So many questions!

[Fmfcorpsmanmom2286]

My son Joshua is now halfway thru boot camp in the Great Lakes. It's gone by fast for me but I'm sure he doesn't feel the same. I've received two letters and a phone call from him so far. He sounded good except for a head cold - was eating very well. Joshua is a very strong and determined young man - he's going to be just fine.

 

Mom on the other hand is alittle anxious about graduation in October. I've heard alot of different stories and want to make the right choices in unfamiliar territory. I'm flying into O'Hare but am unsure where to stay. I understand the traffic is horrendous that morning so I'm thinking of trying to stay close - are the hotels decent?  

 

MJ

[BunkerQB]

If you have your form letter - it should indicate the PIR date. Here is a list of groups by PIR date. Join the one for your son's PIR.

PIR: November 4, 2011   TG 51

            PIR: October 28, 2011     TG 50

            PIR: October 21, 2011     TG 49   Divisions (349-352, 949) Waiting for more information

            PIR: October 14, 2011     TG 48 - 11 Divisions (341–348, 820–821 & 948)

            PIR: October 7, 2011       TG 47 - 13 Divisions (329-340 & 947) 

            PIR: Sept 30, 2011           TG 46 - 9 Divisions (321-328, 946)

Good luck.

[LuvMySailor!~Michelle]

We took a shuttle from the hotel and it was the best choice (for us). They drop you at the gate and you don't have to worry about parking. And you don't have to worry about getting back out. We stayed at the Americas Best Value and it wasn't bad at all. We weren't there much and they have a shuttle and indoor pool. It was easy to pick up my son and drop him off over the weekend. He stayed in GL for school.

The letters are so nice to get and don't worry if he seems down in any of them. They ALL get sick at one point because it's a major lifestyle change and all the shots they get bring them down too. He is in good hands and is well taken care of even when sick. They insist on rest when they are. They don't make them PT through it. I can tell you that once it is all over, it is another major change. It's simply college, just more formal! My son loves it! He ships out in Oct, and we will miss him terribly but he is happy and that is what we cling to! Good luck and ENJOY! It is THE BEST CEREMONY!

[Fmfcorpsmanmom2286]

My son will be heading to another state for his A school - is there a graduation ceremony for this as well?

[hubluv5]

We have booked a room at the quality inn, it is only a mile or so from the base and they have a shuttle.  I am sooo excited about seeing my son, he also stated that he had a cold, along with that they pulled his wisdom teeth a week or so after he got there.  I miss him so much and cant wait to see him.  He will be going to A school in another state, his letter stated that he had to go there for 7 weeks then will have a 2 week leave, hope that you find a close place to stay.

[LuvMySailor!~Michelle]

They have a small certificate receiving ceremony when they finish A school, but nothing formal like PIR

[NukeMom]

My son Cameron left yesterday for boot camp.  I stayed up waiting for his call last night, finally came around 11:30pm saying he arrived safely.  I am excited to be a new member of the NAVY family.  I feel as though I know you all already!

 

[Fmfcorpsmanmom2286]

My son signed me up for this site before he left - so glad he did - what an awesome site. I don't think there are any questions any of us could have and not get them answered. 18 days to go until graduation - I'm so excited!

[Miss Suzanne]

You're going to love it! It's such a wonderful ceremony; very formal. Just make sure you bring a lot of tissues!

[Fmfcorpsmanmom2286]

Well I ended up flying into Milwaukee and staying at the Quality Inn - plan on taking the shuttle instead of fighting traffic and walking so far. I understand it's about an eight block walk from the drop off point from the shuttle - but it's gonna be worth every step I take!

We're on the downward slide - 9 days to go. I will be a mess next week trying to work. This might sound silly but I was thinking about getting him something (gift) for graduation but what in the world could I get him - any suggestions? He knows he's headed for TX after graduation but not sure of the date yet. What will he get to take / have with him in TX?

[Miss Suzanne]

I have no idea about Milwaukee, as my son graduated from Chicago...but I can tell you I was very grateful for the shuttle! I hope you don't have to walk too far. And if you have any problems (like back, or hip) with sitting on bleachers, you may want to do the handicapped sitting. In that case, they let you sit in regular chairs, slightly padded, but with *backs* on them! And you sit down on the floor, so your Plan on sitting for about 4 hours or so.right in front. But they do start right on time, so that's nice. We had *13* divisions graduating at the same time - and it was PACKED! Wow!

Going to Texas - is Joshua going to be MAA then? My son is in TX A-School right now. I can tell you what he asked for, and was able to take: boxer underwear (he said he couldn't handle the shrunken “tighty-whiteys” anymore! :) I also brought him his cell phone, and his iPod for music. In about 2 weeks, I'll be sending him some of his civilian clothes - mainly shorts and Tshirts, as right now it's still in triple-digit temperatures! Very hot there, very humid. Also, let Joshua know that addressing the officers every time he sees them, (IE: “Good morning/evening, Petty Officer Sir!” is not required anymore.

My son, Michael, described A School in TX like this - it's a lot easier than BootCamp, but not quite as easy as college. They don't do much PT, (Physical Training) but they *do* do Cardo work! My son's group runs 5 miles every meeting day. (Which is Mon., Wed., & Thurs.) they have weekends off, and they can join a gym, go shopping at the huge Nex for some great discounted stuff. They have a Burger King, a Pizza Place, (I can't remember what else, but there's more!) Just a note: they can eat at the Galley for free, and it's good food, so he doesn't have to spend any money there if he doesn't want to.
But definitely make he has, or he gets, a good Smart Phone. He can use it to call you every night if you're both on the same plan! And that way he can save up to get a nice computer a bit later - which they have at the Nex, also, by the way...
I just tried to share with you all the things my son thought were important. I hope it helps both you and Joshua! Best of luck to the both of you!