I found it! Only one question (if you know)....when it says it will start streaming at 8:45 am, does that mean EST? I'm on the West Coast, so if it's 8:45 Illinois time, it would be 5:45 am my time? (Yikes, that's early). I'd imagine that they are referring to local time in Illinois, though, since that's where the graduation takes place.
Hah! Right you are! It is only 2 hours difference. Boy am I glad you corrected me. I'd have been so annoyed with myself if I'd gotten up at 5:45 am for no apparent reason. That extra hour does help. Thanks!
This is the link that you go to to see graduation. They stream all graduations for us to watch if we can't get there..We are planning to travel from Tennessee to the Great Lakes if the weather permit.on Jan. 23rd My Grandson graduates on the 24th. I can't wait and I am praying so hard for the weather to be clear and for at least some of the snow to melt. My Grandson said to wear 4 layersclothes of and snow or rain boots. My Granddaughter is going with us but, will have to watch graduation in the Chapel. Hope you all make it to your Sailors graduations safe and sound..Much love to all of you
Hi Valerie, My granddaughter is also in b/c, due to graduate next week. I do know that when she was at MEPS, it was before she got on the plane to go to Illinois. She flew from Portland, OR, and went to MEPS in the morning, before she left. She then texted me when she landed. So I'd imagine that your grandson was still in L.A. and will be arriving on base this afternoon. Hope that helps a little.
Lisa, I'm new to this too. It is so hard waiting to hear from my grandson. He has called his parents with his "I'm here" call, then his "box" came a few days ago. Waiting on the form letter now, I guess. My grandson left on Jan. 15th. When did yours leave?
Yes we got the I'm here and his box, we got his address so we all sent our letters in mail today!.now waiting on graduation date-:) he also left on 1-15..
We didn't get to go to our Grandson's graduation from boot camp because of the weather but, we did get to watch it online. It was amazing! I just wish that I could see a picture of him in his uniform. His Mom and Sister and Girlfriend flew so they got there ok and I expect to get a full report this afternoon and maybe a picture or 2.. This 8 weeks has gone by faster than anything that I have waited on. We are so proud of him. He will make a really good Dentist. He is leaving for San Antonio tomorrow which is a good thing because this bad weather seems to be everywhere. It is snowing there too..So I hope it clears there a little bit before he gets there.
Yes, Lisa, My grandson called last Saturday and we got the first letters yesterday. Does your grandson graduate on 3-14-14? Have you heard from him yet?
My grandson is graduating from boot camp March 7, 2014. While I cant go because he has 4 tickets so my husband and I were wondering if we can get on the base to see him after graduation. We are flying in from NY
Here is my experience. We were a party of 7 people....with only the four tickets. Those with tickets are sent in first. Everyone else is in a very nice waiting area with a great view of everything, some on the balcony level. After the first big crush of people....all 3 of the others in our party were allowed in and sat with us. As the hours wore on, more and more sat in the upper balcony and, frankly, had some of the best seats in the house.
You should enter with the group that has the tickets. The Navy and security personnel will let you in just fine and direct those without tickets where to wait.
You should not miss this. It's a wonderful thing to see. The facility is HUGE with literally thousands of places to sit. You should have no problem. Even if you had to stand behind the barrier to the main floor, you will see everything. It is so huge, with thousands of sailors on the floor, bands, rifle units, podiums and big shots. In addition huge TV screens are mounted all over the place.
Good luck.
Make sure you bring a photo ID...like a drivers license or a passport, military ID or such. You won't get in without one.
My grandson graduated August 17, 2011. I went in on the 10th and made hotel reservations for 2 nights. I went by AMTRAK from Philly to Chicago, then commuter train from train station in Chicago directly to Great Lakes station. Easy connections all the way. Quick taxi ride to hotel.
He and his outfit left on the 20th, early morning, from Ohare airport to Pensacola for school.
thank you GrandmaBarb for the info. My grandson will graduate in June and we were worried about not being able to see the big event. Colton put in grandpa's name for seating along with mom, dad ans sis so that was the 4. Grandpa is Retired Navy. So you are saying to go with the seated 4 and we will also get to go in ? I sure love hearing that. We are coming from south Texas for this!
My grandson is aspiring to become a Navy SEAL. I joined N4M to help support my daughter and son-in-law and to learn as much as I could about the SEALS. I have read the posting policies for SEALS and I will adhere to them. Any other SEAL Grandmas out there?
