Mama Bear - welcome and good luck with your trip to PIR. Is your group having a Meet & Greet? Hopefully, most of the groups are no longer using the Ramada. It was so dark, hard to read name tags unless you went right up to someone. It also smells like mildewy. In August we briefly met at the Ramada only because it was already planned and then a bunch of us met over at Anastasia's. They were so much nicer to us, good food and light enough to see and talk to people. They also had information about the area on print outs they gave to us.
Hello All-Just stopped by to say welcome to all the new moms and to give you some information. My son called me to let me know that it is cooooold in GL. He is there for A school. Some of them had to go to the NEX yesterday to get food because everything would be shut down today. He said that the snow hurts and it is hard to walk.
Navy Sisters, I am so excited!!! My son just told me that the videos are out of them when they were at boot camp. I saw him and I cried. There are four videos. Go to www.navy.mil and click on All Hands Update in the center. Then click on Visit the Gallery at the left and look for All Hands TV- 2-1-2011. Seeing him and other sailors that I now know brings chills to my body and tears to my eyes. I am so proud that he is a Sailor in the US Navy. The BEST in the World!!
I know this will help you see what your Recruit is going through. I wish I had these videos. Enjoy!!
I still remember when my first husband's ship pulled into Norfolk from a 7 month Persian Gulf tour.....they had barely an inch of snow and the city was literally at a standstill. Coming from Pennsylvania I just had to laugh....they had no clue about real snowfall!
Hi Everyone; congratulations on the upcoming PIR. My son is only one week in. I'm having withdrawals but I know that is expected. No word from him yet but I'm pretending in my mind he is at sleep away camp...his recruiter sent me his address and I/family have starting writing. I can't wait to be the one saying it time for his PIR.
Reggie - those feelings are still fresh in my mind! Hang in there. This will be a very emotional journey so just hang on for the ride. My son is going on week two after PIR. Please let me know if I can answer any questions or offfer any advice. NavyforMoms has been a godsend for me. You will meet some awesome friends along the way.
Whew, that (UTube video) was very moving, mamawalrus. God certainly gave us a gift when He gave us His only Son so that we might live with Him forever. His only Son. My sailor is my only son whom has been a gift for me. I am thankful for this gift and I lift him up daily in prayer. God is bigger than my clouded mind.....and He knows the whole picture. I will rest in Him and trust Him with my son. Oh, the power of prayer! My ways are not God's ways....selfishly I wish my sailor were still a little boy at home with me. I know God has big plans for my sailor son....and I will trust Him, always.
What an awesome video - My sailor is my grandson and what an awesome gift he has been to us. God is truly in control of all our lives - we just have to be still and listen. I just found this FB page - thanks for all the inspriation.
tisulli: my son's PIR was this past July and we were not aware that he was a Grad n Go until after graduation....so we had a few afternoon hours with him before he had to be back at the barracks to leave out in the wee hours of the morning. We moms were really shocked and sad.....we did not know so weren't prepared. My husband and I took extra time off to make sure we were there when he did leave after the weekend.....so, we were on our own for 6 days! It's ok now....lol. He is currently finished with A School in PCola and will be leaving for SERE training soon. He is Aircrew also.
Being a Navy Mom is certainly an emotional roller coaster.....but it's all good. He is doing what he has wanted to do. He will be 26 soon, so a little more mature.
I don't think it is "etched in stone" about being Grad n Go for those going to PCola.....I think it has to do with the number of sailors going and, if there are a certain number, then it is more cost effective for the Navy to charter a flight for them. My son didn't leave until about 0600 the next morning in a huge thunderstorm and horrible rains! I laid in my bed at the Navy Lodge praying for them! They chartered a flight so they were not even at a gate at O'Hare to see them off....so no point to go to the airport. It was sad. We took him back to the base around 7:30pm I think. That time was sad...but that was just another one of those roller coaster rides for me. Another thing to consider if Grad n Go is the cell phone thing. My son did not take his with him because they were told not to, however, others did and there was no problem. We had even purchased a laptop for him and gave it to him as a graduation gift....he couldn't take it. Eventually, I mailed everything when we got back home from Great Lakes!
