PIR DEBRIEFING

[Sassafras Proud Mom of a Sailor]

INTRODUCTION: A place for parents and others who have attended PIR and graduation weekend to share comments, suggestions and ideas that will hopefully make it easier and more enjoyable for other familes who are preparing for their own PIR events.

 

WHAT TO DO: This is an 'interactive' forum, with each person encouraged to start new topics (by posting your comments in the 'blank' at the top of each page) -and- respond to individual posts (by clicking 'reply' on that particular post).

 

ALSO: Over time, I will be organizing some of the posts herein as a sort of 'guide' which will be static -- that is, there will be no new posts to that discussion... thus it will not actually be a 'discussion' but more of a factual and flowing narrative that takes the reader, moment by moment, through happy hours of PIR, covering the basics with good recommendations about what to do, what not to do, and how to do (or avoid) doing it.

 

To get started on this process, it would be very useful to hear from you regarding which posts and/or particular information do you think should be included? Sincerely, I look forward to hearing from you and transcribing our collective wisdom for those who will attend PIR soon.

 

 

 

 

[Jaimers]

Hello Sailor Moms.... during PIR ....how do you find your son/dau after the program?

[Andie3]

They have the hall set up by Divisions.  You'll be able to sit in the section facing your son or daughter's Division.  Beyond that, good luck! *giggle*  They all look identical!  They do line them up by height.  My son is only 5'6" so just behind most of the girls in his Division.

[Sassafras Proud Mom of a Sailor]

We told our Sailor to stay put... and we would go to him. That really worked well. (((hugs)))

[Andie3]

Oops, I misunderstood! I thought you meant during the PIR!   We had no idea what to expect, so I ran down the stairs and Chase found me!:) Great idea to tell him to stay where he is!

[denurse05(Sean'smom)ship07Div43]

I've made reservations at the Ramada, but I'm reading stuff that leans me towards staying somewhere else. also I don't know If my son is Grad or Grad n go.

 

[Andie3]

We stayed at the Country Inn and Suites in Gurnee.  It was fabulous!  They have a pool/ hot tub, a great breakfast is offered for free and different hot things every day.  Gurnee is about 10 minutes from the training center and full of places to eat and shop.  My son spent a ton of time at the outlet mall and Target buying boxer briefs and Starbucks! He also bought a DS for his flight to his A school. *giggle*  Your son should know before hand if he is grad n go.  When is his PIR?  Do you have enough time to write and ask him?

[Mom of Joshua, the MA]

Hey Y'all -

I've only been on here a few times since PIR (10/29/10) - I just found this discussion and didn't see any mention of the Navy Lodge - which is where we stayed.

Only $65, per night NO taxes - and we had a very decent room.  It's a no frills place, but we had a room with a small kitchen - stove top, microwave, coffee maker and fridge.  The staff was WONDERFUL!  We had arrived about an hour and a half prior to check in time, but the manager allowed us to go ahead and check in (I guess we looked as exhausted as we were after our all-nighter of driving!).  It was just down the road from the graduation hall, and there was an NEX express just around the corner (They were mainly like a convenience store - with gas pumps).

After some rest, we drove around town and kind of got our bearings.  Our Sailor was wanting Japanese food after graduation, but the place he had mentioned was a bit pricey for our budget for that weekend.  So while driving around, we found a nice place called Ichiban's, in Gurnee in a small shopping strip.  Nothing fancy, but the food was good - and it wasn't so crowded and noisy that we couldn't hear each other talk - and a lot cheaper than the other place!

 

We had to get up EARLY, Saturday morning to go meet our son before he boarded the plane heading to San Antonio.  He was able to take his personal things (Phone, laptop, ipod) with him at that point, so we made sure to have it all ready for him.  It's been great being able to communicate with him more!

 

One major recommendation - If you're driving, the best route to take is the outer belt around Chicago!  There isn't nearly as much traffic (Or so it seemed) and wasn't quite as confusing as driving straight through the city.  ALSO!  Make sure you have plenty of change for tolls - they are EVERYWHERE!!   lol

 

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

[Jaimers]

thank you all for your posts,,,my dau doesnt leave for BC until 2/16 but i find myself gathering info and checking out hotels online. Sassafras thanks for your answer on "how do we find our dau after the PIR ceremony" since they will all look the same ..lol .. Thank you for all you moms that have gone to PIR and have posted here. It has helped me tremendously!! I wouldnt know what to do without you guys!! Hoping that everyone had a wonderful Christmas. and wishing you all a Happy and safe New Year.

 

 

[ameew]

This sight has been a wonderful help.  We went to PIR for my daughter 12/22/2010 and there are not words to describe how great it was!!!  I stayed at the Ramada Inn in Waukegan because the meet and greet was there and for the convenience of the shuttle to the base.  It was so nice to meet other families and compare our experiences and BRIEF conversations we had with our children during BC.  It's also so nice to see other families so proud and emotionally moved by this experience.  The hotel was clean and the staff were incredibly kind and accomodating.  I arrived early (before noon) and was able to check into my room instead of having to wait until 3pm.  To sit in front of the fireplace in the lobby with other families and a glass of wine whiling it was freezing outside was perfect for the occasion. 

The ceremony was amazing.  We had the distinct privilege of being presented by MCPON, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D.West.  He is the head honcho of the Navy and his speech was so perfect!  It was easy to see why he is where he is.  And, he hung with the kids the night before so they got to socialize with him.  My daughter felt really privileged for that. 

Happy New Year Navy families!!!  We are soooo very blessed with these beautiful children!!!

[musicmom of a Sailor]

If you are flying in for PIR, I recommend going to Milwaukee's airport.  It is just as close as Chicago really and the traffic is much easier to maneuver around in.  Also, fare prices are often cheaper into Milwaukee.

[Bell (ship 9 div 077)]

Hello,

one thing that Im still confussed about is the Grad and Go. My son is going to A school in GL does that mean he is grad and go? if that is the case, how much time does he get to spend with his family after graduation. Im traveling from PA , I need to make hotel reservation for the time that we are going to stay there. his PIR is 02/18/11

[Sassafras Proud Mom of a Sailor]

Hello Bell... I hope the New Year is being good to you and your Bootcamp Recruit! Regarding how much time your son will have after PIR, your son will have the best information on this as it somewhat varries from Sailor to Sailor, depending on a number of different things. That said...

As I understand it, Sailors who are Grad and Go are (usually) leaving Great Lakes to start school at some other location within 24 hours after PIR. Sailors who are attending school at Great Lakes and graduate on a Friday (generally) have Liberty (free time) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The amount of free time (Liberty) and when it starts or ends may vary considerably from Sailor to Sailor. Does that help?

 

Anyway, you will have a great time at PIR. It was wonderful for us and our Sailor. Also, he was just home on Leave for the Christmas holidays and we had a wonderful time. (((hugs))) to you all...