Steve, et.All

My son graduated PIR in December. He is now in Goose Creek, SC in A School.We spent

Wednesday evening at the Holiday Inn in Gurnee before driving for our weekend stay at the Residence Inn in Great Lakes. Due to traffic it was almost a half an hours drive to cover the 15 miles.

We were shuttled to the train station for a visit to Chicago by the hotel. the train station is a good distance from the RTC and not in walking distance-- in Chicago weather. I suggest driving to PIR, cabs are limited on the base.

I also STRONGLY advise you get to RTC by 6:00AM the event seats on the floor are limited and some folks were sent to the balcony seating. The event is held in a large open indoor space and is not heated.

Congrats to you and tell your sailor THANK YOU!

Steve, the train station is probably about 50 to 100 yards from the RTC gate.  It's not a bad walk.  The traffic congestion cannot be understated.  I have also included a traffic map to give you a better way to get on base if you drive your own car.  The blue line is how the cabs and shuttles go to avoid all the congestion in the RH turning lanes...this will save you a lot of time should you decide to drive.  

Just got back recently from the 1/29/16 PIR.  It has taken me a while to get back online as I came down with a nasty flu bug, or some kind of infliction, while there.  I have a new slogan for the Chicago Tourism Board; "Go, it's in our name for a reason..."  But seriously, my California body just couldn't handle that cold and whatever infected my body.  Anyway, here is my review or our trip.

First, we stayed at the Waukegan Marriott Courtyard.  I recommend this hotel as the location was quite convenient, they have a Starbucks in the lobby, and they had shuttle vans to RTC for only $3 per person.  The staff there was very friendly and helpful.  The rooms are nothing too fancy but they were clean and comfortable.  

An added bonus to the Courtyard location is a great BBQ nearby called Big Eds BBQ.  We ate there the day of our arrival and the food was awesome.  No BBQ is cheap, and the prices were typical.  But, the quality of the food was good and they had some unique offerings such as Big Tony's Mac and Cheese.  They add BBQ brisket and BBQ sauce to the Mac and Cheese it is outstanding.

This location is also not too far from Gurnee Mills Mall if you are so inclined to visit and is a short driver to RTC.  We also had to shoot down the road just a bit and eat at White Castle just to say we did.  They don't have White Castle in California other than the frozen sliders you can microwave from the grocery store.

The day of PIR, we scheduled the earliest shuttle leaving at 0630 from the hotel.  We were very pleased to see that all the good things we heard about taking a shuttle were true as we bypassed the miles of people in their cars waiting to get into the base.  We pulled into a parking area, exited the van, and were immediately screened and let into the gate.  The security police used hand held metal detectors then sent us in.  It is about a 100 yard walk to the first building and it was a bit crisp at about 25 degrees I believe.

Upon arriving at the ceremony hall, we presented our ID and our names.  We then went into the hall and were happy to see that there were only 50 or so people there, with more filing in behind us.  On the floor, there were stands with the division names on them with two sailors standing by.  We went down to Division 084 and entered the lower bleachers.  I chose the end of the row near the top where there was nobody behind us, just an aisle leading to the rest of the seats.  This was a good spot as we did not have people hitting our backs the entire time as nobody was behind us.  However, if I were to do it again, I would have gone up a bit farther and chose seats against the wall to lean on.

Since we arrive so early, it was a long slog waiting for the ceremony to begin.  I won't judge people for coming in late, as I have no idea as to the reasons why, but I will say that I was amazed at how many people were running in all the way up until the last minute.  I was also surprised at how many people who did show up late expected people to squeeze together on the bleachers to accommodate them.  Most did not.  We had parades of people walk past us to the seats behind us, which were clearly packed, stand there for five minutes waiting for Moses to come and part the crowd, so they could sit down.  Didn't happen.

I was also irritated to watch one guy who just ignored the poor sailor assigned usher duty in our section who told this guy about ten times that he couldn't stand in the aisle.  This guy just gave the poor kid the stink eye and stayed put.  Finally, I saw the kid going to get backup and the guy must have figured out he was going to be on the losing end.  Some people think that they are special and rules only apply to everyone else.

