Alumni of PIR 8/24/2012 TG 41 — 09 Divisions (261–268 & 941)
This is a group for friends and family of SR's with a graduation PIR date of 08/24/02012 from Great Lakes, IL.
This is a group for friends and family of SR's with a graduation PIR date of 08/24/02012 from Great Lakes, IL.
kaseysmom
lpparker Thank You I was really getting scared but then she finally called. She had to work so she couldn't call.
Aug 20, 2012
Jenn_NicksWifey
Hi everyone! My husband graduated bootcamp 7/20/12 and I thought I would pop over to answer any questions you all might have. He stayed at A School in Great Lakes, so I can help with questions for those, too. I drive into Great Lakes every weekend to see him.
I've added 2 discussions above with things I thought might be helpful that I haven't seen on N4Ms or the FB groups yet, a Google Earth shot of RTC so you can see walking distances, etc. and a driving tip I found VERY helpful to skip the line getting into RTC. If you have questions, please ask me under one of those Discussions because those replies will get emailed right to me. I might miss something posted on the wall. I'm trying to join several PIR groups to help out with questions. Also, feel free to PM me or friend request me.
Congrats on your new Sailors! You'll be so proud of them. I still get teary when I see those new Sailors marching on Friday afternoons.
Aug 21, 2012
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
I am so happy for all the new Sailors and all their families. This is such an exciting time :-)
Aug 21, 2012
ellen0502
So close ladies!!!
If your sailor is staying in GL for A School, remember to keep your parking pass, they may allow you to use it to get on base (your sailor must be with you).
After PIR you will have approx one hour with your sailor before he/she needs to go back to the ship to pack his/her things and move over to the base side, this can take several hours. Your sailor should call you when ready to leave.
To get to the base go the same direction as you did to get to PIR except do not turn right, go under the overpass and take the Sheridan exit. If you have come from the other direction same thing turn on to Sheridan. It will take you to the gate at the base, drive past the gate and turn into the Visitors Center. You can take the round-a-bout to the Visitors Center if you turn in at the base gate.
You should get a call saying, I am ready to go or come get me out of this place, sometime between 2:30 and 4:00. The visitors center is where you park to meet them. We went to the visitors center early and waited for my son to call. We had a great time listening and watching the new Sailors march to the gate. Their ships are quite a distance away and you can hear them for a long time. There were two or three groups that arrived before my sons.
When your sailor does come through the gate, you may be able to drive on to base with your parking pass from PIR, to check your sailor out of his ship. You will have to check your sailor out before he/she can actually leave. If you can't drive back to the ship you must walk back with him/her so be prepared, as I said it is a jaunt.
You must also be with your Sailor when he checks back into his/her ship at night. If you are the one to check your sailor out, you must be the one to check him/her back in.
Aug 21, 2012
PamperedMom
sputnik114 I saw you post last night and ran out to tell Ken that you had a sailor!! We were watching for it. YEAH!!!! I know you were on pins and needles... See you at OH dark hundred at the airport!!!
Aug 21, 2012
diannep
Great to hear from you, Momof4. Hoping your son heals completely and continues on with the plan the Lord has for him. Prayers!
Aug 21, 2012
diannep
Great to hear from you, Momof4. Hoping your son heals completely and continues on with the plan the Lord has for him. Prayers!
Aug 21, 2012
diannep
Looking forward to calls from 267/268 today...and 941? No one has posted on receiving calls from them?
Aug 21, 2012
kaseysmom
PamperedMom Tks when we were telling her we had dinner with the Navy parents she laughed and said that she knew who Chip( I think that is your son's name) anyway she said that he didn't know her. So needless to say she laughed and explained it to him.
Aug 21, 2012
PamperedMom
Aug 21, 2012
kaseysmom
I think she must remember him from PT they had to probaly do PT together
Aug 21, 2012
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
I am terrible with names as well so I can relate :-) I set my classroom up in a horseshoe shape so I could each each child. I taped their names to front of their desks so each time I called on them I would say their name whole looking at them. It worked great. By the end of the first week I knew each one of their names. Not bad for an old woman with 21 4th graders lol.
Aug 21, 2012
kaseysmom
Well it is here ladies time to get everything packed and go see our SAILORS this is one proud Mama. We leave in the morning everyone have a safe trip and hope to see you there.
Aug 22, 2012
diannep
Safe travel for those leaving today!
Aug 22, 2012
NCNavyMom
Finally!! Friday can't get here soon enough. Safe travels everyone!
Aug 22, 2012
PamperedMom
So proud of all our Sailors!! I'm looking forward to meeting everyone on here. I know we will be so excited to see our special someone after graduation. Is there something we can do before PIR to identify ourselves so we can say, YES we are N4M's and we've been there for each other during BC? thoughts?
