leftwayleft, I am so glad that you were the one who started this group and that all of us have had the pleasure to get to know you. You are an amazing strong woman and I am sure your son gets his strength from you. I know that there is something awesome in his future. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers and wish you and your son the best. Please keep us posted and let us know how he and you are doing and of course how he likes his new room :-)
AliciaG, so glad I got to meet you. Thanks so much for coming to the get together. I will see you again soon :-)
Sorry I was MIA today. I had lots of work to do and then the get together to get ready for. We had a great time and I wish everyone here could have joined us. There needs to be big cruise dedicated to Navy Moms members so we can all meet and have a great time together :-)
Hoping that you all put Sarge's number in your phone for this weekend...he is wonderful for info, and happy to give it, and he also has his transportation service/Meet&Greet tonight. If you need anything, call or text him!
I am absolutely exhausted. But it was the best day ever. I am so proud of my daughter. She has changed so much, and I love what she has become!! Thank you everyone for the love and support. Looking forward to her A School in Pensacola for Aircrew!!
PIR was great. Advise to park at train station at 5:30am worked great. We were second in line for PIR morning. Then ate at Bull Dogs, in Libertyville. Great burgers. Sailor really enjoyed. Hadn't had a real meat burger since BC started.
Thanks for all the great advice. Oh, and Sarge's meet and greet was grear also.
It was exhausting like Marcy said. The ceremony was awesome, I am so proud of those sailors. We all cried, have your tissues ready!! They looked great in the uniforms. I got 2 days with my son and family before A school in Pensacola today. I would recommend the Residence Inn- very clean, breakfast every morning, a pool, work out room and basketball court.The taxi from the Inn took us to graduation without any issues that morning and took us back with our sailor. The lower level filled up quickly but my husband and son got to sit there and myself and my other son sat in upper level. You get great pics in upper level. It was cool but it was in the high 90's that day. That first hug I did not want to let go, but you have to. I already took my pictures to get developed. I am so proud of those Sailors!!!!!!!! Here we go again ladies with another phases A school. It was very hard to say goodbye after being with him.
smokie: So the Pensacola sailors didn't fly out until today (Sunday)? Good to know. So glad you got that extra time!
Ladies, we we N4Moms veterans (a group all of you are part of now, by the way, so feel free to "pay it forward" and jump on the newbie PIR groups!) always like to ask the groups who just went through PIR if there is any info we gave you all that was incorrect. We try to stay updated through you all. Things change and we are well aware of that! Lala, Betsy, Jessica and I had sailors who PIRed in 2010 and FTLW in 2011. So...it has been a while since we were there.
Please post on here if there were discrepancies so we can advise the future groups. Thanks so much!
Hope everyone had the very-best-of-the-best weekends ever!
It was a wonderful weekend! My sailor called this evening from San Antonio. He seems like he is really liking his new living conditions! And I am loving that he can call now from his cell phone!!!!
stormy: A School is set up kind of like college dorms. They like that. So different from bootcamp. They have some freedom now (compared to bootcamp...they still have to phase up to get most freedoms). My son loved A School...I know your sailor will do great!
Headed home to Utah, totally exhausted!! What a amazing weekend!! The emotional roller coaster is not over. She changed so much!! It was incredible. Now to the next journey, A School in Pensacola. Ugh!! The emotions.. !!!
Good morning ladies, and welcome home for those who have just returned from PIR!
Hope all had a phenomenal time!
Question: I think I may have been passing out "old" info on where the hotel shuttles drop off at RTC. Can any of you post where the shuttle let you off? When we were there, many moons ago ( :-) ), we were dropped off at the gate on Buckley (the main drag to RTC). Picked the shuttle back up right there too...there is a lot where the shuttles waited right near the Visitors Center.
Please post an update if this has changed so we know how to advise the future groups. Thanks!
Brought binoculars for PIR--very helpful. Although we were seated in the lower level (arriving between 6:30-6:45), it becomes difficult finding your Sailor. We were all antsy awaiting for the call "Liberty!" and the mad scramble to the floor to reunite with our Sailors. A very moving experience!
