BACK FROM PIR 7/18/08 OUR WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE (Tips)
Hi Everyone:
We're so grateful for all of the tips received on this site, so I wanted to pass along our experience in the hopes that it may help you as well:
- Rented a car from Avis- easy in, easy out to and from airport.
- Traffic-- From the airport was a nightmare! There was an accident that shut down the highway, and we were literally stopped and people outside of cars talking. This took hours to reach our hotel. There is construction going on and it's only two lanes in one direction. I hope you have better luck than we did, and after traveling from 5 a.m. it was very frustrating.
- Where we stayed- We could do a commerical for the Residence Inn- close to the base, very comfortable suite, we got a room poolside. They even had a grad package made up for us complete with directions everwhere, rules of liberty, etc. The sailors are exhausted after PIR having been up for 36 hours with Battle Stations, so most just want to rest, hang with family, use their cell phones to call friends, Ipods for music, so this hotel was a Godsend. Free breakfast,complimentary dinner buffet the night before PIR (with unlimited wine/beer, coffee/soda), coffeemaker in room complete with packets of coffee, etc.. it was everything we needed and more. We went to Wal-Mart for food, but shouldn't have the hotel provides so much for free. They also had a computer in the lobby for use, so he was able to check his e-mails, banking, etc., catch up with friends, etc. Lots of naps that first day! The sailors have to be in uniform in public, but we brought navy bathing suit and white t-shirt for the pool area as it's close to his gym regulation clothing. He was thrilled to have his Ipod/cell phone, but we had to bring it home with us to ship to him later. Apparently they can't be on their cells standing still in public. There are many strict rules for liberty.
- PIR Day - We arrived at 6:30, but anytime before 7:30 is safe. You can be held up for a long time with parking, searches, the long walk to the hall, so be early. On a tip from this site, we parked in the Metro Lot (the first right after the gate, Ohio Ave?) $1, and we walked in and out very easily. The night before PIR we drove there first to find it. Wear comfortable shoes and pack an umbrella. They had sniffing dogs, cars were checked, have your I.D. out. Your bags will be searched. Once inside, there are videos set up overhead while you are waiting. Right before the ceremony they show a video of their bootcamp experiences! Set your cameras on inside lighting- it appeared very bright in that auditorium but some of my pix are dark; I forgot to set it. My big mistake was concentrating on taping it (I didn't realize Greg had ordered the video of the ceremony which will be mailed to us later, but it was fun to show him in the hotel room). I concentrated more on videoing than I did watching it. The huge projectors enable you to see it all up close. They were sellling t-shirts (each division designs their own), if you want, buy before because they aren't sold after. Stay away from the NEX store on grad day, it's mobbed, the next day it's much easier to shop. They are very strict on photo taking, especially around the gate area. We did find a wonderful Kodak moment in front of the NEX store after graduation- the window is hand painted "I am a United States Sailor" and it made a great backdrop! A very kind woman walked by and offered to take our family picture so we could all be in it, and we did the same for her family. First stop after PIR if they are coffee drinkers is Dunkin Donuts which is half a mile from the gate (in a gas station). We decided to drive away from the base after PIR for lunch as Finnegans was mobbed. At the Wal-Mart plaza there are a few great lunch places- we went to a rib and wings place (?name- sorry)
- Day Two- Greg wanted to see Lake Michigan and go to the Mall. It was a quick drive, but poured rain- fun to visit as we live near the ocean. The Mall was absolutely huge, hundreds of proud sailors everywhere. If you separate from your family without a cell phone, you won't be found for days! We had lunch at Rainforest Cafe inside the mall, took great pictures and got a seat in the bar (open to the mall) and talked to all of the sailors walking by (grads can't have alcohol). Greg told nightmare stories about the consequences of anyone caught coming back to the base during liberty that had been drinking.
- Where we ate dinner..The first two nights we took salads and pizza back to the hotel..from Tomatoes (Wal-mart plaza). Felt like we were stealing, as they allowed you to stuff all the salad and pizza you could into these big to-go containers- $12 each night for dinner, it was delicious. The last night for his birthday we went to Olive Garden. There was such a long wait we panicked he wouldn't make his curfew, so we ate in highback chairs in the bar. Not as comfortable as a booth, but we weren't taking any chances.
- No one is kidding when they say pack that Tide-to-Go pen for the white uniform.
- Once PIR is over, they have to keep their black raincoat with them at all times to protect their unform in case of rain, I think the rules are they are allowed a black packback, draped over one shoulder, we saw a lot of this at the mall.
