some kind of picture there!!
Aug 28, 2013
FATHOMOM
mrsb - Yes they are both in ATT Apprentice Technical Training (is that correct?). It is a self paced course. NAVY offers additional study class time - our Sailor says he will take advantage of it - yay! We hope he does not rush through toooooo fast! These young men are often in a hurry. Our sailor called us today - he stays busy, loves Groton and is enjoying ATT. He took a similar course in college.
Oy - a picture. Sure when I find one I like......not likely of me! I like your idea, I think I will post a pic of our pups! We'll see what I come up with. Did you look up info. on Blue Star Mothers?
May God guide and protect the mind, body and souls of ALL our Sailors and Armed Forces - God bless AMERICA!!!
Aug 29, 2013
mrsb
Fathomom, I looked into it a couple of months ago but lately have been busy making pillowcases-it's taken over my life!!! but I really enjoy it. I'm soooo sick of this heat though!!! My poor dogs only go outside to potty, otherwise they're in all the time!
Aug 29, 2013
mrsb
Glad they're both doing this together. I imagine Kevsmom's son it right there with them!
Aug 29, 2013
OklahomaMama
Aug 29, 2013
mrsb
That's great OklahomaMama!!! Aren't things much better now that he's out of BC??? :)
Aug 29, 2013
Annette
My son too, OklahomaMama! STS!
Aug 30, 2013
mrsb
My son just called to chat!! Totally made my day!! We talked for nearly 45 minutes-he has no idea how happy he made me! Only one more month until we go to visit him, right fathomom?
Aug 30, 2013
FATHOMOM
Awesome news OklahomaMama and Annette. K - what is STS? Tooo many initials, I will eventually get them down. Love to hear that our Sailors are excited about their adventure - may they always feel this way!
mrsb - don't you just LOVE it when they call? Deep inside I think they know what it means to us. Wow to talk for 45 minutes - awe, love it!!!! I am so very happy for you. We are counting down the days till we are road trippin to Groton. Have you decided where you will be staying yet? I understand you are busy with your beautiful dogs and making pillowcases - you go girl. Blue Star Mom's will always be there for you - whether you are a member or not!!! I am looking at our dogs right now - inside - it is hot and sticky. Besides our male lab barks at the thunder, I am sure bringing him in is not the smartest way to stop the behavior! Stay cool NAVY Mom's.
Aug 31, 2013
OklahomaMama
Aug 31, 2013
Annette
Yes, Sonar Tech, Submarine. I get texts from mine from time to time, hopefully he will call me on Monday. He went for a hike and picnic today at Bluff Point with my sister and her boyfriend. It's a beautiful spot, I hope he enjoyed it. She sent some pics. He is doing well, phased up so is wearing civvies, had a beer, got his wheels from his cousin's house up the road from base. And hopefully will take care of auto insurance today!
Aug 31, 2013
Annette
Aug 31, 2013
Annette
At Bluff Pt. in Groton. A hike with my sister and boyfriend (see below), and picnic
Aug 31, 2013
ProudNavyMom#1
Annette, Congratulations!!!!! Your Son looks great!! and happy!!!!! So happy for you two!! God bless him always!
Aug 31, 2013
ProudNavyMom#1
mrsb, I am so happy for you! talking to your Son for so long!!! HAHAHAHA lucky you!! God bless you always!!!!
Aug 31, 2013
mrsb
Thanks for the blessing ProudNavyMom!!! I can always use one or two! God Bless you too! :)
Aug 31, 2013
DeAnn
Hi, I am new to this group. My SR has PIR on 9/20 and will be going to Connecticut for SECF. Can anyone tell me what happens with him after PIR ? Thank You :)
Sep 1, 2013
stylist613
Sep 1, 2013
OklahomaMama
Sep 1, 2013
shirl
Sep 2, 2013
OklahomaMama
Sep 2, 2013
SurfCityUSA Ship 03 Div 391
Sep 2, 2013
ProudNavyMom#1
They do have kitchens. You could actually look at photos at
https://www.navy-lodge.com/
Select Groton and you can see availability. If none available, I strongly encourage you to call the local number directly. They are such helpful folks. They will give you all details you need. If link above does not work, try copying and pasting on to your browser, I hope you have an awesome day with our Lord!