What an amazing weekend. The eight weeks leading up to this was the hardest thing I have ever gone through, but it was worth see my sailor in his uniform. He did it! I am so very proud of him and all our sailors! OUR SAILORS! We are now Navy Moms...and I say that with so much pride!
I agree, Dee...those 8 wks. tested all of us, moms and recruits alike! I am so proud of all 876 sailors who made it! (along with their moms) Yes, we are official Navy moms now!
Ladies, So sorry missed you at the meet and greet was late. Sarge was already talking then everyone was leaving. My son called Monday night the flight was delayed again. He loves the new housing also. Said they have time off due to the holiday. We mail out his phone and kindle this am. He said he will call again tonight, I can not believe I am getting 2 calls straight. Hope everyone got home safe after a great weekend. My son said there are 3 in a room at A school in Pensacola. Ok now to research how much is it to fly to Pensacola? Everyone have a happy 4th of July. Be proud of those Sailors!!!!!
Had an awesome weekend with my Sailor! We got to spend the weekend together - he hasn't been sent to Pensacola yet...some medical paperwork that fell through the cracks. Hopefully they will get in straightened out soon - if he isn't to A school by this weekend he will have to wait a few months before he can go :( so keep your fingers crossed!
PIR was great. Very proud of all 876 Sailors who graduated on 6/29!
Diannep, My son had to be at midway airport at 345 in am on Sunday then did not get to Pensacola until the next day, Monday at 700 am due to delay. He said he slept across 3 chairs in the airport. We extended our stay due to him leaving Sunday. It was great to have an extra day.
We are finally home. Stayed some extra time in Chicago. First of all congratulations to all the new Sailors and their families. Great accomplishments. PIR was great and a wonderful experience and so proud of all the the new Sailors.
Sarge was a wonderful resource. We went to the meet and greet and got a lot of useful info. We came with specific questions for our SR and got all good valid answers. I took Sarge to his word and we called him every time we needed advice. We took Sarge's offer and took our son for his free steak in Libertyville- and it was awesome. I don't think I ever saw him so happy- then we hit a wonderful bakery called Lovin Oven Cakery and the Chocolate Factory while we were there. Called Sarge and got directions to Gurnee Mall and stopped there for a bit of shopping (sole supporters and various odds and ends). By the end of the day we realized that getting our sailor was going to be tough as we already had a long day and although we were not as tired as the sailors, we were not sure if it would be a good idea to drive to O'Hare at 4 or 5 in the morning and pick him up. We didn't know our way around or even where to try and meet at. Sarge took care of it all. When he picked our son up and drove him back to our hotel early morning. Calling us to let us know he was on his way. So we were able to sleep some and then let him sleep in a hotel bed for several hours. We headed out for lunch the next day and had a great time with him until taking him back to O'Hare at 6PM. Sarge helped us pull it all together. I ran into to sailors staying at our hotel that night that had just graduated A school from GL. I mentioned Sarge's name and then couldn't stop talking about him. They said they still use his services and advice - and that they would not trust any other cab service in the area!! What a great recommendation.
tatmom: Was a bit confused on your post. Did you say that once your sailor was dropped off at OHare, Sarge picked him up there and brought him to you in GL? If that was the case, yikes. Glad it worked out but if anything had happened and he had missed that flight, it would have been BIG TROUBLE for him. I know he didn't leave until later that day, but may have been better to stay around Chicago in that case. I know RTC tells them not to go anywhere, but the USO has told others just to have them back 3 hours before flight time. I know of one sailor who missed his flight (was alone in barracks and RDCs forgot about him). Even though he had no alarm clock and it really wasn't totally his fault, he was in big trouble when he finally arrived at his A School. Scared to death.
But regardless, so glad you had a good time and Sarge was so helpful!
Smokie: Wow, smokie. So glad that he finally got there!
We had a long Saturday with sailor, he was tired due to 4a-6a watch before liberty. And he had to be back by 8pm for watch again. We went to Chicago during the day.
Sunday morning we went to the airport and ate breakfast with him and then saw him off.
