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.

 

 

 

 

[ENMomJapan@8-12(Pat)]

Could you please share information about your experience after PIR.  My son will also be staying in Great Lakes for A School and I am trying to figure out what we can do and when to book our return flight home. Anything you could suggest would be helpful.  Thanks.

[daniellealva30]

Hi! This post is somehwat helpful, but could I ask you a few questions as I am new to this.

My daugher is currently in boot camp, graduationg Jan. 20th. Is there a family day?? also, we are traveling from Orlando, FL to see her graduate and worried if she is a Grad & Go, how can I find that out for our planning. A major quesitons I have, we were sent a letter that only 4 family can atend graduation, is this correct. We have several family i.e. grandparents and aunts that want to attend, is it truely restricted to 4 people??

thanks for any info possible

Danielle Alvarez

proud navy mom

[Anti M]

There is no family day, although some of the PIR groups here plan a get together the night before.

If her A school is anywhere but Great Lakes, she is very likely going to fly our Saturday morning.  If you know her rate (job) we can help you look up where her school is located.  She should know about halfway through boot camp when she will traveling to her school (if she is).

Yes, only four can get on the list to attend.  Children under 12 don't count toward the four.  The rest can go on standby, and be seated after all the registered guests are seated.  If there is no room, they must wait in the visitor center.

[daniellealva30]

Thank you so much for the info!! Big help!!

now I know what to tell my family members. And yes, her A school from what I know, is out of town. She is for Navy Coreman, so I heard her A school is in Texas, but not sure where. So i guess she is flying out Sat. :( how sad, not much time with my daughter...

Thanks again!!

Much appreciated

 

[Susan Watts]

Hello Danielle

Sorry to hear about your shortvisit with your daughter. I believe in Texas it may be in Houston. The family night is call meet and greet it is hosted by local businesses in the area.

[chocolatelablover]

Danielle, Corpsman school is in San Antonio, Texas. I know this because my son who will graduate from BC on Feb 17 is going to Corpsman school also.

[Celina]

Chocolatelover, My son is also going to corpsman school in Texas, his graduation is Feb 17th, I think they are in the same division 74.  do you now if any of the families are meeting the night before. it sure will be nice to put a face to the posts.

 

[Betsy]

Thank you,really helpful hints

[SHIP 12 ~ TRITON ~ DIV 398]

Hi, my son's PIR is Oct 18.  When is it safe to buy my flight ticket?  My son is confident he'll graduate, however he told me a sickness is going around and it is possible they will be quarenteened and PIR will be delayed a week. I nervous to buy my tickets, but the price is higher every day it seems...help!

 

[lemonelephant]

Get your tickets. Refundable tickets are pricey and can be avoided. If you are able to book through Southwest, do. You can change your reservations without a fee if you make the change more than 24 hours before your flight.  (See Saving Money PIR Weekend and PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend.) Even if there is sickness, it most likely will not delay the division, especially at this point in training. They will attempt to continue whatever parts of training they are able to continue so that the division will have PIR on time if at all possible. Unless you get a call saying that PIR is definitely going to be delayed plan for PIR to be as currently scheduled.

Join PIR 10/18/2013 TG 49 to connect with others with loved ones training with your SR.

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

I had a similar experience. My sailor wanted cookies (GS thin mints and Samoas) so I bought two packages of the Keebler wanna be's and brought those, along with home made ginger snaps. I also brought her favorite trail mix, Reeses PB cups, Peanut butter M & Ms -- you get the idea.... She could take NOTHING back to base. NOTHING....

I too brought her cell phone - she used it while she had liberty, but I also had to take it away and then spend nearly $50 to get it Fed Ex'd to her ...

I did bring a set of sweats - she could not get out of the uniform fast enough -- Friday she sat on the bed in our hotel (the Navy Lodge) and did little or nothing....She wanted to take a shower ALONE and as long as she liked, but alas, our shower spit water rather than showered down....

She did get a pedicure (desperately needed) and a "real" hair cut -- We went to the Gurnee Mall for that.

Giodano's has the BEST ever Pizza.
We are from So. CAL and she wanted Mexican food -- we found a place Taqueria Loluca in Waukegan -- it was the best I have EVER tasted and we live 90 miles from the border ...

We brought her back to the base 1 hour before she "had" to be back... the Petty Officers let her go early Sat. and Sun. morning -- like 7:15 -- I was surprised.

[cheryllynn-proud mom of a sailor]

We stayed at the Courtyard, Marriott in Waukegan. Very nice hotel. Very helpful and pleasant employees.

Breakfast is served in the lobby area each morning. You can order buffet or menu and you have to pay.

There is a shuttle taxi service that you can sign up for at a charge of $6.00 a person each way. I think it may be a little cheaper for the Sailor. They will also bring your Sailor back to base in the evening if need be. We decided to use the shuttle in the morning to PIR, even though we had a rental car, just to get there easily and find our bearings. We did get dropped off at the opposite end of the entrance to the hall so if you go in the winter prepare for a walk to get in. Dress warm. I believe any shuttle service has the same drop off spot so you will have to walk.

We really had a supper time at PIR. It is just an amazing experience that I am thrilled to have been a part of and shall never forget.

After graduation we went back to our hotel and our sailor was able to talk to his siblings and friends online and his phone. We didn't have any major plans for that day other than that and just talking and visiting. Our biggest disappointment was finding somewhere to eat. We went next door to Anatasia's and found that it was mostly a bar...which your Sailor isn't suppose to be in...the restaurant part seemed vacant and a bit dumpy. We left. In the shopping area we found a Chilly's, Chipotle, Potbelly, and so we ended up at Chilly's. On Saturday we set off to explore and find something to do and new places to eat only to be discouraged and frustrated. There is nothing to do in Waukegan!! It is run down and besides the few restaurants I mentioned that is it.

We took off for Volo to the Car and WWII museum. It was nice. Some really cool cars. There were also antique shopping malls there but we didn't really do any shopping.

So out of desperation Saturday night I got on the laptop to find a nice place for us to have breakfast Sunday morning. I found the most wonderful restaurant and the best kept secret of the whole area....Libertyville. If I had known about Libertyville I would have stayed there. Liberty Restaurant is the BEST BREAKFAST on the planet. Anything you can think of...The service is excellent..the food to die for and it is not far from the base at all. We went back to Libertyville in the evening to go to Gino's East Pizza. Chicago deep dish pizza at it's best. We then headed south and found there to be a mall...looked rather new. Libertyville is an old town...lots of cute shops and boasts of having a bakery shop that is top notch. Wish I would have known about this little hide away of a place. It is just amazing. I would have loved to walk the downtown area and explored all the shops and eatery's.

So, as you make your plans for PIR don't forget to look up this well kept secret of a town.

Gurnee is the hot spot. Grand Ave is the key main drag. Gurnee Mills Mall is great. Lots of shops. Gurnee has some popular restaurants. We didn't find this until Sunday.

One thing I found confusing was the fact that some graduates were able to buy cell phones and take them back to base with them but others weren't allowed to. I was just there with his cell phone but he couldn't take it back to base and when he traveled to 'A' school we had no contact because of 1 day on base? But others had theirs on base? It is just frustrating. Now we have to wait for another 'phone call' for an address and ship it to him...

so, just be aware that your sailor knows what he or she is suppose to do or not do. What is allowed or not. When to be back to base..doesn't always make sense but there you have it.

So, I hope this helps with your trip to PIR. Above all....enjoy the experience, enjoy your family and being with your new sailor!