Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

SHORT CUT AND MAPS

Downloadable version of Map to Graduation Ceremony

chipmunks discussion

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

GRADUATION TICKET PICKUP INFORMATION

Everyone 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. A guest cannot pick up a ticket for another guest as both guests must be present. Tickets are free, 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]

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**

What things have families done in the Great Lakes area during liberty? My sailor is adamant that we get him back on time/early (no worries there; my mother raised me that an hour early is better than a minute late) but we want to make sure we find something to do still. Thanks for extra ideas/a point in the right direction.

I am just ready to know which number my son falls under to know when his proposed graduation date is

Pizanche -- Yes, they will go through many ups and downs throughout their Navy career. They are no longer in charge of their lives and sometimes when that reality hits a little close to home it can be a jolt to their system and cause them to lose their bearings for a bit. Most of them will get over it quickly. Remember you are the safe space to vent and say what they are afraid to say to anyone else. Remind them why they chose this career. 

mustangmom65 -- HAHAHA-- Your DH’s comment!! I still can’t imagine having 3 going at the same time. 

Jules & ChosenBlessings -- I don’t watch any more because I start bawling at the first crack of the doors!! Be sure to take lots of tissues and Congratulations!!! Depending on when they have BS21 that will determine when you get that call. Some don’t go till Wednesday and you may or may not get that call before you need to leave. It is Exceedingly rare for SR’s not to finish or be set back at that late date but it can happen. Sadly there is NO way we can say for sure that you would hear before you leave. (Remember we do not post BS21 information on here before they make the “I’m a Sailor Call”) 

K ️ -- That’s Awesome news on the Phone call!! Too funny about the faces under the masks!! 

jonna18 -- Letters arrive at GL in 3-5 days typically then they are sorted by the mail-room and the Mail Petty Officer. If the Current MPO has to be replaced then a new MPO must be trained. They typically deliver mail daily but there are may reasons why it could be delayed or lost including theft (Although that is rare) Oh and Yea!! For the phone call!!! 

Dadyoftwins360 -- Is that time left in BC, time since they left or time till they leave? 

Linda -- That is the reason we edit it and let you know. Here in BC the worst thing that can happen is a brief bit of embarrassment. In the Fleet -- Loose lips sink ships!! (Or at least Delay deployment or homecomings or cancel port calls, but they can also put our kids in harms way!) It's just a learning moment and nothing to feel bad about.  Better to make mistakes here than out there. 

belly's mom 25-- That is Awesome!! Being in a “Performance Div” means you will get to see her in the live stream before her PIR date!! If memory serves it will be the 2 PIR’s before hers. She still has to do ALL the normal BC stuff plus learning all the Drill stuff. Do not be alarmed if you get fewer letters and phone calls. They are BUSY in the 900’s! Oh and the delay in forming the Div is normal! Oh and if you have a personal letter, you can send all your letters and you can print off the guest form and send it with your letters. 

ChosenBlessings -- a lot of what you can do depends on if he’s staying in GL or not. Our sailor was not and he had to stand watch that afternoon, so we spent a couple of hours on base just hanging with him, we went to the NEX to buy him a few things and to buy us some Gear and then when we could get him again later we took him out to dinner. We then went back and napped till we left to go to the Airport to spend more time with him before he flew out. Of course they are not flying commercial right now so that is not an option. We went to the Navy Pier in Chicago after he flew out and there were a bunch of sailors with their families there. Some sailors just want to go to your hotel and sleep!

lmftnavymom21 -- Here’s the expected timeline.

Day 0 -- Travel, Arrival and "I'm Here" scripted phone call

Week 1&2 Day 1-14 -- ROM (Restriction of Movement/ Quarantine-- Lots of studying and waiting)

Week 3 Day 15-21 Arrive Onboard RTC and begin P-days (P-days- Initial Processing Days) including 2 days of P-hold (Weekend) Day 21-- Complete P days. (Initial PFT & Run)

Week 4- First week of training Day 22-- Begin training and mail form letter out. Look for it to arrive around 1-2 weeks later

Week 5 -- First inspections and tests (Dental May be this week or next... Not Confirmed)(Form letter/ Personal letters usually arrive this week)

Week 6 -8 -- More training, Drilling (Flags and Marching), Fire Fighting training, Marlinspike (Line handling- How to tie up a Ship to the Pier) and weapons lessons, Confidence chamber( May or may not be happening yet, we don’t know for sure).. Warrior training in here somewhere.