Hi everyone!! for those who have been asking about Graduation Ribbons, they are still available, enyone who is interested in having one for the upcoming Graduation send me a message, the are pictures of the Ribbons on my page.
Hi all, itsmewendee, my son was a gradngo from great lakes to p'cola and we watched him graduate, had about 1 hour with him after the ceremony and then met him at midway airport and spent 4 hours waiting for his flight together. Yes it was hard because it was so short of time but soooooooooo worth it to see him at PIR and then just to talk in person, would do it again in a heartbeat. but to your other question no not every Sailor going to P'cola is gradngo it all just depends, still not even sure how they figure who is and who isnt. If you have any other questions feel free to email or call me. Teresa
Lynch's PIR was in August and he was not G&G. He didn't leave for Pensacola until Monday. I would have gone there for one hour or one week. :) He is dry Aircrew and his rate is AWV. He has graduated his A school.
Any Ohio Moms/Wives/GF/Grandparents, etc?? your sailor can be DEP, active, reserves, etc..... Wanted to invite you to join Ohio Navy Moms group here. Also, we are having our next lunch this coming Saturday with a side trip to a Military Pride Shop! You can contact me here or FB or email - MrsStigg@att.net.
I sooo wish you could, too!!! Well, if you ever have reason to come to our area, you got a place to hang!
I know....after our boys get settled in OK, we could go see them for the same weekend.
I had an idea and now when the Ohio moms meet for our lunches, we are going to pack birthday boxes for whoever's Navy kid's birthday(s) come up next. It's going to be fun!
Well, my boy had company this weekend. His dad and GF went to see him and are headed back. I will go next month when he has liberty. Wish I had someone who wanted to go from West Kentucky. Anyone????
Hi everyone. My son got to Chicago on Thursday 2-10. It's been the hardest thing for me. I just called the recruiter again and finally got an adress. I'm so excited. I can't wait to mail him all these letters :). He's on ship 11 division 128. I still don't know how I'm going to cope for the next 8 weeks, but this site his great! Thank you all so much for your support.
Got back yesterday from PIR.. wonderful, beautiful, amazing and emotional PIR!
Never will forget it. Got lucky and got my son from 5:00 Friday to 9:00 Sunday night. Had a great time.. for sure can see the change in him, but all good! I cant believe 9 weeks and 2 days are done and we begin the next journey. Hang in there mom's and it is all worth the wait!
I called the recruiter yesterday and got the address. I'm so glad his available to us. I just got a call from my 16 yr old to let me know the box has arrived. Can't wait to get home :)
Mamawalrus-I too will get the 3 day Liberty, and can't wait! I saw the pictures on the RTC FB page today from the 2/11 PIR. Saw my sons right eyebrow in the back of the choir :-) 16 more days!
P.S. Did you do any sightseeing? or did you just hang out in the hotel? I'm looking for ideas in case he wants to venture out. We've never been there before.
MichPad, My corpsman graduated last May and we flew from CA to GL's and spent a lot of the 72hr. weekend after pir in Chicago. We went sightseeing at the Shedd Museum(mostly for the Beluga Whales) but they had tons to look at from what lives in lakes, also we went the Navy Pier...so much to see and do and of course if you can fit it in the Museum of Modern Industry was a wealth of Naval History. I hope this helps.
Hi, I am new here. My son leaves March 28th for bc.I was trying not to think about him leaving but as time goes by that day is getting closer and closer.I feel so scared for him. He is my only child and it's difficult to just let go..If I start to talk to my mom or other family members I will start to cry. And I am trying to not "GO THERE".I am so glad I found all of you..
KellyKa I know the feeling my only "child" has been a Sailor for almost 2 years now, it was very hard to let him go and the goodbyes are still hard, but he is so mature and polished now thanks to the USN. Boot camp was very hard at first because of the limited contact - however there is a light at the end of the tunnel, once in A school we talked or texted almost every other day. Now he is out to sea for sea trials and once again the contact is limited at best. Im not sure you ever really get used to it but it does get a little easier. Best of luck to you and your Recruit!