- Great advice to stay away from shopping at NEX after graduation; too hectic. The next day was so much easier.
- There were masses on Sunday; we attended the 7:30; the priest was wonderful, blessed all the new grads and their families and all of the grads got up on the alter and sang "Anchors Away" It was as touching as the PIR and we're so glad we went.
- My apologies this is so long, but I hope I've helped. Please ask any questions! Best of luck to all of your future sailors!
We're so grateful for all of the tips received on this site, so I wanted to pass along our experience in the hopes that it may help you as well:
- Rented a car from Avis- easy in, easy out to and from airport.
- Traffic-- From the airport was a nightmare! There was an accident that shut down the highway, and we were literally stopped and people outside of cars talking. This took hours to reach our hotel. There is construction going on and it's only two lanes in one direction. I hope you have better luck than we did, and after traveling from 5 a.m. it was very frustrating.
- Where we stayed- We could do a commerical for the Residence Inn- close to the base, very comfortable suite, we got a room poolside. They even had a grad package made up for us complete with directions everwhere, rules of liberty, etc. The sailors are exhausted after PIR having been up for 36 hours with Battle Stations, so most just want to rest, hang with family, use their cell phones to call friends, Ipods for music, so this hotel was a Godsend. Free breakfast,complimentary dinner buffet the night before PIR (with unlimited wine/beer, coffee/soda), coffeemaker in room complete with packets of coffee, etc.. it was everything we needed and more. We went to Wal-Mart for food, but shouldn't have the hotel provides so much for free. They also had a computer in the lobby for use, so he was able to check his e-mails, banking, etc., catch up with friends, etc. Lots of naps that first day! The sailors have to be in uniform in public, but we brought navy bathing suit and white t-shirt for the pool area as it's close to his gym regulation clothing. He was thrilled to have his Ipod/cell phone, but we had to bring it home with us to ship to him later. Apparently they can't be on their cells standing still in public. There are many strict rules for liberty.
- PIR Day - We arrived at 6:30, but anytime before 7:30 is safe. You can be held up for a long time with parking, searches, the long walk to the hall, so be early. On a tip from this site, we parked in the Metro Lot (the first right after the gate, Ohio Ave?) $1, and we walked in and out very easily. The night before PIR we drove there first to find it. Wear comfortable shoes and pack an umbrella. They had sniffing dogs, cars were checked, have your I.D. out. Your bags will be searched. Once inside, there are videos set up overhead while you are waiting. Right before the ceremony they show a video of their bootcamp experiences! Set your cameras on inside lighting- it appeared very bright in that auditorium but some of my pix are dark; I forgot to set it. My big mistake was concentrating on taping it (I didn't realize Greg had ordered the video of the ceremony which will be mailed to us later, but it was fun to show him in the hotel room). I concentrated more on videoing than I did watching it. The huge projectors enable you to see it all up close. They were sellling t-shirts (each division designs their own), if you want, buy before because they aren't sold after. Stay away from the NEX store on grad day, it's mobbed, the next day it's much easier to shop. They are very strict on photo taking, especially around the gate area. We did find a wonderful Kodak moment in front of the NEX store after graduation- the window is hand painted "I am a United States Sailor" and it made a great backdrop! A very kind woman walked by and offered to take our family picture so we could all be in it, and we did the same for her family. First stop after PIR if they are coffee drinkers is Dunkin Donuts which is half a mile from the gate (in a gas station). We decided to drive away from the base after PIR for lunch as Finnegans was mobbed. At the Wal-Mart plaza there are a few great lunch places- we went to a rib and wings place (?name- sorry)
- Day Two- Greg wanted to see Lake Michigan and go to the Mall. It was a quick drive, but poured rain- fun to visit as we live near the ocean. The Mall was absolutely huge, hundreds of proud sailors everywhere. If you separate from your family without a cell phone, you won't be found for days! We had lunch at Rainforest Cafe inside the mall, took great pictures and got a seat in the bar (open to the mall) and talked to all of the sailors walking by (grads can't have alcohol). Greg told nightmare stories about the consequences of anyone caught coming back to the base during liberty that had been drinking.
- Where we ate dinner..The first two nights we took salads and pizza back to the hotel..from Tomatoes (Wal-mart plaza). Felt like we were stealing, as they allowed you to stuff all the salad and pizza you could into these big to-go containers- $12 each night for dinner, it was delicious. The last night for his birthday we went to Olive Garden. There was such a long wait we panicked he wouldn't make his curfew, so we ate in highback chairs in the bar. Not as comfortable as a booth, but we weren't taking any chances.
- No one is kidding when they say pack that Tide-to-Go pen for the white uniform.
