Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Ladies, PIR was wonderful! We drove up to Great Lakes on Thursday, and went straight to pick up our tickets. (Very easy, streamlined process.) Then we shopped around the NEX for a while, buying Navy pride gear for the family.

The next morning we just couldn't sleep, so we were up and grabbing hotel breakfast to-go at six. We left the hotel at six ten and by six twenty we were in line. (We decided not to use the shortcut/u-turn because we didn't want to block traffic, and there were only about twenty cars ahead of us at that point.) The line started moving at six thirty, and we were on our way in. Everything is well-marked and they direct you everywhere, right down to the parking spot.

By seven we were seated in the drill hall. The division numbers are posted on pedestals so you can find the right spot. They had a video going on the big screens to watch while waiting. Every five/ten minutes or so they made a social distancing announcement, and encouraged people to sit up in the balcony. There are concessions available, and you could buy division pics/coins.

The ceremony was great, although it's true that everyone looks so similar. And our sailor couldn't see us, so he thought we hadn't been able to make it until we found him afterwards. They staged the divisions apart for liberty meet-ups, some inside and some outside.

We shopped at the base NEX while our son checked out, and then we had about eight hours together. Getting back on base to drop him off was easy. We brought him back at 7:30 because he had some things he needed to take care of, and when we left ten or so minutes later, there was a line starting to build up to bring sailors back, so be aware of that.

All in all, it was a fantastic day. I feel for the parents that had to miss it, and I am so excited for everyone who gets to go to their PIR soon. Hooyah!

Good morning everyone and thank you I pressed spam and that resolved everything, now congrats to chosenBlessings 11 I'm so excited for you and your family, I can't wait for my turn in October.

Thank you ChosenBlessings. I’m glad you had a good time!!! Looking forward to next week!

I am so happy for all of you who get to go to the PIR ceremony. I pray that continues for everyone. I know it was hard on us that couldn't attend but my heart also goes out to all of those Sailors who wanted so much to stand in front of their families and share that very special moment with them. There still are many who haven't been able to see their families since the day they left for BC, I pray for all of them that they stay positive and that their time with family comes quickly. Congratulations to Chosen Blessings and anyone else I might of missed.

Good Afternoon!! 

Chosenblessings thanks for sharing! - Your comments reminded me about some things we use to mention to our PIR attendees. If you have a special blouse or at least a certain color that you know you are going to be wearing to PIR, you might mention that to your sailor when they call after BS. Also, let them know that you will do your best to sit in the section in front of their division and if not down below, up above in the bleachers. 

We were on the very top row in the bleachers and thought we would be able to stand through the ceremony, but NO, we were told to sit down. 

LilDsmom - I am glad that you were able to get the spam issue resolved!!

Jules and I think Mamabearto3 - you also had PIR? Did anyone esle? 

Can't wait to hear about what goes on at graduation, how it was to wait, etc..

Another question. watching the 20th ceremony.. What is that piece of clothing that they are carrying as they march out? Couldn't make it out.

Trey - My son that had PIR on the 6th told us that was in case it rained. I can't remember what it was exactly, maybe a slicker or poncho?

thank you.. was curious..

ChosenBlessings, thank you for sharing your experiences!

My SR's Dad and I are divorced, so each of us will get a PIR ticket. I am remarried so my husband will be coming with me. Question, a PIR ticket is not required to shop at NEX, correct? 

Does anyone have info on the Museum giving out free tickets to view the graduation live streamed there at the Museum? It's limited to 40, first come basis.  I saw a post on FB but cannot find it now! 

What they generally carry is the Navy All Weather Coat.

All Weather Coat

 K⚓️ - Phoenixmom posted something last week about the 40 slots available at the Museum, you might be able to scroll back through the pages here or do a search on your email. I don't think I still have it in my email. 

As far as the NEX, I am going to share based on my experience which was Pre-ticket. - So, we had to have a gate pass and have anyone allowed in on the security form that was checked with our ID before we went into the hall, we parked in the parking garage at RTC. After PIR my son did not have liberty until he got his orders squared away so he could fly out the next day. He told us to wait for him at the NEX, which is on RTC proper. 

You may be able to go to the NEX and either wait for your sailor or shop, since you have a ticket, but I doubt that your husband will be able to. The ticket is what allows you to get into the gate at RTC which is where the NEX is. 

I also believe that when you are dropping your sailor off, you need to have your ticket with you, if you are driving back on to RTC. I don't know, that may have changed with COVID. 

ChosenBlessings, Jules or Mamabearto3 are any of you able to verify and of this please. 

 K⚓️, it is possible that if you get a ticket for your husband at the Museum that might allow him to access RTC as well where the NEX is. 

Linda - Thank you!! I was typing while you were replying. 

