Well it's final, as of the 21st of December our son has joined the Air Force. He leaves for basic training August 5th 2002. As parents we greet this with both pride and uncertainty. We know in our hearts that this is what he wanted and needed to do. His entrance scores enabled him to sign up as a jet engine mechanic, so I know that he will be able to have a good life should he decide to get out after his enlistment. It is hard though not to be worried for him considering what is going on in the world today. Seeing him do this reminds me of when I was his age and made the same decision, but it does not make it any easier to accept the fact that our son will be leaving soon. (Something that all parents must deal with but most kids never understand) I know he will do well, and that makes me proud of him.
Ralph
Posted by EWB SS (Member # 148) on :
Wish him luck, things will work out. I'm dreading the day when mine leave home.
Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
My little brother is in the Army and I think of him every day. I respect him very much for the decision he made. Your son has made a serious commitment and it will mature him in many ways. He's doing a noble thing. Be very proud of him.
Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
You raised him well I am sure, the rest is up to him. I'm sure he'll be fine, you'll remain proud, and you will watch him grow and learn in a whole new environment.
Keep the faith.
Posted by agmSS (Member # 853) on :
Teri couldn't have put it any better. Our son Joshua graduated from Army Infantry training at Fort Benning last August and then moved to Fort Drumm. He was part of the initial deployment from Fort Drumm to "somewhere" in the Middle East.
He is generally able to call 2-3 times per month to let us know he is OK. In between, my wife and I comfort ourselves knowing that no news is good news...
We worry about him but are very proud of what he is doing and what he is a part of. He went in not knowing what path he wanted to follow in life. He could not possibly of foreseen Sept. 11th, but knowing Josh, he probably would have joined anyway. The Army will help him achieve the personal discipline and focus he needs to succeed. It's a big commitment and Cathy and I are proud to be parents of an Army soldier.
Andy
Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
WOW - Congrats to you and your family. It is a time when national pride is showing, and what better way to demostrate your pride than to serve your country - and learn a useable trade.
Kudos.
Posted by MaryandRalph (Member # 244) on :
Thanks to all who have replied, All of your words are taken to heart, you are all good people and I'm glad to be a part of the group. For those of you who replied that have family in the service let us hope that they will all stay safe and sound.
Ralph
Posted by DanA_F99_1977 (Member # 118) on :
Ralph, you can sure be proud of him. I am thankful to him and all the others that have that kind of commitment in them for all of us.
My daughter is in the National Guard. Army medic. You worry about them, but we are all proud of them when they make good decisions! GOod luck to him and to you and Mary.