My son left on the 8th and I did not think it would be this hard. I just tear up thinking about him. I got his address today and I feel a little better.
Single Mom here - son left on 1-10-11 and I just got a 'real' 1 page letter today 2-16-11. It really does help to read the - "no news is good news!" posted here by supportive people over and over..
Hey, kept the phone on me at all times anyway. He sounds SO happy, says he LOVES it, is excelling and looking forward. ALOHA to all you other Navy Mama's out there. It was worth the wait to hear such good news... now whenn the phone call? ha ha
Hunters Mom - so happy for you....it does make such a difference. My son loved BC...even the food, lol! It's been the best thing for him. He is doing well and in his words..."making big things happen"....lol!
texasmom - do you belong to your son's PIR group here? Often people will form groups through their PIR group.
What are your son's rates? mine is AWV....Aircrew was the only thing he wanted to do and went back to the Recruiter until this job came open.
Michpad--We went to the Shedd Aquarium as well! FYI, if you go plan to be there early, there is lots to do there and check out all the shows. There are a few things on different levels so do not miss it. We almost left thinking it was only fish! hahahahaha The otters and beluga whales were awesome! The huge spider crab was interesting and I mean huge! LOL
We ate some deep dish pizza at Giodorna's (sp) it is downtown on Jackson, corner by Sears Tower. I know lots of moms from my group went to the Sears Tower. The Gurnee Mills mall there near Waukegan is huge,, can stay there most of a day as well! My son really did not want to be out to much in honesty, the day at the mall and best buy for his phone was enough, he said he was not ready for all that stress yet! LOL he wanted to hang out in room, watch movies and eat! Just let your sailor be the navigator for your weekend. They are used to being told what and how to do everything, It feels odd for them to be out and actually have to make a decision. Most of the moms I have talked to agree after PIR it is an adjustment for the new SAILORS!
Suzi, T wanted Chipotle also for his fist meal.lol As stated before these sailors are so happy to see/be in the presence of family that they don't really care where they spend their time, but at the end of the day would really like to have quite time.
Ship 11 Divison 124 - I have started the group under the PIR group of 4/8/2011. Not many people have responded yet but, I had a mom say that not all mothers are connected with N4M which I think is very said. I really have gained a lot of information from being on this website.
Suzi-OH - I do belong to the 4/8/2011 PIR and I started a group there as well. Hopefully I have done it right.
texasmom - I'm sure you did it right!! I agree,,,,so wish more moms knew about this site and also about a Navy Moms group on Facebook that I enjoy. There were not many from m y son's division here. But, it might have something to do with t being a push division and thus had 7 weeks of BC and not 8.
JudyB - My son was just thrilled that he was able to spend the whole weekend with all of us together...Me and hubby and his youngest brother, Grandma and his father, my ex. He said he couldn't have asked for anything better. I know having divorced parents can sometimes make things like this difficult. But, I wanted to make sure it was a great weekend for him. I even booked our rooms at the hotel my ex was staying at and we drove everywhere in our mini van.
Hi.. My son is ship 11 div 119. Graduation is April 1. I am divorced and he is my only child...I am now an empty nester and 50. Feeling sad and missing him so much.
Ok, where do I find that site for our division? I'm so lost. There's so many groups and links and stuff that I'm not sure where I belong anymore :)
Anyway, got my sons form letter today (well Saturday actually). I opened it today. It was short and sweet like the comments I've been reading here. Question: there are not tickets included,right? It gives me instructions on how to print the parking pass, but no grad tickets. Also, He didn't list his 5 yr old sister, does that mean she doens't need a ticket, or she doens't need one? I'm so confusted.
I just found this group. good luck ladies on your pir date. my son graduated 10/8. I didnt know there was a group for facebook. opefully everyone finds thier pir group and division group. it would be so much less confusing
Suzi-OH, That is such a nice thing that you and your ex husband can be civil for the sake of the family; and so is your current Husband. Kudos to the 3 of you!!
