A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege and honor to attend my nephews son’s graduation from Airman Basic Training in San Antonio TX. My grand-nephew had graduated from high school in May but had signed up for the Air Guard several months prior. He received his papers and as summer slowly moved to fall he took a big step towards adulthood.
Future airmen arrive at their local airports and are placed in a room to await their flight. The room is plain and there are a few chairs and they wait. Having arrived between flights the wait for our future airman was about 3 hours. I wonder what goes through a young man’s mind when he is left alone with just his thoughts?
While our future airman worked hard and was challenged mentally and physically his parents and I planned the trip to watch the big graduation event.
We awoke at o-dark:30 and headed to the base for the graduation. Luckily we had a back-up plan for me entering the base as there of course was a name mixup, actually there were two mix-ups. Our future neighbor rescued me – he works on base and walked over to “sponsor” me on base for the graduation. I walked through the security gate about 60 seconds prior to my nephew and his wife coming through via their vehicle, they picked me up on the base-side of the gate and we were off to find parking and a place to view the graduation.
We had arrived a little early and so we had some wait time. I played with my camera, it was a very hazy day and I apologize in advance for the photography. At one point my poor nephew was feeling the humidity and Texas heat (which was actually quite mild). I commented that at least he wasn’t in “dress blues” and he settled right down – it is all about perspective!
I would like to share a portion of the graduation ceremony. They had handed the reins over to a visiting General who is retiring. He has served our nation for his entire adult life. His words to these young recruits as he passed the baton were right on target, I hope they were listening.
Thank you to all of our VETERAN’s for your service!
This class included 591 recruits that are now ready to carry the torch!
Be sure to thank a vet – not just today but every day. My nephew and his wife were very impressed with the citizens of San Antonio – these citizens took the time to stop and thank their young man for his service!
Dee