PIR

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Pam on July 1, 2008 at 8:51pm

Thank you !

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sonia on July 1, 2008 at 8:59pm

Pam you got your call. I happy for you!!!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pam on July 1, 2008 at 9:10pm

sonia signing off now I am on my way to GL talk to you all later from the car. good night and all be safe

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sonia on July 1, 2008 at 9:41pm

Pam have a safe trip. I'll be on in the morning before my flight leaves. I wonder how tina is doing.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Angie F.- WA: HM mom on July 2, 2008 at 1:16am

"whew' Ladies, the last time I checked in on you all, you were somewhere around page 225! Guess I've been a bit busy! I just spent the afternoon (while I probably should have been napping and recovering from our long, exciting trip ) catching up. O.K. grab some popcorn and a tall soda, this is gonna be a long one...

Eva, you will have no problems with the transportation system between GL and Chicago I suspect. All of you should get a Metra system map (Pam , you can probably google it) and get real familiar with the railway and CTA routes. Even if you rent a car, you will NOT want to try to drive into downtown Chicago, it'll take 2 hours each way and good luck finding parking!! Leave the driving to them and spend more quality time with your Sailor. (There is a $5 all weekend pass you can get too.)

Do rent a car, one mom spent $95 on a taxi from the airport, he went the long way thru Chicago traffic, took her to the wrong hotel, she lost her reservation, had to pay to be taken to one that had one room left. then spent more on taxis the next day. (We paid $250 for 5 days at Hertz, got a nice Honda Accord mid size, use your AAA discount if you're a member. Other spent under a $100 for a Ford Focus or other similar.)

If you are coming into Midway, especially midday or late afternoon, take 55 South to 294 North. (the bulk of the traffic is heading the other way-reverse commute) One .30 toll, followed by a .50 cent, and finally $1.00 and you are on your way to GL. It'll still take at least an hour and a quarter or half, but much less stressful than going through the Chicago traffic mess. One CA. mom said the drivers in Chicago are worse than where she lives. They tried to go to the Navy Pier on Fri after PIR, got stuck in traffic, made it with enough time to do a quick walk around the Pier, then had to get back in the car to get her son back on time.

It takes 2 days at least to really hit all the best sites; the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium (Beluga whales anyone?), the Adler Planetarium and of course the Sears Tower, (there is a city pass you can purchase and save $: Citypass.com) plus millenium park and the Magnifcent Mile (shopping) were all recommended to me. one Tip: go to the John Hancock Tower instead, the lines aren't as long and the view is more spectacular. Junie, I so wanted to hit the Jelly Belly factory but time didn't allow. Probably just as well, got enough jelly in my belly. ;)

Sonia I can't believe you work with my PIRmate Dawn, what a small world!! She couldn't come to our Pre PIR dinner. :( The official count for our party was 84. That was after the first hour or so and doesn't include the stragglers and three families who didn't even know about N4M's (actually I recruited one Mom and Grandma in the bathroom! She liked the "Proud Navy Mom" button we were all wearing. One of our moms made them for everyone) There were some who had rsvp'd but were no shows. Still, it was probably closer to 100 total.

John, the Greek owner was great, as was Jim the manager. They are looking forward to your group. They set up the chairs in the dining area in a U shape -family style-so the moms could talk to each other and move around easier. People tended to stay put at their places. (I was pinch hitting for our organizer who's son was going through Battle Stations for the second time and was too nervous and upset to attend. He made it, they didn't know for sure until they showed up at PIR and had the list checked) I came in and made my way around the U, meeting and greeting as I went. Best way to try to meet everyone.

