What do we expect?

[cra_z_ladi]

Our son is currently in Great Lakes. His PIR is not set yet. We've only received one short letter from him. It did not have any information in it other than he was really cold. What should we expect and how soon should we start planning? What do we do? Are there any sights to see while we are there. Texas is a long way from Illinois.

[Kristie]

Welcome.....I am glad you joined us! Is this Mesha????

At the time that both of mine left you could call the Public Affairs Office at RTC about 24 hours after their arrival and get their graduation date and mailing address. But I have seen lately that they are no longer giving that out over the phone because of the privacy laws....but some have said they were able to get the info by calling or emailing. I guess it just depends who you get. You can try....phone number is 1-847-688-2405 and the email is rtc.pao@navy.mil I would definatly try both.

If you are unsuccessful then call his recuriter and he will be able to get you his info. Before you even get his address I would start writing to him. Both of mine said that letters were so precious to them. We were all writing to ours and even our church family sent ours letters. Once you get his address I would start writing and mailing every day or so. He actually will not be able to get any of his mail until the 3rd Sunday. After that he will get mail each day that something comes in for him. Mine were always begging for photos so be sure to include photos with each letter you send.

There are lots of places to go and lots of things to do.....http://www.thenavycafe.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=12...will give you an idea of some things to do.

I hope this helps....let me know what else you need!

[NavyMomx2]

I tried to post you that same advise Kristie did - but it told me I was denied...hate it when that happens.

So, anyway...ditto to what Kristie said and Welcome to our site. We will look forward to reading more posts from you soon.

[crochet]

Yes, letters!!! I sent a letter or package every day that the mail came. I sent all my letters in a sky blue envelope with clouds on it. When my son graduated, I asked him if he could spot his letter from me in the pile of mail. He said that he didn't catch on until the recruit that sorts mail noticed and joked with him about "Who keeps sending you this blue envelope?". After that, my son looked forward to looking for that blue envelope. :) I'm glad it turned out well. I still send that blue envelope when I mail letters to him. :cheesy: They love to have pictures and every bit of good news from home and encouraging words keep their spirits up when they feel down. I sent alot of comic strips too. I knew that their space was limited so on week 4 and week 5 I sent a pre-addressed, pre-stamped flat rate priority envelope for him to put things in it that he wanted to keep. When they arrived home, I didn't open them but I brought them to PIR to see what he wanted to take out to have at A school. He said that he was able to save alot of letters that he might otherwise would have had to throw away. Please try to read some PIR stories along with reading things to do at PIR. It is good that you are starting now because there is alot of info out there and I spent hours reading stories and crying with joy with other moms and I loved it. We had a perfect trip because we were well prepared because of the wonderful men and women on this site. :smile:

[Proud of Zach]

Cra Z Ladi - my son's recruiter had his address two days after he arrived at GL . . . never too soon to start planning . . . we drove from southeast TX where in Tx are U?? give it a few weeks and then the RTC site may have his training group listed and PIR date . . .

Welcome and hang on! the rollercoaster ride has begun!!

[glennsmom]

Welcome to the roller coaster ride. There is a lot to do and see in the area or just drive back down to Chicago. Sometimes they don't want to do anything but hang out at the hotel. Southwest Airlines is the best bet for airfare but you have to go to their web site. Best of luck.