Also gave him his electronics. He called Monday and said that all electronics, such as his kindle fire, had to be turned in until phase 2 liberty is achieved. Apparently earned with good behavior, and no hits on inspections. They did not get in trouble for already having them, they only had to turn them in.
We parked in the small metra station at PIR, but saw many people being dropped off at the walk in gate there. The car line looked long, and then they had to walk quite a ways to get in line behind the walk-ins that had lined up while they were driving and walking back. I think this was gate 8.
When you return your sailor you do so on Buckley, I believe that it is gate 6, you drive through the gate, after getting permission, and then turn right, after the NEX, into the chapel parking lot. You can then drive to the chapel and drop your sailor off their. It shortens their walk back to their ship to check in.
Both days we dropped off our sailor between 30 and 45 minutes early to allow for the walk back. He joked that as close as our hotel and the mall was, that he could have run back, after running so much in boot camp... ;)
Congratulations to all graduates. It is an experience to be remembered.
diannep - you are correct about the concern of missing a flight we specifically did not go into Chicago or did anything "touristy" once we picked him up from the airport to ensure that he would not miss his plane. It just didn't seem right that he couldn't go into the USO, or check his luggage in because they didn't want to be responsible for it for 13 hours before his flight. So then he wasn't allowed to go past security since he still had all his luggage. I also wanted him to get some sleep. We had all planned to stay with him at the airport so that he wasn't alone - but once it came time it seemed a little ridiculous to me that he we couldn't bring him to the hotel at the Marriott at the Courtyard not far from GL. In fact after he slept, he gave us the Navy shirts he had pre-purchased and he took the civies we brought for him - so he repacked part of his bag. We went to lunch/dinner and then to the airport to see him off. Thanks for you concern. I know the Navy frowns on them leaving again - once they are at the airport. But we were as cautious as we could be. Hope this helps clear it up.
leftwayleft - thanks. You are right. I didn't think about it much at the time - but looking back at it now I am glad I did what I could for him. I had read on N4M that some Sailors wanted to sight see and some wanted just to hang out - my son wanted to be out and about with his family at places we could talk with each other. I had to argue with both my current husband and my ex that kept telling me that he would be fine - and of course he said he would be OK as well. It just didn't sit well with me. It was so nice that he was able to get 7 hours of sleep, take a shower, we exchanged items at the hotel rather than the airport, feed him while hearing more of his stories - and seeing him off. It only could have been better - if it lasted longer. I am thankful for the time and the choices he has made. Congratulations again to everyone.
Dan - Thanks for your info about your PIR experience...helps so much.
So...
"We parked in the small metra station at PIR, but saw many people being dropped off at the walk in gate there. The car line looked long, and then they had to walk quite a ways to get in line behind the walk-ins that had lined up while they were driving and walking back. I think this was gate 8.
When you return your sailor you do so on Buckley, I believe that it is gate 6, you drive through the gate, after getting permission, and then turn right, after the NEX, into the chapel parking lot. You can then drive to the chapel and drop your sailor off their. It shortens their walk back to their ship to check in."
Gate 8 (Ohio) is where you entered for PIR but to bring your Sailor back it was the Illinois entrance (Gate 6? not sure on the number either but can find out!)...the one that runs in front of the NEX etc and then the right into the Chapel parking?
How did you know to go back to that entrance instead?
I ask because I used Ohio entrance again on that first night and we were able to drop off in the Chapel parking but the other days (Sailor was at RTC for a couple of days) it was always the PIR parking Garage. Had to walk across to the NEX each day to fetch him and say goodbye at the Parking Garage. (This was a year ago.)
Thanks for the help! Like to keep the Moms updated.
We just met him at the Metra station Saturday. He walked there from the gate. and we caught the train together. Other parents picked up from here. Yes the Ohio street one.
I believe that those are the correct gate numbers.
My SR's PIR isn't until 8/31 (Labor Day weekend) and I was hoping for some recently experienced Moms' feedback on unlisted/extra guests??? I noticed your PIR had 12 Divisions graduate, like ours, and I wondered if any extra guests that were brought along had been turned away because of a lack of space? I'd hate to see Grandma spend the money to get there and then not get in. Also, Is it true my SR won't know until Graduation, or just before, when he'll fly out for A-school on the west coast? Especially with the holiday the following Monday? Many Thanks in advance...