Week 9 & 10 -- Stressful!! They have all their final inspections, PFA, Drills, BS21 and Tests. This is the lead up to the end!!

Thank you everyone! B'sNukemom and belovedbyHim thank you for the info about watching the PIR ahead of time in case I get a chance to see her. I will def. do that. I have to tell you guys I rushed straight to the post office and mailed off my 25 letters LOL. I appreciate the heads up that she may have less time to write or call. That will keep my expectations down and I will just be thrilled when I do get something. I am going to mail out the form letter today. 

Good Morning All, happy wet Tuesday! its raining here in Phx and getting flooded as well. Last night we had winds up to 73 miles in some places as I woke up to a mess so outside at 4 in the morning picking up a mess and found quite a bit of shingles on the ground. time to go rip more off and get a new roof. LOL! Just kidding! well here in Phx the roads were not made for rain as the roads and freeway underpasses flood and many cars get flooded and stranded, city of phx knows this and hopefully soon they can get it under control. also here in AZ many little towns are built in washes so if the water has no where to go it will go down the wash and guess what you will be taken down with your house. we have lost many families due to this and it is a Tragedy!

Well today is the BIG Day for some of You as the I'm a Sailor calls will be coming thru, so please keep your Phones close at hand and on High as You do not want to miss this call!

Hoping everyone travelling be safe in your coming and goings, and ENJOY! PIR is one of the MOST exciting Graduation and is so full of excitement! be sure to take a cushion to sit on as the bleachers get hard after an  hour of sitting and there is no standing. Enjoy and CONGRATULATIONS to your Loved one and to YOU!

Have a Great blessed day!

LAST-MINUTE GRADUATION REMINDERS:

* All guests are required to wear a mask indoors to include, but not limited to: RTC visitors center, Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall and the Navy Exchange. No mask, no entry.

* Shuttles, taxis and share rides are not allowed on base at RTC. Guests will be dropped off at the gate, and then it is about a quarter-mile walk from the gate to the visitors’ center where all guests must check-in before proceeding to the drill hall.

* Flowers, banners, posters or gift bags are not allowed inside the drill hall. Guests entering the visitors’ center with such items will be asked to either return said items to their vehicles or leave at the front desk reception for retrieval following the ceremony.

* The use of strollers is discouraged due to space. Guests are not allowed to keep their strollers in the bleachers and will be directed to park them in a designated area inside the drill hall. Guests will not have access to their strollers until the conclusion of the ceremony.

* When returning Sailor from liberty, be mindful of the time as they cannot be late and there will be a line of cars at the gate. Recruits will be dropped off in a parking lot on base and must walk the remaining way back to their barracks. Also, all guests inside the vehicle must have a ticket or they will be denied entry. Once your Sailor has been dropped off, guests must leave the base and are not allowed to freely drive around the base or guests risk receiving a citation.

 B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN  post

SHORT CUT AND MAPS

SECURITY ACCESS FORM

just in case you never receive

 B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN posted

 B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN posted

Live Streaming is Back! While the ceremony is still the shortened version of the regular ceremony, it will be live streamed at 9 a.m. CST Friday. Use either our Facebook or YouTube link to view.

Mrs. Party's scripture

Morning Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Help me to look to Jesus as my ever present help in time of trouble and I pray that I may learn to place every single circumstance of life into Your hands. Thank You that my life is hid with Christ in God. Enlarge my faith in Your Word of truth and increase my understanding of Who You truly are, (Whom to know is life eternal) - not only in the future but here and now - in Jesus name I pray, AMEN.

Good Morning beloved and thank you! Thank You as well for the good Posting of Info! I am safe for the mean time had a scare a few weeks ago with my yard flooding out and almost in my Home but came out safe.

Good Afternoon everyone!! I know we have some new members, but my internet is causing me issues so I am saying HI, hoping some of our other regulars are reaching out to our new members and I will see what things look like tomorrow!! Otherwise, I am fine but busy!! I am so excited for those of you getting ready for PIR and getting phone calls and hugs to all of you that are waiting. 

Generally, the Form letter took at least 2 - maybe 3 weeks to arrive when my son was at BC. With quarantine, depending on your child it may take an extra 1 - 2 weeks. And yes, sometimes there are delays due to divisions not forming yet. 

