Air Force Basic Training Graduation: Day 4

This was the last day that we had together as a family before having to leave to come home for Florida. We met Shannon at the Chapel for Sunday morning service. There were well over a thousand Airmen in attendance. Much like LifePoint, they had a worship band that played the like of “Every Step I Take” and “I Could Only Imagine”.

 

 

<——-These are the three women that God has blessed me with in my life, Jessi, Shane and Kelly.

 

 

The Airmen worshiped with arms raised high, tears in many eyes and in praise of Jesus! It was an awesome feeling to be able to worship God with a group of America’s finest. The message was from John 5, the lame man, and going after what you want in life and being faithful to Jesus. During the invitation a great number of Airmen raised their hands in turning their lives over to Christ. It brought tears to my eyes to see such young people starting out on a new life and arming themselves with the grace of the Father and the love of Jesus Christ.

Airman Shannon N. Puterbaugh, my daughter! —->

Below are pictures of each of us with Airman Puterbaugh. Soon after we took these pictures we departed Lackland AFB for home. Shannon will remain for two weeks holdover status before she starts 6 weeks of Technical Training. Upon completion she will depart for her permanent duty station. Location….unknown at this time. Dad (me) hopes it will be close to home!

NOTE: Please visit my new Xanga site, Laleo Cafe, where I will be posting from now on all my “spiritual” ramblings.

YES…I AM A PROUD FATHER

 

Air Force Basic Training Graduation: Day 3

 

 

We started this morning by meeting Shannon and going to breakfast at Cinnabon in the main Base Exchange (BX). Those caramel pecan cinnamon buns are just plain heavenly.  Of course the first thing Shane was talking about was her Starbucks…that girl loves her coffee!

 

 

 

 

So, we took off for downtown San Antonio to the Rivercenter Mall……first stop Starbucks! Then we took our coffee and sat outside by the river (going through the center of the mall) and we listened to a really neat ethnic band playing wooden flutes, a guitar, a drum/percussion and an assortment of pan flutes. Awesome sound! I bought a pan flute so watch out……you might hear one soon. They were really good. We thouroughly enjoyed ourselves relaxing with a cup of coffee and great soothing music ln a sunny, breezy day!

 

 

 

 

Next it was off to the Alamo! We walked a few blocks to the Alamo and walked around what remains looking at all the exhibits of Davy Crocket and James Bowie lore. The grounds are beautiful, the exhibits are interesting and yes…it was full of tourist! I got my “Remember the Alamo” T-shirt (doesn’t everyone have to have one?)

 

 

 

Everyone said it was smaller than expected but when we got there I thought it was a pretty good size. What I found funny is that it is in the center of town surrounded by tall hotels, parking lots and tourist attractions.

Originally named Misión San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo served as home to missionaries and their Indian converts for nearly seventy years. While the facts surrounding the siege of the Alamo continue to be debated, there is no doubt about what the battle has come to symbolize. People worldwide continue to remember the Alamo as a heroic struggle against overwhelming odds — a place where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

 

Then it was back to Lackland AF Base to relax. All in all, a great day. Tomorrow we will be going to church and then we’ll be coming home. I miss you all

Air Force Basic Training Graduation: Day 2

What a day! I started out my normal time with a cup of coffee and study at 4:30 am. It was quiet, early morning and I was in no hurry whatsoever to get to work. No work today! My daughter, Shannon, is getting ready to take her final oath and graduating from Air Force Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

 

 

<—- Here is that fantastic room I told you about! The Air Force is definitely in style!

 

At 8:45 Kelly, Jessica and I headed out for the Parade Field. There were over 800 soldiers graduating today. They announced that over 30,000 Airmen would graduate this year alone. I have to say that it is refreshing to see our country’s finest young men and women stepping from one life into another….a life of service to us and our country.

This is Shannon’s Flight 594, Training Squadron 322 passing in Review —->

<—- This is the Passing of the colors at the beginning of the pass in review.

 

 

<—- That’s my baby….oops…That’s my daughter who now has a POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) license rather than a driver’s license; who “utilizes the latrine” rather than “going to the bathroom”; who is very concerned about BEING ON TIME…wow, what a change.

I am so thankful that our family is so close and thank God every day! Jessica had a test on Wed. and so decided to buy a plane ticket to fly out here so she wouldn’t miss the graduation and so Kelly and I could make the Airman’s Run. This is my family…….Thank you God for such a blessing! —->

 

 

 

<—- Proud mom and daughter!

Proud Sister’s…….(parents….there is a time when your siblings start acting like they love each other, LOL) —->

 

 

<—- Next we got a chance to visit Shannon’s “living quarters”. She is so lucky to share a room with 46 other friends! This has been home-sweet-home for the last six weeks!

