Thoughts on the 10/14 PIR

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by John A. Tejeda, Sr. on October 16, 2011 at 8:14am

I know your feelings so good. My daughter went thru the ritual in 2008 and is now at Lemoore NAS after returning from Japan and touring with USS George Washington. But, the pride and heart felt feelings you have and saw as your son became a sailor is deeply embedded in me. I became a man and abetter person when I too accomplished the goal and earned the right to wear the uniform as a soldier in the early seventies. Did my tour during the Nam era and the cold war era. But noone ever stopped me and said how proud we are for your service, so sad then, but now I am so happy that Americans value the great service that our daughters and sons recieve. Be forever proud of your son as I am of my daughter. If given an opportunity, I would serve again for this great country of ours. So, to you, your family and son, carry on from an old Vet. Never forget what you have witness it is what it is a great and wonderful ritual.

Permalink Reply by Glenn on October 16, 2011 at 8:28am

Thanks John, and I'll take this opportunity to send you a belated thanks for your own service. Good luck to your daughter, also!

Permalink Reply by Pete Freeman on October 16, 2011 at 2:57pm

Thanks Glen! My daughter is in 351 and PIR is this coming Friday 10/21. She had a surprise phone call on Saturday and called us. The difference in her voice and her attitude is amazing. I am already so proud of her. PIR is going to be amazing. A number of years ago, we had the opportunity to see my son's graduation from Parris Island. The pride you feel when you not only see your child but, all those young men and women, is overwhelming. You realize at those times that, in spite of all the crap in the news, America is truly the greatest country in the world.

God Bless your son and God Bless America.

Permalink Reply by Navy Dads Co-Admin Tom on October 17, 2011 at 9:29am

Glen...Congratulations Sir!

John....Thank you for your service....long overdue....

Permalink Reply by Russell on October 17, 2011 at 11:57am

Congrats to all of TG 48!!! along with their families who one way or another, helped instill the values and desire to serve our Country.

 

In spite of all the bad news from the media, it is heartwarming to know that for whatever their individual reasons, there are scores of young men & women signing up to serve in our Country's military. 800+ sailors graduated at the 10/14 PIR, and that is happening every Friday.

 

The information on the threads here was a great help in planning our Friday and weekend.  We were in line outside the gate at 0605, and as noted in other posts, the line gets stretched out quickly. Getting there later would probably entail sitting in line longer, and not getting "optimum" seating.  We picked up some food from Cafe McD's, and enjoyed breakfast & coffee while waiting for the gates to open.  While it takes from 0630 to 0845 to fill the hall, it emptied out in about 20 minutes after liberty call. 

 

We had about an hour to visit with our son, then went back to the hotel so his grandfather could get a nap.  His division moved to new quarters on base, and we met him about 1600 at the visitors center gate to head for dinner - big rare steak! 

 

Over the course of the weekend, our son experienced the frequent "Thank You for serving" as noted in other  posts. It was a humbling experience for us.

 

Good luck to all the new sailors, and a THANK YOU to all that have served!!!

 

Hoo Yah!

 

Russell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by Bill Brown on October 17, 2011 at 1:02pm

Glenn....I was there on the 14th and couldn't agree with you more.  My son Jarrod was in the 341st Division.  I was COMPLETELY overwhelmed when I saw that "little boy" of mine in his uniform.  Congratulations to you and your family.

Permalink Reply by Warren Swanson on October 19, 2011 at 9:20pm

I was there on 10/14 my son was in 347.  It was a great feeling to see all of these young men and women marching in for the PIR.  I am so proud of all of them.  Congratulations to all of the new sailors and to their families.