My son left for BC on August 12th. We received his box within the first few days however, as of today, we have yet to receive the Formal Letter indicating his address, list of attendees for graduation and password to get on the base. My wife is making herself sick worrying why we haven't received the letter when others that left the same day have. She is worried it got lost in the mail. Any suggestions???
When PIR is done and they call Liberty Call Liberty Call the sailors get liberty. Many people met their sailor at NEX on the RTC. They have to stay in their uniform during Liberty and have to be back by 7:00 or 8:00 PM. You return them to the OHIO road gate on Berkley. They will have that gate open and will let you drive in to drop them off and say bye.
When you park for PIR you use Illinois entry which is on the East side of the RTC.
If your sailor is leaving for school for somewhere other than Great Lakes they will catch their buss at 0100. That's 1:00 AM and they drop off EVERY sailor that is flying out at O'hare
airport that day. Some will be there a few hours and some all day until they leave. Yes, all day at the airport. Some sailors didn't fly out until 2230 that night. My son left at 1030 that morning. If you want to hang out with your sailor and they will be there later in the day I would sleep a little because you won't be able to talk to them much while they are checking their bags in the morning. You can get into the terminals with them by getting a family pass "FROM THE AIRLINE" with your sailor present and you can spend time with them before they leave. Frustrating but it-is-what-it-is. Hurry up and wait. It was worth it to me to see him and visit with him.
I hope this helps?
I just got back from PIR and I hope I can help folks with what I learned.
If you plan to stay at the Navy Lodge you do not have to be in the military yourself. If you are on the list for the PIR for your sailor they will allow you to stay there.
If they do not have room they may put you in touch with the Gateway Inn which is on-base. The Gateway is on the NTC base which is separate from the RTC base. They will give you a sheet to fill out to get a temporary security pass to get on-base but it is pretty nice and is less expensive. They also have a better continental breakfast at Gateway than the Lodge. The rooms are nice in both. The rooms at the Gateway are in an older barracks and have a refrigerator, microwave, lock box, TV and Keureg The bed is comfortable and they are really good hosts. They printed up directions to the airports for me. Nice.
Thanks so much for this site. I have been researching information since the day Colten left for boot camp. This site has it all in one place, in addition to some very friendly support.
My son shipped to great lakes today. I have gotten a chance to speak to him and know has checked in with the naval liason at ohare airport. I have heard from others on here and other people that the next contact will be just to say I am here. I don't have an address to write yet. i have been told that comes later in the first week . Emotions ran the full spectrum today and still dealing with some. Nine weeks really goes by fast everyone says. I sent my son to the navy on the next step of his journey and I am sure you will return to me a man who is more focused and ready to tackle his journey head on.
thanks for reading
Brett J
Sent this to the boy today and thought I would share with the group. It's part of a larger project and is about getting through Hell Week. http://jbarh.com/080514-conflict/