Sep 2, 2013
ProudNavyMom#1
mammawagzcory, just to get it straight, after you bring him back on Friday (and make sure he makes it back before the time they tell them), you will not see your Sailor unless you meet him at the airport the following morning after 3:30am. It will be so worth it!!!!! We got there at 4am and we got to spend so much time with him!!! I can't even remember what time he went into the airplane. mrsb would be able to tell you more. Her Sailor and mine were in the same plane, so was Kevsmom93. We were all in cloud nine! So happy just to be there with them. We took photos of him and his buddies. We got to hang at the, Lord knows what they call it, but it's where they have snacks for them and they can take a rest there too, while they wait for their flights. I was blessed to be with four of his friends and then one of their mothers came in later and it was just as if they were all mine!!! They were so sweet and funny. I think they were just happy to see a momma! HAHAHHA awesome memories. Thank you for reminding me fo these beautiful memories! All I remember is the love! Hugs from all! I hugged them as if they were my own! God bless them. I pray for all of them and all in our Military. Yes, we are one big family. So, I would book your NavyLodge right away if you are staying there, which I strongly suggest. I didn't know anything about Navy Lodge until my Sailor got to Groton! You have to book way early though. Ok have to go now to visit my other child at A&M! God bless us all. Happy Labor day!
Sep 2, 2013
navymom2013
Hi SurfCityUSAShip03 Div391- I am going to be staying at the Navy Lodge in Groton for my sons BESS . If your room doesn't have a kitchen - mine does.
call 860-446-3119 I spoke to Michelle and Germania $75.50 per night - I am there Sept19th - 24th
You can cook for your son there - LOL -
Sep 2, 2013
mrsb
ProudNavyMom#1, I just love your enthusiasm!!! We didn't get to the airport until about 8 or 8:30 I think. There was no way I or the rest of my family were getting up as early as you all did!! I commend you!!! We hung out with our son until right before they boarded, I think that was around 11 am. I didn't want to watch him get on the plane so we said our good-byes before that. He walked over to where your son, Kevsmom's son and a bunch of others were. I should have realized who you were but I had too many tears in my eyes!! I'm so glad you and Kevsmom took such good care of my son, and all the sailors, you were a God-send!! I just watched part of the dvd yesterday, cried through that too!!! I knew where he was standing because of a picture in the Keel so this time I could see him march in-what a sight!!! One of these days I'll watch the whole thing and see what I missed!
Sep 2, 2013
Eaglefan
Sep 2, 2013
Annette
DeAnn; You will likely get to spend the day with him, he does not need to be back until 8pm (but get him there early as he has to be reporting in no later than, and will have to walk from where you drop him off). Our son went back to his compartment to make sure everything was clean and all his stuff was ready, and we waited for him at the chapel, as did a lot of other parents. When he came back we first headed back to Navy Lodge so he could relax a bit, but we pressed him to figure out what he wanted to do for lunch, as we had to have an early-ish dinner to get him back in time. We went to the NEX off base either before heading to lodge or after lunch, he needed some things that he didn't find there. After lunch we hung out in the Lodge, watched a movie while he caught up with online stuff, had a shower, changed into boxers(they don't like the tighty whiteys!) and relaxed. We had dinner at Lovell's Steakhouse in Lake Forest, maybe 15 minute drive from Lodge, really nice, great food and fun memorabilia from Jim Lovell's astronaut days. I recommend this for a great steak for your sailor, if he wants. We let Dennis pick how he wanted to spend the day, and what he wanted for dinner, we made the restaurant choice though. We got back to base early enough to hang out in the NEX right inside the gate, he got the things he needed and we looked around a little, then sat in Ricky Heaven talking til he had to leave. His bus was leaving at 1:00 am from GL to O'Hare. Hubby and I got up at 12:45 am, left the sleeping daughters, grabbed his phone, ipod and kindle fire, and drove to O'Hare. We arrived right after the buses, found our son and gave him the electronics, chatted a bit then drove back to Lodge. You can stay, they have the USO lounge there and you can get a pass to go through and hang there or at gate with him. We chose not to for 2 reasons, we had driven from CA, were continuing our drive in the morning to CT where we would leave our son's car and fly home, also, it seemed too much like "hovering", he's a big boy, and though we miss him, he sure didn't need his parents hanging around with him. We are very close, but I didn't need that airport time. We were back in bed shortly after 3am. His flight was supposed to leave at 7:30 am but was cancelled due to mechanical issues (meanwhile, another flight with BESS sailors headed out on time at 10:30 that morning!). HE flew out at 6 something, and got to Groton that evening. Typically they fly into Hartford and are bused from there. His first week was in build, where they waited for more students to come in and fill the class, 2nd week was indoc stuff, then he started Sub School. He has worked hard to take care of his quals and passing the first big test, 95%! for phasing up to yellow card liberty, and earned it so now he can go off base on weekdays (as long as he is done with school for the day), wear civilian clothes and have a drink! My sister is disappointed because he can only travel 25 miles from base, and she lives 26.5 miles away! But she took care of that Saturday by meeting him for a hike and picnic at Bluff Point in Groton (see photos I posted here). So there you go, I hope I answered all your queries, best of luck and congrats on your new or soon to be sailor!
