Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Don't forget to join and post in your PIR group too. There is valuable information to be had in those groups about PIR, hotels, what to wear, what happens in BC by weeks, pictures, coins. It also give you the opportunity to get to know those who have recruits in the same divisions and brother divisions. You can also find out info on A School, C School etc for your recruits rating.

Everyone, Make it a habit to check your My Page because you may have comments from Members and not even know it if you have the notifications turned off for comments on your My Page. To reply to someone who leaves a comment on your My Page, click on "Comment Back" or "View Thread" below the comment. Also check in the upper left to see if you have Friend requests or any new messages in your Inbox.

Back to square one. Yesterday I received a call from our son that he will not be attending PIR on 9/1 due to illness. My heart is broken for him. Now I sit and wait to hear what Ship/Div he will be reassigned to and a new PIR date once he gets better. I really need help getting through this. :(

Alicia, this happens to some recruits.  RTC wants them healthy, as an illness under stress can turn serious so quickly.  While it is disappointing, it is better to take good care of them.  Keep writing, and try to stay positive.  It is perfectly fine to feel upset, but keep your eyes on the end result: a healthy sailor.

My friend, who I consider an acquired kid, broke his leg in boot camp!  Six weeks delay, but now he is a first class, on great shore duty, with a spouse he met in the Navy, and a pair of adorable twin babies.  Eyes on the prize!

Thank you Anti M. I'm glad they caught it when they did, just not sure how long it will take to recover. Ugh, the not knowing, that's what kills us, haha! I'm just glad they have him where he needs to be and hopefully resting and recovering. I mailed a letter today, sent 13 letters yesterday, but to the old ship. Not sure when he will get those ones now. He did say he received the ones I mailed last week. 

His recruiter gave me a number to PAO?? Not sure what I should call them for, does anyone have advise on this?

Thank goodness for this site and what I have already learned from it.  My son shipped out on July 10.  I have been waiting for that first letter expecting it in the next couple days.  I did sign up for Informed Delivery (as someone here suggested).

This morning when I was checking on the Informed Delivery, I realized that I could see mail that I should have received over the past week.  I looked back on July 15th and saw a letter from my son that we should have received but didn't.  The letter was postmarked July 12th.  The return address on envelop shows Ship 13, Div 272.  

From this information, it looks like he graduates September 1.  Is that right?  

Thank you!  Do you know if he flies to Goose Creek on September 2nd, if graduation is September 1st? 

I am almost in tears!  I was in shower just now and missed a North Chicago phone call by three minutes.  I am sure it was my son...I didn't think he would call this early and didn't have my phone with me!!!

Update...my son left a message on his girlfriends phone.  My husband and I both missed the call, and she did as well.  He was calling for business, to let us know his Eagle Work paperwork finally went through (which is great news).  He said he would call in about two weeks.  I just feel really, really sad I missed the call.  That we all did.  I have been carrying my phone everywhere and can't believe he called during the five minutes I was in the shower!  

Rumace- sadly, yes they fly out on saturday

librarianmom, they will probably let him try again

Thanks TessaNator.  It will be a short time but at least we'll have it.

I'm new to the group. My son arrived at RTC July 17. Does anyone know how long it takes for a new PIR group to form? My son's recruiter told me his anticipated PIR is Sept. 15.

My son confirmed he received his Sandboxx letter first.  I was in Hawaii when I got his address....so the paper letters probably took forever being channeled thru Honolulu

Sandboxx might get a letter to the Great Lakes mailroom faster, but after it hits there, those letters are handled just the same as the others.  It does mean you don't have to buy stamps or wait to get your letter in the mail.  So maybe saves a day or two.  

If you can send moleskin instead of bandaids. My son had big blisters on his heals from the shoes. He just graduated July 14th. 

My SR told me that they are holding letters.  She had only received one of the letters I've sent through Sandboxx, so there's probably 8 or more letters from friends and family that were held back.

Camsproudmom, The Form Letter arrives an average of ten days after the recruit's arrival at the RTC. Some will have it 7 days after arrival (a few earlier than that, but not many) and most will have it by 14 days after arrival. It will tell you your recruit's address and PIR date and other important information. Keep it in a safe place.

Arrival and What Happens at the RTC will let you know what is happening and what to expect.

Here are the current PIR groups:

PIR: July 28, 2017 TG 38 - 9 Divisions (227-234 & 938) 4 guests

PIR: August 4, 2017 TG 39 - 11 Divisions (235-244 & 939) 4 guests

PIR: August 11, 2017 TG 40 - 8 Divisions (245-250, 818 & 940) 4 guests

PIR: August 18, 2017 TG 41 - 7 Divisions (251-256 & 941) 4 guests

PIR: August 25, 2017 TG 42 - 9 Divisions (257-264 & 942) 4 guests

PIR: September 1, 2017 TG 43 - 13 Divisions (265-276 & 943) 3 guests (This is Labor Day Weekend. If your recruit will be staying in GL for “A” School or training, s/he will also have Liberty on Monday. The holiday weekend will not affect those flying out.)

PIR: September 8, 2017 TG 44 TG 44 - 14 Divisions (277-286, 819-821 & 944) 3 guests

Click on the date of your recruit’s PIR and join the group to connect with others with loved ones training with your recruit.

Just wanted to post about our PIR experience to help others planning:

1. Lodging - I strongly recommend Navy Lodge.  It is close to base, clean, safe, affordable - though not luxurious.  The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable.  They can answer your questions.

2.  Meet and Greet - Go. Just GO!  Sarge will give you some info that will HELP you.  Follow his directions and you will be fine.  He is very helpful.  I messaged him at 5 a.m. on Friday and he graciously answered my questions.  Do as he says.  You won't be sorry!

3.  Meals - we ate several meals in our room as we had a room with a kitchenette.  We ate Friday night at Jimmy's Charhouse in Libertyville - they gave our sailor his meal free. (I would call and make a reservation.  They are on Trip-Advisor).

If you want pizza in a unique setting with other menu items, try the SIlo in Lake Bluff.  If you have a large party, I would try to get a reservation. They are also on Trip-Advisor.

3.  Shopping/things to do:

There is a nice Walmart in Waukegan and a nice Targe in Lake Bluff (both are less than 15 minutes away from base).

Gurnee Mills is a very nice mall.

We couldn't go to Chicago as we had planned due to weather constraints.  I had downloaded the VENTRA app to use to buy tickets and did a "trial run".  It is very easy to use.  The METRA station at Great Lakes is literally just outside the gate to RTC.

If you want to see Lake Michigan in a less crowded setting, consider the Waukegan Harbor Light.  It is very pretty with a little ice cream shop, a nice walk on the pier (no side rails but it is wide enough that is not a problem) and a public beach right up the road.

BE SURE that you get the handout as you check in to attend PIR - it gives specific instructions on returning your sailor on Friday night.

GET THERE EARLY!!!!!  We were seated by 7:15 and there were already many people there.  We sat towards the top of the lower deck of bleachers to be able to get out easily and had good viewing.

TAKE stadium seats.  I got some with backs at our local Academy Sporting Goods.  I do not regret that decision.

We drove onto the base.  Some people prefer the shuttle.  We like the flexibility of our own transportation.

BE SURE to have your sailor make arrangements to have their portraits mailed to you.  The line outside the NEX to pick up pictures after graduation is ridiculous!!!

I know this is long.  Just wanted to pass along from our experience.

THE CEREMONY IS AMAZING!!!!!! All your planning, praying, researching what to do will be WORTH it when the ceremony begins.

Now.... for me.....it's on to questions about "A" School  :-)

HOOYAH!  And, God Bless America!!!!