Monday, June 22, 2009

Ticket overpriced, the experience- PRICELESS


Well, graduation is over and I am so grateful I was able to attend.
This was an experience I will always treasure. My respect for anyone moving in this direction has grown tremendously (this is coming from a little hippie in H.S.).
I took many pictures but I'm just posting a few.

The picture above is where family day and graduation took place (Hilton Field)


Addressing the crowd on Family day.


This gave me chills. Smoke grenades went off and the Color Guard marched out of the woods
onto the field.



Then the troops marched out of the woods. The cheering was deafening.
I think hubby could hear me back in AZ.



The heat and humidity - overwhelming. The uniforms are so heavy.
I swear I will never complain about being hot again.



Jeff's group. I couldn't spot him but I was so excited knowing he was in there somewhere.
Dorothy had a camcorder so she was able to really zoom in and spot him.

Once all the troops were on the field, we were allowed to try to find our soldiers.

YAY, double YAY!
I had been crying (of course) but I was just so happy to see him.

Jeff and Dorothy. Can you see all the smiling faces in the background?


Love them to pieces.



The Army Band


I thought they were fab. Actually, I thought everything was fab.


This shot is from graduation.
It was so hot and humid.

Quite a few soldiers passed out from the heat and most likely nerves.
My heart went out to them and their families.

Jeff's group getting ready to march around the field.
I will get the lingo down eventually.


Finally off base and into civilian clothes.
The "ladies" picked out this shirt for daddy.




Since I had a flight out that left around the same time as Jeff, the Army was kind enough to let us take him to the airport.


Saying goodbye


This is Kaylen, she drove with Dorothy to South Carolina.
I think of her as my second daughter.


This lovely lady is Carolynn.
She is one of Dorothy and Kaylen's best friends.
She and her husband Eric, volunteered to watch the ladies so Dorothy could attend the graduation. This photo was taken at her wedding last year.
Jayde is right behind her and Hailey is to the right.


Now that graduation is over, a new life begins for Jeff.
He is in California at DLI, Department of the Army Defense Language Institute.
He is in Military Intelligence and will be learning Indonesian.
I guess those few years at the Lycee helped him. Indonesian though... I can't imagine it would be an easy language to learn.
He will be in California for a year.

I can't wait until we can visit him there.

Well my friends, I have rambled on long enough.

I want you to know that I truly appreciate your comments and emails.
You all ROCK!


GO ARMY

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh, BARB! That post brought tears to my eyes...I'm not even related, LOL! I could just feel the sense of pride you felt as your son marched out on the field. I think what brought tears to my eyes what the reference of your being a "little hippie". It is amazing how people's perspectives change through time. It's awesome that you are able to see your son grow into something he wants to do and support him. What a great Mom you are! ((Hugs)) to you, dear bloggy friend! :)

Anonymous said...

Wow, it must have been an amazing experience to be there! I will be praying that your son remains safe. I know you must be very proud of him ♥ I loved seeing all of your pictures. They were great! I hope your other son is doing better now.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest Barb! What wonderful pictures! Thank you for sharing your joy with us and YOU are beautiful! You must be so proud...it looks like I missed a post or too...I have been away from the computer for a couple of days. It is amazing how fast you can miss a post! Take care sweet friend and blessings to your sons. Anita

Nana Trish is Living the Dream said...

I am so happy for you. You must be so proud of your son. Yes, we have some hot hot hot weather down here in the south. I thought I would faint when I got off the plane from Seattle. I will be praying for your son and his career. I want to thank your son for his service to our country.

Barb said...

Thank you sweet friends. Timing is everything. I am so grateful I was able to attend graduation. Once I returned home, my other son headed to the hospital. Glad I was back home. He is very ill again. God Bless him!

You know, the last few times I have asked for prayer through my blog, I have received some pretty vicious comments (that is why I now moderate). Kind of sad..... not sure what to do. I enjoy blogging but I sure don't have the time anymore to devote to it. I guess I'll just keep rolling along for awhile.

Barbara said...

Congrats. to all. Interesting to see the coloured smoke turning into men.
Brought back memories of my sons Royal Navy graduation 18 years ago.

Elizabethd said...

What a wonderful occasion. I'm so glad you could be there.

Sea Witch said...

From one Army mother to another I adored this posting. My son will be returning to Afganistan in the fall to lead his command there. He will leave behind a lovely wife, a 4 year old daugther and twins due in September. I know the pride, the joy, the love and the fear you have for your son's chosen occupation. But these are the men (and women) who keep our nation safe and allow us to live free. I thank your son for his continued service and wish him and your family much love. I will keep you and your son in my prayers which brings me to an addtional comment regarding ugly comments. I also was recently hit with comments that had me wrestling with how I operate my blog. Another wise and kind blogger unknowingly provided the support I needed to hear and I will pass this on to you as well. Ignore them all. This is your blog and if you desire prayer then you have every right to request it. Go with God and all that he gives you and I will keep you and your family in my prayers. The Sea Witch.

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