Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

This is information is on that same page link I just posted but here it is - 

STEP 3: Pick up your tickets for the graduation ceremony

TICKETING: Everyone who is planning on attending a graduation ceremony MUST personally obtain a ticket, which will be distributed at the Recruit Family Welcome Center the week of your recruit's graduation. Tickets are free of charge, but you must have valid photo ID to obtain your ticket (driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport, or, for minors, a student ID, driver's permit, SSN card, birth certificate,) AND you MUST also have your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. Once you receive your ticket do NOT lose it, as this will be the only ticket you will receive. These tickets are not transferable and are the only means to access the base for attendees.

WELCOME CENTER ADDRESS/GPS: Navy Exchange (NEX) Burkey Mall, 2650 Green Bay Road North Chicago, IL 60088 (Do NOT use generic terms such as NEX, Recruit Training Command or Naval Station Great Lakes).

RECRUIT FAMILY WELCOME CENTER HOURS:

Thursday [10:00 AM to 7:30 PM] and Friday [5:30 AM to 8:30 AM]
**Certain federal holidays may require adjusting days and times.
Please refer to the website for those specific updates**

Plan accordingly so each person can check-in to receive a ticket for the graduation ceremony. If you don't have a ticket you will NOT be allowed entry to the base. Tickets will only be issued to guests who the graduating recruit has verified will be attending. Please ensure those who check-in to receive their graduation tickets are the same as those who were listed on the security form.

**DO NOT GO DIRECTLY TO THE BASE WITHOUT FIRST PICKING UP YOUR TICKET**

Step 4 - tells is the schedule for the day of graduation. (not posting here)

Link to map - Recruit Training Command - Graduation (navy.mil)

Sorry, the map link is just back to the graduation page, so scroll down till you see Map to Graduation Ceremony. 

Chipmunk - Son #1 is on his way to A school right now, by bus.

Son #2 called while I was out, so I didn't get to speak to him, but my husband did. He said Son #2 is so excited. He loves being there, he's a section leader, and he's basically having a ball. I don't know what was better, hearing such a good report, or the look on my husband's face. He was almost giddy!

mustangmom65 - So glad your husband was able to have a phone visit with your SR! I am sorry you didn't get to talk to him though. 

Thanks for the update! 

Chipmunk - I guess I'll just go with the flow. No clear cut answer as to whether he will hafta check back in every night. If he has to return at night, then I'll make sure that happens. 

I got the graduation info in the mail too. No form but I had already printed one, filled it out and sent it to him. When he called he said he didnt send the form because he knew the information and filled it out himself. Good to know he remembers my birthdate. LOL 

ChosenBlessings - Same for me, I am flying in Thursday, staying until Sunday. My SR is staying in GL for A school. I decided to go ahead and rent a car, since it looks like we might hafta do a lot of back and forth to the base. 

Jules - I have been around a lot of military stuff over the years that I know that change is just par for the course. But the longer I have been on this site and watch each new batch of families try to prepare for PIR - I really am beginning to think that the Navy somehow orchestrated PIR to be that ultimate challenge to all of us Mom planners out there to see if we can pass the Semper Gumby challenge!! Like we say often BC is as much for us as it is for our loved ones and PIR weekend is still part of that training! It will be one of the longest, most tiring, most happy, proud moment weekends, but also bittersweet! And through it all, the realization that your loved one is now in the Navy, and it is their needs and not yours that dictates how things play out with your sailor and their time with you. 

HUGS to all - you will get through this and you will get stronger!! 

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to our group. We are glad that you are here.

Trey- Yes, whoever signs your loved one first will have to sign them back in. I would try to get a rental car to if your not driving up to GL. It will truly be an awesome experience!!!

Jules- Hey, that is a great attitude to have. He should know at PIR or even before if he will be able to spend the night or not. I also stayed in GL from Thursday thru Sunday and we took ours to base by 8. Even then it was crowded at the gate so you guys will know when you should take your loved one back. Thats great that you got a rental car. 

