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.

[TexasSailorMom]

I know the pictures are ordered by your sailor about the 4th week or so. They have to pay then and it has to be check or credit card from what I've read.

[Cat(Mom of an AO)]

My son paid for the pictures ahead of time from his account then I reimbursed him. You can order additional DVD's or Keel Books at the NEX the weekend you are there for PIR.

 

I liked sitting in the highest point in the back because of being higher up you are able to see everything. You should have something along the lines of a zoom on your camera or a pair of binaculars. I was not able to see my son without them. It took awhile to point him out because they all look alike. LOL

[skell456 (AO wife)]

I can not wait!!!!

[Will's Mom (Ship07/Div177)]

Thanks so much for the information.  We are heading up tomorrow and I can't wait to see my son!