Planning PIR trip

[long linguine legs mom]

Hello this is my first post to this so please forgive me if I seem confused.  Our son is graduating on December 21st.  Not exactly the best timing!  We received the brochures but I wanted to know if there is any other information besides this.  It seems that you are pretty much on your own to figure things out. Since it is right at x-mas we really dont want to rent a car to save $$ but is that possible to get around without rental car?  Is there any packages available?  We woundn't miss this for the world, but really have to do on the cheap because of time of year. Does the Navy have anything for parents to do before the PIR or after?

 

If any of the moms could give advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

[A Proud Navy Mom]

The shuttle service is through Sarge.   Send an email to:[e-mail].  He is the gentleman that sponsors the Meet and Greet Party.  Sarge is extremely dependable.  Some have complained about the hotels that offer shuttle service (ran late, had to wait a long time, etc.).  Sarge has a number of shuttles available . . .it really was amazing how he was able to coordinate all the shuttles and get everyone where they had to go and get there in time. 

 

Some of the people traveling alone posted on our FB page and were able to hook up with other families that had room in their car/shuttle.  We helped out a young lady from CA who never traveled alone before.  Her flights were close to ours so it worked out for her to ride the shuttle with us.  If your PIR group has a FB page, give a s/o to anyone who may be arriving around the time you will be.  You will be surpised how many people will respond.  Our group was a great group and everyone was willing to help each other out with rides.

 

As I said before, I highly recommend you stay as close to the base as possible.  Your time with your sailor is precious.  You can contact Sarge with any questions you may have.  He is a wonderful person.

[long linguine legs mom]

I don't know if my last post went through. If it did I'm sorry. I can't find it so here goes: I spoke with sarge last night. He has a package from O'Hare to your hotel round trip and to and from PIR all for $100. If you are coming from Midaway it's $150. You can reach him at 847-212-0246 or on NavyForMoms.com under Old Sarge. Also on Facebook [e-mail]. He is also in charge of the Meet and Greet at Sundance Saloon from 5:30-9:00. He and his wife do this out of own pocket so donations are accepted. There are cocktails from 5-6 and buffet right after. From there it is question and answer. He is full of so much information. I suggest you contact him

[jdrs1606]

Is the $100 per person?

[lemonelephant]

It's per carload. Sarge can be found on here as OldSarge (clickable link) and there is more on his rates on his page.

[stamp6789(Ship03 Div017)]

The Navy doesn't give you any info, other than that brochure; nor do they give you anything to do. I would recommend doing some searching on the internet...but this site will also give you lots of info. It is possible to get around without a rental car,there were lots of taxis...how the holiday will interfere with that I don't know. But I think for what you will spend on taxis, you would be better off renting a car. And you definitely will not be wanting to walk anywhere...especially in the dead of winter. I've also heard that parts of Waukegan are a little dangerous. Try the travel sites for packages and see what you come up with.
We were there over Thanksgiving; and went to the Gurnee Mall (just a few miles away) to a family entertainment center and played black light mini golf and lazer tag. They had a special for the holiday; $20 for a large pizza and pitcher of pop and bracelets to play all the golf, tag, and ice skating we wanted for all 4 of us!

[Lorie-Lee ship 3 div 20]

I was just at the Navy Lodge and I had an awesome experence. For 95 dollars a night we had a suite it was newly renovated. It sleeps six. There are bedrooms, a living room area, a kitchen area it was like a mini apartment. 2 flat screen tvs. They are about a mile from the base take about 6 mins to get to the base. They were very helpful and kind and friendly. My sailor loved it there.

[loisb]

I am trying to plan for the weekend my son graduates 12-21 also any ideas on how much energy they are going to have. We have reservations at the Navy lodge and I am told they have a shuttle for PIR. We fly into miday on thursday am and stay until Monday am, anyone else on that schedule?

[lemonelephant]

Write and ask him what he wants to do? Some want to hang out at the hotel and catch up with family and friends in person, by phone, and on the computer.  Some want to take on Chicago.

Where is your SR going for "A" School?  Has he let you know what he plans to do about the holiday stand down?

[loisb]

He is going to Pensacola and I think he is only taking leave for 3 days we are there in great lakes

[lemonelephant]

It would be great if he has leave then.  I haven't seen anything posted about how leave is handled for those flying out.  In the pst they had to report to their new command ("A" School) before taking leave.  I hope it works out for you.

 

[loisb]

 Thanks I look forward to whatever time I get, Pensacola is only a days drive so I cna see him when he gets more leave from there

[lemonelephant]

That's good.