Like the bride at a wedding, I didn't eat until most had left and a core group remained. That was about two and a half hours in, most people came at the start time or soon after and left not long after they'd finished eating. They had to rise early and most had had a long day of traveling. I had every division do a show of hands, so they could spot a mom they hadn't seen and/or would like to sit with Friday. All 7 Divs were represented. I don't know how well the games would have worked with our group, the way the night ran, but I'll be interested to hear from you all, or better yet, watch your webcast! =)

You will probably only see moms from your division, and maybe the div to the side of you on Friday. It is a sea of humanity afterwards, it empties fast and we felt rushed out. Barely time to take pictures, shake hands with an RDC and congratulate a few others before they shut down the hall and directed everyone to meet their sailors outside of Mepcon Hall. (Outside the NEX). That's a good place to arrange to meet other Moms and your sailor, then and in the morning/evenings to follow. Do exchange phone numbers!!

All I can say is that it is an experience you will never forget. You will get engrossed in the ceremonial goings on, the pride in your heart will swell to bursting and the tears in your eyes will overflow like waterfalls. Your new Sailor will be standing tall and proud, they will conduct themselves with Honor and a newfound dignity. Carry those Shout Wipes and Tide to Go sticks, they are ever mindful of the condition and appearance of their uniforms. Their dress whites (their Crackerjacks) are long sleeved and hotter than their summer whites. My son wanted to be low key and do indoor things after Fridays' PIR.

On Sat, he was comfortable in his short sleeved summer whites without the black tie thing he hated; we spent all afternoon outside at the Navy Pier, even took a wonderful, relaxing Harbor Cruise (he was free) and learned more about the City's history. btw It IS the Windy city for sure, guys have to hold on to their hats, I mean covers (Dixie cups). Bring sunscreen- many a sailor came back on Sat. with a angry red line right across the middle of their foreheads where their covers didn't well, cover! Pretty funny when they took them off indoors, especially the next day. =) Buy some bug spray too, the mosquitos are out in full force, worse than in previous years. West Nile Virus anyone? Thought not.

Ask about military discounts every where you go, but DON"T let anyone tell you they have to make a copy of his/her military ID to give him/her one, that's against regulations. The clerk at John Hancock tried to pull that one on us, though she did heartily congratulate my son. Sales Tax in Lake county is a flat 7%, but everywhere else it's just been raised to 10%. Shop wisely and check out the NEX there on base with your sailor. Navy T-shirts for Grandma and the boys etc. were only $9.99 each!

Tina, if you can, ask for room 229 at the Lodge. Compared to a couple of others in the back building and lower floor, that was the most spacious {read:slumber party friendly :) } room we saw. I'm sure there are others, but that's a for sure. It had a high ceiling, lots of natural light, it was pretty quiet because it was a corner room. There were two queen sized beds, option on a free rollaway, large dressing area with sink, (separate from the shower and toilet) plus the hairdryer, iron and ironing board. There was a TV, small table with two chairs, an extra club chair, and a full kitchenette. We had a 2 burner stove, a microwave, small fridge, coffee maker and toaster. There is also laundry facilities. We had no problem adding an extra night. The staff is very friendly, all civilians, but many former military. No nonsense and efficient. One desk clerk told us that they had not had any theft in the 7 years she had worked there. We left our laptops etc. with no qualms whatsoever. There's no Shuttle, pool or continental breakfast, but we didn't miss those amenities, especially for $62 a night, no tax. You will need your Sailors name and social security number. They don't always ask to see it, but it's best to have it. It's clean, comfortable, but certainly not ritsy. Suited our needs just fine. You were right Pam, It's in the base housing area, not inside the gates where your sailor is, you won't want to walk it.

Oh, FYI, the walk from the parking lot at RTC is only about one quarter mile. I saw gals in skirts and stilletos managing to walk it just fine. All manner of dress was there, from t-shirts and jeans/shorts to black cocktail dresses and everything in between. I would say the female conservative majority though wore capris or some kind of pant with a dressy/nice blouse or a tastefully casual dress-no nylons needed. (Casual business wear or lunch out with the girls.) Bring a Jacket!! Showers move in without much warning, they pump the air conditioning in the train and other indoor places, though it does get warm in the grand hall during PIR.