The ceremony was every bit as gut wrenching and tear jerking as everybody states.  I was actually holding it together pretty good until the entire compliment of graduating sailors recited the Sailor's Creed in unison. Then I will have to admit to choking up.  Somebody recommended folding up your coat and sitting on it.  I concur, but some people brought seat cushions and that is an even better option.  You will end up with a numb butt in no time.

Once the ceremony ended, we expected that they would march the sailors outside and we would have to go find them.  I was surprised to see them announce "Liberty" and it was a mad rush from the stands to the sailors.  We hugged out boy and got to meet a buddy that he made starting in MEPS who then ended up in his Division and his bunk mate.  We took him out to dinner later with us.  Our joy was short lived when my son told us that he and Rigoberto, his buddy, were assigned sentry duty from 1200 - 1600.  I was ticked off but then figured somebody was going to have to do it, we just drew the short straw this time.  

We were able to go over to the NEX and in a room next door, we purchased challenge coins and some pictures.  We browsed the clothing at the NEX but did not buy anything.  We said our temporary goodbyes and told our boy we would be back at 1600 to pick him up for dinner.  This proved easier said than done.  We were told that to pick a sailor up, we should go to the visitor center.  Sure enough, we watched sailor after sailor coming out of that gate and leaving with people.  Apparently, the visitor center is nowhere near the RTC.  After driving all around the base, we stumbled on the gate where my son was.  

Now comes dinner time.  Several people recommended a steak and chop house called Stevens in Gurnee.  We called for a reservation and they were packed.  They had one table for four but we had five people.  However, our shuttle driver earlier had recommended a place called The Shanty.  We called and got a reservation there and this proved to be a great decision.  I highly recommend The Shanty.  It is a very casual environment but looks are deceiving.  They serve prime rib, filet mignon, ribeye, seafood, you name it.  And, they treat the sailors like kings.

We were seated near the front by the bar and about every five minutes a patron would come over and shake the boys hands.  One patrons insisted on paying for their dinners.  Several tried to buy them drinks and when they couldn't do so, forced me to make up for it.  I made the sacrifice.  The food was really good and the atmosphere was great.  There were a few other sailors in the restaurant so apparently it is somewhat well known.  

After dinner, we drove the boys back to the base.  When we arrived at the gate where everybody was making entry, it was packed for miles.  I ended up turning into the gate across the road, making a U-turn with the assistance of the nice gate security personnel, and crossing the road when the light turned.  The boys jumped out prior to us needing to enter the base so I was then able to make another U-turn and leave the base.  It took us all of about 15 minutes tops to drop them off.  Based on the length of the line of cars trying to get in, I'd say some people were there for much longer.  My son said there were sailors who arrived late in the barracks who got into trouble.  I think an even better plan would be to drop your sailor off a block away from the gate and just have them walk in.  I don't know why everybody insisted on driving all the way into the base.

Steve, we were right behind you but at the top of that section before it notched in and we looked right down on the heads too.  It was almost humorous to watch Mom, Dad, and four kids climb all the way up to the back of the bleachers, even though it was clearly packed like sardines, and then stand there as if some miracle was going to transpire and provide them a seat.  Then they would trudge down to the bottom and stand around until somebody would point up towards the balcony.  I couldn't help but wonder just how hard it was to see that balcony, especially when you walk into the hall and there it is...

We are getting close!  My daughter Kenzie heads off for Boot Camp next Tuesday. We had a little going away party for her last Sunday. She is very excited about the adventures ahead of her. I am so proud of her for making this major life decision and even more proud of her for the attitude that she has right now about heading off to an new life that is a big unknown for her. The cake turned out great huh?

Really nice! Best of luck to Kenzie as she begins her adventure!

Buzz....Here's how it goes...if your son is going to A school in Great Lakes, he will check into A school immediately after graduation and have liberty the rest of the weekend.  If your son is going to A school in another state, they will have liberty after graduation until 1930 or so.  Then they will leave for the airport Saturday morning about 0100.  They will not know which airport until graduation.  It will most likely be O'hare though.  When they get to the airport, they all hang out near the USO until about 0500 when they all get their boarding passes and make their way to their gates.  You can hang out with them anytime they are at the airport, although, you will need to be issued a parents mock boarding pass to accompany them to their gate.  Hope this helps.