I wouldn't worry - although I know how hard it is not to. There was a group next to us that had 16 people - the 4 got in and saved seats for the others. They were the first ones in line - so remaining 12 were the first ones that got in once they opened the doors for the extras. They get let in - in plenty of time to get seated - and it appeared that no one was turned away - we even had some "open" seats around us and we were about the 5th row. People could have moved in more if there was people that needed a place to sit. Go and enjoy. Your sailor will love the support.
Dan
Congrats to the honor grads 6/29
Honor Grads
Jun 27, 2012
diannep
Congrats to 933! Saw on Bootcamp Moms where the calls are starting to come in! Any word from 814? Not sure if they went last night or not?
Jun 27, 2012
Dan
Jun 27, 2012
diannep
Congrats to 814!
Jun 27, 2012
proudmom
Jun 27, 2012
diannep
Safe travel for those leaving tomorrow for PIR! Enjoy!
Jun 27, 2012
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
leftwayleft, I am so glad that you were the one who started this group and that all of us have had the pleasure to get to know you. You are an amazing strong woman and I am sure your son gets his strength from you. I know that there is something awesome in his future. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers and wish you and your son the best. Please keep us posted and let us know how he and you are doing and of course how he likes his new room :-)
Jun 27, 2012
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
AliciaG, so glad I got to meet you. Thanks so much for coming to the get together. I will see you again soon :-)
Sorry I was MIA today. I had lots of work to do and then the get together to get ready for. We had a great time and I wish everyone here could have joined us. There needs to be big cruise dedicated to Navy Moms members so we can all meet and have a great time together :-)
Jun 27, 2012
diannep
Good morning all!
Jun 28, 2012
diannep
Hoping that you all put Sarge's number in your phone for this weekend...he is wonderful for info, and happy to give it, and he also has his transportation service/Meet&Greet tonight. If you need anything, call or text him!
Sarge 847-212-0246
Jun 28, 2012
marcyl(Ship11Div197)
Jun 28, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
Jun 28, 2012
marcyl(Ship11Div197)
Jun 28, 2012
ellen0502
Happy PIR day all!!! What a wonderful day it will be for you.
Jun 29, 2012
diannep
Hope some of you are arriving at PIR hall as I type this! An exciting day ahead for you! ENJOY!
Jun 29, 2012
raeveness(Ship11Div198PIR6/29)
Jun 29, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
HAPPY PIR DAY!
Have a wonderful Liberty with your new Sailor!
Jun 29, 2012
diannep
Ok, ladies, so how was it?????
Jun 29, 2012
Tammie Clements
Jun 29, 2012
marcyl(Ship11Div197)
Jun 29, 2012
diannep
Hope many of you are enjoying visits with your sailors right now...either in GL or at the airports! :-)
Jun 30, 2012
Dan
Thanks for all the great advice. Oh, and Sarge's meet and greet was grear also.
Jun 30, 2012
smokie (ship12 Div 203)
It was exhausting like Marcy said. The ceremony was awesome, I am so proud of those sailors. We all cried, have your tissues ready!! They looked great in the uniforms. I got 2 days with my son and family before A school in Pensacola today. I would recommend the Residence Inn- very clean, breakfast every morning, a pool, work out room and basketball court.The taxi from the Inn took us to graduation without any issues that morning and took us back with our sailor. The lower level filled up quickly but my husband and son got to sit there and myself and my other son sat in upper level. You get great pics in upper level. It was cool but it was in the high 90's that day. That first hug I did not want to let go, but you have to. I already took my pictures to get developed. I am so proud of those Sailors!!!!!!!! Here we go again ladies with another phases A school. It was very hard to say goodbye after being with him.
Jul 1, 2012
diannep
smokie: So the Pensacola sailors didn't fly out until today (Sunday)? Good to know. So glad you got that extra time!
