Pass In Review - Tips, Hints, and Helps

Comment

Comment by Phillip Mitchell on March 12, 2012 at 11:43pm

Notes on 3/9 PIR.  First, trust Sarge !!!! He treated me like a brother while I was at GL and went ABOVE and BEYOND what my real brother would do.  When my kid couldn't remember where and when he was flying out from, Sarge tracked him down and we had 12 hours at O'Hare drinking coffee and watching the sun come up.  Second, the Couryard Marriott was very nice, thanks Paul for the recommendation.  When I checked out at midnight on Friday - to find my kid at O'Hare - they didn't charge me the second day and everyone was plesant friendly and helpful plus it was walking distance to Sarge's Meet and Greet which I whole heartedly endorse.  It was better than the other ones.  Div. 83 N4Ms decided to all wear colored scarves.  It was nice...when I saw a yellow scarf at the meet and greet I knew that was the family with a kid in my division...by PIR I had 50 friends with me in the stands, and friends at the NEX, and friends at the airport that night.  I also heard the food was better at Sarge's MnG.  Overall it was a magical and wonderful time.  With minimum planning for flexibility everything went perfectly again thanks to Sarge. 

If any parents are reading this........brace yourself for one of the best times of your life...try not to get misty when everyone sings Anchors Aweigh.  And good luck this Friday at Gradzilla....the stands at PIR were packed for 7 divisions graduating and with 14 divisions graduating it will be SPECIAL !!!!!!  Get there early and be prepaired with ID and stuff. I took a shuttle from the hotel and arrived 2 hours early but then I had plenty of friends to talk to in the stands.

Comment by Ric Pallson on February 28, 2012 at 1:32am

Yeah -- expect a weekend your whole family will never forget.

Get some photos with the three red stripes -- I only got one -- the red stripes go away so soon. Replaced with the crow and all.

Been 4 years now -- daughter on the other side of the world again -- and it has been very good.

But PIR -- I remember so many details - the direction the snow fell, the names of her RDCs, the undefinable look on her face that said "I done it! I can do more."

Guaranteed you'll never forget that weekend.

Take care.

Ric

Comment by Phillip Mitchell on February 27, 2012 at 11:34pm

Got our Div 83 T-shirts today in the mail....LOOKN GOOD.  Practicing for my "I'm a sailor" call ....Uh.....soon.  Got the best letter yet on Friday, The Boy made sharpshooter and will have  * Chest Candy * on his dress blues and 3 red stripes. Bags are packed, tickets are purchased.  I'm Jazzed...goin to Chicago in 9 days. Who's with me ?

GO NAVY !!!!!!

Comment by Paul Westlake on January 31, 2012 at 7:31pm

Thanks for the followup. on the handicapped parking and wheelchair use.

Comment by Scout1910 on January 31, 2012 at 5:20pm

Here is a tip for parents of SR's who are in the recruit band: If you want to have the best view of the band when they are performing' sit on the right side of the VIP (Center) viewing stand. That is your right when looking at the floor from the stands. The band marches in from the right and stops before getting to the center to perform. This was the way it was on 1-27-2010 PIR. I wish someone had told me this, I sat where the 910 sign was and could not see the performance.  

Comment by Robert Hartman on January 30, 2012 at 6:54pm

http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/faq_family.asp

Q.

Is handicapped parking available?

A.

+/-

Yes. As you enter the base, please show your handicapped parking placard and let security know you require handicapped parking. You will be directed to a parking lot located adjacent to the drill hall. There also are wheelchairs available in this area for those guests who require them

Q.

Are wheelchairs available for use and is there designated handicapped seating available?

A.

+/-

Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis when guests check in at the Visitor Center. There is limited handicapped-designated seating on the drill deck. One family member may accompany a handicapped family member in this area.

Comment by Paul Westlake on January 30, 2012 at 6:34pm

We are anxiously awaiting March 2nd to attend our son's PIR. My wife is very sick and needs a wheelchair. We'll be driving and have a handicap parking pass and we'll bring our own wheelchair.

1. Will we be able to park close to the parade hall?

2. Is there a place for wheelchairs inside or do I need to get her to the bleachers and then take the chair back to the car?

3. I read (somewhere) to try and sit across from where our new sailor will be so we can see him better. If there is wheelchair seating, is this possible?

4. Does anyone have any suggestions that will help us get the most out of watching this incredible time?

Comment by Phillip Mitchell on January 28, 2012 at 11:58pm

do they usually fly out of O'Hare ?

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on January 28, 2012 at 2:05pm

orders, I believe if my memory is correct, come down about 2 weeks before PIR.....I guessing he'll fly out Saturday, but be prepared as he might have to fly out this day as orders change.....follow the old adage, expect the best but prepare for the worst.......and be flexible!!

Comment by Phillip Mitchell on January 28, 2012 at 1:36pm

OK, well you know I'm a bone head....grad and go was wrong, he said no leave.  He is designated a nuke so I figure he will fly out to Charleston....He will be following my old foot steps.  Spent 3 years in Charleston on my old tin can.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• …
• 30
• 31
• 32
• 33
• 34
• …
• 113
• Next ›
• Page