Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Thank You Proud mamma, that means a lot.

Just want to make sure you Ladies have info on what is needed.

Also the info on driving or taking a shuttle was posted by Hooyasuzy I thought this was Great information she had posted that I wanted to repost the information given. It would give you all a choice on how to handle the situation or maybe you can make a decision, the weather is freezing over there in Chicago so I will continue to post the weather service also. Get them coats, Gloves, scarfs whatever it will take to keep you warm and snug.

Divisions 061, 062, 063, 064, 065, 066, 067, 068, 069, 070, 911, 805 for January 19, 2018

Divisions 071, 072, 073, 074, 075, 076, 077, 078, 079, 080, 912, 806 for January 26, 2018.

 PIR: December 15, 2017 TG 06 - 8 Divisions (037-042 and 906, 907) 4 guests 

      NO PIR: December 22, 2017 & December 29, 2017

      PIR: January 5, 2018 TG 09 - 14 Divisions (043-054, 908 and 909)  4 guests

      PIR: January 12, 2018 TG 10 - 7 Divisions (055-060 and 910) 4 guests

      PIR: January 19, 2018 TG 11 - 12 Divisions (061-070, 805 and 911) 4 guests       

      PIR: January 26, 2018 TG 12 - 12 Divisions (071-080, 806 and 912) 4 guests

here is todays Daily Bread thought I would share.

2 Timothy 4:17 – But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength,

US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois

here is the website to view

http://www.navy.mil/local/rtc

Navy Sets New Physical Fitness Standard to Start Boot Camp

This is a friendly reminder that recruits are NOT allowed to receive care packages of any kind. Any food items that are received are discarded. Never send your recruit anything unless they specifically request it, such as particular toiletries; or contacts/makeup for photos and graduation, for example. If in doubt about something you wish to send, please email us at rtc.pao@navy.mil.

Taxi/Shuttle/Car Rental

If you are using Sarge's Transportation service for PIR, he is wonderful and will ask you if you want to "carpool" with other families arriving or leaving near the same time, which saves money for all. On your PIR group page, you can post your arrival time/airport and see if others will be coming in around the same time. He gives good rates anyway, but it is even better when you can split the cab fare with others. If you use his service from the airport, then he will take you to/from PIR for free. Sarge can be found on here as OldSarge and there is information on his rates on his profile page.

You could use Sarge's services to get from the airport to Waukegan where car rental rates are less expensive than rates near the airport. Be sure to figure in his rates to see if this will result in a savings for you. Most car rental agencies have shuttles from the airports to an off-site location, so ask about that when checking rates.

Some hotels offer free or low cost (usually around $3 per person) shuttle services to and from PIR. Some shuttles will allow the new Sailor to ride free with a paying person who is booked at the hotel. You will need to check on the cost and availability of shuttle services when booking your hotel. Be sure to ask what the "shuttle" is because the "shuttle" at some hotels may be a bus, a van, or a taxi.

If you take a taxi or shuttle or otherwise walk in, it is about 100 yards to the Visitors Center from the gate and then about the same to the Drill Hall. Dress warmly in winter and wear comfortable shoes all year round.

at RTC Friends and Family Brochure July 2017 rev.pdf.) this will have Hotels in Waukegan near base for PIR and visiting center.

Ladies thought I would put this site on here has information on different restaurants in Waukegan.

Waukegan, IL - Official Website - Restaurant Guide

the January TG will be the only TG eligible for Christmas Adopt-A-Sailor. You will receive a separate form in your packet that your recruit sends home to you. For more information about Adopt-A-Sailor please go to this link on the RTC FB Notes page:

2017 Christmas Adopt-A-Sailor program

Can you assist me with hotel reservations?
A. You may contact MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation) for information regarding hotel and airfare reservations. MWR may be contacted by calling 1-847-688-3593 or you may also visit the MWR website at http://www.navymwrgreatlakes.com.

Q. What is the closest airport?
A.  Chicago O’Hare International is 30 miles from RTC; Chicago Midway is 46 miles; and Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International is 49 miles.