Aug 22, 2012
mkcmom
WHEW! This has been a LONG 9-10 weeks, but I am so THANKFUL i found this sight! It has helped pass the time tremendously, and I know that because the first time around 9 years ago with oldest son, I did not have this sight! SO THANKFUL for the creators of this and here is to you keeping it going for future NAVY MOMS! I have joined the group for HM's and TEXAS MOMS on here, and look forward to continued relationships with the wonderful "moms" i've Met on here! We have a facebook group that will continue on! BUT much thanks to you guys! I will be leaving bright and early in the morning for Great Lakes, cannot wait to meet all my new friends at Sarges Meet&Greet and then hug my baby on Friday morning! What a roller coaster ride this has been! But I'm on PROUD NAVY MOM! Thanks guys!
Aug 22, 2012
PamperedMom
Aug 22, 2012
diannep
PamperedMom: You all can make yourselves nametags with your N4Moms screen name/photo icon, with your real name below it. And, you can also add under that your division number. You will run into people who not only are not on this site, but have no idea about it. Believe it or not, only about 10-15 percent (or less) of a PIR group is represented on this site. Very sad....
Some ladies in previous PIR groups have printed up business cards with N4Moms website info on it and passed them out at the MeetandGreets and PIR. Believe me, those ladies will be so appreciative if you all do that! You will continue to rely on this site through school and duty stations!
Aug 22, 2012
mkcmom
CAN someone post that overview of RTC google earth pic? I can't find it now! I see the thread uptop but i cna't find the link to the actual picture that she posted!
help! thanks
Aug 22, 2012
ellen0502
The feeling that you get as that big door opens and you see that first glimpse of all those SAILORS feet marching behind, and then you spot your SAILOR, is only seconded by the best hug your about to receive. I still get all misty thinking about it.
Congratulations everyone!!
Aug 22, 2012
Jenn_NicksWifey
mkcmom - I reposted it with an image that has the train station parking labeled, too.
Aug 22, 2012
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
3 more hours and you will be counting hours instead of days :-) Have a wonderful time everyone and please travel safely. Come back and tell all about your experience.
Aug 22, 2012
Jenn_NicksWifey
Ok, Sorry everyone. I figured out how to post pictures! I redid the Driving Tip and Overview of RTC discussions so you can actually see the files.
Aug 22, 2012
ellen0502
Be sure to come back and tell us about your weekend. Us "veteran" moms love to hear the stories!!!!!
Aug 23, 2012
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
If you see divisions marching by when you are there look to see if they are all females. DIV 317 is an all female Division, having PIR in October. First all female DIV in a long time. Pics are up on the Recruit Training Command facebook page.https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand
Aug 23, 2012
ellen0502
Aug 23, 2012
diannep
Good Morning ladies! Safe travel today! Enjoy the MeetandGreets tonight!
Aug 23, 2012
diannep
Please keep Sarge's number handy for any questions you have this weekend. Hoping many will attend his MeetandGreet tonight. But he is very helpful with any transportation needs and PIR weekend activities---so feel free to text him or call anytime. Here's his number:
847-212-0246
Aug 23, 2012
diannep
Here's a peek into tomorrow morning!
Aug 23, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
Enjoy your Meet and Greets tonight!
Aug 23, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
A few personal notes for PIR from me:
I sat near the top on the bleachers, great view...got an end seat too as I hate to climb over people. Couldn't just sit there, had to walk around...and I don't know WHAT was up but we were HOT at PIR. It was end of May (it rained) but even then people have always reported being cold! So be prepared for both...saw at the last PIR that they were very cold! Maybe that's why we were hot...they did not have the air cranked (** there is still a dispute on wether or not they have A/C...but I have heard of it being cold in there) up because of the rain...I remember they had the sliding doors open for most of the time we were sitting there and then closed them just before the Sailors arrived.
I still brought a shawl that I could fold up and sit on...tush gets cold on metal benches and it just seeps in!
Don't set anything down on the bench that is thin like a camera, cell phone, keys, etc. The floors of the bleachers are solid except underneath the seats there are openings just wide enough and about a foot (?) long for modern day devices to fall through...it is like a black hole...you won't get it back.
As far as your Sailor...they are going to be so glad to be off the base...but remember that they have not been for 8+ weeks. They have had an in-depth briefing on the do's and don'ts of Liberty...well drilled on the rules and "don't break them"...period. Great Lakes and the surrounding areas are a Naval Community and personnel in and out of Uniform are all over. They will be conscious that their uniform is in order and will have to give a brief pause going indoors and outdoors to remove/put on their cover (Sailor hat). If for some reason it is raining or cold (it was in late May last year) then you have to wait for them with their outer gear too.
