My son just graduated on 12/13/13.  What a world wind of a weekend we had.  I am so proud of all our sailors, Bravo Zulu!!!

As I was planning our trip to Great Lakes from Connecticut I found it a little overwelming.  The cost of tickets, refundable/non refundable.  Where is the best place to stay?  Should I rent a car or use shuttle service?  We stayed at the Navy Lodge in Great Lakes.  It is about 1 1/2 miles from the base. This made it very convenient for the families that stayed there.  It is a nice hotel that had a buffet breakfast daily from 6:340 till 9:30 each morning.  There was no cost. this included make your own waffles, oatmeat with toppings, cereal, bagels, pastries, fresh fruit, assorted juices, milk, coffee, tea, hot cocoa.  The price of the rooms are very reasonable.  You can book it on line.  You can stay there even though your sailor is not with you.  You book the room under your sailors name.  They allow you to do this on PIR weekends.  We stayed from Thursday - Monday.  If you book on line choose holiday rate it is cheaper.  Does not have to be an actual holiday to get that price.  We booked a room with a kitchen  This had a stove top, sink, full size ridge and microwave.  This worked well for snackes and small meals.  All cooking utensils and dishes were provided.  The weekend we were there was a storm, yuck.  Very cold, 8 degrees most days, wind just  cut right through you.  Dress warm.

Not knowing what the weather and driving would be like we decided to use shuttle service all weekend.  Best decision we made.  We used Sarges shuttle.  Awesome, Awesome man.  We took avantage of his special for round trip from airport to hotel and back the day we left.  Also included free ride to PIR.  His prices are the cheapest in the area (trust me I called them all).  The sailor was staying in GL for A school so he was free on Friday from 4 - 10pm,  Sarge took us to pick him up and to return him at night,  Saturday and sunday we picked him up at 6:30 and returned him at 10:00pm.  Used Sarge both times.  We doubled up with other sailors and families going at the same time, saves you tons of money.  Never paid more than 4 bucks.  We did go to Gurnee Mills Mall on Saturday for the day, in the middle of the snow storm (yes sarge is always running).  Several other families went with us and again split cost,

Called Sarge for ride, he scheduled you right away.  Never left you hanging.  If he wasn';t available he sent one of his drivers. Mark, Bob, Jack, and SUPER Dave were all friendly, personable and professional.  I am so glad we didnt rent a car.  Was stress free.  Sarge also has a meet and greet at Sundance Saloon.  Invaluable info.  Huge dinner buffet that had great food.  I would highly recommend this if you want to find out all the information you will need for PIR weekend.

Sarge can be reached at 847-212-0246.  Email TAXISARGE@gmail.com.

Best of luck to you and your sailors.  How proud you will be at your PIR!!!!!