You can avoid most tolls by using Route 41, it goes all the way to Chicago and will get you from Chicago to RTC and nearby lodging. If you are traveling through Chicago on the way to and from Great Lakes, follow 94 East which merges into Route 41 to avoid toll roads. Your hotel may be able to give you directions to the RTC that will avoid toll roads.

Thank you Phoenixmom for sharing the scripture. Such an encouragement for us... :)

Thank You NavyMom2 for your kind words. Me myself tend to lean on scriptures to get me by, whether I'm feeling anxious, tired, sad, overwhelmed from work what ever the situation and I pray on it. So I am hoping that it is encouraging others to do the same. Have a Blessed Holiday!

For those that are attending PIR anytime soon, take a cushion to sit on, the Bleachers get hard after awhile and you will be sitting a good 2 hours. wal mart has them for 5 bucks. That was the best thing I did, my husband kept telling me you don't need a cushion, well after an hour of sitting he wanted me to share my cushion with him, guess what? NOT! LOL I reminded him of what he had said. they do allow you to take. they do not sell them at PIR. and also you may want to take cash. they do have a vendor selling items such as Challenge coins, with div. the flag, the ship. Shirts, sweatshirts, blankets. not sure if they except cards or not. Most of what we bought we got at the Meet and Greet. I recommend you RSVP to that it is a Fun night you meet a group of Ladies and families. They also sell things there such as Flags, shirts blankets and they also stencil names. Sarge and his wife put on a good thing there and they are Amazing people. they will have raffles also.

M

Food

Some hotels offer a free breakfast. Many rooms have a refrigerator that you can store food in. Some suites have a kitchenette and you can cook your own meals. There is a Walmart Supercenter located near the Lakehurst Event Center where Sarge's Meet and Greet is held. Some restaurants will give your Sailor a discount on the entire ticket (you may need to ask for it) or will allow your Sailor to eat for free.

The Trattoria Pomigliano (Italian food), Lovell's of Lake Forest, Rain Forest Cafe at Gurnee Mills Mall (on the day of PIR only), and some other places will give your Sailor anything on the menu free. You get a free appetizer at Flanagan's Restaurant if you let them know you are there for PIR or you are family of a Navy graduate; your new Sailor does not have to be with you. The prices are included on the websites, so this will allow you to decide if any of these places is within your budget.

You may be able to find a good deal at http://www.groupon.com/ or https://www.livingsocial.com/.

ore info for you all

The discussion, Recommended List of Rental Cars, Taxis, and Shuttle Services, within PIR Reference Information may give you some ideas.

If you take a taxi or shuttle or otherwise walk in, it is about 100 yards to the Visitors Center from the gate and then about the same to the Drill Hall. Dress warmly in winter and wear comfortable shoes all year round.

If your Sailor will be staying in GL after PIR, you may want to rent a car so that you have more freedom over the weekend. Some have found that they saved money by booking the car rental with their airfare rather than booking it separately or using a taxi or shuttle service.

US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois

It's time to go, Wishing you all a great Evening.

I hope all the information was helpful, if there is anything else you may need info on please ask.

May the calls and letters be received, maybe even the "Kid in the Box" I know there are challenging or bittersweet moments I encourage you to keep the faith, stay focused, keep your head up and stand proud! much Love to everyone's SR. they are doing an amazing thing, Thank You all.

@Phoenixmom. I very much appreciate all the info you post. Thank you and blessings to you.

Phoneixmom I got letter from my son for pir and his address made my day

General question .. has anyone experienced a PIR in the wintertime?  I know in the summer it's suggested to bring a stadium seat to save your backside ... is it warm enough inside in the winter to use your coat as a cushion, or should we still plan on obtaining a stadium seat?

Thanks, ShawnMom!  I'm counting the days until January 26!!

Hello everyone. My son started boot camp a few days ago. I just wanted to say hello to everyone and see if there are any new moms who kids have just started. Thank you so much for this site. It is so informative and has really helped me with the many questions that have been going through my head.

Pinkster0405 My husband started a few days ago as well on the 11th. What day did your son start? I just received the package today with his stuff in it. 

@kelz89 he started on the 11th as well. I haven't received his package yet but I'm so looking forward to it.

I am so sorry this has happened.  Sometimes the doctors at MEPS miss minor things, but the doctors at RTC do a much more thorough screening.  They don't do things in depth until they know the recruit can ship.  