Most Sailors are just fine...tired...but fine. Some folks have reported changes in their loved ones behavior from what they remember of them...and were rather alarmed and would have liked some possible forwarning. So here it is! They are very used to standing at attention, trying to "get it right" and not make mistakes. It can be hard to drop that sometimes...one mom said (for alack of a better term) "zombie-like behavior...just reasure them if you see this and tell them they are fine and not doing anything wrong. It should start to ease up a bit through out the day. I am guessing that is why some just like to go back to the hotels and just chill...so they can take a break from it for a while. After the first day...it seems to go away as they adjust to "new" surroundings again!
Most are just their usual self! Mine was a little of both. Very tired (but so thankful to finally NOT be sick anymore!)...he was nervous about missing a salute to a superior and very mindful of his unifrom. He was at RTC until Sunday (did not have to fly out Friday - we had a Thursday PIR - so we got a couple of extra days Liberty...Woo-Hoo!)...so I got to see him in his Whites and NSU's! He wanted to go, go go! No staying in the hotel room for him! No problem ordering food...quieter, but then started to talk more. I didn't ask him too much about BC. I grill him now and he seems to remember more now anyways! LOL We shopped at the NEX on RTC on Saturday and he had Watch on Saturday as well...during his liberty time, so it broke up the day a bit. But I got to see Ricky Heaven while he ate something before going back to his compartment.
Please don't fret or worry about having a possible "zombie"...this is not meant for that but to forewarn and prepare you...read it and "store it away", k?!
Aug 23, 2012
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
Good Morning and happy PIR day. I bet you can hardly believe it is finally here. Have a wonderful time and get lots of hugs from your Sailors. Please tell them that I said "Thank you so much for your service to our country." Enjoy you day and I hope you all get some extra time with them this weekend.
Aug 24, 2012
diannep
Good Morning. Have a wonderful wonderful day! Hope that many of you are in PIR Hall now! The rest of you...get moving! :-) Enjoy!
Aug 24, 2012
PamperedMom
Aug 24, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
Aug 24, 2012
PamperedMom
Aug 24, 2012
ellen0502
If you know what time he is getting to the airport, arrive a little earlier and head to the USO, it is before the security at O'Hare. That is where he should be before he heads to the gate. If you don't know the time he leaves for the airport go early and wait.
I understand you may be able to get a gate pass to go to the gate with him, but he has to be with you to do that.
Aug 24, 2012
PamperedMom
Aug 25, 2012
diannep
Great, PamperedMom! Hoping that others making airport visits today find their sailors easily too. Don't forget to get those gate passes so you can wait with your sailors until the plane leaves!
Aug 25, 2012
mkcmom
just wanted to say how much we LOVED PIR on 8/24. Our sailor looked amazing! They ALL did! That was the experience of a lifetime and I am forunate enough to have gotten to see both my sons go through it! My sailor is now at SA at HM school and is LOVING navy life so far! Thankyou ALL for your love and support! this sight is awesome!
Aug 26, 2012
kaseysmom
Hello everyone just wanted to let you know PIR was awesome it's amazing how they do all of it. All of the sailors looked great in their whites I am so blessed to have been there and be able to watch my daughter graduate. I was a little worried because they talk about how much they change but my solider was her same ole self. It was great spending time with her she will be in Great Lakes for 27 days then I hope she gets to come home for a few days before she goes ro her ship. She will be on the Esinhower in Virgina
Aug 28, 2012
momplus2
Hello Everyone! I am hoping you enjoyed your graduation last friday. My son graduates this Friday..I am so excited! But, my son performed a solo piece as Head Snare in your graduation. I am wondering if anyone has any photos of the drum line? If so, please let me know it sure would be great to see him. Thank you Navy Hugs to all:)
Aug 28, 2012
diannep
Ok, too funny, sputnik. Although we love love love our US soldiers, your daughter is a sailor! :-) Congrats to her! They normally do get "leave" after A School. Is she undesignated? I know for sure she will get leave then before heading to her ship. I know you can't wait!
Aug 28, 2012
kaseysmom
diannep the problem why we are not sure is her ship has been deployed and we heard they were going to fly her there after A school. She went in under the seaman pac
Aug 28, 2012
diannep
sputnik: Well, I know another friend who had this situation and her son was allowed to come home first. His ship was deployed also and he had just finished A School. So hoping that she will be allowed to come home first too!
Good Morning all!
Aug 29, 2012
kaseysmom
Thank You diannep so I will keep every thing crossed so hopefully she will come home.
Aug 29, 2012
kaseysmom
Does anyone know where I would go to see about getting my Sailor's pictures. She forgot to order them go figure LOL
Aug 29, 2012
diannep
sputnik: Call the Photo Lab. You should still be able to order them:
847-578-6205
Aug 30, 2012
kaseysmom
Good Morning everyone
Tks diannep what would I do without you
Aug 30, 2012