 K⚓️- I would PM Linda if you need more clarification. 

Thank you Chipmunk & Linda, helpful info! 

Hi Everyone,

ChosenBlessings- Yay. So glad you had a wonderful time there. Thank you for sharing. 

LiLDsMom- Hey, glad to hear everything worked out ok. Thank goodness!!

K- We had to have our ticket back when we had PIR. We were allowed in to shop and wait for ours while he was getting cleared to go on liberty. 

Linda- Thanks for sharing as well. Thanks for the updated info about the museum as well. These are good things to know.

Thanks for sharing ladies, it really does help all the moms and their upcoming PIR's.

You ladies rock!!

Have a great evening!!!

ChosenBlessings, Jules & Linda -- I hope you all had a WONDERFUL time!!
CB- Your post is perfect!

Linda -- I’m glad you got the majority of the weekend! That is great!

Jules-- We hope you share how your weekend was.  Safe travels.

 K ️ -- You get one and your Ex Husband will get one. I saw that same post about the museum but I was unable to confirm that information on any of my sources. You may want to reach out the the museum directly. Please let us know what you learn.

 Northwoodsmom -- I’m still so sad for all our families who haven’t gotten to get together!

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

ChosenBlessings, Jules and Linda- Congratulations again and now communication will open up. Even if you only hear from your loved ones a little it's still great.  :)

Another day closer to PIR for some of our families. Remember to keep your phone on you at all times and that ringer on loud. You just never know when calls will come in. And you don't want to miss any.

How are the rest of our members doing? Remember no question is ever dumb and someone will answer.

God Bless and have a great day!!!

Good morning everyone! I am loving reading everyone's comments about PIR. I am starting to get very excited.

We had a PHONE CALL last night. It was so perfect. My husband, son and I were all sitting at the dinner table so we were already together and everyone got to chat with her. She got 30 minutes to talk to us.

She is in such good spirits it really lifted mine. She really feels like she made the right choice joining which is music to my ears.

I asked her if she got dessert and she had a funny story about that. She said there is dessert there mom and the first day I grabbed one and got yelled at to put it back. She said you don't ever touch the deserts it's a trap LOL. 

I asked her if she has had to do any ITE yet and she said how do you know what that is??? so I got to tell her all about you guys and how I have the inside track now :)

Have a wonderful Monday!

Linda - I think a mom started a group for THU a couple of months ago. Let me see if I can locate it. If not, we would love to have you come join the Beyond BC group and we can also answer you questions there about it. 

Belly's mom 25 - that is so wonderful!!! Yes, N4Ms starts becoming well known to our SRs and sailors the more they are in. 

Linda, I sent you a friend request - I also reached out to the other mom that I know had a sailor in THU for awhile. 

Here is the link for the Beyond BC group - Beyond BC - Navy For Moms (ning.com)

I do not recall there being a visitor center next to the NEX when we were there. The one we went to was at RTC and next to the Photo NEX as well as the NFCU because they had cookies and lemonade or water for us to drink. There was a parking lot between it and that chapel which is where we drove on to drop off our sailor. As I recall the parking by the train station is on the same side of RTC as the great hall where they hold PIR. So, I am thinking that things have changed since they started doing the tickets and who has access.  Thanks!! I appreciate the update. 

Chipmunk- To get tickets you go to the Burkey Mall NEX Family Welcome Center on Green Bay Road. They asked us for vaccination cards upon entering, and we were directed to the welcome center to be checked off on the approved guests list. After we got our tickets we were allowed to shop in the NEX there. We were able to shop in the NEX at RTC after the graduation.

Parking for the graduation was in the parking garage next to the Yorktown visitor center, and you entered through Gate 8. I believe sailors walking off base could meet their families there for liberty and go back there as well. We drove in through Gate 6 and past the NEX to the chapel parking lot to drop our sailor off. To enter for graduation and to drop your sailor off you had to have a ticket.

Also, if you're looking for Navy pride gear, be sure to check out the clearance area at the Welcome Center NEX. I can't recall the name of that section, but it's to the far left when entering. (I'm sure someone can point it out if you ask while there.) We were able to pick up Navy Brother/Sister shirts for our other kids for a dollar there, and I got a Navy Mom sweatshirt for four dollars. It's certainly worth a look.

Sounds like everyone has wonderful news!!!! Hope all is well with you all. 

Thank you all for sharing your PIR weekend and all the tips given appreciate you all.

Question: if your SR or your Sailor is not attending A school in GL, (my niece will be In Pensacola) are they still allowed liberty after PIR? Until when Saturday or Sunday? 