Looks like our sailor may be on the USS John C. Stennis. He has verbal orders but not the paperwork yet. He is so excited! Well as excited as he gets. lol
Bens Gram, thk. U for this website & your thoughtfulness, I am in my 80's, not on Facebook,and shall need a little help.
My Grandaughter is in Ship 11 div. 224, will graduate July 18th; can't wait! GOD bless!
My grandson is deployed on the USS George H W Bush, straight out of A school, and is being trained on board. Anyone else have someone on the carrier - I miss him so much and most of my friends don't seem to understand it. Looking for someone is the same place to answer a few questions. Thanks
My grandson will be graduating from Basic in a couple of weeks. Is it customary to give the new sailor a graduation gift? And if so, what is customary?
GrannyJ, this is gmom318's daughter. My daughter wanted to be a rescue swimmer but her eyesight needs correction. She got an Aircrew contract which will enable her to apply for rescue swimmer when eyesight is corrected. Seals is hard eyesight is least of his problems. My daughter trained with Seals prior to MEPS. Make sure he has a back-up plan just in case. Rescue swimmers is difficult too. Only 5 out of every 20 make it thru. Good luck to your Grandson.
I was wondering if airlines give discounts for going to graduation in Chicago. I don't know what I am doing. I have never been on a plane or out the state of Tennessee. Don't get a lot of info from requriters. I raised this young man so anything that anyone can tell me about anything would be appreciated. All I know so far is I take him to requirters ofc this Sunday and was told we can be at mebs building before nine am and can see him swear in again and take picture. Is that it. I thought they would have a dinner or something with the parents. Help me
Jeannie, I don't know the answer to your question, but I also raised my now sailor from the age of two. By everything but birth we are their mom's, so if you haven't,join the boot camp mom's group and any others that will apply to your grandson' s naval journey.
My sailor graduated boot camp in November and is in Pensacola for A school now.He left from Phoenix and after the swearing in, we met him at the airport and hung out with him till his flight left for Chicago. A couple of other families did the same, and some of the recruits just hung out together. Think about 10 or so left that day. Here the swearing in was for all branches, and there were enough that they had to break it into two groups in order for everyone to fit into the room. There was no organized event after the swearing in. After the bus dropped them off at the airport, the recruits were on their own. Guess the thinking was if they couldn't find their way into the plane having tickets in their hands, they probably wouldn't do well in the Navy. :) Joking. They may do it differently where you are.
So once again I urge you to join any and all groups that apply to your family. I just joined this one today to reply to you, because when I first joined this site, this is the group I was directed to. Sure it fits the family structure, but there is not a separate group for adoptive moms,and that is basically what we are. You will experience all the same emotions and go through all the same things the bio mom's do, so don't miss out on the support and help offered here. This is truly an awesome site with wonderful people, so explore and join to get the full benefits. Good luck to you and your grandson as you both begin this new chapter of life.
Good evening all. I am the proud grandmother of a new recruit, who is scheduled to graduate 5/15. We are so proud of C. He was so excited to go into the Navy. His dad was in the Navy, my brother was a career petty officer and my sister was in the Navy for 3 years. So we are Navy family. We can't wait to see him in May. Just disappointed that they limit how many family members can to to the parade. C has two sets of parents..so the rest of us will just wait like everyone else. It sounds like getting cards and letters from home is very important. I have to get on that quickly here. I hope to share with other "grandmothers". I am Gma Lynda. God's blessings ..
I am the grandmother og a new recruit. She has been gone for 9 days ans i miss her terribly. How long will it be before we will receive a letter or hear her voice!
I am also a grandmother of a new recruit and she left 17 days ago. She and her mom have lived with us since she was born so it's like my own! Everyday I wonder how she's doing, she's a tough person so I know she will do fine but I always just have that thought in my mind. We will not be able to go to her graduation in September since we live in Georgia and she's graduating in Illinois. Thankfully her great aunt & uncle and great grandmother live nearby in Illinois so they will attend. I believe I saw somewhere where you can watch it live?
My grandson left for Yokuska about a month ago. He's my oldest grandson. His ship is current out to sea and so he is looking forward to joining the crew as soon as he can. Nice to find some other grandmas. We shipped off his Christmas gift this morning. Miss him.
Well our 1st grandchild who left in July for Basic @ Chicago has gone through her training there and has since left in Sept for Pensacola. We get to hear from her very rare as they keep them busy. she has been texting us pretty much and yesterday I finally found out she will be able to come home on Dec 18th. So since we live in Georgia, I said I would love to go get her. So my husband is going to surprise her and go along with me. It's a 5 hour drive for us but it will be worth every mile!! She has to be back by Jan 2nd. And she has found out she will be going to Norfolk, Va and board the George W Bush naval ship there. But we don't know where she will be going as of yet. Can't wait until she's here!!!!