- Once PIR is over, they have to keep their black raincoat with them at all times to protect their unform in case of rain, I think the rules are they are allowed a black packback, draped over one shoulder, we saw a lot of this at the mall.
- Great advice to stay away from shopping at NEX after graduation; too hectic. The next day was so much easier.
- There were masses on Sunday; we attended the 7:30; the priest was wonderful, blessed all the new grads and their families and all of the grads got up on the alter and sang "Anchors Away" It was as touching as the PIR and we're so glad we went.
- My apologies this is so long, but I hope I've helped. Please ask any questions! Best of luck to all of your future sailors!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by sue on -
hello! I am going to PIR on Friday , Aug 21st, and will take your advice! Questions: What town is Tomatoes in? and What church did you go to on Sunday, and where was it? How was your boy able to attend mass with you on Sunday, if he couldn't leave base until 8or 9 am? thanks. did you buy the photo pkg of him, and where do you get it. also, how long of a walk is it timewise from the parking lot to the base?
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Permalink Reply by Mary K on
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Thanks for all of your advise. I read every single detail and took notes. One thing though, want do you wear to the graduation....... is it casual dress, business, or dressy??? Thanks!
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Permalink Reply by Johanna , Zac mom on
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Casual and have comfortabl shoes alot of walking
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Permalink Reply by Jason's Mom on -
Thank you so much for this great info! our son's PIR date isn't until October 16, but we are already looking and finding things are getting sold out, so it is good to have your advice about the Residence Inn. It isn't listed in the brochure our son sent home, so we would not have even known about it. Thanks again! it sounds like they really treat the sailors and their families well, and that is what we need on this short weekend we get to see our sons. thanks again!
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Permalink Reply by Johanna , Zac mom on
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My sons PIR date is October 16th also we are staying at the Red Carpet Inn. I chose it because its only a mile a way (wanted to be close). I read in may other mother bloges that if the hotel has a shuttle take that instead of your car. You avoid the line that has to inspect the vehicals because the inspect inside and out. it saves time
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Permalink Reply by SAILOR-giosmom27 ship13 div362 on -
excellent info thanks so much every bit helps, I would be lost without all of you!! lol
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Permalink Reply by EJ's Mama on
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Just wanted to add my little bit of info. My son's PIR was 09-03. I printed the above to take with me. Definitely park in the train parking lot. It's right past entrance to the base on the right. But get there early. The traffic to the base was backed up for over a mile and barely moving. One other tip, after PIR is over, let your sailor come to you in the bleachers. If you sit in front of his division, he will find you in the crowd. We know their suppose to look straight ahead but we also know their scanning the people for their family. More than likely they'll know where you are and they can come straight to you. That's easier than fighting the crowd on the floor. We didn't plan it that way but that's how it worked out and it was perfect. We stayed at the Navy Lodge, $65/night no tax. It was nice and would stay there again. It's not the Hilton but it worked for why we were there. Friendly staff was a plus. We had a perfect weekend even tho my sailor was grad and go. We got to go all the way to the gate until he boarded his plane. IF you decide to go to the city, I suggest taking the train. It was an hour ride but pleasant. I like to people watch so it worked. Parking is next to nothing in the city unless you know where the parking decks are and then it's outrageous for the price. There's alot of info here; take what applies to your family and enjoy.
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Permalink Reply by K-Illinois on -
Thank you for such in infomative letter, it is greatly appreciated as our son's PIR is 10/16/09. I'll reread this tomorrow and ask you some questions.
Kathie
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Permalink Reply by NJDawn on -
Wow thanks so much for all the info.....can you tell me which Residence Inn you stayed in, and where is it located? I can't wait to see my son, his PIR date is Nov.13th. Thanks Dawn
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Permalink Reply by Johanna , Zac mom on
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thank you for the Tide -to- Go and the Black backpack advise i will bring them both
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Permalink Reply by joanne on
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Congratulations on all of the sailors with upcoming PIR! The Residence Inn we stayed at was
Waukegan/Gurnee, very close to the base. Best of luck to them all, and enjoy every minute of your time together! My son is currently serving in Afghanistan as a combat medic, and I look back at that weekend of PIR as such a wonderful memory for our family; I know you will treasure the time with your sailors as well!
Joanne
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Permalink Reply by deedeema on -
How does one pay for photos, video, KEEL of PIR if my son has no money on him? Even though he gets a paycheck now (I think) I doubt he will have enough money to order things for mom. Can Mom''s order stuff? (Like pictures - multiple copies for relatives - etc. and different sizes?)
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