October 28, 2005

• 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.
  

  • 9:08 pm
  • 5 Comments