ALUMNI OF PIR 11/06/2015 TG 52 - 10 Divisions (369-376, 820 and 952)

Sorry in advance is this question has been asked. But when it comes to the gate pass, you can use that for more than 1 vehicle right?  For example with divorced parents and such.

Also if you are going into the PIR hall or have a few going to the chapel, do you park in the same area?

Thanks in advance

bpick:  Yes, you can print as many of the gate passes as you need for the cars.

We are glad to help....always....and rejoice with you with your new sailors! 

bpick:  I know there is a separate line to stand in for the Chapel, not sure of the parking....but you will be directed on PIR morning so no worries. 

Sheryl:  This afternoon should be your day!  820 and 375/376 will be calling as sailors this afternoon!  Congrats!

How is Navy Lodge? (Hoping we made a good choice)

Hi Friends!

     "Who are those who fear the Lord?

      He will show them the path they should choose."

                                                            Psalm 25:12

Thank you! We have reservations and plan to take the dogs :-)

Shawni's Mom,

Navy Lodge is a great choice wherever you choose to stay at as there are several all over near Navy bases.  Always clean and well-priced in about the $80 range.  I especially like having a kitchenette with a full size fridge, cooktop, microwave, full sink, dishes, and utensils.  No oven though. They also have a continental breakfast available starting about 6:00 am.  Use the tray your ice bucket sits on to get your goodies to bring back to your room.  Plus they welcome pets, but you have to request a Pet Room and have your pet's vaccination records up to date and a crate to house them in.  You can't go wrong with Navy Lodge!

CONGRATULATIONS to all the new Sailors and their families!! Safe travels to all to an awesome PIR!!

Remember, PIR is just the beginning of the Navy journey. Keep plugged into Navy for Moms where there are groups for A school, C school, ratings (jobs), bases, ships, states, regional, twins and multiples, and the "Christian Navy Moms" that I am a part of!

Also, the U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command page on Facebook puts up photos from each PIR. If you see your Sailor in a pic or more, you can download it to your own computer by either clicking on the picture, going down to Options and downloading it OR right click, "Save Picture As" to a file on your computer~~

Nativemom:  Hopefully he will be able to call again.

Congratulations to all the new Sailors!

ADDED these to your Discussion Forum up above:

(here are the direct links as well)

PDA aka Public Displays of Affection with your Sailor/Uniforms

Meeting your NEW Sailor at the Airport/USO info

PIR TIPS:

BLEACHERS:

Are cold! I brought a shawl to either sit on or wrap myself 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.

PHOTOS:

Take a few practice shots before the ceremony. They can come out dark. I think it's all the grey paint LOL.

You may start photography when you enter the Visitors enter (USS YORKTOWN) and in Midway Ceremonial Drill hall...only. Photography is not allowed anywhere else onboard RTC. You risk having your camera confiscated and the pictures deleted. Also, your Sailor could get in trouble. They are your sponsor while you are onboard RTC.

SMOKING is also not permitted onboard RTC.

SNACKS

There are concession stands at either end of the PIR hall that sell soft drinks COFFEE water and some snacks. You may bring some snacks into the Hall with you if needed for yourself, little ones and those that may need it for medical reason. They used to sell "Dixie cup" (Mens style)Sailor hats for the kiddies for $5. I hope they still do.

POSTERS, BALLOONS, FLOWERS and LUGGAGE

Are not permitted in the Drill hall. Posters obstruct others view. Plus, this is a Formal ceremony and they do not suit the event. You may keep these items in your car and present them to your Sailor following PIR but remember that they may not bring those items back onboard RTC when they return from Liberty.

WHEELCHAIRS

Use of wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids are authorized onboard RTC. Wheelchair accommodations are provided on the Drill deck and a companion seat is made available for someone to sit with them. RTC does have wheel chairs on a first-come first-serve basis. Also, if you need handicapped parking be sure to show your placard to Security in the Gate Shack and they will direct you to handicapped parking.

You are a bunch of incredible women.

I can't thank you enough for all of the helpful imformation you have shared.

XO

And that was supposed to say information.

Sigh.... 

We have loved helping you all and are so proud of your new sailors.  Congrats!