Hi, My grandson just graduated on Friday Jan 15. It was a beautiful ceremony and I'm SOOOOO glad that he is out of basic. He left for South Carolina yesterday. He looked good though we didn't have a lot of time to spend with him. The rest of Friday at a hotel and Sat at the airport till the plane left. We met some really nice people gathered at the hotel near Great Lakes Naval station. I think he's doing well and headed in the right direction.
Hi! I have a grandson that his PIR is 8/12/16
He is my first grand child,I only have two it was so hard for me to get use to the idea that my only grandson was leaving for the navy, I miss him sooo much I can't wait till PIR to hug him!
I am a Gramme who raised a Grandson who is now in A School in Pensacola. I am very proud of him but miss him very much. I try to read all comments since I am new at this Navy life!
So proud of my grandson, however, all this is all so new to me so fumbling my way around, THANK GOD for this wonderful site and the good folks that have provided it
CathyM
I found it! Only one question (if you know)....when it says it will start streaming at 8:45 am, does that mean EST? I'm on the West Coast, so if it's 8:45 Illinois time, it would be 5:45 am my time? (Yikes, that's early). I'd imagine that they are referring to local time in Illinois, though, since that's where the graduation takes place.
Jan 12, 2014
CathyM
Hah! Right you are! It is only 2 hours difference. Boy am I glad you corrected me. I'd have been so annoyed with myself if I'd gotten up at 5:45 am for no apparent reason. That extra hour does help. Thanks!
Jan 13, 2014
DylansGrammy
https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand
This is the link that you go to to see graduation. They stream all graduations for us to watch if we can't get there..We are planning to travel from Tennessee to the Great Lakes if the weather permit.on Jan. 23rd My Grandson graduates on the 24th. I can't wait and I am praying so hard for the weather to be clear and for at least some of the snow to melt. My Grandson said to wear 4 layersclothes of and snow or rain boots. My Granddaughter is going with us but, will have to watch graduation in the Chapel. Hope you all make it to your Sailors graduations safe and sound..Much love to all of you
Jan 13, 2014
CathyM
Hi Valerie, My granddaughter is also in b/c, due to graduate next week. I do know that when she was at MEPS, it was before she got on the plane to go to Illinois. She flew from Portland, OR, and went to MEPS in the morning, before she left. She then texted me when she landed. So I'd imagine that your grandson was still in L.A. and will be arriving on base this afternoon. Hope that helps a little.
Jan 14, 2014
Nana1luv
Hi, will like to join your group. My grandson is waiting to attend ATT school.
Jan 23, 2014
Harleygigi
Jan 23, 2014
Lisa (ship09 div108)
Jan 23, 2014
coreys grandma
Lisa, I'm new to this too. It is so hard waiting to hear from my grandson. He has called his parents with his "I'm here" call, then his "box" came a few days ago. Waiting on the form letter now, I guess. My grandson left on Jan. 15th. When did yours leave?
Jan 23, 2014
Lisa (ship09 div108)
Jan 23, 2014
DylansGrammy
We didn't get to go to our Grandson's graduation from boot camp because of the weather but, we did get to watch it online. It was amazing! I just wish that I could see a picture of him in his uniform. His Mom and Sister and Girlfriend flew so they got there ok and I expect to get a full report this afternoon and maybe a picture or 2.. This 8 weeks has gone by faster than anything that I have waited on. We are so proud of him. He will make a really good Dentist. He is leaving for San Antonio tomorrow which is a good thing because this bad weather seems to be everywhere. It is snowing there too..So I hope it clears there a little bit before he gets there.
Jan 24, 2014
Lisa (ship09 div108)
Jan 24, 2014
Lisa (ship09 div108)
Jan 24, 2014
coreys grandma
Lisa, My grandson may graduate on March 14. Not sure since we havn't received the form letter yet. But the weeks add up to that date.
Jan 24, 2014
Lisa (ship09 div108)
Jan 24, 2014
Lisa (ship09 div108)
Jan 27, 2014
coreys grandma
Yes, Lisa, My grandson called last Saturday and we got the first letters yesterday. Does your grandson graduate on 3-14-14? Have you heard from him yet?
