Just got back from PIR and had a great time. This is what my experience was like. I hope it helps. First Ramada Inn Waukegan has a meet & greet on Friday 1800 to 2000. They really do go out of there way to do this. They have snacks free & food available for purchase. Also have 79.00 double rooms for PIR or 83.00 for 2 Queens W/ frig & Micro. I got to gate at around 0645 and was a short wait to get in. As for security just take gate pass and ID for all. The rest you will have to go and see. {If security concerns you don't go, these are our finest and they need a little security at BC} After you get into the hall handicapped people will be seated on floor in front. I think the best view will be as high as you can get. The ceromony is an awesome experience. You can order the graduation DVD at the photo lab by NEX on base. You can also buy t-shirts & misc. there.If your sailor is staying at Great Lakes they will have liberty on Sat. & Sun. Don't know hours. My son left out Sat. at about 2100, but was shuttled to Ohare on Sat. and was there at 0500. You can take cell phone & misc. to them then. Liberty on Fri. expires at 2000 however someone will have watches during liberty. My son had watch at 1800 so had to get back early.{ Latter he said he volunteered so that someone else could be off and no-one had to be picked} That is after all how they all got there. At the airport your sailor can get you a gate pass to go with them to wait for their flight. They can also go to front of security screenings, and take you, at the airport. The USO is very helpful at the airport and the navy pier. Anyone looking for a good place to make donations these days, see for yourself if you think they may be deserving. After you son or daughter leaves Chicago, you will be able to talk on the phone a lot more. We left our son about 2 hours before his flight with a lot of new friends. They will need some time with there new friends, and probably best friends they have ever had and will be in school with next. I hope this helps someone. Also Chicago really has some nice people. Giv pleanty of time if you drive for traffic.
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