 

This is Shannon’s “home-away-from home”. Any of you remember the days sleeping on those old steel bunks? Or dropping quarters on the blankets to test if they are stretched tight enough (the quarter better bounce!)? See the “hospital corners” ? —->

 

 

<—- This is Staff Sergeant Allen, their TI (Training Instructor). He’s smiling now………but that’s because we were there These men and women who spend sunup to sundown with these recruits turn our children into responsible adults…all in a matter of 6 weeks. They are tough, knowledgeable and dedicated!

After graduation and open house we ate lunch and went to the mall. Shannon’s first stop wasStarbucks! —->

 

 

 

 

 

<—- LifePoint…..this one’s for you! We love our Starbucks (so does Shannon)!

 

 

 

NOTE: Please visit my new Xanga site, Laleo Cafe, where I will be posting from now on all my “spiritual” ramblings.

Air Force Basic Training Graduation: Day 1

We arrived last night in San Antonio and this morning we attended the “Families” briefing for the next few days. The Sergeant was quite animated and briefed us on the following, among other things:

– After the graduation ceremony we are able to walk up to our Airman in the formation to visit with them He told us, “When you walk up to your Airman and start to hug and Kiss on ‘em, make sure it’s your kid! They all look he same!”

– PDA (Public Displays of Affection- “Mom’s, sisters, aunts…..you must use the five-Mississippi method for PDA…you know, you can hug them and make sure you start counting, one-Mississippi, two-Mississippi, etc. Dad’s, brothers, your Airman has told everybody you’re the biggest, baddest, meaness one out there, don’t spoil it! You have to use the two-Mississippi method! Girlfriends and boyfriends……no more than two-Mississippi’s! I meant it!”

– “When you take your Airmen out to eat while on base liberty, don’t take them to a buffet style restaurant! They’ve been eating buffet style for six weeks now!”

– “And when you sit down to eat, don’t be surprised if they woof their food down before you can get your napkin on your lap. They are normally given only 10 minutes to eat their meals!”

– “You will find that many things have changed since you last saw your Airman. They will now pick up after themselves, say ‘yes sir’ and no sir’, they’ll fold their clothes! They’ll even do their own laundry!”

– “After this briefing you can go over to building 3 to pick up your Airmen’s photo’s. I know that they will want you to pick them up. That hasn’t changed!” NOTE: We found out why……they cost $184….he was right…that hasn’t changed…….but…it was worth it!

After the briefing we went outside to watch the upcoming Airmen’s run. Over 800 graduates, all running in their Squadron Formations. Wow, was it cool. It took me back to the good old days in the Army! I loved to sing Jodi’s and carry the guide on (The unit flag).

Shannon’s Flight was toward the end….there she was…my little girl! Wow! I am just one heck of a proud dad! My little girl is now an Airman! I fought hard not to well up inside as I could see all the other parents and loved ones doing the same. This was the first glimpse any of us got of our kids in the last six weeks.

I then went to the airport and picked up Jessica. Then, we returned to the base and after a small ceremony we were able to have a few hours with Shannon. We taked and talked, we laughed, we hugged, we went out and ate dinner and it was like Heaven. Shannon is doing what she has wanted to do for the last two years. The has entered a new phase in her life….we have entered a new phase in ours.

We took her back to her barracks and now we are in our “suite”, getting ready for tomorrow….the big day….graduation! By the way, what a suite, we have a living room, a kitchen, high speed Internet Access, two TV’s (One in our bedroom one in the living room), and her’s the best part……$35 a night! Wow! Yeah, I’m one happy puppy!

Thank you, all of you, for your prayers and good wishes. Shannon told us about the cards and letters she received (over 40) and she was thankful for each and every one!

NOTE: Please visit my new Xanga site, Laleo Cafe, where I will be posting from now on all my “spiritual” ramblings.

 

I was tagged by beachgirl……

1. I ate monkey in the jungles of Panama (now I have this overwhelming urge to swing from trees…..go figure!).

2. All my life, I never went anywhere without my Bible, even though I rarely read it or understood scripture. I always had one on my desk, in my suitcase, rucksack or safely on a shelf nearby. I even read the whole thing and still had little of a clue except that I knew it was sacred and that God wanted me to have it with me always.

3. In the last few years God figured it was time for me to understand and opened my eyes to His Words……so, now I read and study every day and never go anywhere without a few translations from which to draw from.

4. I am deeply in love with a beautiful woman who, I believe, understands me. If nothing else, she sure has patience and put’s up with me well!

5. I am deeply in love with an awesome God who, I believe, understands me. If nothing else, he sure has patience and put’s up with me well!

6. I feel like a kid in a candy store when people relate to me how God is working in their lives (My eyes get wide and I drool, okay, maybe I don’t drool, but the anticipation of hearing about God working drives me crazy!)

7. I want to smell like a sheep (pastors will understand this feeling).

8. My very first record albums were by Jimi Hendrix, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Frank Zappa, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Quicksilver Messenger Service and Steppenwolf  (I joined Columbia House when I was a kid).