Feb 7, 2014
Lisa (ship09 div108)
Feb 7, 2014
Lisa (ship09 div108)
Feb 7, 2014
chanel56
My grandson is graduating from boot camp March 7, 2014. While I cant go because he has 4 tickets so my husband and I were wondering if we can get on the base to see him after graduation. We are flying in from NY
Feb 25, 2014
GrandmaBarB
chanel56
Here is my experience. We were a party of 7 people....with only the four tickets. Those with tickets are sent in first. Everyone else is in a very nice waiting area with a great view of everything, some on the balcony level. After the first big crush of people....all 3 of the others in our party were allowed in and sat with us. As the hours wore on, more and more sat in the upper balcony and, frankly, had some of the best seats in the house.
You should enter with the group that has the tickets. The Navy and security personnel will let you in just fine and direct those without tickets where to wait.
You should not miss this. It's a wonderful thing to see. The facility is HUGE with literally thousands of places to sit. You should have no problem. Even if you had to stand behind the barrier to the main floor, you will see everything. It is so huge, with thousands of sailors on the floor, bands, rifle units, podiums and big shots. In addition huge TV screens are mounted all over the place.
Good luck.
Make sure you bring a photo ID...like a drivers license or a passport, military ID or such. You won't get in without one.
Feb 26, 2014
chanel56
Thank you so much! You have made my day. I have been so depressed thinking I wasn't going to see him graduate. AGAIN THANK YOU!
Feb 27, 2014
chanel56
Hi GrandmaBarB
I forgot to ask you, how long ago did you go?
Feb 27, 2014
GrandmaBarB
Hi chanel56.
My grandson graduated August 17, 2011. I went in on the 10th and made hotel reservations for 2 nights. I went by AMTRAK from Philly to Chicago, then commuter train from train station in Chicago directly to Great Lakes station. Easy connections all the way. Quick taxi ride to hotel.
He and his outfit left on the 20th, early morning, from Ohare airport to Pensacola for school.
Feb 27, 2014
jacmar7
thank you GrandmaBarb for the info. My grandson will graduate in June and we were worried about not being able to see the big event. Colton put in grandpa's name for seating along with mom, dad ans sis so that was the 4. Grandpa is Retired Navy. So you are saying to go with the seated 4 and we will also get to go in ? I sure love hearing that. We are coming from south Texas for this!
Apr 21, 2014
jacmar7
Colton also will be leaving directly for Pensacola for A training
Apr 21, 2014
jacmar7
grandmabarb, has anyone done this more recently as far as entrance is concerned
Apr 21, 2014
GrandmaBarB
jacmar....if you go to the grandma website and scroll down, you'll see information from some one who did it this past February. Her name is chanel56
Apr 21, 2014
jacmar7
thank you GrandmaBarb
Apr 21, 2014
GrannyJ
My grandson is aspiring to become a Navy SEAL. I joined N4M to help support my daughter and son-in-law and to learn as much as I could about the SEALS. I have read the posting policies for SEALS and I will adhere to them. Any other SEAL Grandmas out there?
Apr 22, 2014
GrannyFranny51
Looks like our sailor may be on the USS John C. Stennis. He has verbal orders but not the paperwork yet. He is so excited! Well as excited as he gets. lol
May 12, 2014
Gmom318 ship 11 div 224
My Grandaughter is in Ship 11 div. 224, will graduate July 18th; can't wait! GOD bless!
Jun 14, 2014
Gramma-D
My grandson is deployed on the USS George H W Bush, straight out of A school, and is being trained on board. Anyone else have someone on the carrier - I miss him so much and most of my friends don't seem to understand it. Looking for someone is the same place to answer a few questions. Thanks
Jul 3, 2014
NavyGramma
My grandson will be graduating from Basic in a couple of weeks. Is it customary to give the new sailor a graduation gift? And if so, what is customary?
Jul 9, 2014
Gmom318 ship 11 div 224
Oct 9, 2014
GrandmaBarB
GMom's daughter. Good luck to your sailor....and thanks for the compliment on my Munchkin
Oct 10, 2014
GrannyJ
GrandmaBarB: You are so very welcome. Glad to be a part of this Grandma Group with you and the others.