Have an absolutely fabulous time this weekend, together and especially with your SAILORS. They should impress the socks off of you! I'm thrilled for you all, I know you'll have a wonderful time. Bravo Zulu moms, you made it!!! Remember though, this is just the first leg, one stop in a long journey ahead, their adventures have just begun. Enjoy every moment of Liberty with them. (Be flexible, things can change. For example, they may find out they have watch and have to be back sooner than anticipated) I've no doubt your group will have fun and make a big splash at the Great Lakes!! Travel safely!! Wishing you all calm seas and smooth sailing. one day and awake up to go... HOO YAH!!

p.s. I was about to download photos from last week, drums, flags etc., but we are having thunder and lightening storms, the power just went out briefly. My systems are trying to reset themselves. Hope to post them before Sonia leaves, I'd like 933 moms like Tina, Nicole and Pam to be able to see their boys. You will see them very soon live and in person, but I wanted you to get a glimpse, a sneak peek. :-)

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by JunieB on July 2, 2008 at 1:32am

Thank you Angie.
You had me tearing up in a couple places. I can't wait til tomorrow.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pam on July 2, 2008 at 2:48am

angie you are awesome... thank you so much for all the info... wow it was alot but well worth the read... thanks again for thinking of us ....

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Angie F.- WA: HM mom on July 2, 2008 at 1:33pm

One quick and slightly shorter addendum... the second toll coming from Midway was .80 cents. Going the other way it varies quite a bit. I just got a roll of quarters, had someone change a dollar for dimes and nickels and kept half in our cup holders, the other half in my purse all weekend.

Also, do arrive at the gate early! 6-6:30a.m. Every Division has a bleacher section designated to them, but they fill up fast. 900's are to the left of the Center Grandstand where all the guests of honor and Navy officers are seated. We arrived about 6:45, had to que (sp?) up and shut down the engine, open every door, trunk, hood, glove box, even the gas tank! They had us leave everything in the car and step out to the curb until we were cleared. They checked our photo ID's. We were at the bleachers 15 minutes later.

The parking lot didn't look that full, but the 932 bleachers were almost full, we grabbed some of the last spots. Don't be like the annoying lady who came at 8:30 and insisted on standing on the stairs to the right of us. She blocked my view of Mark and his Honor Guard team when they came out for photos and a run through before PIR!! Then when she found out she wasn't allowed to stay there, she asked the people in the front row (one of our N4M's) to scoot over! We just had to have our photo ID's handy every time we went through the gate to pick Mark up after that. Piece of Cake.

Speaking of, try Full Moons restaurant. They are used to feeding hungry sailors... big portions, home cooking (all American menu, nothing fancy about this place!), breakfast served any time, decent prices, an assortments of tempting desserts. Reminds me of "Flo's Dinner", it's like a family friendly truck stop, only it's the train crews that stop there. They are open 24hours, the waitresses were a kick, nice owner too. O.K, really , I'm done now. All typed out. C ya!!

Permalink Reply by Pam on July 2, 2008 at 12:54am

okay ladies my last comment then i gotta turn this thng off my battery is low... they dont last long enough...LOL I am on my way we are in tenn now ... going to stop later in the night and go to bed then finish out in the morning.... I certainly hope all of you have a wonderful and safe trip I am so excited I am beside myself......and for you 933 ladies ... Phillip said we had special seating close to the front so that is cool lol I cant wait ... well I will talk to you ladies tom r see you hich ever comes first ... goodnight and god speed....

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pam on July 2, 2008 at 2:57am

tina that is funny .....LOL Phillip told us that he gets to stay out til 10 30

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Susan on July 2, 2008 at 8:32pm

Please, please post pictures/videos of PIR July 3rd on the website! My son will not be graduating until July 18th but he is participating in PIR on July 3rd. I would love to catch a glimpse of him! Is there an official video on line? That would be great for families who just can't make it to the ceremony.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pam on July 3, 2008 at 7:53pm

susan what was your son doing I am here now and going to upload some photos later tonight....

▶ Reply to This

• First
• Previous
• Next
• Last