Amen to that Partyof7 - God has its own way and in His perfect time 

BBH - yep it was me so frustrated. I’m getting spoiled anyway when it comes to visit to SC, he’s 14 months there and was able to visit 4x, plus 2 weeks Christmas vacation and 3days July 4th he came home too. Trying to maximize visits while we can I know when they’re in the fleet is a different story. 

Gigi my oldest son is in Pensacola, and he was on a bus first thing the next morning.

I wanna give a BIG SHOUT OUT to ALL the moms here. This group helped me so much while my Sailor was in BC. The information and support y'all gave me is priceless. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Your compassion has not gone unnoticed. XO

Yay Jules! We made it through BC!! 

mustangmom65 - thank you! I guess we will leave Chicago on Saturday, we are just driving from Memphis. 

Hi all - Happy Monday - I'm a little late logging in today but see you all have been busy!

Linda - here's the link to the new THU group:

Hurry up and wait - THU

Glad to hear 

Be sure to join your PIR group:

 August 2021 PIR

September 2021 PIR

October 2021 PIR

I will second what Jules said, this group has been a life support during a life changing event! Even on days I didn't post or ask questions, just reading thru all the supportive messages & encouragement has meant the world. (((BNMH's)) to all of you. 

belly's mom 25 -- My sailor loved the game Portal, He said BC was kind of like that...."The Cake is a Lie!!!"

ChosenBlessings-- I'm sure that a LOT of that gear was on Clearance because there has not been a PIR in over a year!  Take advantage while you can folks!!

Jules -- It is our honor!!

Gigi-- Maybe on the A school/ Liberty question.  It depends on when they are leaving and only your sailor can tell you for sure!

K️ -- it is our pleasure to help you too.

Thank you for the kind words! We all help each other out and we also encourage anyone that is able to stick around and share with other newcomers. 

ChosenBlessings - Thanks for the clarification on the NEX and the drop offs. I appreciate it!!

GiGi - You might want to make sure your sailor is not being held in THU. If they are in THU, they might have liberty for the weekend as well. Be sure whoever gets the BS call to have them ask. 

Good Morning Everyone and let us welcome al of our new members. We are glad that you are here. Please come and introduce yourself and let us know where you are in this journey.

No question is ever dumb and someone will answer you.

Jules- You are very welcome. It has been our pleasure!!!  :)

K- You are very welcome. Thank you ladies for saying that. It is appreciated and we love helping out our new moms.  :)

Another day closer to PIR for some of our families. Remember to keep those phones on you at all times and that ringer on loud. You don't want to miss any calls that may come thru.

Trey- How's it going?

Dadyoftwins- How are you doing?

ChosenBlessings- thanks for the updated info.  :)

God Bless and have a great day everyone!!!

Pizanche, that's cute, it should actually be the Navy Mom's Motto because it seems we are always waiting no matter where you are in the journey.  Waiting for phone calls, pictures, ships coming in, ships going out, boots in the house and that next hug. We are always waiting!

Northwoodsmom - I took that pic at a VA.  So I guess it is the motto for the military!! LOL.  I am awaiting the "call".  Trying not to think about it - and it isn't working. My mantra - relax - walk away - WAIT was the the phone!!  Here's to wishful thinking

Just a suggestion for those attending upcoming PIR -- dont overplan your time with your SR. My Sailor stayed in GL for A school. I literally got 15 minutes with him after graduation and then I didnt get to pick him back up until after 8pm Friday night. Processing takes a long time...and they have to wait until everyone else in their school is ready as well. They let them out in groups. The "brief" they get beforehand is not brief at all. They want to make sure everyone understands all of the liberty rules. You are going to have to be the MOST PATIENT you have ever had to be, that's for sure. In the end, it will all be worth it! 

Jules - thanks for the heads up.  

Wow sounds like things have changed quite a bit from when my Son was in BC. so question are the Sailors allowed to stay over night? or just visit and go back? I was reading that you can only drop off and they have to walk back, we were able to take him on base park at the Mcdonalds and walk him across the street to his barracks sign him in or out. just bizarre.

Jules - I had heard that the wait for those staying at GL was a long time. Thanks for sharing! 

Happy Tuesday!

Be sure to join your PIR group:

 August 2021 PIR

September 2021 PIR

October 2021 PIR

Really wish this was easier for me to use and understand lol sorry if I post or comment wrong place am trying!! Oldest is In week 4.3 no call no mail yous say no news good news stay busy I say not Being able say hows it going is hair pulling out.

Dadyoftwins360 - It is hard. I still occasionally send messages or funny memes to my daughters instagram account, just out of habit. My oldest son is in A school now, so nice to have some communication again. My middle son wasn't able to get vaccinated before he left for BC, so it was four weeks of no contact with him. I literally squealed and jumped up and down at the post office when his first letter arrived.