Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Priority mail needs to be handled differently than first class mail, while it may be faster, it potentially becomes more work for the mail room and/or the division mail PO.Yes, this draws attention.  The difference is also weight, up to 12 ounces for first class, 13 oz or more becomes priority.  A regular letter with a couple pictures won't draw attention, a heavy thick envelope will, and must be opened in front of the RDC.  RDCs normally won't ask to see the pictures in regular letters.  They don't have much room to store stuff, so a lot of individual pictures is not always convenient for them.  Printing pictures on a sheet of paper and writing around them helps a lot.  Help them fly under the radar!

If you plan on attending the Fourth of July celebration at TSC, please be sure to check on what is allowed and not allowed on base. There are also "off limit" rules for the general public. Be sure to follow those rules. There isn't a guard, ASF, or policeman working that day that wants to escort anyone off base.

Kimberly - when we went to PIR we didn't rent a car.  We used Sarge's taxi service from the airport to our hotel (and back again at the end of the weekend) and we used the hotel shuttle for PIR.  We also used him to take us to the train and we went into Chicago on Saturday.  The cost was less than renting a car and it worked out well for us. 

Here's his contact info: 

SARGE - MEET & GREET

Sarge has a taxi service and he is a wealth of information and has a meet and greet at the Lakehurst Event Center in Waukegan the night before PIR (go to http://www.mynavytaxi.com/events.html to RSVP). His cell number is 847-212-0246. His M&G and services have been getting great reviews. Find Sarge on N4M as OldSarge.

Kimberly, they're in business year round.

Happy 4th of July everyone!! Congratulations to our new sailors!!  For those at BC, there will not likely be much of anything special for them, I know my son had just arrived and they did not even get to see any fireworks from a distance as I recall. So, it has become even more of a tradition for our family to go enjoy the many Independence Day celebrations that are available to us in honor of our sailor and knowing that we are holding down the home front, while he is on duty!  And once they are at A school or in the fleet, there will be times when they have to stand watch on a holiday or they might be off and partake in local events as well. 

So put on some patriotic music, hang your American flag, and say a prayer for all of our service men and women, and our country's leaders, knowing that your recruits at BC are being well taken care of!

Happy Fourth.  In my experience, this holiday has always been about family, parades, BBQ, and fun.  The celebrations on base were always very family oriented, rather than being focused on the military members.  So have fun, and keep your sailor in your heart!  Have a burger for them!  

Also, this is a great day to send a message of thanks via the USO:

https://www.uso.org/message/thanks-a-million

MilMomof2 - first of all, I am sorry to hear about your daughter's set back. I don't have experience with this particular situation, but I do have five children and some of them have had set backs in other areas of life. I think it is important to convey to our children how much we love them and that love is not based on their performance or achievement - which is hard. It is often hard for us to convey that well and it is often hard for them to perceive it also. Bumps in the road happen in life and it is how we deal with those bumps and keep our attitude and healthy outlook that continues to build us stronger. I don't know what her rate is or where she will go after BC, but you might look into the possibility of being able to come see her sometime later, which may help with the disappointment of not seeing you at PIR. Otherwise, just encouraging her with words of inspiration, your thoughts and prayers and that you know that she can prevail. Take some time to absorb what this set back means for you and your own plans to see her, so that your words of encouragement can be from the heart to encourage and help her and not still filled with some of your own disappointment. 

MilMomof2, When your daughter called you did she say she was being sent to RCU? She may still have a PIR at a later date if that is the case.

Hello ladies, I so appreciate all of your posts. My daughter is entering her 3rd week at BC and we are still waiting for that first personal letter. 

I don't have much to say, but wanted you to know I follow this group very closely (so much that my husband often rolls his eyes and tells me to stop following "those Navy moms" haha).

Kimberly - We decided to rent a car and drive to PIR. We calculated the costs including gas/mileage, food, etc..... since we are taking 3 of our other children, we will be saving over $1000 by driving vs flying and renting a car there. For us, it's a 23 hour drive. We also wanted to have the freedom to drive around a bit once we were there. 