It is one part of the journey that is wonderful. Enjoy every moment of your time with your loved one and try not to stress and get all those hugs that you can.    :) :) 

ChosenBlessings- whoo hoo PIR will be here before you know it.   :) That's what we did as well. We left on Thursday and stayed until Sunday. I did not get my I'm a Sailor call until Thursday night and we were already in the hotel room!!  Lol

Yes, bring your cards along with your other things. You can never be sure and at least you will be prepared. And exactly you still have to be vaxxed so I'm not sure why people are posting that. Hopefully they don't try to go without getting there shots. 

GsMom21- Good Morning and it's good to see you post on here. How are you doing?

You have quite a few choices to pick from when your ready for your PIR. 

Look over your information and let us know if you have any other questions.  :)

mustangmom65- Awe I'm glad your hubby got to talk to your loved one and that he is doing really well. :) 

God Bless and have a great Sonday everyone!!!

Good morning everyone,  I am here at GL now. My Sailor graduated on Friday. It was 7:30pm before I was able to see him. Some sailors came out as early as 5pm. My Sailor is doing A school in GL, so we were able to check him out for the entire weekend. He has to be back in his barracks by 22:00 Sunday evening. We are keeping him as long as we can, and flying home tomorrow morning. 

I will caution you and your Sailor, when you them out as their liberty buddy, double check and triple check to make sure they signed out properly. Even though there is someone there actually telling us where to sign, etc, it wasn't done correctly. The barracks called my son at 1:45am and asked if we could come back and sign that extra line immediately. Thankfully he was able to get us until 7:30am to get back to base and fix the sign out paperwork. They said it happens to every new Sailor, so just a warning so your weekend isn't ruined.

Also, one more tip, when your Sailor comes out of the gate, they have to take a liberty buddy back with them to the barracks to sign out. A very kind Sailor let us in on the fact that you can actually drive your car back there as long as your Sailor is in the car and shows their ID. It may save you an hour walking back and forth, and I was so grateful for that tidbit of information. 

Please let me know if I can help, or provide tips with anything else. It's a long day of waiting, but so worth it!

Hey all… where is a good hotel to stay at when visiting?

Hi CamsMom, what did you all do while you were waiting? Did you know when your sailor was going to be ready or did you sailor have a phone to communicate with you?

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to all of our new members. We are glad that you are here.

No question is ever dumb and someone will answer you. Keep those phones on you at all times and those ringers on loud. You just never know when a call will come thru. 

Another day closer for some to PIR. You are almost at the end. 

Staying busy is key, start writing those letters now so when you get your form letter you can mail those letters off right away!!

Boot camp is for us as much as it's for your loved ones, while they are getting stronger so are we!!

CamsMom- Thank you for sharing. This is awesome!! Have a wonderful time and tell your loved one congrats from me. 

JenningsMom- Hey, let me see if I can get that link for you.  :)

  RTC_Brochure_July2021_web.pdf (navy.mil)  

Here is an updated one. Let us know if you need more info. :)

Could anyone point me at a site or download for a decent visitors map of the base? Gates, visitor center etc....

Good Morning All, here is some info for shortcuts and maps.

SHORT CUT AND MAPS

LATEST BOOT CAMP FAMILY SURVIVAL GUIDE

Chipmunk I've been getting that impression. I'm sure I will be filled with anxiety and all kinds of emotions all weekend. I decided with all the insight CamsMom gave that it would be best just to rent a car instead of constantly worrying about transportation. I'm gonna to just go with the flow and be as patient as possible. partyofseven My flight leaves OHare Sunday at 4pm, so at least I KNOW he will be back to GL in plenty of time. The last thing I want to do is be the cause of him getting in any trouble. 

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. 

 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.  

SECURITY ACCESS FORM

PIR AUGUST 2021

PIR SEPTEMBER 2021

October 1, 2021 TG-45 (429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437,439, 440, 908)

This PIR has not been set up to join please be patient!