JudyB - we have not always been like that and still have our moments. But, I was determined to make PIR the best it could be for all of us. I thank God all the time for my husband of almost 12 years now. He is an amazing man and has been a wonderful role model not only for my sons, but for me, too.
BUT.....when he and my ex enjoyed a few chuckles at my expense...well...I actually had to laugh, too! We all got to the hotel the night before PIR and we got a call in our hotel room....my ex asking my husband to come over for some beers. Yep...my life sure has been interesting. :)
Suzi-OH, I have only witnessed a situation such as this with a good friend once, believe me this is rare for the adult exes to really act like wise adults. What an Great example you all set down for all your friends and family!! How funny that you're ex enjoys the company of your husband enough to make memories with!! lol
Oh....I got one better.....our Meet & Greet quickly moved over to Anastasia's after seeing the dark and damp Ramada. We had a great time at Anastasia's and it was light so we could see everyone. Well, we met a family. Wait.....Two couples who were there to see a son.....seriously.....unbelievable.....they were couples who divorced and married each others' exes!! YES, it's TRUE!!! They shared a suite and they were just so much fun.
Suzi-OH
Feb 1, 2011
Mama Bear
Feb 2, 2011
Suzi-OH
Feb 2, 2011
StarChild (Ship9 Div007)
Hello All-Just stopped by to say welcome to all the new moms and to give you some information. My son called me to let me know that it is cooooold in GL. He is there for A school. Some of them had to go to the NEX yesterday to get food because everything would be shut down today. He said that the snow hurts and it is hard to walk.
Navy Sisters, I am so excited!!! My son just told me that the videos are out of them when they were at boot camp. I saw him and I cried. There are four videos. Go to www.navy.mil and click on All Hands Update in the center. Then click on Visit the Gallery at the left and look for All Hands TV- 2-1-2011. Seeing him and other sailors that I now know brings chills to my body and tears to my eyes. I am so proud that he is a Sailor in the US Navy. The BEST in the World!!
I know this will help you see what your Recruit is going through. I wish I had these videos. Enjoy!!
Feb 2, 2011
Suzi-OH
Feb 3, 2011
mamawalrus
Heading to GL Thursday for my sons PIR! Passed BS last night and got my call today!!
So very proud of him!
Feb 8, 2011
SANDY ship07div056
Feb 8, 2011
JudyB.
Feb 8, 2011
reggie11209 (Ship 11, Div 115)
Feb 8, 2011
SANDY ship07div056
Feb 8, 2011
mamawalrus
Thanks everyone... I got this off a friends FB page...
It is truly a beautiful song/video, and very moving....
Feb 8, 2011
ilovelucy
Feb 8, 2011
grandmac
What an awesome video - My sailor is my grandson and what an awesome gift he has been to us. God is truly in control of all our lives - we just have to be still and listen. I just found this FB page - thanks for all the inspriation.
Feb 10, 2011
SunnySailor
My daughter is in Boot Camp on ship 02 division 917 with a PIR date of 3/11/11. Anyone else??
Also, she will be a Grad and Go and ship to Pensacola for A School (Aviation Structural Mechanic). Anyone else??
Feb 10, 2011
tmlh1977
Feb 11, 2011
ilovelucy
tisulli: my son's PIR was this past July and we were not aware that he was a Grad n Go until after graduation....so we had a few afternoon hours with him before he had to be back at the barracks to leave out in the wee hours of the morning. We moms were really shocked and sad.....we did not know so weren't prepared. My husband and I took extra time off to make sure we were there when he did leave after the weekend.....so, we were on our own for 6 days! It's ok now....lol. He is currently finished with A School in PCola and will be leaving for SERE training soon. He is Aircrew also.
Being a Navy Mom is certainly an emotional roller coaster.....but it's all good. He is doing what he has wanted to do. He will be 26 soon, so a little more mature.
