lots of play in the steering from ise to side

Unless you're experiencing serious steering issues like your steering wheel locks up or it jerks as you turn or your turning radius has suffered significantly, I would still say that you have a bad alignment. If you used a retail outlet and you don't trust the same mechanic to redo the alignment - take it to another retail outlet and have them check his work. Either way, do it soon as they may not warranty the alignment for very long.

I took it to another alignment shop today and they said it was right on..they agreed that the steering was very loose. They suggested that it was in the " sub assembly of the internal steering column." I dont know where else to take it except maybe to a certified chevy dealer and hold onto my wallet...any other suggestions??

If you had new tires, and alignment done, that tells me there was a reason for doing it. Maybe the new tires and alignment exasperated the preexisting problem and it is now more noticeable. Anything from the idler arm being bad to bearings either worn or lose. A good front end mechanic should be able to eliminate a lot of the steering issues and narrow it down. After 15 years of driving, there has to be something worn.

John is right on...Sounds like inexperienced mechanics.I do my own alignments as long as its toe in and out.Common sense,turning the steering wheels turns the wheels. Watch as someone turns the wheel both ways with vehicle running. Observe all steering connections from tie rod ends back to steering gearbox input.The play may even be in just one wheel.Highly unlikely its in the steering column.