From what I have been reading, heart conditions are not waiverable and are disqualifying.  I am sure your son can call with more details soon.  Best wishes for him whatever path he finds himself on.  Hang in there, it takes some time to get these things resolved.

ttps://www.thebalance.com/military-medical-standards-for-enlistment-and-appointment-3354029

Pinkster0405 I was surprised because I thought it would be a box with his clothes but all I received was a small package that had his phone and the bag he brought his stuff in. I’m assuming his clothes were donated. I’m just so anxious to receive the letter with the graduation date and his address so I can write to him. 

Hi all! I enjoy reading all the posts and have learned so much from this group while my son has been in DEP. We expected that he'd be leaving for BC sometime in February but he got called up early. He just started boot camp on the 12th and I'm still trying to adjust to that fact that he's gone and won't be home for Christmas.  I'm hoping to receive his box soon and I can't wait to get the form letter so I can start making all the arrangements for his PIR. 

Where best hotel to stay at for graduation ceremony for the weekend

Good Morning Ladies hope all is well, It's good to be back.

Welcome to all the New comers to this site, hope you find all the info you are needing.

MandyB my Prayers are with you and your son.

Linda in the form letter there should of been a Brochure enclosed with all the Hotels near the base. It is basically up to you on what your standards are. I here a lot of Mothers speak on the Navy Lodge, I stayed at the Residence Inn it was not to bad very friendly people. I will put a few sites down for you to make a choice.

Have a Great Day Ladies!

See Saving Money PIR Weekend and PIR Day and Liberty during PIR Weekend.

The discussion, Recommended Places to Stay, within PIR Reference Information may give you some ideas. Check http://www.tripadvisor.com/ to see what others have said about any hotel you are considering.

Can you assist me with hotel reservations?
A. You may contact MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation) for information regarding hotel and airfare reservations. MWR may be contacted by calling 1-847-688-3593 or you may also visit the MWR website at http://www.navymwrgreatlakes.com.

Q. What is the closest airport?
A.  Chicago O’Hare International is 30 miles from RTC; Chicago Midway is 46 miles; and Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International is 49 miles.

at RTC Friends and Family Brochure July 2017 rev.pdf.) this will have Hotels in Waukegan near base for PIR and visiting center.

US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois

This site has great info. click on the top for recruits and it will let you know what to expect, the trainings also the P-days if you want to follow along. this site will take you all the way to graduation just click at the top it has recruits graduation links.

http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/faq.html#contacting_recruits

The Navy Lodge is located 1.9 miles off base from the RTC in the Forestal Village Housing area and guests of graduation are allowed to stay there since your recruit/Sailor will be your sponsor. You will need to give your recruit's name, rate (E-1, E-2, or E-3), and division number when making the reservation and/or when checking in. Go to https://www.navy-lodge.com/lodge_page.html?p_lodge_number=05 or call (847)689-1485. All rooms are non-smoking. They also have some family suites that include a kitchen as well as some rooms with kitchenettes. You can also book adjoining rooms if needed. All of the rooms, with the exception of some of the ADA rooms, have two queen beds. All rooms include direct TV and DVD, a refrigerator, a microwave, and free Wifi. They offer cribs and roll-away beds if needed at no additional charge. They have a breakfast to go that you can take with you to PIR and a free continental breakfast. There is a picnic area available if guests choose to have a cookout. The Navy Lodge permits pets; you must show proof of vaccinations and rabies vaccination. They also give pass for the NEX mini mart, so you could do shopping for things, the only things you cannot purchase are alcohol and cigarettes. Taxis can drive to the Navy Lodge if you don't have your own transportation. Booking online may give you a better rate than calling directly, so check both rates. Know that sometimes it will indicate online that there are no rooms when there are still rooms available since the Navy Lodge reserves a block of rooms for PIR that are not available online. The Sailors do have to be with a guest at the hotel when entering the hotel and anytime they are in the halls. If you arrive on Wednesday, they have a manager's dinner for guests in the lobby; it includes meatballs, pasta salad, fruit deserts, and rolls, cheese board, and beverages. Sailors staying GL for "A" School or training must have a deviation chit to visit the hotel after PIR weekend; it is not needed PIR weekend. There is a shuttle service to/from the Navy Lodge and the RTC for $2; sign up at the registration desk.