I have a question ...

According to my son (he ships April 12) his recruiter says he is to bring his cell phone with him to boot camp for his initial "arrived safe" call, then it will be shipped home with his civvies.

The pamphlet he got in DEP also says to bring his cell phone.

However

The recruit training center web site says to not bring any personal electronics including cell phones.

He is worried that if he doesn't bring his cell phone he will be unable to inform his mother and me of his arrival at boot camp. I mentioned that when I went to boot camp there were banks of phones that the recruits called home on, and as long as he had a calling card he would be OK. He astutely pointed out that I went to boot camp WELL before cell phones were a thing (1969), so of course they had banks of "real" phones (smart *** kid).

Anybody out there with "non cell phone" experience? He has one and could certainly take it with him, but I figure it's one less thing to worry about and keep up with between here and there.

Dan,

Tell him to bring his phone. He won't be able to use it going there or immediately upon arrival, but they are given one last phone call before they are told to turn it off and put it in the box. It also helps for you to know his incoming number and jump on the call. You have the one call and that's it for awhile, so you won't want to miss the call. 

Dan,
Your son can take his cell phone with him to Great Lakes.  If he does, he may possibly use it to call home and let you know he arrived as planned.  Then, it will be shipped home with all his other personal effects.  
Greg 

Thanks Brian, that's my point. If they use a shipmate's phone and you aren't the person who answers unknown numbers, you could miss the call.

He can use it for the "I'm here and okay" call. Then it gets shipped home. But, why risk loosing or breaking it. RTC has a room full of phones they use for the initial call  home. Make sure he has enough change in his pocket for a pay phone. Send him there with a pre-paid calling card to use while he's there. After arrival and P-Days begin, you won't hear from him again for about three weeks.

Click on the link above that says Bootcamp Weekly Training Schedule.....

This was on the RTC Facebook page:

***IMPORTANT***

Due to the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Pass-In-Review/Graduation will be held on Thursday, June 30.

We have been made aware that some recruits may have sent home form letters stating July 1 was the graduation date. That is incorrect. Recruits set to graduate that weekend will do so on Thursday, June. 30.

My son graduates PIR is June 3rd and he also asked me to bring his cell and meet him at the airport.  My concern is not knowing now what airport they will be flying out of and what time and how to meet at an airport I am not familiar with.  I read they leave for the airport on Saturday after graduation at 12:30am.  Wondering if anyone has experience with the airport meet?

Maria,  It is true that they depart for the airport early in the morning...between 12:30-2:00am.  He will know approx time when you are with him and also which airport he is heading to.  It will most likely be O'hare.  When they are dropped off at O'hare, they will be dropped off at the USO in Terminal 2.  You can't miss them..there will be seabags and sailors everywhere.  They will not get their boarding passes until 0500 or so.  You can hang out with them near USO until then.  You will be able to give them any items you want at that time as well.  When they get boarding passes, they will make way to gates to leave.  You can also accompany them there as well, but you will have to get a mock boarding pass...just ask the agent at ticket counter and they will issue.  Enjoy, it will be a very early morning for you, but every minute with your new sailor counts.  Any other questions, just ask.   

Maria, Brian is spot on, you can't miss the newly minted sailors at the airport.  All the best and congratulations to you and your soon to be Sailor!

Brian and Richard Thank you so much this is great information and I am so excited and don't want to be running around lost on what to do once in Chicago.  Again Thank you for the very important useful information.

Our sailor graduated in December, we stayed at the Residence Inn near Great Lakes. It was a PHENOMENAL location. He left for A school, at Goose Creek, from Midway. We did not find out until he got his orders after PRI. It was a very early morning at the airport and a long wait.

Enjoy the experience!

TJ

Don...more than likely if it is not too bad, they will keep her on medical hold until she is able to re-join and finish bootcamp.  If it looks like it will never heal well enough to continue, they will medically discharge her.  I know she is probably in the dumps while she is in the holding pattern, but the sooner she gets better and gets back into the training, the sooner she can leave that place.  I hope all works out for her! 