Feb 12, 2011
ilovelucy
Feb 13, 2011
LIS
Feb 13, 2011
terbeasch
Hi all, itsmewendee, my son was a gradngo from great lakes to p'cola and we watched him graduate, had about 1 hour with him after the ceremony and then met him at midway airport and spent 4 hours waiting for his flight together. Yes it was hard because it was so short of time but soooooooooo worth it to see him at PIR and then just to talk in person, would do it again in a heartbeat. but to your other question no not every Sailor going to P'cola is gradngo it all just depends, still not even sure how they figure who is and who isnt. If you have any other questions feel free to email or call me. Teresa
Feb 13, 2011
Suzi-OH
Lynch's PIR was in August and he was not G&G. He didn't leave for Pensacola until Monday. I would have gone there for one hour or one week. :) He is dry Aircrew and his rate is AWV. He has graduated his A school.
Any Ohio Moms/Wives/GF/Grandparents, etc?? your sailor can be DEP, active, reserves, etc..... Wanted to invite you to join Ohio Navy Moms group here. Also, we are having our next lunch this coming Saturday with a side trip to a Military Pride Shop! You can contact me here or FB or email - MrsStigg@att.net.
Feb 13, 2011
ilovelucy
Feb 13, 2011
Suzi-OH
I sooo wish you could, too!!! Well, if you ever have reason to come to our area, you got a place to hang!
I know....after our boys get settled in OK, we could go see them for the same weekend.
I had an idea and now when the Ohio moms meet for our lunches, we are going to pack birthday boxes for whoever's Navy kid's birthday(s) come up next. It's going to be fun!
Feb 13, 2011
ericsmom (ship12 div033)
Feb 13, 2011
ilovelucy
Feb 14, 2011
Navy Mom Lisa (Ship 11 Div. 128)
Feb 14, 2011
mamawalrus
Got back yesterday from PIR.. wonderful, beautiful, amazing and emotional PIR!
Never will forget it. Got lucky and got my son from 5:00 Friday to 9:00 Sunday night. Had a great time.. for sure can see the change in him, but all good! I cant believe 9 weeks and 2 days are done and we begin the next journey. Hang in there mom's and it is all worth the wait!
Feb 15, 2011
Navy Mom Lisa (Ship 11 Div. 128)
Feb 15, 2011
MichPad(STA21 Officer Mom)
Mamawalrus-I too will get the 3 day Liberty, and can't wait! I saw the pictures on the RTC FB page today from the 2/11 PIR. Saw my sons right eyebrow in the back of the choir :-) 16 more days!
P.S. Did you do any sightseeing? or did you just hang out in the hotel? I'm looking for ideas in case he wants to venture out. We've never been there before.
Feb 15, 2011
JudyB.
Feb 15, 2011
KellynKaty(corps-Mom)
Hi, I am new here. My son leaves March 28th for bc.I was trying not to think about him leaving but as time goes by that day is getting closer and closer.I feel so scared for him. He is my only child and it's difficult to just let go..If I start to talk to my mom or other family members I will start to cry. And I am trying to not "GO THERE".I am so glad I found all of you..
Thanks for being here!
Kellyka
Feb 16, 2011
terbeasch
Feb 16, 2011
SR Mom Ship 11 Div 124
Feb 16, 2011
Hunters_Mom_12/092_MAA
Single Mom here - son left on 1-10-11 and I just got a 'real' 1 page letter today 2-16-11. It really does help to read the - "no news is good news!" posted here by supportive people over and over..
Hey, kept the phone on me at all times anyway. He sounds SO happy, says he LOVES it, is excelling and looking forward. ALOHA to all you other Navy Mama's out there. It was worth the wait to hear such good news... now whenn the phone call? ha ha
Feb 16, 2011
texasmom Ship 11 Div 179
Feb 16, 2011
texasmom Ship 11 Div 179
Feb 16, 2011
Suzi-OH
Hunters Mom - so happy for you....it does make such a difference. My son loved BC...even the food, lol! It's been the best thing for him. He is doing well and in his words..."making big things happen"....lol!
texasmom - do you belong to your son's PIR group here? Often people will form groups through their PIR group.
What are your son's rates? mine is AWV....Aircrew was the only thing he wanted to do and went back to the Recruiter until this job came open.
