our PIR experience

[jojosmom]

Good morning all! My son just had his PIR 7/31, this past Friday. I just thought I would tell you a little bit about our experience.  We drove from Texas (long long drive) and stayed at the Navy Lodge. The lodge was great, I recommend you reserve as soon as possible. Our stay was only $66 a night and no tax. We arrived at PIR around 7:45. I did hear there was lines as early as 5:45 outside the gate. But since we have a toddler with us we didn't want to have to wait so long and he become restless. There was no lines when we arrived so it was very quick to enter and park. Must have ID for everyone, parking pass,and insurance at the gate and you will also need ID to enter the PIR area. Since we did arrive before 8. The section in front of our SR was pretty full. We probably could of squeezed in but with a toddler we decided to sit more toward the end. You have a good view from anywhere to be honest. Afterwards we found our SR Hugged/took pics and he was ready to go back to his barracks to move. He is staying in GL for school. We went to the visitors center to meet him. The visitor center is a small building with not much seating. Its more like a DMV office. They also have the Naval museum next to it.  They told us it may be until 3pm before your SR comes to the visitor center so we decided to get a quick bite to eat. We arrived back around 2:00 and as soon as we drove up I saw some sailors outside and a lot more people waiting. They were the first group of sailors to arrive. The sailors are released in groups. So basically everyone is waiting outside by the gate to see their sailors walk up. A lot of people are sitting in the grassy shaded area. So if you want to bring a folding chair or blanket that might be good if you plan to stay and wait the whole time. My son arrived around 3 ish.  There is a pay phone inside the visitor center and a lot of sailors were calling family that were not there waiting for them. They only have one phone so the line gets long for them. I will say that if you can wait, do it.  As the sailors walk through the gate the families are all looking for there sailors and everyone claps for them. It was like be reunited all over again. Also no pictures are allowed. Security is tight!  We didn't make plans for the weekend. I decided to let my son decide what he wanted to do since I wasn't sure if he would be tired or not.  First thing he wanted to do was go to the mall. They have there money and probably have an idea what they want to buy. My son was looking for a laptop.  He ended up getting one at best buy, but the NEX does carry them also and they don't pay taxes. fyi. We didn't realize that until the day after when we went to visit the NEX. They also have a Navy pride section if you want to buy shirts, etc.. much cheaper then the mall. Our weekend pretty much was him laying around the room setting up his laptop, catching up on shows, and eating. He also wanted to go see a movie, and  go out to eat.  It was a nice enjoyable weekend with him. We picked him up each morning around 7:30. We waited for him to call when he was ready. Drop off is at 9. You do have to sign them in and out. I was very happy with the way it all turned out. Saying good bye again was hard but luckily we will see him again in a little over a month. He is getting leave before heading to San Diego. Thanks to the boot camp mom group for all the help and support you offer! The experience has been a great one! It seems like forever ago that I was waiting for the box or form letter.. Best wishes to you all and prayers to all the SR's.

[alisonrose]

I thought they graduate on a Saturday and you have just that night?

Did you get to see him on Saturday and Sunday morning?

[lemonelephant]

alisonrose, PIR is on Friday except when there is a federal holiday at the end of the week. You have indicated that you have received the form letter indicating PIR is 11/06/2015.

If your Sailor stays in GL for "A" School or training, then you will have time with him each day of the weekend. If he flies out to "A" School or training, then he will have Liberty on Friday and you will be able to spend time with him at the airport on Saturday. Most fly out on Saturday. See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend to help you know how to plan your weekend.

Check your My Page.

[Cameronsmom]

Thank-you for all the great stories and info here. Our son's PIR is Dec 4 2015...can't wait to see him!! His A school will be at GL. I am still new to all of this. He just left for boot camp a week ago yesterday.  I understand that this time of year is dress blues (sometime starting in October). Blue is his color! Can't wait to see him in his uniform. I miss him so much. It seems like only yesterday he was a little boy. 

Hooyah! 

[jojosmom]

That is great Cameronsmom! Enjoy PIR, its a great experience. I can only imagine the views in GL in the winter! Best wishes!

[amanda]

Beautiful story thanks for sharing.very informative.when u say u have to show ur parking pass and insurance.u mean they actually ask u for ur car insurance?

[lemonelephant]

Amanda, yes, you may be asked for proof of car insurance and registration (the rental agreement works if you are renting the car) and you will be asked for for current photo ID for all adults and may be asked for current ID for minors when you enter the gate, so have those documents ready before you get to the gate. You also need the vehicle/gate pass that you will print off in the last 11 days before PIR using the password from on The Form Letter.

[jojosmom]

They did ask us Amanda.:)