Oct 10, 2014
Jeannie
I was wondering if airlines give discounts for going to graduation in Chicago. I don't know what I am doing. I have never been on a plane or out the state of Tennessee. Don't get a lot of info from requriters. I raised this young man so anything that anyone can tell me about anything would be appreciated. All I know so far is I take him to requirters ofc this Sunday and was told we can be at mebs building before nine am and can see him swear in again and take picture. Is that it. I thought they would have a dinner or something with the parents. Help me
Jan 31, 2015
anasazigypsy
My sailor graduated boot camp in November and is in Pensacola for A school now.He left from Phoenix and after the swearing in, we met him at the airport and hung out with him till his flight left for Chicago. A couple of other families did the same, and some of the recruits just hung out together. Think about 10 or so left that day. Here the swearing in was for all branches, and there were enough that they had to break it into two groups in order for everyone to fit into the room. There was no organized event after the swearing in. After the bus dropped them off at the airport, the recruits were on their own. Guess the thinking was if they couldn't find their way into the plane having tickets in their hands, they probably wouldn't do well in the Navy. :) Joking. They may do it differently where you are.
So once again I urge you to join any and all groups that apply to your family. I just joined this one today to reply to you, because when I first joined this site, this is the group I was directed to. Sure it fits the family structure, but there is not a separate group for adoptive moms,and that is basically what we are. You will experience all the same emotions and go through all the same things the bio mom's do, so don't miss out on the support and help offered here. This is truly an awesome site with wonderful people, so explore and join to get the full benefits. Good luck to you and your grandson as you both begin this new chapter of life.
Jan 31, 2015
Gmalynda
Good evening all. I am the proud grandmother of a new recruit, who is scheduled to graduate 5/15. We are so proud of C. He was so excited to go into the Navy. His dad was in the Navy, my brother was a career petty officer and my sister was in the Navy for 3 years. So we are Navy family. We can't wait to see him in May. Just disappointed that they limit how many family members can to to the parade. C has two sets of parents..so the rest of us will just wait like everyone else. It sounds like getting cards and letters from home is very important. I have to get on that quickly here. I hope to share with other "grandmothers". I am Gma Lynda. God's blessings ..
Apr 10, 2015
Cait's HFGram
Jul 29, 2015
kkheff74
I am also a grandmother of a new recruit and she left 17 days ago. She and her mom have lived with us since she was born so it's like my own! Everyday I wonder how she's doing, she's a tough person so I know she will do fine but I always just have that thought in my mind. We will not be able to go to her graduation in September since we live in Georgia and she's graduating in Illinois. Thankfully her great aunt & uncle and great grandmother live nearby in Illinois so they will attend. I believe I saw somewhere where you can watch it live?
Jul 29, 2015
Gram 54
My Grandson was recently deployed for the next 7 months or so. Would like to hear about others in the same situation. My first grandchild to enlist.
Nov 26, 2015
Ola
My grandson left for Yokuska about a month ago. He's my oldest grandson. His ship is current out to sea and so he is looking forward to joining the crew as soon as he can. Nice to find some other grandmas. We shipped off his Christmas gift this morning. Miss him.
Nov 27, 2015
kkheff74
Well our 1st grandchild who left in July for Basic @ Chicago has gone through her training there and has since left in Sept for Pensacola. We get to hear from her very rare as they keep them busy. she has been texting us pretty much and yesterday I finally found out she will be able to come home on Dec 18th. So since we live in Georgia, I said I would love to go get her. So my husband is going to surprise her and go along with me. It's a 5 hour drive for us but it will be worth every mile!! She has to be back by Jan 2nd. And she has found out she will be going to Norfolk, Va and board the George W Bush naval ship there. But we don't know where she will be going as of yet. Can't wait until she's here!!!!
Nov 27, 2015
Grandma Mary
Jan 17, 2016
Homebody Grandma
Hi, My grandson just graduated on Friday Jan 15. It was a beautiful ceremony and I'm SOOOOO glad that he is out of basic. He left for South Carolina yesterday. He looked good though we didn't have a lot of time to spend with him. The rest of Friday at a hotel and Sat at the airport till the plane left. We met some really nice people gathered at the hotel near Great Lakes Naval station. I think he's doing well and headed in the right direction.
Jan 18, 2016
Gmaj
He is my first grand child,I only have two it was so hard for me to get use to the idea that my only grandson was leaving for the navy, I miss him sooo much I can't wait till PIR to hug him!
Jul 13, 2016
cjgduck
I am a Gramme who raised a Grandson who is now in A School in Pensacola. I am very proud of him but miss him very much. I try to read all comments since I am new at this Navy life!
Jul 15, 2016
Davids grama
Dec 22, 2016
Bad_Kitty
So proud of my grandson, however, all this is all so new to me so fumbling my way around, THANK GOD for this wonderful site and the good folks that have provided it
Jul 12, 2017