I saw a new PIR of July 8. does the family of the July 8 PIR already know?

Help please! My sons PIR date is June 10th. He's passed his 1st test, received his dress whites. This week 5 at RTC. Is it too soon to book my flight/rental? I'm so anxious because I have to give my employer dates (new job) and also coordinate arrival/departure with his GF. She flies out from Louisville, KY and my younger son and I out of Norfolk, VA. My father was a Company Commander at GL early 80's and he says no guarantee but he would book it. Any feedback will be so appreciated!!

Lien, yes, go ahead and book your flights, hotel, car, whatever you're doing. Mention to the airline, hotel etc...that it's for boot camp graduation. Hotels will normally let you cancel a room 24 hours in advance. All the rental car places around Great Lakes I think also will let you cancel. They get it all the time. I know that some airlines will let you cancel. I have heard that Southwest is good with that. 

We also recommend that you fly into Milwaukee. It's quicker and about the same distance to RTC as it is from O'Hare with a LOT less traffic.

Thanks Jim!! I'll have to check trip insurance just in case because they're trips are non refundable otherwise. I'll Also compare with the Southwest, United and AA because baggage  and cancellation or changes may come out about the same apples to apples.  I plan to book on orbitz or hotwire and fly in/out of Milwaukee as I've seen rentals cost more out of O'hare, traffic and all that. I'm originally from Lake County so I remember the difference flying from one airport or the other does make a difference lol! So you really think it's a go for it? My Dad said he would but anything could change. You're awesome Jim. Thanks again.

Yes, go for it! I'm glad to hear that your familiar with the area. I live in South Bend, IN and try to get over there for the meet and greets when I can.

Hello everyone! I was considering buying a challenge coin for a graduation gift, but I wasn't sure which to get because I didn't know if they are given one at bootcamp. 

No, they are not given one at bootcamp. 

Jim, are the meet and greets invitation only? I'll arrive Wed, June 8th.

Charlene, I chose a really nice G-Shock watch to gift my son. Prices are great on Amazon and Ebay and the reviews are always helpful. Also try this site. It gives wonderful gift suggestions including information on the challenge coin. http://navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/gift-ideas-for-pir. Hope this helps and congratulations to you and your future Sailor!  

My wife got to boot camp on 5/16 and i got her last phone call. I got her package in on Monday. I have yet to receive her "Form Letter". When should i expect that letter?

Letter typically 3-7 days after the box.....

From RTC -- 27 May:

In an effort to give everyone at least one opportunity to see their recruits in a photo during training at boot camp, we have a new program in place to do justthat.

Outstanding news Paul and CUDOS for starting this program. I'll be here in my corner, (in)-patiently awaiting a peek at my son, his ship and division picture(s).

I did not know that Jim.  Thank you for telling me.

If we have time we'll try post some of those here, but all your admins have full-time jobs and time can be elusive !

Division 227

Division 228

Received our first letters from our daughter yesterday. It was great to hear how she has been doing. She has opted to write to just my wife and I then asked us to make copies and pass along to the family. Not a bad idea to make use of limited time to write. 

I underestimated how isolated these recruits are. My daughter is a news junkie and is begging us to send her news articles so right now my wife is picking through the news to find articles she thinks our daughter will like.

I like that fact that RTC is going to post more specific photos for each TG and DIV. My mom managed to find our daughter in a random picture posted on the 17th. She looked like she was doing OK and even the Navy issue glasses don't look too bad on her. She even commented that she kinda liked them even.

Thank you again to Paul and Jim who keep this site up and running for all of proud by nervous parents.

Wishing you all a safe Memorial Day Weekend as we remember those who served before our daughters and sons, making the ultimate sacrifice so that our loved ones are less likely to have to.

Dennis we are so glad that you have found our site so useful! Might I suggest that if you send her news from home, try to keep it up-beat. Also it's not a good idea to clip articles from the paper and include them in the envelope. See if you can print them on the back of your letters. Or maybe a single sheet with articles front and back. 

You just don't want to draw attention to her. The RDCs can make it pretty rough. Good luck!