Milmomof2 - I can't imagine how disappointed you and your daughter must be that you won't be attending PIR this close to her date. Sounds like it's a temporary set back, but nonetheless devastating I'm sure. I would remind her of all the people that are still rooting for her and praying for a speedy recovery. Remind her that she can do this! Obviously she can 'Do Hard Things' since she has made it this far. She hit a bump in the road that brought her to a halt. Although the group she was traveling with are now up the road from her, she is still on the road. Tell her to keep moving forward at a safe speed. In the long run, her delay won't really make much of a difference to her naval career. Good luck to her and your family as you move forward!

MilMomof2, Since it appears to you she is in RCU she will complete her physical therapy, and then be moved into a new division to finish training. She will have PIR with the new TG.

Bravo Zulu to your daughter. The RDCs must have seen something that let them know she would be an excellent Sailor. Many do not stay for recovery and are sent home. Again, Bravo Zulu to her, and fast healing wishes.

Here are the current PIR groups. .

PIR: July 12, 2019 TG 36 9 Divisions (243 - 250, and 936)

PIR: July 19, 2019 TG 37 5 Divisions (251 - 254, and 937)

PIR: July 26, 2019 TG 38 10 Divisions (255 - 260, 817 - 819, and 938)

PIR: August 02, 2019 TG 39 15 Divisions (261 - 274, and 939)

The August 02, 2019 TG 39 will be allowed only 3 guests for PIR

PIR: August 09, 2019 TG 40 13 Divisions (275 - 286, and 940)

The August 09, 2019 TG 40 will be allowed only 3 guests for PIR

PIR: August 16, 2019 TG 41 15 Divisions (287 - 300, and 941)

The August 16, 2019 TG 41 will be allowed only 3 guests for PIR

PIR: August 23, 2019 TG 42 7 Divisions (301 - 306, and 942)

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

I need some help.  My son leaves tomorrow.  I grabbed him some calling cards but I'm not sure how they'll look (confusing!).  Wondering if I bought the wrong one from Walgreens.  Does anyone have a brand that definitely works easily for our recruits making calls from pay phones??  I'm stressing out about this!

I meant to say I'm not sure how they'll "work."  Seems confusing.

WaterLily, I didn't send my son with any, so I don't know. I hadn't joined or even known of any groups before he left, so I never knew anything about sending anything with him. But what I do know is that they are given a NEX gift card that is deducted from their pay and they can buy calling cards there. That's what my son did. So if you don't have it all figured out, don't worry. :)

Ladies, I think I'm good on the calling card.  No need to comment about it.  My husband looked them over also and one of the cards I purchased will work fine on pay phones.  With my FS leaving tomorrow, I honestly doubt I'm thinking straight.  Prayers and good vibes appreciated.  

Susan64–what is your sailors rate??

ErikaWithaK, thank you very much for sharing that information.  

Good Morning All, It's good to be back on once again. I apologize for being gone and not able to assist but I have had so much going on these past few weeks. As some may Know my Husband had two major strokes one after another, put him down way beyond means. So I have been left to pick up all the pieces. Being the only money maker which is not much has been very hard. Fighting with Social Security is also a nightmare in itself. Fighting for his Pensions is another nightmare. Sometimes I don't know if I'm coming or going or if I'm coming I should be going. This has really taken a toll of me and having no family but my Children is another worry in itself. But enough of me and my Problems.

I would like to welcome all the New Comers to Navy Moms, we have been getting quite a bit of New Moms ect. Welcome and please stop by and introduce yourselves, this is the beginning part of getting to know the first stage of BC.

I am PhoenixMom and I have been at this now for Two Years the 5th of July. My Son is Stationed in San Diego Coronado Island and is Linked to the USS Theodore Roosevelt. He has accomplished much in his 2 Yrs. he is a EM2.

I see questions about calling cards, I know a while back they were mentioning not to buy calling cards anymore as your Recruit will be able to purchase them thru the NEX. Reason being is some of the cards were not working (ones purchased beforehand) But if one is purchased that is ok just make sure it is activated so that way they don't spend time activating it and they can just call. If for some reason you receive a call and cant hear them, ask your Recruit to find the switch to raise the volume on there end, sometimes that will help. Don't worry your Recruit will have money on a Card to be able to Purchase there Hygiene. here is the site to read on that.

When Will the Recruits be Paid? and Information for Spouses

As you all know this Friday is another PIR so Please those attending this Friday keep Phones Close as The I'm a Sailor calls will be coming thru. Those that received calls yesterday CONGRATULATIONS to your New Sailor!

always check the websites to see if you can get a glimpse of your Loved One.