For those heading to Chicago here is a website. I still receive these emails for websites you can go to. never unsubscribed since my son was there 4 yrs ago.

www.choosechicago.com

Also I get emails from the USO they have events and things for your Sailor who is staying in GL A school. when I receive I will post and you can share with your Loved One.

USO chicago

Visit our website

https://illinois.uso.org/greatlakes

Your Loved one can always know about events, this is from USO Great lakes

Things to do in Chicago, some of you may find that your loved One will want to go out to dinner and go back to Hotel and take a Long Shower get his/Her phone and relax. or May find that ordering in and staying in and getting his her phone and chatting it up with their friends. you have to realize that in boot Camp you only have certain amount of time to shower and get back to the grind. so a lot of your Sailors want to soak in a tub or shower and relax maybe even sleep. Dont be mad at this but accept what it is they want to do.

When we picked up our Son a Good steak dinner is what he wanted and then go back to Hotel and get in lounge clothes and talk with his friends. That is what we did. next Morning He wanted some breakfast and we cooked all his favorites. He changed lounged and in the afternoon we went to Gurnee Mall and Target. He was able to get a New Phone, New Tennis. and at Gurnee mall they get Great discounts for Military. we went to target he Bought new White T shirts and New Undies instead of the tighty whities they had to wear, New socks PJ sleepwear pants and Hygiene and laundry stuff. (Of course they need to check all that stuff in while signing back in for the night.) we then took him to Giordano's pizza the Best pizza Pie. you will find many Sailors there as well. and Back to the hotel. some families go into Chicago but please check traffic some sailors may not want to chance going as they get talked to about going into chicago and the traffic. My son was paranoid about going and told us he will have plenty of time to sight see while being there for A school. some may want to swim so make sure they have their uniform swim wear. so it really just depends I would check with them as to what they are wanting to do.

New Pics https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand and http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/. They will have lots of information for you. https://www.facebook.com/NavalServiceTraining

Thanks for the ideas, ladies! Our sailor is heading off to Pensacola after BC, so he has requested a bit of sightseeing in Chicago. (Well, that and Oreos. He asked for them in his last letter, and when he called last night I told him I had them all ready for him!) He said that if anyone had told him a year ago that he'd be where he is right now, he'd have thought they were crazy, but he's super stoked to be nearing the end. I'm so proud!

Just got a call from my mom letting me know that her sister died of a massive heart attack last night. We were not super close, but it is still a shock, and with all the emotions already in the mix with the kids it's been a tough morning.  We have not received any other letters from Son#2 other than the form letter, and it's too soon to expect the form letter from our daughter. Just feeling a little lost at the moment.

So very sorry for your loss mustangmom65. Keep the faith and know people are thinking of you.

Phoenixmom - I hope the floods go away! 

Congrats and good luck to all those graduating and taking tests this week!!!

ChosenBlessings that is Great Just be safe and Enjoy!

MustangMom65 Big Navy ((((((((Hugs))))))) to you and My sincere Condolences as well. with news like this I can imagine it being a tough morning, Letter will soon arrive so keep your chin up, I cant imagin both being in at the same time but then it's a WOW Congrats! Hoping your Day gets a bit better.

Thank you  Pizanche everything is good right Now seems like these storms are happening like around10:30 at night, maybe if I could sleep I would be asleep for it all or not! Thank You!

mustangmom65 - My sincere condolences!!! Even if you were not close to your aunt, I am sure you mother is feeling a lot of emotions right now and you are empathizing right along with her. BNMHs from me as well. If # 2 is in any sort of leadership role or anything he may just not have much time to write. Mine only wrote on Sunday (which when mine was in was the only time they were allowed) and sometimes he said, "I've got 10 minutes to write!"

ChosenBlessings - I know your son wants to sight see - but if he flies out to A school, he might have an early flight, even if not going commercial. I would pick something close for just see about driving around and visiting in the car where he can rest as well. I believe they have to be out in their dress uniforms when out of the hotel room and then at least on commercial flights they had to travel in their dress whites also!

Virginia - We are glad you have come to join us!! I think if you read back through a couple of these pages, BelovedbyHim's timeline is posted again, it should also be above. If your son is able to call you when he lands in GL, that is the last time you will get to talk to him. He should call in the very late evening, early morning when he arrives at BC - it is a scripted call. I thought I was hearing a recording. We just all say, "I love you", over and over and may or may not hear what they are telling us. If you are not able to go to MEPS with him for swearing in ask him to text you his flight # and airline and you can follow it on a Flight tracker.  Be sure to stick a small note into his wallet with words of encouragement because it will be anywhere from 3 - 5 weeks or so before a letter might possibly get to him these days. Have him call and leave a voice message on your phone for when you need to hear his voice.  - Stay busy, start a new hobby or something and stick around here to stay encouraged as well. BC Moms is training time for you as well.