Downloadable version of Map to Graduation Ceremony

Good Morning so I posted a few things hopefully this will help. back in 2017 when we attend PIR we got shuttled to the Graduation. we Bypassed all the traffic for those driving in which was pretty nice because we had a chance to go to the vendors that were indoors the Hall. I suggest taking a pillow or something to sit on as the bleachers will get hard after a while. then we found that our Son would have to go back get his belongings and move across the ways. it was around 2:30/3 when we were told to come and get him, so that we have us a chance to get a bite to eat and rest as it was an early morning. it all worked out well our driver gave us his number and said to call as he would pick us up and take us back to Hotel. Now you did have to sign up for shuttle at your Hotel. we made arrangement to take my Son to dinner at Stevens Steakhouse 401 N Riverside Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031  was very nice, other Sailors and their family were there as well. we stayed at the residence inn very nice place. Again we had to take our Son back at Night and drove with him on the Base to sign him in. In the Morning he met us at the gates and we drove with him back on base to sign him out. Same person has to be the one to sign him in and out. Saturday My Son was able to take his tablet and his phone back with him, not sure what they are allowing now as that was many years ago. Sailors can change while they are in the Hotel but once they go outside they need to be in Uniform. we were able to cook up all his favorites for breakfast the next day which he enjoyed and lounged around. that afternoon we headed to Gurnee mall and purchased new cell phone, New tennis which is a Must, the old ones may injure their feet while in A school. also around thanksgiving they were able to get adopted out to families who will take them to their homes and give them a Nice warm dinner and Play games and all. It was very nice, my Son was able to video chat with us. This Family adopted a few sailors which gave comfort for us since we are so far away.

If there is anything that I can help with please let me know. Have a great Day all!

We rented a Car from the airport to get around, it was easier for us as we went site seeing. we bypassed the tolls. just need to google map where you will be going not that bad although I have never seen stop lights on Highways was was very weird to us being from Phx.

I know it is a bit far out, but am happy to adopt a few sailors for Thanksgiving! We live 40 minutes away from GL.

You can find much out on the website they will usually post when when those want to adopt you have to put in for it, but again with Covid coming back they may not do this.

Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes - Home | Facebook

Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes - Home | Facebook

posted some training on the site.

www.bootcamp.navy.mil.

Thank you partyofseven 

JenningsMom- You are very welcome!! Let us know if you have any other questions.

Jules- Those feelings are totally normal. Renting a car will be a big help for you as well. No need to worry about how your getting around while trying to visit with your loved one!

You will learn from your loved one and by talking to the other parents as well. You won't have to worry about being late, they are told what happens if they are late. 

Have a great day ladies!!!

Annie- Hey and that is awesome!! When it get's closer they will post more information. I hope they will still have it. It's usually a big deal and there's different families that participate.

I bet it's pretty neat living that close to the base.  :)

Good Morning All, here is some info for shortcuts and maps.

SHORT CUT AND MAPS

LATEST BOOT CAMP FAMILY SURVIVAL GUIDE

  RTC_Brochure_July2021_web.pdf (navy.mil)  

thank you for the maps and links.. will download and start looking them over..

Phoenixmom- Hey, thanks for posting all the links.  :) Now with PIR starting back up, it will be busy.  :)

I found the updated one and posted it earlier. Now I need to keep all of the PIR info together.   :)

Glad to hear your doing well. Hope your weekend was good. 

Trey- They are all pretty useful. Let us know if you have any other questions.  :)

Downloadable version of Map to Graduation Ceremony

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. Hotel Indigo-Vernon Hills. Here are other places that people have mentioned (listed in the order I found them. I do not recommend or endorse any particular one):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. 

 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.  

SECURITY ACCESS FORM

PIR AUGUST 2021

PIR SEPTEMBER 2021

Update on Vaccines for active duty, mandatory by September 15.
https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-us-military-requirem...

I saw that article earlier today too Anti M.  I guess this means that new recruits might as well just go ahead and get their vaccine before shipping out to boot camp.

Jules - PIR is Semper Gumby to the max!!

For those of you asking about waiting on your sailors - I bumped my discussion back up above. This was 4 years ago and we meet them at the airport. But there were other things that happened you might want to read and be aware of. 

Most likely if they are flying out, they will NOT have their phones with them unless their box has been given to them. The Sailors that are being transported away from GL to their A school PIR weekend will most likely still be in sleeping in their ships on the RTC side and phones are NOT allowed. This is why we waited for my sailor at the NEX on base and I was glad that we had not taken the shuttle after all. 

chipmunks discussion

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

Phoenximom - Thanks!!

Everyone please help me welcome our new members

JatHat & Grafted-n-Grace

We are glad you have joined us, be sure to come here and share with us when you are ready. 

