PIR

[Cat(Mom of an AO)]

I attended my son's PIR this past Friday and wanted to share my experience:

 

First may I say that I have found the ultimate car service from this site. His name is John Spadaro but he goes by the name Sarge. He picked us up at the O'Hare airport and only charged $48 to the Ramada Inn (I hear the going rate is close to 100 bucks). He drove us around all weekend and even drove us to PIR for free. He also introduced us to the best places to eat at a reasonable price. What service!  So for anyone not renting a car call Sarge at 847-212-0246. He takes the stress off of the unknown and is very accommodating. One thing I have to add about this wonderful man: He takes great care of all the sailors even the ones who remain in GL for A school. He makes sure they are back at the time needed and charges very low prices to them. He cares for all these soldiers very much and they seem to know him and trust him.  

 

We stayed at the Ramada Inn which was 4 miles from the base. The staff is extremely friendly and the rooms are VERY clean. The hotel holds the meet and greet and serves apps along with two free drinks per room for guests staying at the Ramada. We had a blast! Met all the wonderful people we were speaking to all this time on N4M's. The hotel has a heated indoor pool, sauna, stem room, small gym with a bike and treadmill, gift shop, and a complementary breakfast every morning from 5:30-10.  There is a restaurant in the hotel that is very good. We ate steaks one night and it was delicious! There is also a bar/lounge were they hold the meet and greet. There is a huge flat screen and a dj sets up later on each night. The drinks are resonalbe and they have dart boards and pool tables. FUN FUN FUN  

 

The hotel also has a free shuttle that leaves for PIR around 7.  We used Sarge and he dropped us in the base closer to the hall. It was freezing!! -16 on Friday morning so thank goodness for Sarge! Dress warm! It is a very fridgit cold.

 

 

PIR! We arrived about 7:15. Found our section for our division and sat at the highest point of the bleaches that we could. We had a small PIR (only 5 divisions) so I was able to bring two additional people even though they were not on the list. (if they were not getting in they were leaving with Sarge back to the hotel). The graduation started at 9 sharp. It was breathtaking!! The band was awesome. As soon as the divisions marched in my heart pounded with excitement. PLEASE bring binoculars or a zoom camera. It took a few to spot my son but when I did the tears were flowing. So make sure you have tissues!! When they called Liberty all the families rushed down to hug their sailor. (be careful on the bleachers). It was a long overdue and emotional hug. We left to the NEX and shopped a bit with our sailor before taking him back to the hotel.

 

 My Sailor- he was extremely tired so we ate at the restaurant in the hotel. It seemed that most of them wanted to just hang out with their families and relax after PIR. They were a bit uneasy to make sure they did not ruin their blues and that they get back to the base earlier then expected. (Thanks again Sarge!)

 

 

As far as the restaurants (all suggested by Sarge)

Breakfast and Brunch: Wildberry 1783 N. Milwaukee 847-247-7777

I did not eat here but all the others Sarge suggested I went to and I'm kinda sad I did'nt get a chance to try this one

 

Trattoria Pomigliano- AMAZING ITALIAN FOOD! Made my a little italian lady who reminded me of my nona. 602 N. Milwaukee Ave. 847-247-2208. Price is great and they don't charge a sailor to eat. They gave my son a free dinner.

 

Taqiuria Toluca's- Mexican. FUN FUN FUN. Food and drinks are great and the price is right!  822 10th St. Waukgen 847-244-7851. They also have a singer.

 

When I arrived home yesterday I was greeted by the FedEx guy who had my son's graduation pictures. My son decided to have them sent home. What a good idea. It was pretty bulking to travel with. They were awesome. He chose Package A and it was well worth it!!

 

I might be leaving some info out so if anyone has any questions it is still very fresh in my mind.

[NavELaDEE]

WOWOW THAT SOUNDS AWESOME... I GO TO MY FIANCEE PIR THE 18TH AND I DID NOT HAVE A CLUE WHERE TO GO AFTERWARDS THIS WAS VERY HELPFUL. AND SARGE SOUNDS AWESOME GLAD YOU ENJOYED. BY THE WAY HOW LONG WAS YOUR SONS LIBERTY????

[Cat(Mom of an AO)]

From PIR till Sunday. He had to be dropped off each night by 7pm. We picked him up around 8 am (after he called us). he left for P'cola this morning for A school.

 

Some of the sailors were grad and go to A school in GL. Most of them were able to stay the whole weekend without going back to the base. Others only had a few hours after PIR before they left for A school. Where is your fiance going after BC?   

[Lori( Ship 03 Division 82)]

My daughter told me in her last letter that she believes they will not get full liberty that weekend....It sucks !!! I was hoping we could have her until we left on the 20 th!!! Apparently we will have to take her back and pick her up everyday from BC........... : (

[AJVNavyMom]

I am so happy for you!  You must be relieved to have finally seen your son.  Thank you for the info.  Can't wait to see our son 3/4!!

[NavELaDEE]

His A school is in GL....which i think those who A school is in GL should never be grad and go they should at least get the weekend considering they dont have to actually ship anywhere they are already there.

[Laina]

Cat, that was the most awesome post I have read in a while.. I'm so looking forward to my son's PIR on 2/11.  We are staying at the Ramada Inn as well.  I'm so excited.  I wrote down all of the information about "Sarge".  Thank you also for that.  Oh how I wish we (All of the Navy for Moms) could have a huge reunion.  I feel as though I have made a new family by joining this website.  One of the best things I've ever done.. Thank you again for all the wonderful info you shared.  GO NAVY!!!! and GO NAVY 4 MOMS!!!!!

[Anita MA Mom]

Cat sounds like it was a great experience for you !! I just watched my Sons PIR DVD today, it came by the fed ex Man. It was still as amazing as it was on 12/17. It is an experience that everyone should do. Best wishes for your sailor.

[Cat(Mom of an AO)]

Lori- It's a blessing that you have the weekend. Some Sailors had watch after PIR and then only a few hours before leaving. Enjoy your time with her. It is amazing to see the change in them!

AJVNavyMom-  Enjoy every moment! It is an experience you will never forget!

Wendy- i would like to Thank You for all the wonderful things you have done for our recruits. You and your family are a blessing!

NavELaDEE- They are considered Grad and Go because they must move over to A school right after PIR. This takes a few hours before he is granted liberty with his family. Give your son Sarge's telephone # for when he needs to get around. He really takes good care of all the Sailors who remain in GL. Good Luck!

Laina-    Are you attending the Meet and Greet for the 2-11 PIR? It's in the lounge. You will have a blast! Tell Sarge Cathy from Brooklyn recommended him.

Anita- Thank you and congrats to your Sailor! I cannot wait to see the DVD. Did you order package A? If so, has the Keel Book arrived yet?

[BunkerQB]

Well written I am adding this to a number of discussions and blogs pertaining to PIR that I give out to new members. Thanks for posting.

[randy'smom]

Cat...Thank you for all your valuable information!!! PIR sounds truly amazing. My son graduates 2/18/11.

After reading what you wrote I am even more excited. Wouldn't have thought about bringing binoculars....

Thanks so much, good to know what to expect. Good luck to your sailor. God Bless!