Mustangmom65, prayers to your family especially your mom. I am so sorry you are going through all of this at the same time as dealing with 3 kids in the Navy/BC. We are all here for you!

Virginia, welcome to Boot Camp Moms. The best advice I can give you is stay busy, start a new project something you are extremely excited about.  The more you keep your mind busy the less it will be worrying about what's happening at BC.  Not that I'm saying anything is wrong about what's happening there. It is all good, they are learning and becoming Sailors. We just as moms tend to let our minds go wild, thinking the worst when we don't have communication with our sons and daughters. I know I do and all I have managed in this whole last year is double my gray hair and put on weight because of the constant  worry.  My son did great and now I am struggling with loosing the weight and coloring my hair.  Your son is alot stronger and capable than we are and you are going to be even more proud when you see all he accomplished in these next couple months. Prayers as you maneuver through this new journey as a Navy Mom.

Any I'm a Sailor calls YET?

To Those Getting these Calls CONGRATULATIONS! HOOYAH! Bravo Zulu! The Hardest Part is over Now to go on with the Journey! The places you will go and see!

Quick question, when he returns to base after PIR liberty with us, can he bring some clothes like underwear back to his new barracks?

Trey if he is staying in GL my Son took back his Phone Tablet new tennis, new underwear, PJ Pants T shirts socks Hygiene studd plus Laundry stuff, he should be able to find out what he can have. It's been since 2017 for me so I have no idea what changes have been made.

for those that are flying out they want to limit on what they take as they have to be able to carry their Sea Bags and those are heavy and full of their belongings. but here is Chipmunk's post this ahs great info for those flying out.

chipmunks discussion

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

Wahoooo I just received another letter! I’m still waiting on my call as my son graduates 9/3… he has ranked up, recieved sharpshooter a medal and 2badges :-) I hope everyone is hanging in there. 

JenningsMom That is Great news, CONGRATS!

Thank you Phenoixmom

WE HAVE A SAILOR IN THE HOUSE!! My Son called me today, he is exhausted but it was so good to hear his voice! I can't wait to see his face Friday! I miss him so much!

mamabearto3, congratulations to you and your spanking new Sailor. So truly happy for you. Have safe travels and share a hug from all of us.

Good Evening Everyone,

I had to go back 7 pages to make sure I got everyone. Lol

Linda, We just don't say when BS is going to be. On your PIR group you can talk about it on there. Also, be on the look out and see if any of the other members in your divsion or the brother division start saying that the calls are coming in.

That's what we did.

Jules- hey and yes if anything had happened were he woudn't have PIR you would get a phone call letting you know. Remember No news is good news and don't worry if you don't get your I'm a Sailor call right away. I didn't get mine until Thursday night and I was already there and in the hotel room!!  :) 

PIR is going to be awesome!!

belly mom 65- Hey, whoo hoo That is awesome!! I am so glad that she is sounding good and making friends. 900 Division that's great!!!

Now you can mail all those letters off to her and she will love it. Now your communication begins.   :)

chosenblessings- Whoo hoo so glad you heard from your son. After they get thru boot camp they are just so happy to be done.

I would see what your loved one wants to do. Mine just wanted to go out to eat and hang out at the hotel and just relax. He also was flying out early the next morning so we just chilled together.

At that time we got to hang out at the airport all day. So it was tiring but oh so worth it to be able to spend that time with him!!

Just enjoy your time and all those hugs your going to get!!!

mustangmom65- I am so so sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers and hugs to you!!!

Trey- Hey and yes he can bring a few things back to the barracks. Underwear, one or two outfits etc is ok. they have to be able to fit everything in their bag when it's time for them to go to A school.

JenningsMom-Whoo hoo that is awesome!!! Another letter!!! Yay and congrats to him for earning a medal and 2 badges!! Yay!!!

mamabearto3- 

Whoo Hoo We have a Sailor in the house!!! Congratulations!!! I'm so glad that you got to hear from him!!!

Whoo hoo Congratulations again!!!