Ladies, we we N4Moms veterans (a group all of you are part of now, by the way, so feel free to "pay it forward" and jump on the newbie PIR groups!) always like to ask the groups who just went through PIR if there is any info we gave you all that was incorrect. We try to stay updated through you all. Things change and we are well aware of that! Lala, Betsy, Jessica and I had sailors who PIRed in 2010 and FTLW in 2011. So...it has been a while since we were there.
Please post on here if there were discrepancies so we can advise the future groups. Thanks so much!
Hope everyone had the very-best-of-the-best weekends ever!
Jul 1, 2012
stormy1123 ship 12 div 203
It was a wonderful weekend! My sailor called this evening from San Antonio. He seems like he is really liking his new living conditions! And I am loving that he can call now from his cell phone!!!!
Jul 1, 2012
diannep
stormy: A School is set up kind of like college dorms. They like that. So different from bootcamp. They have some freedom now (compared to bootcamp...they still have to phase up to get most freedoms). My son loved A School...I know your sailor will do great!
Jul 1, 2012
marcyl(Ship11Div197)
Jul 1, 2012
diannep
Good morning ladies, and welcome home for those who have just returned from PIR!
Hope all had a phenomenal time!
Question: I think I may have been passing out "old" info on where the hotel shuttles drop off at RTC. Can any of you post where the shuttle let you off? When we were there, many moons ago ( :-) ), we were dropped off at the gate on Buckley (the main drag to RTC). Picked the shuttle back up right there too...there is a lot where the shuttles waited right near the Visitors Center.
Please post an update if this has changed so we know how to advise the future groups. Thanks!
Jul 2, 2012
mommafinn(ship-12 DIV-204)
Back from PIR 6-29-2012 we had a wonderful time with OUR sailor and we are so proud of him and all the new sailors that represent our country
Jul 2, 2012
Lindala
Brought binoculars for PIR--very helpful. Although we were seated in the lower level (arriving between 6:30-6:45), it becomes difficult finding your Sailor. We were all antsy awaiting for the call "Liberty!" and the mad scramble to the floor to reunite with our Sailors. A very moving experience!
Jul 2, 2012
TenaciousDee
What an amazing weekend. The eight weeks leading up to this was the hardest thing I have ever gone through, but it was worth see my sailor in his uniform. He did it! I am so very proud of him and all our sailors! OUR SAILORS! We are now Navy Moms...and I say that with so much pride!
Jul 3, 2012
stormy1123 ship 12 div 203
I agree, Dee...those 8 wks. tested all of us, moms and recruits alike! I am so proud of all 876 sailors who made it! (along with their moms) Yes, we are official Navy moms now!
Jul 3, 2012
smokie (ship12 Div 203)
Ladies, So sorry missed you at the meet and greet was late. Sarge was already talking then everyone was leaving. My son called Monday night the flight was delayed again. He loves the new housing also. Said they have time off due to the holiday. We mail out his phone and kindle this am. He said he will call again tonight, I can not believe I am getting 2 calls straight. Hope everyone got home safe after a great weekend. My son said there are 3 in a room at A school in Pensacola. Ok now to research how much is it to fly to Pensacola? Everyone have a happy 4th of July. Be proud of those Sailors!!!!!
Jul 3, 2012
mareluc(Ship11/Div196/PIR 6/29)
Had an awesome weekend with my Sailor! We got to spend the weekend together - he hasn't been sent to Pensacola yet...some medical paperwork that fell through the cracks. Hopefully they will get in straightened out soon - if he isn't to A school by this weekend he will have to wait a few months before he can go :( so keep your fingers crossed!
PIR was great. Very proud of all 876 Sailors who graduated on 6/29!
Jul 3, 2012
smokie (ship12 Div 203)
Diannep, My son had to be at midway airport at 345 in am on Sunday then did not get to Pensacola until the next day, Monday at 700 am due to delay. He said he slept across 3 chairs in the airport. We extended our stay due to him leaving Sunday. It was great to have an extra day.
Jul 3, 2012
tatmom4rc(Ship12, Div. 204)
We are finally home. Stayed some extra time in Chicago. First of all congratulations to all the new Sailors and their families. Great accomplishments. PIR was great and a wonderful experience and so proud of all the the new Sailors.
