My Daughter has almost been gone a week

[Surfergirl7]

Hi all. My daughter left for boot camp
6-17-14. I got " the box" today.
There was even a little post card inside
But I have a major case of the blues
Today. I'm so use to her being here
And since she's my only girl the house
Is extra lonely for me ( love my boys but it
Isn't the same) I'm really excited for her to be
Doing what she's always dreamed about
But I miss her so much !!!!

[Nadine]

Quick question anyone. Is it possible to get an extra ticket for graduation? If so how do we go about it?

[Anna]

My daughter had her PIR in Sept of 08.  I do not recall having tickets at all.  I know she had to tell them who was coming so our names were on the list at the gate in order to get in.  Seating is first come, first serve so I'm not sure if tickets are something that changed between now and then.  Hopefully someone on here will have an exact answer for you.  Or post this question on the group page because I know there are moms who have been to PIR more recently than me!!!!  Sorry I'm not more help!!!

[kkjetz]

Nadine -

No extra tickets - period. Depending on the size of your daughter's graduation group they will be issued 3 or 4 tickets and your SR has to submit the exact names that will use those tickets. (There will be one chance to finalize names before graduation.) The SRs will get in trouble if they swap or give away unused tickets.

[kkjetz]

Hey Surfergirl7 - Now I see this is outdated, but... your last sentence says it all, "I'm really excited for her to be doing what she's always dreamed about..."- hold onto that.  What helped me was writing my daughter every day.  I wrote letter after letter after letter and sometimes it was hard but I just had my "conversations" through the mail... she saved every letter.  Sometimes I'd cut and paste things she liked from the internet, I'd send pictures, and most importantly I tried to stay busy. My daughter had her 22nd birthday in boot camp and I couldn't send a birthday card per her wishes but I had fun putting little "hints" in the letters I was writing - just to mess with her.  Keep an eye on your daughter's Boot Camp Group for info from other mom's who may have heard from their SR or hear more info.  I stalked the mailman, the Groups here on N4Ms, Facebook pages set up for this, etc.  Keep your cell with you ALL THE TIME.  If you haven't told your daughter to call the cell number instead of a work or home number write that in your next letter.  There are also 20 minute calling cards you can get for free and send her so anytime she can call she'll have the means to do it.  Once you clear these first few weeks time will start to pick up.  If you have an idea about her graduation date and are planning to go, start making arrangements now.  If you fly Southwest you can make changes, and hotels can always be changed.  Book early if you want the Navy Lodge or Navy Gateway Lodge.  All the planning also helps time fly by.  Hope this helps.  Stay strong and stay proud!!  ;-))

[Nadine]

What is the Navy Lodge or Navy a Gateway Lodge

[kkjetz]

Nadine - these are hotels for military use,however civilians can stay there too. I originally reserved a room at the Navy Lodge near RTC in preparation for graduation. At NASP a single queen room was $65 a night. This time I have a double queen room with a kitchen and the cost is $78 per night - no tax, easily cancelled... Nice hotel but basic - no hot breakfast but a bagged breakfast. These hotels are all over the place. The key is your military child has to check you in with maybe the exception of Chicago. Gateway lodge is similar - maybe a couple bucks cheaper. You can Google Navy Lodge and see where all the lodges are.