The Navy Gateway Inns & Suites is located on the main part of the base, about 1.5 miles from the RTC. This option is now available only for those with a military or dependent ID. Go to http://ngis.dodlodging.net/propertys/Great-Lakes-NS---IL or call 877-NavyBed (877-628-9233). You will need to give your recruit's name and division number when making the reservation and/or when checking in. They will begin taking reservations by phone 30 days before PIR or you can make reservations online about 6 weeks before PIR. There may be restrictions on where you can go on base without your Sailor being with you. Taxis and shuttles pick up and drop off at the gate, so it is better if you have a vehicle if staying at the Gateway Inn and Suites. It is also important to note that Standard and Suite rooms are located around 1/2 mile or so from the check in desk (some have indicated 1/4 mi. and others 3/4 mi.). There are standard rooms, rooms with a kitchen, and suites. All rooms include a refrigerator, microwave, and free Wifi. A free continental breakfast is available. Taxis can drop you off and pick you up at Pier 525 during certain hours, but not all taxis have a base pass to do so--some of Sarge's drivers do and others don't. The Sailors do have to be with a guest at the hotel when entering the hotel and anytime they are in the halls. Sailors staying GL for "A" School or training must have a deviation chit to visit the hotel after PIR weekend; it is not needed PIR weekend.

Taxi/Shuttle/Car Rental

If you are using Sarge's Transportation service for PIR, he is wonderful and will ask you if you want to "carpool" with other families arriving or leaving near the same time, which saves money for all. On your PIR group page, you can post your arrival time/airport and see if others will be coming in around the same time. He gives good rates anyway, but it is even better when you can split the cab fare with others. If you use his service from the airport, then he will take you to/from PIR for free. Sarge can be found on here as OldSarge and there is information on his rates on his profile page.

You could use Sarge's services to get from the airport to Waukegan where car rental rates are less expensive than rates near the airport. Be sure to figure in his rates to see if this will result in a savings for you. Most car rental agencies have shuttles from the airports to an off-site location, so ask about that when checking rates.

Some hotels offer free or low cost (usually around $3 per person) shuttle services to and from PIR. Some shuttles will allow the new Sailor to ride free with a paying person who is booked at the hotel. You will need to check on the cost and availability of shuttle services when booking your hotel. Be sure to ask what the "shuttle" is because the "shuttle" at some hotels may be a bus, a van, or a taxi.

If you take a taxi or shuttle or otherwise walk in, it is about 100 yards to the Visitors Center from the gate and then about the same to the Drill Hall. Dress warmly in winter and wear comfortable shoes all year round.

If your Sailor will be staying in GL after PIR, you may want to rent a car so that you have more freedom over the weekend. Some have found that they saved money by booking the car rental with their airfare rather than booking it separately or using a taxi or shuttle service.

Driving

Some have discovered that it is actually less expensive for them to drive when they factored in the airfare and car rental or taxi fees. http://www.gasbuddy.com/ can help you figure out the gas prices.

Some have been able to share a ride to GL and split the gas costs. Post in your PIR group if this is something you would be interested in. You may find someone in the same city or in a nearby city, but even if you share the ride with someone somewhere along the way, you will both save money.

You can avoid most tolls by using Route 41, it goes all the way to Chicago and will get you from Chicago to the RTC and nearby lodging. If you are traveling through Chicago on the way to and from Great Lakes, follow 94 East which merges into Route 41 to avoid toll roads. Your hotel may be able to give you directions to the RTC that will avoid toll roads. https://www.illinoistollway.com/ may help you to plan for the toll costs.

The Page, Saving Money PIR Weekend, has information on hotels, transportation to GL, and more. Know that your presence PIR weekend will be gift enough for your Sailor, but Gift Ideas for PIR will give you ideas if you want to give your new Sailor something special.

Be sure to have your registration and proof of insurance or car rental agreement available when entering at the gate. Be sure that everyone in the vehicle has current ID; it is possible that a person with an expired ID would be refused admittance. Some vehicles will be pulled aside randomly for additional screening.