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.

 

 

 

 

[cheryllynn-proud mom of a sailor]

OOOpppsssss... sorry, that was $3.oo a person one way....so $6.00 round trip...

[Michele]

This is great information! Thank you so much for sharing. We are starting to look for places to stay and eat as we are going to be going in January for our son's PIR.

[sherilyn]

cheryllynn- thank you for the advise on libertyville!  that is what i was wondering about, where to get something to eat.  our SR's PIR is 5-6, and i want to have alot of options for whatever she wants to eat, instead of looking around for a place.  this will be one area marked in my tour guide.

[musicmom of a Sailor]

For those of you who drive to PIR - it really wasn't bad at all. The only trouble we had was that we were one of the random cars selected to be searched. We had a rental car and it took forever (OK 10 minutes) to figure out how to lift the hood! If you do drive to PIR in a rental make sure you know how to open the hood.

We didn't go to PIR with any set plans. We let our new sailor set the tone for the weekend. He did have watch on Saturday morning from 4 - 6 so he was a little tired on Saturday. We went to the hotel in the afternoon and he took a nap.

We stayed at the Courtyeard Marriott and it was very nice. They don't have free breakfast but the rooms were great and it was close to the base. Price was also very good.

Only thing I would NOT recommend is the Chinese restaurant near the Walmart and Anatasias. Worst chinese I've ever had. I think it was called Yan's.

Restaurant to recommend is Sweet Tomatoes. It's a salad, soup, bread, dessert place. Light fare but very good. Our son loves his soup so he really enjoyed it.

[Gaile]

Hi musicmom-We are leaving for our son's PIR today.  Our daughter & her 4month old son are also coming.  Considering the weather, would we do better takibg the car to PIR or the shuttle?  Can we park close?  Also, don't know if you would know about this, but my daughter carries a military i.d [her husband is Marine]  think that helps getting in? Any help is very appricated:)

Gaile

[Mom-to sailor-Alli_Div950-10/29]

Taking a car is the best way to go as you will want to take your sailor back to your room . . . We parked in the parking garage and getting OUT of that was the biggest mess.... other than that, we were able to wait while she ran to her room to get some stuff for me to take home.

[musicmom of a Sailor]

I would definitely drive if you have a baby with you.  They are very organized getting people into PIR.  It just takes some time.   My husband works for Homeland Security and took his badge for his ID.  It didn't seem to facilitate things at all but you can never tell.  Have fun at PIR!

[Gaile]

Hi Musicmom of a Sailor- Thank you:)  We went in the car, there was no waiting at all! Got a good parking spot in the garage, our daughter showed her military pass, can't  tell if it helped or not as the traffic was moving along.  Wonderful PIR.  Meeted up with at least two Moms that I have been talking to on N4M.  The night before PIR met a Mom [this is wild] who's sister-in-law taught my Sailor in grade school in Maryland.  We moved from Maryland 6 years ago.  So proud of our Sailors:)  It was a very movimg moment that we will never forget!  God bless our Sailors & their families!

[Sassafras Proud Mom of a Sailor]

There were some very good comments about motels for PIR posted this morning to the PIR 10/29/10 Alumni Group! Seems Motel 6 is very close to the base.

[DENISE FROM MICHIGAN]

My son"s PIR is 12-03. We will have older people with us. We are trying to get extra seats for them. Is there a warm waiting area for them. Is there a handicap drop off site. Thanks for any feedback.

[JessicaB-Sailor Mom]

DENISE Each rct has 4 people who ae guartanteed admission. If you aren't on "the list" there is an area you can wait in till everyone is seated. Then they are admitted (Some don't have to do this...are admitted with the "List" people) I've never heard of anyone w/o proper id gettingi n.

When you get there there will will be rcts there from upcoming PIR groups...ask them for a wheelchair, I'm sure there is a handicap drop-off area as well.

[Sassafras Proud Mom of a Sailor]

More insights from the PIR 10/29/10 Alumni Group:

Comment by Mom-to sailor-Alli_Div950-10/29: I sent my kid's phone Fed Ex overnight . it was delivered and signed for on Thursday morning at Great Lakes (the "real" base) . . the place where they deliver UPS and Fed ex is only open M-F 7-3:30... she will TRY to get it at lunch on Monday . . .She said to send everything via regular mail ... at least she can pick it up after hours.... that was a HUGE waste of money... if I had only known . ~~~

Comment by sdcalram: I know it is way too late but some of you may be in contact with families having PIR after ours. There is a LOCK & GO right past the commisary on the right hand side of the street that is owned by a military family that is available for keeping items they might need later like phone computers,clothes etc. WE found it by accident, they have been open only 2 months. the kids can ride the free suttle to commisary and walk one block and ride free shuttle back. They are very friendly and it is safe and clean.. I know it is too late for our kids but would be nice for other groups later on. oh it is 7 dollars a day or 40 a week! Pass the information on if you know anyone graduating at a latter date. Thanks! ~~

And about phones (and shipping things), I will add that the regular post office has 'flat rate' Priority -or- Express mailing boxes and envelopes. The Express service 'guarantees' 1 to 2 day delivery (depending on distance and drop-off time) and automatically insures the contents for up to $100 and must be signed for by the person who receives it> (Note: you have to request the signature, but there is no additional charge for it.)

Also, you can track the location of the envelope/package online and (also onlne -- ie: NOT at the post office) you can request that emails be sent o you giving yo trackng data and providing you with a PDF copy of the delivery receipt which shows the signature of the person who accepts delivery, ie: your Sailor. And there is no addtional charge for any of this.

Anyway, we live in a rural area and I mailed my Sailor's phone in an Express box (cost about $18) at 4pm Wednesday. It arrived at Great Lakes Friday (about noon) and my son (due to his own schedule) was able to get it Saturday mornng. ~~~