9. My first 45 (remember those!) was a song by Merrilee Rush called “Angel Of The Morning”.

10. I took piano lessons WEEKLY from the time I was in first grade to High School (12 years) and used to give piano lessons to beginners when I was 16…..and now I can’t play a thing on keyboards (or hardly).

11. When I was in High School ALL my friends played guitar, banjo or fiddle and I played nothing…..but I had a field recording rig and recorded their sessions. Often out in fields or basements or wherever we happened to be.

12. I played Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” every night for years driving home at two or three in the morning from Warrenton to Manassas, Virginia (when I was in High School).

13. I picked up the guitar when I was in college after my divorce. I learned the word “sublimation” in psychology and was determined to get through my pain by sublimating my desires on a guitar and songwriting rather that hurt myself or other people.

14. I once wrote a country song that major record companies in Nashville turned down because it promoted drinking and driving. It was called “Hold Me Up, I’m Hurtin’ Tonight”.

15. I met Kelly, my wife, when I was 28. My life has never been the same since, in fact….it’s been somewhat “normal”. What’s normal….normal to me is drug-free and on a path to redemption rather than ruin.

16. I knew the first time I stuck a needle in my arm that there would be no turning back…..but I did it anyway. I still have a photo from that night. Thankfully, God knew that with Him, there was a way I could turn back…and I did.

17. Thankfully……my children and my wife never experienced me in my darkest moments….God delivered me and blessed me with this family. My children have been able to grow up without my baggage affecting their life.

18. Lastly……I am a student of life. My entire life has been spent in a classroom with Jesus as the teacher…….I chose to skip class and go on quite a few outings on my own…..but each time when I returned, Jesus helped me build on and learn from the experiences I had. I am still in the class room. Jesus is still my teacher, and I have realized it is better to stay in class than to skip!

 

I think everyone has been tagged…… if you haven’t…..YOU ARE TAGGED!

NOTE: Please visit my new Xanga site, Laleo Cafe, where I will be posting from now on all my “spiritual” ramblings.

 

My friend Larry will be 97 years old on Monday, 23 October. He recently fell and broke his hip and so is in Altamonte hospital on SR 436 in Altamonte Springs. It is with great sadness that I report that Larry is having a very tough time. I NEED YOUR PRAYERS…..Larry’s mentor and guardian, Kent is just returning from China and won’t be back until Thirsday. Please, please pray that Larry can hold on until then. It is so important to me that they see each other.

Monday night around 5:30 I will going to the hospital to sing and play guitar with Larry. Please pray that he holds on, in comfort and peace, but that he holds on. I love this man with all my heart. He has been a mentor to me over the last eight years. He has lead a life of service and of love to Christ that I can only strive for.

Lawrence Freude, 4th Floor, Florida Hospital, Altamonte Springs….PLEASE PRAY. Thanks.

 

 

NOTE: Please visit my new Xanga site, Laleo Cafe, where I will be posting from now on all my “spiritual” ramblings.

THANK YOU to all of you who have written our daughter, Shannon in Air Force Basic Training!

Shannon is doing very good, passing her inspections, her test and her physical training test. She has told us how much she appreciates the many prayers, the cards and the letters.

Kelly and I would also like to thank all of you in our extended family that have shown your care. It’s as if Shannon has been getting letters from God

Shannon is a coffee drinker and has not been able to anything but LOOK at a cup as the drill Sergeants drink their cups of coffee. She is dreaming of Starbucks! Ginny, Jim and friends……she’ll be dreaming of “Imago Coffee” soon!

 

A Prayer Story

First, I want to thank everyone that has been praying for my daughter, Shannon while she is in Air Force Basic Training. Yes, it has been hard the first two weeks. Robin, Jo, Joey and Kelly and I have started praying every morning wherever we are at 9am. I have to say that I am so very thankful for such great friends….family…..that are sharing our life with us! You all are amazing and in our hearts, you are angels!

Jo shared with Kelly that she has been praying that Shannon would hear God’s voice and follow it……….I got goosebumps when Kelly read Shannon’s first letter home……

PHOTO: Shane

Shannon was telling us how hard it was and what the struggle was like. Then she told us this, “Today at PT I was walking (5th lap) and this guy (our brother flight, similar to a platoon) runs beside me and says, ‘RUN! You have to run! Forget the pain!’ Then he says, ‘Listen to my voice, just me, keep running, focus on my voice, think of your boyfriend, or husband, whatever! Think of your family, how proud they will be! KEEP RUNNING! Focus!’. I was so amazed at the fact a total stranger would try so hard to motivate me like that. Everytime I started to stumble he would just continue, ‘Forget the pain, it’s not there, listen to my voice, focus on it, keep running!’ The only think I can think of is God is answering my prayers. I pray so hard every night that I can do this’ “

God is awesome and our friends are awesome! I am so very thankful for each and every one of you! Shannon asked that you continue to pray for her, however, the hardest part is over. THANK YOU!