Sarge was a wonderful resource. We went to the meet and greet and got a lot of useful info. We came with specific questions for our SR and got all good valid answers. I took Sarge to his word and we called him every time we needed advice. We took Sarge's offer and took our son for his free steak in Libertyville- and it was awesome. I don't think I ever saw him so happy- then we hit a wonderful bakery called Lovin Oven Cakery and the Chocolate Factory while we were there. Called Sarge and got directions to Gurnee Mall and stopped there for a bit of shopping (sole supporters and various odds and ends). By the end of the day we realized that getting our sailor was going to be tough as we already had a long day and although we were not as tired as the sailors, we were not sure if it would be a good idea to drive to O'Hare at 4 or 5 in the morning and pick him up. We didn't know our way around or even where to try and meet at. Sarge took care of it all. When he picked our son up and drove him back to our hotel early morning. Calling us to let us know he was on his way. So we were able to sleep some and then let him sleep in a hotel bed for several hours. We headed out for lunch the next day and had a great time with him until taking him back to O'Hare at 6PM. Sarge helped us pull it all together. I ran into to sailors staying at our hotel that night that had just graduated A school from GL. I mentioned Sarge's name and then couldn't stop talking about him. They said they still use his services and advice - and that they would not trust any other cab service in the area!! What a great recommendation.
Jul 3, 2012
diannep
tatmom: Was a bit confused on your post. Did you say that once your sailor was dropped off at OHare, Sarge picked him up there and brought him to you in GL? If that was the case, yikes. Glad it worked out but if anything had happened and he had missed that flight, it would have been BIG TROUBLE for him. I know he didn't leave until later that day, but may have been better to stay around Chicago in that case. I know RTC tells them not to go anywhere, but the USO has told others just to have them back 3 hours before flight time. I know of one sailor who missed his flight (was alone in barracks and RDCs forgot about him). Even though he had no alarm clock and it really wasn't totally his fault, he was in big trouble when he finally arrived at his A School. Scared to death.
But regardless, so glad you had a good time and Sarge was so helpful!
Smokie: Wow, smokie. So glad that he finally got there!
Jul 4, 2012
Dan
We had a long Saturday with sailor, he was tired due to 4a-6a watch before liberty. And he had to be back by 8pm for watch again. We went to Chicago during the day.
Sunday morning we went to the airport and ate breakfast with him and then saw him off.
Also gave him his electronics. He called Monday and said that all electronics, such as his kindle fire, had to be turned in until phase 2 liberty is achieved. Apparently earned with good behavior, and no hits on inspections. They did not get in trouble for already having them, they only had to turn them in.
We parked in the small metra station at PIR, but saw many people being dropped off at the walk in gate there. The car line looked long, and then they had to walk quite a ways to get in line behind the walk-ins that had lined up while they were driving and walking back. I think this was gate 8.
When you return your sailor you do so on Buckley, I believe that it is gate 6, you drive through the gate, after getting permission, and then turn right, after the NEX, into the chapel parking lot. You can then drive to the chapel and drop your sailor off their. It shortens their walk back to their ship to check in.
Both days we dropped off our sailor between 30 and 45 minutes early to allow for the walk back. He joked that as close as our hotel and the mall was, that he could have run back, after running so much in boot camp... ;)
Congratulations to all graduates. It is an experience to be remembered.
Jul 4, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
Happy Fourth of July!
Jul 4, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
Jul 4, 2012
smokie (ship12 Div 203)
FTLW, so creative. Enjoy the 4th of July. We woke up to 2 trees down in our yard bad storm last night. Everyone out with chain saws this holiday.
Jul 4, 2012
diannep
Glad they didn't hit your house, smokie. So sad -- all of the damage from all of the bad weather....