Yes, check out https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand and http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/. They will have lots of information for you. https://www.facebook.com/NavalServiceTraining also has items at times.

https://www.facebook.com/ASBPGreatLakes has pics of some of the recruits who give blood while at RTC.

For those just beginning your Loved One may have left already or maybe getting ready to leave you will receive a call scripted call saying that they have arrived, within a week or so you will receive the Box, this will come fed ex and will need to be signed for. If you miss it they can re deliver it or you can go down and pick it up. I will put some sites down for you to get started and read as much as you can. This will give you much needed knowledge to know what will occur when it does.

• Arrival and What Happens at RTC
• Ship/Division--How it Works
• 800 and 900 Divisions
• Phone Cards and Phone Calls
• Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruit

This site will explain when the form letter will arrive. The form Letter will have the address and Div# and PIR date to your Loved One. there will be a form that needs to be signed and returned to the address given on the form where you return the form. which will be the address to your Loved One.

See Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) and Fitness Improvement Training (FIT).

Here are the different apps for receiving letters.

  If you want to get Informed Delivery™, go to https://realmail.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.

Phonenixmom, in a very short period of time, you have become such a big lifeline for me.  I appreciate (so very much!) all of the information and links you share with us.  My son ships out to Great Lakes today.  TODAY!  I am praying these next weeks fly by up until our "I'm a Sailor" call but I know it will be a long wait and will feel like forever.

I can't even imagine the daily struggles you're enduring since your husband had his strokes.  I wish I could reach out and hug you.  Instead, I will just say a daily prayer for you and send you vibes for strength and comfort.  May God lift you up and carry you through this trying time and place his healing hands on your husband so that you can see little glimmers of improvement each and every day/week/month.

Waterlily Thank You, I appreciate your Kind words. Make sure you keep your Phone near you tonite as the call will be short and just try to get in the I love You and You can do this! I encourage that before your Loved One set sail to put a verse or short  message in their wallet. when the time comes and they find it believe me it will do some good. They will be feeling the same as you missing everyone including their Pets. and finding this message will go along way.

Best wishes to your New Recruit Waterlily, and when times get rough know that we are here with open arms, That goes for any New Comer with a Loved One who will be leaving or has left!

* * *  Graduations With Only 3 Guests  * * *

Attention friends and family of recruits graduating Aug. 2, 9, 16 and 30: Due to the large number of recruits graduating in each division, these Training Groups will only be allowed THREE guests per recruit. All guests age 3 and older must have a ticket, including active duty personnel, and will count toward the total number allowed. Additional graduation information is contained in your Family Form Letter as well as on the website, to include ticket pickup location and times.

Here is the Link to attend Sarge's Meet and Greet. This is a fun time for all Families. Sarge will have you RSVP, you must know the Div. # Because This is how you will be seated. You will meet other Families that have their Loved Ones in the same Division. Good way to meet others. Sarge has a variety of foods and a lot of it as well. There will be a vendor selling flags, Blankets, Bags Shirts of every size so make sure to take Lots of Money. he will go over much needed info and especially if your Loved One is flying out he will give all details to the airport parking and where to meet up.

go to http://www.mynavytaxi.com/events.html to RSVP).

See PIR Day and Liberty during PIR Weekend

What PIR weekend may be like for those flying out of GL

These two sites have much needed info on airports as well. Remember only your Sailor will have their schedule and flight times so make sure you get this info from them.

Hi Mrs. Kimberly, the Form letter is the Official form letter that is sent with your Loved One's address and Division number ship Name and Most importantly his/her PIR date.

RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND (RTC) VISITOR ACCESS FORM
RETURN THIS FORM TO YOUR RECRUIT AT THE MAILING ADDRESS PROVIDED IN THE
ATTACHED LETTER WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF RECEIPT!
FORMS MAILED TO ANY OTHER ADDRESS WILL NOT BE DELIVERED.
For Official Use Only – Privacy Sensitive.
The content and enclosure herein contains privileged information and should be treated as “For Official Use Only.”
Unauthorized disclosure of this information may result in CIVIL and CRIMINAL penalties.
_________________________________________________
(RECRUIT’S NAME: LAST, FIRST, MIDDLE INITIAL)
SHIP/DIV:_____/_____ Projected Graduation Date:_______
1. In preparation of your visitors’ RTC graduation attendance, all visitors should be listed below. I understand that all U.S. Citizens/Resident Aliens listed will have a criminal background check. All Non-U.S. Citizens/Resident Aliens will be considered for installation access on a case-by-case basis. I shall NOT knowingly request access for individuals meeting any of the following restrictions, including:
a. An outstanding warrant, current probation/parole or a registered sex offender,
b. Any narcotics related offense within the last 10 years, and/or
c. Any other serious offense.
2. I hereby request the following four individuals to be granted access to RTC Great Lakes. ONLY those who do not have a Driver’s License will leave that block empty. All others are expected to provide all requested information in order to conduct a background check.
PRINT OR TYPE ONLY (MUST BE LEGIBLE OR ACCESS WILL BE DENIED)
1 LAST NAME FIRST NAME MI DRIVERS LICENSE # STATE
ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE SOCIAL SECURITY #
DOB (MM/DD/YY) EMAIL ADDRESS
2 LAST NAME FIRST NAME MI DRIVERS LICENSE # STATE
ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE SOCIAL SECURITY #
DOB (MM/DD/YY) EMAIL ADDRESS
3 LAST NAME FIRST NAME MI DRIVERS LICENSE # STATE
ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE SOCIAL SECURITY #
DOB (MM/DD/YY) EMAIL ADDRESS
4 LAST NAME FIRST NAME MI DRIVERS LICENSE # STATE
ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE SOCIAL SECURITY #
DOB (MM/DD/YY) EMAIL ADDRESS
INDIVIDUALS NOT LISTED ON THIS FORM WILL NOT BE GRANTED ACCESS!
3. It is my responsibility to notify my guests of any changes in my training status which may affect my graduation date. I will recommend that they purchase refundable/transferrable tickets because my graduation date may change. I will also inform all guests that they are required to maintain their valid photo ID and Pass at all times. I will only notify the above listed people if there is an issue with their access. No confirmation will be provided by any staff member of RTC Great Lakes.
___________________
Recruit’s Signature

Down below is what it will look like. The Form letter.

Their will be a security form that will need to be filled out and sent back. Do this Immediately. some Have forgotten and waited until the last minute not a good thing to do. the security access form, 

Downloadable version of Map to Graduation Ceremony        

Here are the current PIR groups. .

PIR: July 12, 2019 TG 36 9 Divisions (243 - 250, and 936)

PIR: July 19, 2019 TG 37 5 Divisions (251 - 254, and 937)

PIR: July 26, 2019 TG 38 10 Divisions (255 - 260, 817 - 819, and 938)

PIR: August 02, 2019 TG 39 15 Divisions (261 - 274, and 939)

The August 02, 2019 TG 39 will be allowed only 3 guests for PIR

PIR: August 09, 2019 TG 40 13 Divisions (275 - 286, and 940)

The August 09, 2019 TG 40 will be allowed only 3 guests for PIR

PIR: August 16, 2019 TG 41 15 Divisions (287 - 300, and 941)

The August 16, 2019 TG 41 will be allowed only 3 guests for PIR

PIR: August 23, 2019 TG 42 7 Divisions (301 - 306, and 942)

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

If there is anything that someone is needing please let me know, so I can find the info for you. To the right of this screen where it has pages 24 there are sites that info can be found as well just click on View all. Sometimes it can get very Overwhelming with trying to find or Locate what it is that you may be needing. so for that there are many a Great Ladies on this Site that will answer or help find what you are needing. If I do not know the answer I will not try to attempt to give you any Info I am not aware or know. I leave that to the Admins that have the Answer and that have been around longer than I. Some of You May Know of Mrs. Anti M, she is awesome and helps out on Great Lakes A school as well. Mrs. Ellen 0502, Mrs. Chipmunk, Mrs. Belovedbyhim, and Mrs. B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN. Mrs. LemonElephant is also another.

Here's a random one, but I've read everything and I'm just hoping for some advice. I have the flights, the hotel, and now I'm just on the fence about transportation. We are near the hotel, but I know we probably will want to go sight see or go into Chicago or something while we are there. Should we rent a car or just rely on the Metra or taxi services (or Uber)? Is it a a better plan to rent a car at the airport, or use Sarge's service and rent a car in town? I'm so confused on what to do...

