Graduation?

[Pearl Harbor MA]

How many of you plan  on or have gone to graduation? It is a long distance for us , my husband has not flown since he was a teenager  and I'm not sure I could get him on a plane anyway!  We are from a small town  so  city traffic seems intimidating to me though my husband is a truck driver. (He HATES traffic,too)  Our son doesn't go to boot camp until Feb 23 ( his 21st birthday!) but I am trying to work this whole thing out in my head. I have look at airfare/hotel/car pkgs and about choked!

[jpadilla]

Guess what!  My daughter did her run again last night and she passed it with time to spare.  she called this morning and told us the news.  we were able to get our tickets reinstated and will be flying out on thursday to see her.  I can't tell you enough how happy your kind words made me feel. 

 

My kids are my husband's and my life.  We couldn't live without them.  I'm so proud of my daughter. Words can never express how much.  I just want to say never give up hope.  Stay strong.  Think positive thoughts and encourage others to do the same.

 

Thank you so very much for everything.  I'll let you all know how everything went.

[JessicaB-Sailor Mom]

jpadilla   here is the link to your PIR group.....better late than never http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir21111

 

 

Also join the A school and rating (job) groups

[jpadilla]

we just got back from graduation a couple days ago.  I have to tell you it was one of the most exciting experiences I've ever had!!  Things just worked out.  We got a little frustrated but never gave up.

 

the only thing i suggest is either getting a gps unit in your car rental or taking the els.  For us it was hard to get around because we were directionally challenged!!!!  

 

THis experience taught us how strong we are and how our faith really sets us free.  With all the people in this world God answered my prayers almost instantly and graciously.  Thats the kind of parent I want to be for my children.

 

Stay strong and faithful.  Love always,

Jeanne-Marie Padilla (proud mom of Sailor graduate Brittany Noelle Padilla)

[Connie(Memphis Belle)]

HOOYAH !!!  that's the spirit !!!  she'll do fine because all you have to do is look at where she came from....awesome parents who know who and what is important!!!

[Ashley]

If you're not able to make it to graduation, many moms, wives, sisters, dads, and so on have sent them one of our graduation boxes, we ship to APO addresses as well. Just a thought. They are beautiful boxes that hold their pins, medals, etc.

 

If interested here's our site :)

http://www.thegoodwoodstore.com/Products/military-graduation-boxes-...

 

[Christine]

maybe you can take the bus, train or drive yourself. go if you can, it is quite an experience. even if your son tells you its ok not to come, he probably wants you there.  these kids have been through a lot as in any boot camp experience and it is so wonderful to share in their accomplishment!! i hope it all works out.

[Proud Navy Mom of future - AE]

I so know what you mean, I am a bundle of heart brake and come hell or high water I will find a way there for my son!  It is alot of stress though and alot of tears!  I wish all the families struggling with getting there blessings and prayers!

[nursehart]

When my son graduated 16 years ago I went and took my 2 1/2 yr old grandson. Did not have the money but went and am so glad. It was wonderful. On 4/5 of this year that 2 1/2 yr old grandson is going to bootcamp and I will be there to see him graduate. Do not miss it if there is anyway you can go. And definitely get the video

[jpadilla]

you know it is so worth it.  you and your husband will be so proud.  Look into using the train (the els) its two dollars a piece and it pretty much goes everywhere in the chicago area.  including the airports and the naval base.  its so much easier and cheaper. 

we just got back yesterday.  we had an amazing time.  The sailors (your children) reall do look for you in the crowd) they can't respond to you until after they graduate, but to see their faces when you go to hug them is priceless.

 

look into package deals they tend to run cheaper.  the hotel, the flight (together) and if you want a car you can get all that in one package.  the train seems to be less stress.  look into shuttles as well.

 

I know how your husband feels, but there are so many options.  Tell your son to soak in everthing they navy has to offer.  He will truely love it.  there is so much to learn.  My daughter has always been a mature person, but now she is more confident in herself and she wants to make this her career.

 

Stay strong things do just seem to come together.  you'll be fine.  start looking for those travel packages now.  you can even look into train passes and get them ahead of time.

[navy nana]

BN....It is not too soon to make your plans and reservations to attend your SR's graduation.  I made ours in Jan. and he graduates in the middle of March.  If you get the Navy brochure which they send with the form letter, check out the hotels, and rental car companies on there.  We picked the Quality Inn which is 3 miles from the base, and it has free shuttle service to the Graduation, plus a free buffet breakfast which they told me is more than just the continental breakfasts offered by others.  Ask for the Navy discount for hotels, and also cars.  We got great deals. 

[CaroleY]

A lot of hotels have shuttles but you definitely want to get your own car bec you should be lined up between 6:30 and 7am at the base on grad day bec the line to get in becomes very long.  Not sure what time your shuttle starts. And once your Sailor graduates, you get to bring them with you off base for whatever, rest, food, fun but then they HAVE to be back in their barracks, changed out of one uniform and into another, and lined up at their rack by 9:00 pm SHARP!  We stayed 3 miles from the base at the Raddison and we left to get Jake back at 8.  He just wanted to be that prepared.  As it turned out, there was a long line of cars waiting at the gate to bring their Sailor's in and going through the checkpoint delayed the cars further so Jake just hopped out of the car and walked through security and back to his barracks.  You can't drive them to their barracks anyway and it can be up to a mile from the gate so walking time is a consideration.  I'd definitely rent the car.  There is a really cool sports bar but it's about 20 minutes away but there were lots of Sailors and their families there watching sports and having a fun time.  Buffalo Wings and Things... Good luck and congratulations!!  Also, get the car registration permit online from the package sent home about Graduation.  Print it out and have it ready with your driver's license.  It's a MUST!

[Karen H.]

Does anyone know if my 16 year old can still attend graduation without a picture ID.  He has not received it yet.  Would he still be able to go to PIR with a birthcertificate and S/S card?