Jul 4, 2012
tatmom4rc(Ship12, Div. 204)
diannep - you are correct about the concern of missing a flight we specifically did not go into Chicago or did anything "touristy" once we picked him up from the airport to ensure that he would not miss his plane. It just didn't seem right that he couldn't go into the USO, or check his luggage in because they didn't want to be responsible for it for 13 hours before his flight. So then he wasn't allowed to go past security since he still had all his luggage. I also wanted him to get some sleep. We had all planned to stay with him at the airport so that he wasn't alone - but once it came time it seemed a little ridiculous to me that he we couldn't bring him to the hotel at the Marriott at the Courtyard not far from GL. In fact after he slept, he gave us the Navy shirts he had pre-purchased and he took the civies we brought for him - so he repacked part of his bag. We went to lunch/dinner and then to the airport to see him off. Thanks for you concern. I know the Navy frowns on them leaving again - once they are at the airport. But we were as cautious as we could be. Hope this helps clear it up.
Jul 4, 2012
tatmom4rc(Ship12, Div. 204)
leftwayleft - thanks. You are right. I didn't think about it much at the time - but looking back at it now I am glad I did what I could for him. I had read on N4M that some Sailors wanted to sight see and some wanted just to hang out - my son wanted to be out and about with his family at places we could talk with each other. I had to argue with both my current husband and my ex that kept telling me that he would be fine - and of course he said he would be OK as well. It just didn't sit well with me. It was so nice that he was able to get 7 hours of sleep, take a shower, we exchanged items at the hotel rather than the airport, feed him while hearing more of his stories - and seeing him off. It only could have been better - if it lasted longer. I am thankful for the time and the choices he has made. Congratulations again to everyone.
Jul 4, 2012
diannep
Got it, tatmom! Glad you had such a great day with him!
Jul 4, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
Dan - Thanks for your info about your PIR experience...helps so much.
So...
"We parked in the small metra station at PIR, but saw many people being dropped off at the walk in gate there. The car line looked long, and then they had to walk quite a ways to get in line behind the walk-ins that had lined up while they were driving and walking back. I think this was gate 8.
When you return your sailor you do so on Buckley, I believe that it is gate 6, you drive through the gate, after getting permission, and then turn right, after the NEX, into the chapel parking lot. You can then drive to the chapel and drop your sailor off their. It shortens their walk back to their ship to check in."
Gate 8 (Ohio) is where you entered for PIR but to bring your Sailor back it was the Illinois entrance (Gate 6? not sure on the number either but can find out!)...the one that runs in front of the NEX etc and then the right into the Chapel parking?
How did you know to go back to that entrance instead?
I ask because I used Ohio entrance again on that first night and we were able to drop off in the Chapel parking but the other days (Sailor was at RTC for a couple of days) it was always the PIR parking Garage. Had to walk across to the NEX each day to fetch him and say goodbye at the Parking Garage. (This was a year ago.)
Thanks for the help! Like to keep the Moms updated.
Jul 5, 2012
Dan
My sailor just told us where to drop him off.
We just met him at the Metra station Saturday. He walked there from the gate. and we caught the train together. Other parents picked up from here. Yes the Ohio street one.
I believe that those are the correct gate numbers.
Jul 5, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
Thanks Dan!
Jul 8, 2012
Abzymom(SH12/DIV272)
My SR's PIR isn't until 8/31 (Labor Day weekend) and I was hoping for some recently experienced Moms' feedback on unlisted/extra guests??? I noticed your PIR had 12 Divisions graduate, like ours, and I wondered if any extra guests that were brought along had been turned away because of a lack of space? I'd hate to see Grandma spend the money to get there and then not get in. Also, Is it true my SR won't know until Graduation, or just before, when he'll fly out for A-school on the west coast? Especially with the holiday the following Monday? Many Thanks in advance...
Jul 13, 2012
tatmom4rc(Ship12, Div. 204)
I wouldn't worry - although I know how hard it is not to. There was a group next to us that had 16 people - the 4 got in and saved seats for the others. They were the first ones in line - so remaining 12 were the first ones that got in once they opened the doors for the extras. They get let in - in plenty of time to get seated - and it appeared that no one was turned away - we even had some "open" seats around us and we were about the 5th row. People could have moved in more if there was people that needed a place to sit. Go and enjoy. Your sailor will love the support.
Jul 13, 2012