Sep 2, 2013
Annette
Oh, and his PIR was 8/2, one month ago today!
Sep 2, 2013
FATHOMOM
We hung out with our Sailor at the airport until they left too! Navy bus left very very early. We met at 4:30 a.m. they departed at 1 p.m. We would not change a thing. It was great to see ALL of them and share just a few more moments with our Sailor. Give him his cell phone at airport. They are held accountable if it is given at P.I.R. or on Great Lakes Base. Once at Groton a whole new NAVY world opens up. Your Sailor has more opportunity to communicate with you. They will be very busy at first and of course once he classes up too - text and I am sure he will return your text when he has free time. ALL good!! Our Sailor has been in Groton since May and is very happy there. Kinda sad for us here - but it is our Sailors new home. To ALL soon to P.I.R. - Congratulations, safe travel and enjoy your P.I.R. with your Sailors!! Take lots of kleenex! I thank God for all of you NAVY Mom's out there. Because if I can't be where our Sailor is and YOU are....YOU are totally there for him and ALL Sailors. Recently our Sailor was invited home to a fellow Sailors home for a weekend. Our Sailor was welcomed with open loving arms, oh, they ate, he was cared for unconditionally. I even sent a hug through the Sailors mom to give to my son.....and she did! It gives me great comfort knowing that we are here for one another. Our Sailor sons are brothers now, and now we are ALL NAVY family. Hooyah!
Sep 2, 2013
Sharon
The place at the airport where military can hang out is called the USO.
Sep 2, 2013
DeAnn
Thanks soo much for the detailed info. I didn't see a notification in my email so I didn't reply sooner. I am so grateful for this huge navy family and how they embrace all of us newbies with open arms and help us along this new journey. Can you tell me where you get the pass to go into the airport to meet your SR ?
Sep 2, 2013
Eaglefan
When you meet your son at the airport, he will have to accompany you to the airline check in counter and show his military ID and you will show your IDs also They will issue each of you a gate pass to be able to wait with your sailor.
Sep 2, 2013
Annette
And definitely plan on going to Sarge's meet and greet! Lots of great info.
Sep 2, 2013
LoriM (div 337--Kevin's submom)
DeAnn, just a side note about the airport. We couldn't find our son. He was already in the USO area (beyond the security check point). We just went up to a ticket counter and told them about seeing our sailor off to Groton. We did show them the info he wrote down for us (flight info). We showed our ID and they gave us a pass to see him. We did still have to go through security. I think the airports that the sailors fly out of our use to seeing this since they do fly out every Sat. It was very interesting to see so many sailors waiting around to fly out. You don't see this too often.
Sep 3, 2013
mrsb
Annette, since you're from Groton can you recommend a good pizza place? Fathomom and I will be in Groton the first week in October and want to meet up with our boys and a few extra for pizza one night. My son doesn't really know anyplace to eat and since he doesn't have a car there he won't pay a taxi to take him anywhere! thanks!!!
Sep 3, 2013
Annette
My favorite is no longer there. My son says the best is 7 Seas, and his cousin who lives up the road concurs, he(my nephew) says they usually order from there a few times a month. It is almost across the street from the base if I recall from my brief time there early in August. Also I heard Pizza Palace in downtown Groton is very good, from natives who still live there. Oh, and 7 Seas delivers to base. I know they do because for the first couple of weeks son could not get off base!
Sep 3, 2013
mrsb
Thanks Annette!!! I appreciate your help!
Sep 3, 2013
Annette
Also, for a good breakfast that my nephew's wife swears by, go to Puffins on Thames St. We had lunch there last month and it was very good and well priced. The staff are all mentally disabled, they cook, clean, wait tables, etc. Really awesome place with nice view of Thames River and bridges. And The Shack in downtown Groton was a good breakfast, my sister took me there when I was back east in May.
Sep 3, 2013
mrsb
Thanks so much! :)
Sep 3, 2013