We dropped our daughter off at the hotel this evening. You would think after doing this twice already this summer, that it would have been easier. It wasn't. We are all really going to miss her. It feels so strange with just the four of us here now.

mustangmom65- Hey, It's different for each one I feel. Big hugs to you as you go thru this with your last one. 

I know it's not easy!!

Welcome JatHat and Grafted-n-Grace we are glad that you are here. I left you some links to read over on your profile page. If you have any questions ask away and we will answer.

Have a good evening everyone!!

Mustangmom65 -- CONGRATULATIONS on Your First Sailor!! Yeah for Hubby getting to talk to Sailor #2 and that he is Loving it and doing so well!!  (((BNMH On #3)))) It's never any easier to say See Ya Later!!

For those of you going to PIR and driving-- You may want to download the WAZE Navigation app.  It's free, it has real time traffic updates and will reroute you around traffic issues and you can choose to avoid Tolls easily.  It also provides alerts on road hazards and police as well as accidents.

A Secret Spy shortcut for PIR-- Follow the directions on the Map provided however, Keep Left -- Continue under the railroad tracks and make a u-turn on the connecting road (Sheridan) Return back down under the tracks again. This way you are making a Left turn with the Light which will allow you to bypass all the traffic waiting to turn Right.  This Line is LONG. I Suggest traveling this route at least once before Friday morning, Preferably in daylight so you are familiar with it as well as all traffic laws in the area. 

Delayed responses:
NavyOmah -- You can send some of those things once they are in the fleet (Never send Cash/Valuables!!) But In Bootcamp... Only send your love and Letters!!
CamsMom--- Congratulations!!! Be sure to Give your Sailor a Hug from EVERY one of us here!!! (At last count that was over 150... Will that be enough of do we need to double up? Surely He wouldn't refuse a hug from us now would he? ;) )
Trey --- Do you feel that you have the answer you need for PIR weekend? 

ChosenBlessings-- Yes staying Wednesday or Thursday- Late Sunday or Monday is the best plan.  You want to get in early enough on Thursday to get tickets and get some sleep because there will not be much sleeping after that! Friday is an early morning and can be a long and emotional day. Then Depending on your sailors transportation or A school you may have Saturday and Sunday with them. If it's a Federal Holiday you may also get Monday so for others keep that in Mind (Especially Labor Day coming up)

Annie-- For Thanksgiving/ Christmas only the Sailors families who lived in a certain radius could check them out for the day.  The others who were within 2 weeks of PIR were taken by specific civic groups in the area (Churches, VFW's and the like) There are strict rules that they expect them to follow.  You can reach out to RTC directly to find out what the requirements are to get involved in that program.  I don't remember if it is MWR who puts it together or someone else on base but if you message them on FB they will direct you to the appropriate resource.

For PIR does anyone know of any airBnB's for PIR? I was thinking of bringing my SR's brothers and it would be nice to not have to stay in a hotel/motel. 

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to our group. We are glad that you are here. 

Remember No news is good news while we are waiting. Keep writing those letters so when that form letter does come you can mail them off right away!!!

Another day closer to PIR for some of our families. Don't forget to find your PIR group for July and August and join if you haven't already done so.

We are here for you and someone will answer you.

I woke up this morning to rain and it's been wonderful. I hope it rains some more today.

GsMom21- Good Morning and I am not sure. I'm sure there are other moms on here that have used an AirBnB as I have never used one. You might be able to use some of the info that we posted and see if you can do a little searching and see if some come up around the base area or not to far away.

Let us know what you find out.   :)

God Bless and have a great day everyone!!!

Good Morning to all the new Comers so glad that you are here! please come join us and post and let us know where you are in this Journey. Many moms here are getting ready for PIR and New ones as well waiting on the first letter or form letter. So please jump right in.

Hoping you all got a Great start to your Day, It is raining here in Phoenix expected rain all week YES! much needed as we are all dried up over here.

Have a Good Day Folks!

Morning prayer:

Thank You, Heavenly Father, that I am Your child. I want to know You more and pray that as I seek You through Your Word and come before Your throne of grace, in prayer and praise, You will show me more of Yourself. Instill in my heart a desire to seek You more and search for You with my whole heart, and I pray that I will discover a depth of Your perfect character that I have never seen before. Let me reflect You in thought, word, and deed, as Christ is being formed in me. In His name I pray, AMEN.