Feb 16, 2011
SR Mom Ship 11 Div 124
Feb 17, 2011
mamawalrus
Michpad--We went to the Shedd Aquarium as well! FYI, if you go plan to be there early, there is lots to do there and check out all the shows. There are a few things on different levels so do not miss it. We almost left thinking it was only fish! hahahahaha The otters and beluga whales were awesome! The huge spider crab was interesting and I mean huge! LOL
We ate some deep dish pizza at Giodorna's (sp) it is downtown on Jackson, corner by Sears Tower. I know lots of moms from my group went to the Sears Tower. The Gurnee Mills mall there near Waukegan is huge,, can stay there most of a day as well! My son really did not want to be out to much in honesty, the day at the mall and best buy for his phone was enough, he said he was not ready for all that stress yet! LOL he wanted to hang out in room, watch movies and eat! Just let your sailor be the navigator for your weekend. They are used to being told what and how to do everything, It feels odd for them to be out and actually have to make a decision. Most of the moms I have talked to agree after PIR it is an adjustment for the new SAILORS!
Feb 17, 2011
JudyB.
Feb 18, 2011
texasmom Ship 11 Div 179
Good Morning,
Ship 11 Divison 124 - I have started the group under the PIR group of 4/8/2011. Not many people have responded yet but, I had a mom say that not all mothers are connected with N4M which I think is very said. I really have gained a lot of information from being on this website.
Suzi-OH - I do belong to the 4/8/2011 PIR and I started a group there as well. Hopefully I have done it right.
Feb 18, 2011
Navy Mom Lisa (Ship 11 Div. 128)
Hello everyone!! Any idea how long would my son have to spend with us after graduation?
Feb 18, 2011
Suzi-OH
texasmom - I'm sure you did it right!! I agree,,,,so wish more moms knew about this site and also about a Navy Moms group on Facebook that I enjoy. There were not many from m y son's division here. But, it might have something to do with t being a push division and thus had 7 weeks of BC and not 8.
JudyB - My son was just thrilled that he was able to spend the whole weekend with all of us together...Me and hubby and his youngest brother, Grandma and his father, my ex. He said he couldn't have asked for anything better. I know having divorced parents can sometimes make things like this difficult. But, I wanted to make sure it was a great weekend for him. I even booked our rooms at the hotel my ex was staying at and we drove everywhere in our mini van.
Feb 18, 2011
tylers mom
Feb 20, 2011
Navy Mom Lisa (Ship 11 Div. 128)
Ok, where do I find that site for our division? I'm so lost. There's so many groups and links and stuff that I'm not sure where I belong anymore :)
Anyway, got my sons form letter today (well Saturday actually). I opened it today. It was short and sweet like the comments I've been reading here. Question: there are not tickets included,right? It gives me instructions on how to print the parking pass, but no grad tickets. Also, He didn't list his 5 yr old sister, does that mean she doens't need a ticket, or she doens't need one? I'm so confusted.
Feb 20, 2011
sjtina
I just found this group. good luck ladies on your pir date. my son graduated 10/8. I didnt know there was a group for facebook. opefully everyone finds thier pir group and division group. it would be so much less confusing
Feb 20, 2011
Suzi-OH
My son is in Pensacola until the beginning of April. Those with Aircrew kids....they will love it in P'cola!!
Feb 20, 2011
JudyB.
Suzi-OH, That is such a nice thing that you and your ex husband can be civil for the sake of the family; and so is your current Husband. Kudos to the 3 of you!!
Feb 20, 2011
Suzi-OH
JudyB - we have not always been like that and still have our moments. But, I was determined to make PIR the best it could be for all of us. I thank God all the time for my husband of almost 12 years now. He is an amazing man and has been a wonderful role model not only for my sons, but for me, too.
BUT.....when he and my ex enjoyed a few chuckles at my expense...well...I actually had to laugh, too! We all got to the hotel the night before PIR and we got a call in our hotel room....my ex asking my husband to come over for some beers. Yep...my life sure has been interesting. :)
Feb 21, 2011
JudyB.
Feb 21, 2011
Suzi-OH
Feb 21, 2011