Gary Jr. was at home for the past week or so, having received a ten day leave from his Army post at Ft. Bragg, NC. His advanced training is going well. He proudly wears his (U.S. Army Airborne) maroon beret.
We had some BBQ’s and everyone was able to spend time with our favorite soldier!
Now that he has returned to duty, we will think of him always and keep him in our thoughts and prayers and miss him very much!
Today starts with great glee for me, a bit of emptiness eases. Leaving Fort Benning and traveling the friendly skies will be Gary, my first born son, who has since late June been attending training in Today’s Army. He has done well, mustering the strength both physically and mentally to merit our full respect, and he does certainly have mine.
He will join us after his flight to Logan this evening, a rush hour trip I will make with pride and certainty.
The last bit of decorating and tidying is my chore here today, as we prepare for his return home. I shall ask that he grace our tree with it’s topping as soon as he arrives and then I shall add some photos to this post, but first one more Early Bird shopping excursion this AM…
Welcome home for the Holidays!
As promised, here are a few pictures I took as Gary got off the plane (well as close to the plane as non-travelers can get these days)
Everyone is back home and safe, a bit weary for the travel, but so glad to be together again.
Not long after we arrived home, Gary did add the Angel to the Christmas Tree – the decorating is done!
Even the puppy was happy!
Now for a long winter’s nap….
This past week, I traveled to Georgia for a few days to visit Junior and to attend his boot camp graduation ceremonies at Fort Benning.
In a large training room where the families assembled for an informational brief by staff was this wall:
As expected, Jr seemed more mature after boot camp, a bit wiser, more lean, a man ready to protect our country, a calling of his choice.
He is now a next gen infantryman in Today’s Army, deserves everyone’s utmost respect, and most certainly has mine.
Christina had to work and PJ needed to be at school so they were unable to attend. Luckily, I was able to get some pictures and video.
There were two ceremonies. The Turning Blue ceremony signifies that each soldier has passed the stringent requirements to become a soldier in today’s army.
This was held in the barracks area of the 198th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 58th Regiment, Delta Company, the Marauders:
Floor artwork in barracks: |
This artwork was created by one of the members and was made into sweatshirts: The members listed are those in Jr’s Platoon, the 4th. |
The next day was a graduation ceremony, which was held at the newly opened National Infantry Museum at Patriot Park in Columbus, GA:
It was an experience I will never forget.
Here are some more pictures from the trip:
Click any picture for a full preview.
Here is a small clip from the Turning Blue ceremony:
He is doing very well in all aspects of training, barely missing the top spots, but putting him squarely at the top.
Not only that, but he earned a trophy for his work with the CFC:
Hoorah!
Next, his training continues:
