graduation Oct. 10th

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Permalink Reply by Karen Tackeberry on September 18, 2008 at 4:20pm

My son is in Division 386

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Permalink Reply by Karmen on September 18, 2008 at 9:02pm

My son is also in division 386. I will be there with 7 people. I can't wait to see him and give him a big hug.

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Permalink Reply by Heidi on September 21, 2008 at 9:06pm

My son, Beau, is in Div. 381 also. We can't wait to fly out for his graduation. See you there.

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Permalink Reply by Karen Tackeberry on September 18, 2008 at 4:21pm

My son is in Division 386

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Permalink Reply by Marcy & Robert on September 18, 2008 at 12:54am

Hi Karen,
Our son had his PIR on Aug. 29, 2008. There were 7 of us and we had now problem getting in. We also stayed at the Ramada Inn in Waukegan and they had a free Hotel Shuttle to the graduation. I highly recommend taking shuttle, boy the line of cars trying to get in was very long. When the shuttle drop us off and the maingate, the officer just asked who we were there to see and asked how many; he just stamped our hands and walked in. I know if you drive in there is a limit of 4 people per car. There is just so many people. Our son came back with us on the shuttle and we spent time at our room for our son wanted to take a good shower and use real soap and shampoo, he said they had to share shower gel with everyone. The Ramada Inn is only 4 miles from the base and we just by passed all the traffic.
I hope this info has helped.
Robert and Marcy

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Permalink Reply by Leann Poole on September 18, 2008 at 12:45pm

My son just graduated on September 12th. We had one extra person and they didn't even check our names against the list, she just marked us off. Also, my other son that is 17 did not have his ID with him at the time and they said no big deal. Just plan on being there when the gates open to allow plenty of time for parking and walking. They are just bleacher seats and they do fill up fast so the earlier you get there the better.

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Gonzales and Family on September 18, 2008 at 5:27pm

I've attended PIR's twice so be there a little after 6AM. they will let you in and your company as long as you have proper ID's. need to point out, only one vehicle is allowed inside the base unless you have two sailors graduating that day. also, for motels go to Gurnee IL Comfort Inn they have the best service and only 12 miles away. food is also around that motel. good luck

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Permalink Reply by Diana on September 18, 2008 at 10:09pm

Our son had PIR in May and we had 5 people. We were at the base first thing in the morning and not a minute later so we would be one of the first to arrive so there would be no problem. After car inspections and parking we walked right to the check in area and had the 5th person that was not on the list hand her ID first as we said who we were there for. He said something like "oh I see you had a change of plans" and we did not say anything but handed him the remaining 4 IDs. He checked off our names, he told us to go in and we all set together. No one was sent to another room. As for the car, we only had one so we did not have that issue but I do not believe any car is allowed to enter or park without a parking permit.

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Permalink Reply by Debi on September 18, 2008 at 10:22pm

My son is in Div 415 anyone have a son or daughter in this division ?

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Permalink Reply by Kimandtheboys on September 19, 2008 at 8:50am

*FLYING TO GREAT LAKES*

I realize you asked specifically about guests, but most people don't know there is another airport besides O'Hare to fly into, Milwaukee airport. We found that fares were cheaper flying in and out of Milwaukee, so check both when you are making your reservations. They are both about the same distance to the base.

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Permalink Reply by Deanna on September 21, 2008 at 6:27pm

Good luck to your son and your family.My son has been go since 9/16/08. We just got his clothes back on Thursday We are anixous to get his address to send letters. Do you have any suggests about mailing letters. Hopefully we'll get his address in a couple of day. Where are you staying when you go for graduation? This is all new to us. got to go.
Deanna

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Permalink Reply by Karen Tackeberry on September 22, 2008 at 1:34pm

Deanna, When sending letters make sure that you put his ship # and his divsion # also personally I think that putting the extra 4 numbers after the zip code is helpful. He seems to get my letters very fast mostly the next day. We've had only one call and that came three weeks after he was in boot camp. One suggestion is to send him a phone card. But they can only call when given permission the first time. As to after that I'm not sure how it works yet. We haven't had a second call. I'm in the same boat (ship) your in this is all new to us. We are staying at the Marriott Residence Inn Lake Forest/ Mettawa. My husband and I took a trip on this last Sunday so we could see exactly where we needed to go. This Hotel is only about 15 minutes away and easy to get to. We had a little trouble finding the naval base from the hotel but the directions that the hotel gave us were not totally right. We went in because I didn't want to waste so much time once we got in there to find the naval base. I'm just praying there is no construction when we need to go in for graduation. Lets keep in contact as we are new parents to all of this.
Karen

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