Taking the Metra and using Lyft/Uber is easier if you plan to go into Chicago.  Parking is insane and expensive there.  The train is easy, near base, and you can sit and relax instead of dealing with city traffic.  Use Sarge's to and from the airport.  Your hotel may also have a shuttle, some of them do shuttles to PIR.

I have a question about the first "I'm here" call.  All of the comments seem to indicate they come late at night.  But my recruit is currently on a van headed to GLTC and will likely arrive within a couple hours.  Are they instructed to call home soon after they arrive?  Or is it always later in the night???  I am on pins and needles here anticipating this call today/tonight.  

More than Likely when they get there you should receive the call. When getting there the Processing begins so that is when the call usually is done. You will also notice when you receive the box that his pant legs are still rolled up that is because they are getting fitted for shoes and have no time to roll them down. Now make sure you check all socks pockets shoes for battery to cell phone as the will take apart.

Thank you Phoenixmom!

Staci we rented a car, but we got there on a Wednesday and did some sight seeing ourselves so it was much better for us. We also took the shuttle to PIR because my Son had to go back and pack up to get shipped across the street as he stayed in GL for A school. Sot it gave us time to go back to Hotel get  some rest and a bite to eat then around 2:30 he called and said to be on our way. So it's basically up to you if you know what it is that your Plans consist of. Now the Sailors will be instructed about going into Chicago. Some may want to some will be paranoid about going. Traffic is no game in Chicago the street in Chicago are awful as with the Parking prices. Thank You Mrs. Anti M for your Knowledge.

Sarge knows and has friends that have a rental car place you may be able to find prices cheaper thru them, I went onto a site that gave us a reasonable discount on cars and we picked up at airport. we also bypassed all tolls, so we never came across one and had to pay.

All Hotels usually have a shuttle/bus back then it was 3$ a person to and from. They give you there number to call when ready to be picked up ours just happened to stick around and was waiting for us after PIR. We bypassed all the traffic and we were able to share a ride with another couple from Idaho. It was a fun ride and exciting to meet another family. We stayed at the Residence Inn very nice and comfortable had everything stocked in the kitchen. Wal-Mart was just down the street and across from Wal-Mart was the Hall for the Meet and Greet. no further than 10-15 min. to PIR. so it was in a Nice Location. Very Friendly had a very nice set up for continental Breakfast, also had a Dinner for those attending PIR on Thurs. Evening.

There are New Pics on  https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand and http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/. check it out you may see or get a glimpse of your Loved One.

Thank you Anti M and PhoenixMom!!

You are welcome Staci. also just a suggestion Captain Porky's has good food big portions family owned good lunch place. Next door they also have a steak and seafood Restaurant next door same family owned. We made reservations to Stevens very nice place also a steak House. So if anyone would like to put any suggestions for those going soon please do always a plus. 

There are lots of suggestions within this site and usually also in the PIR group.

The brochure that is included with The Form Letter from MWRGL about hotels and other things is at RTC Friends and Family Brochure July 2017 rev.pdf. It should have some suggestions with contact information. 

The Page, Saving Money PIR Weekend, has information on hotels, transportation to GL, and more. 

The Navy Gateway Inns & Suites is located on the main base, about 1.5 miles from RTC. Only those with military IDs can access the base to stay there.  http://dodlodging.net or 1-877-NavyBed (1-877-628-9233). 

The Navy Lodge is located 1.9 miles off base from RTC and guests of graduation are allowed to stay there.  https://reservations.staydod.com/hotelSearch.do?action=View&pro... or 847-689-1485. 

There are also hotels in Vernon Hills, Gurnee, and Waukegan.   the Hotel Indigo-Vernon Hills in .  Here are other places that people have mentioned (listed in the order I found them and I added the links for your convenience; I do not recommend or endorse any particular one): Ramada Inn Waukegan (some like the place and others do NOT), Hampton Inn in Libertyville, Residence Inn Waukegan, Red Carpet Inn in North Chicago, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham at Wadsworth Waukegan,  La Quinta Inn & Suites in Gurnee... That should give you some places to try. 

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.  

I have heard some families doing Airbnb as well never hurts to look.

Remember to that Southwest doesn't charge if you need to change the date, also I have had some families say good things about this site as well.  If you book using https://travel.sandboxx.us/, then there is no change fee if there is a change in your recruit's PIR date.