Tamme:  It is so unfortunate that recruiters sometimes ignore medical conditions or other info they know may disqualify a SR...but it happens alot.  Sadly, their job is about "numbers"....getting them up there.  Not all recruiters are that way....my son had a good one but one thing even he did....when my son told his recruiter that he had some "career counseling" at 21 when he had just moved away on his own, was not happy in his job, and sought help to discover where he would be more fulfilled.....the recruiter told him not to mention that at Bootcamp.  REALLY?  That didn't affect him but he didn't understand why that was a problem?  Sooo.....I'm so very sorry that your son must feel "punished" for his honesty....I have to believe that this all happened for a reason and your son will discover this soon....in a positive way.  I pray he keeps his honesty, knowing that peace for us comes with us being honest.  He did nothing wrong....but his recruiter sure did.....and shame on RTC for just now figuring this out?  Maybe they have been waiting this long hoping for a waiver....and it just never came.  I don't know....just guessing here from my experience on this site....this is a tough world now....many times, doing the right thing can bring problems in such a fallen world....but I believe that our character to do the right thing is what brings us more peace than anything else....so tell your son that he will understand all of this one day and he will get where the Lord wants him to be!  Tamme, you ARE allowed to bring him home if you want to get him...not sure where you live and he can't leave until they are ready, but I know of a family who had aunt or uncle nearby RTC and that person was able to pick up their son after discharge.  Otherwise, they send them home the cheapest way possible....usually in their Navy-issued sweats. 

TraG:  So glad he got his papers signed....I know you can't wait to get your arms around him.

Prayers for both your your sons....that they may be home with you very soon.

For those attending PIR....safe travel today....enjoy Sarge's MeetandGreet tonight.and be early to PIR tomorrow.  Enjoy!

TraG151 how ling after your son went to INDOC did he get his papers signed?  Mine called from there yesterday and said he was told it would take 10-20 business days for him to get processed and be sent home.  I am hoping he will be home by Thanksgiving.  

Tamme - I hope you hear from your son soon. He needs to sign a waiver for legal and one for medical (HIPAA) in order for you to speak to them about his case. Since it has been a week I would call Legal back. It's not like you have been bugging them every day and a week is long enough to wait for a return call (to long, IMHO). 

You can go and pick up your son like diannep said.

TraG - Glad your sons paperwork has gone through.

Please keep us updated . We want to hear when you both have your sons home.

Once again, I am so sorry this has happened. 

Oh jenn72675, didn't mean to leave you out.  I haven't been on very much the last couple of days. 

I am sorry for your son being separated. Please thank him for wanting to serve his country. Blessings to him.

Nativemom - The address that RTC uses for GPS is: 3355 Illinois Street Great Lakes Illinois 60088. 

This leads to a building inside RTC (I believe it is the building where PAO is located). GPS is going to direct you to Gate 55 off of Ray Street. This is incorrect as Gate 55 is for personnel use only.  

So if you are looking at a map you will see RTC there off of Buckley...the main street to access gates for RTC. Driving west to east after Ray street is Illinois (Gate 6) and then Ohio Street. Here is where you make a right to get to Gate 8 The entrance for PIR. 

There will be plenty of signage on Buckley and the lanes will be coned off. They leave the far left open for flow through traffic. Security is out there too to direct folks . One of them came up to my vehicle to check if I was going to PIR. So lots of help. :-)

Gate 6 is usually the gate you will use to return your Sailors to RTC after liberty. That can change, your Sailors will be briefed in depth about Liberty details before PIR.

FTLW:  Since apparently Tamme's SR has not signed the waivers allowing her to speak to Legal/Medical....then doubtful they will talk to her now if she calls, right?  I guess she can always try but hopefully he will get the message to sign the waivers so she can contact them freely.

Tamme:  I'm not sure how much headsup time you get to go get him, but assume that it all works out.  I sure understand why 9 hrs is nothing....to get to your child! 

Well, they won't be able to discuss anything about his case unless he signs the waivers, but I think she can at least let them know she would like to pick him up, rather than have him ride a bus home. That way maybe they can get some kind of communication going on.

Yep, I agree.

Happy Friday!

     "All the nations You have made will come

      and worship before You, Lord; they will

      bring glory to Your name.  For You are great

      and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God."

                                                     Psalm 86:9-10

Happy PIRday! Just a few more hours or so and you will see your new Sailors!

Have a Blessed day!