My PIR Experience!!!

[jenn724 Ship7 Division 161]

I decided to take Amtrak to my daughter and son-in-law's Graduation.  I was travelling with my 5 year old, and the train ride was 23 hours long.  It felt like much less than that though, and  I enjoyed the unhurried atmosphere of the train.  The price was good too. :)  We arrived at Union station, and then had to get to Ogilvie to board the Metra, which let us off right next to RTC.  I was also renting a car, and Enterprise picked us up right at the station, and they also brought us back when we were leaving.  The hotel I stayed at was the Days Inn, and I was very happy with the accomodations and the staff. The room was clean, and the staff was very unobtrusive, and courteous.  We did go to Sarge's Meet & Greet, and I do recommend it.  The man is a wealth of information, and a great contact to have if your Sailor is staying at GL for A school.  My son-in -law will be at GL for 32 weeks, so I made sure he had Sarge's # before I left.  

PIR was a whirlwind. We had a small TG of 7 divisions, so I chose to drive.  We left the hotel at 6:45, and had no trouble getting in and finding a place to sit. I had my son's birth cert, but was never asked for it.  The time went by way too fast.

After graduation, we went for ice cream, and just hung around locally while we waited for my son in law to get out.  If they are staying at GL for A school they must check in and move before they get Liberty.  He was out at 3:15.  The Museum was pretty cool to see.  We also bought some souvenirs at the NEX for family back home.

On Saturday, I drove an hour to the airport to see my sailor off.  She had a very early flight, so we left our hotel at 2am so we could spend a little time with her.  Saying goodbye wasn;t any easier this time. 

My son and I went back to the hotel for breakfast, and then we checked out, returned our car, and went into Chicago until it was time for our return train to Boston. I rented a locker at Union Station, and left out luggage there.  I took my son to Navy Pier, which was awesome.  We ate a late lunch, and just played tourist for most of the afternoon.  While I did enjoy Navy Pier, Chicago as a whole did not impress me.  I am no stranger to big cities, but the level of rudeness was pretty bad.   The thing I will tell you is this.  If your Sailor is leaving the next morning, relax, and enjoy your time together.  Don't try to get all of the Chicago sight seeing in at once.  They will be tired.  The fact that they are on the other side of that gate for the first time in 8 weeks is excitement enough for them.  Enjoy your time together.  Good luck!!

 

[Hm-in-the-Fam-Mom]

Thanks Jenn for the info, it helps alot. i just got around to finding your post. I leave on the 14th for ours. I'm excited and nervous. have a great weekend :)

[Here4Payton(Ship002/Div930)]

Thanks for all the great information. We're leaving from Atlanta on Thursday for PIR on the 8th. Can't wait to see our Sailor! :)