BMT Graduation
I thought this would be the easiest place to share our experience and pictures with everyone. The photo albums are first, and below those, you'll find "Dad's Perspective" and "Mom's Perspective" on the whole event. Enjoy!
~ Patience
**For best viewing of the photos, click on the first picture to launch each album.**
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Dad's Perspective
I heard a statistic that only about 1% of the population will serve in the military, so I guess that would put me in with the 1% of the parents who have experienced what we have. BMT Graduation was something that we had been looking forward to for eight weeks. Eight weeks was two weeks longer than we had anticipated due to Alex being delayed because of a severe cold that landed him in medical, but Thursday morning December 4th had finally arrived. With all the planning that had gone into this trip, imagine our horror when we were just a couple of miles from Lackland AFB and we discovered that the new insurance card for our van wasn't in the glove box and we were holding a pass that said that a valid driver's license and proof of insurance were required to enter the base! Well, we got by without having to have the proof of insurance but immediately called our insurance company to have one faxed to our hotel so we would have it for the remainder of the trip if needed.
The first activity for the graduation celebration is the Airman's Run on Thursday morning. I never would have thought of making a poster or banner, but in Patience's endless research she came across others who had, so we had one that was held by Beka and Tori. As we stood there and waited I heard several others, all of them mothers it seemed, wishing they had thought about doing one. I don't know if it is just a Mom thing or not, but those were the ones who seemed most impressed with ours. From our vantage point we were able to witness new trainees, just off the bus hours before, already learning to stand quietly in line and take orders as they were receiving their first clothing issue. It was an odd feeling knowing that just weeks earlier it had been Alex that others were watching and I wondered whose sons and daughters I was observing. Finally, we saw the leaders of the pack come over the crest of the bridge toward us and the anticipation that mounted amongst the on-lookers was audible. I started recording with our camcorder, trying to keep an eye on what I was recording with one eye while watching for Alex out of the other. I never did recognize him out of the groups who ran by, but knew instantly when he passed because I heard a voice with an emotion I don't think I've ever heard before say "There he is, I see him!" It was Dani who spotted him first, but right behind her, and again with an expression in voice that I have rarely if ever heard, was Patience, "OH! OH! I see him, I see him, there's Alex!!" The runners doubled back and ran past again then disappeared back over the bridge. It would be a few hours yet before we would get to actually talk with him, but it felt great just to be there.
Orientation came next, where we learned what to do and not to do as parents, family and visitors in order to insure that our Airman didn't get into trouble on our account, then the Airman's Coin and Retreat ceremonies. This time I had no difficulty picking out Alex. It helped that he was near the front of his flight and we had looked at the map posted in the Reception Center to know where his flight would be located on the Retreat Pad. At the end of the ceremonies we were able to finally see Alex up close and personal. It was comical to see Alex stand there "patiently" waiting at attention, trying not to smile, as we all finally reached a spot near him and finally told Beka to go "touch him out". She did more than just touch him, she gave him a big hug, expressing how much she had missed him. Finally, some time to catch up and hear about all that had happened in the past eight weeks. As we spent some time with Alex it was interesting to note some of the transformation that had occurred over the past eight weeks. There was a new level of maturity, self-confidence, and even responsibility, but something that struck me even more was something that can't be taught, it can only be caught, and that was an obvious pride and respect for the uniform he wears and what it represents.
Friday morning was Graduation Parade. The morning started cold but sunny and we all hoped it would warm up some, but that quickly changed as clouds started moving in and the wind picked up and the temperature dropped. By the time the ceremonies were concluded I was shaking so hard that watching the video I shot makes Patience a little ill with motion sickness, but we wouldn't have missed it for the world. It was quite an experience as a parent to see Alex march by in formation during parade, and a little extra bit of pride to see him being one of the few to be sporting a stripe on his sleeve. I don't know about the feelings of others there, but for me, there was just a moment of emotion that I can't describe during the swearing in when my son, along with hundreds of other sons and daughters, swore to give their all, even their life if it came to that. It seemed like it took forever to get out of the stands and down to the parade field to congratulate our Airman. Evidently Alex felt like it took forever as well since his first response after being touched out was something along the lines of, "It's about time."
Off to the dorms for open house and a chance to see where Alex had been living the past few weeks. We quickly learned not to step on the chrome threshold, that was "inspectable" and someone was going to have to shine it up again now. To me, one of the most amazing parts of this time was watching Alex carefully hang up his clothes as he changed, insuring that each hanger was equally spaced, reshaping the cap that had fallen on the floor in all the milling around, and making sure that everything was just so. All of this from the kid who used to live out of piles of clothes stacked in corners or even in the middle of his room. Then it was on to the "day room", which although the name sounds like it might be a place of relaxation, it sounded like there was very little of that to actually occur there. Next stop was the latrine, which we were warned that no one was allowed to use that day because someone would have to clean it if it got used! I'll have to remember that, the bathroom doesn't have to be cleaned if you can just keep anyone from using it! Beka especially seemed appalled as she slowly began to realize that all the guys in the flight took a shower at the same time, in the same place, without any clothes on! Town pass for the remainder of the day and a trip back to the hotel for some homemade chicken pot pie, one of Alex's favorite meals at home, and enough sugar to make us all sick. All too soon the time came to return our Airman back to his dorm.
Saturday was town pass for the entire day, after they passed inspection. It was amusing to get to watch how they formed up in their elements, what I came to call "Doing the shuffle." After forming up and inspection, the flight took a special photo with their TI who had been reassigned in their last week of training (a long story and we'll leave it at that). Although it took some time out of our day, it was worth the delay for the photo op and it was a chance to see yet another aspect of Alex's life over the past few weeks. A trip to the Alamo and a brief walk along the Riverwalk, then a trip to Chipotle to spoil our Airman just a little more, then back to the hotel to watch the Florida-Alabama game and get some R&R. Alex tried on some of his "civvies" that we had brought with us, and even though he enjoyed getting out of his dress blues for a while, he decided he liked his AF ABUs better. Back to the dorm, this time just a little more difficult to say good-bye, knowing that we had just one more day before we had to leave and he was to ship out to his first tech school.
We had intended to attend Chapel with Alex Sunday morning, but due to a scheduling change we missed his squadron's Chapel time, so we went ahead and proceeded with base liberty and visiting the BX. We caught a picnic lunch at a park on the base and tried to let Alex get a little rest since he had pulled several straight nights of OJT duty, then off to the alterations place in the mini-mall to get stripes sewn on the rest of his uniforms before he shipped out. Some ice cream and later some supper at Godfather's Pizza, then it was time to say good-bye for the last time of the trip. Of course it was most difficult this time, but we had some consolation in knowing that Alex's first tech school assignment was to be at Keesler AFB in Mississippi, just a couple hours' drive from Pensacola and that we would get to see him again in just a couple of weeks during the Christmas "Exodus". As we headed east on I-10 I started watching the clock, knowing that Alex would be a few hours behind us on his way to Keesler.
It may seem odd, but one of the most rewarding experiences over those four days was seeing all the young men and women in various stages of BMT, and being able to connect them with the things that Alex had experienced during his tenure at Lackland. Sometimes as I watched them drilling, participating in various training activities, marching along the streets, or even standing and studying at every available moment while waiting for one thing or another, I could almost see my own son among them. Even as I sit here writing this, it still tugs at something deep inside me...I finally have something I can identify those eight missing weeks with.
~ Kevin
~ Kevin
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Mom's Perspective
We were privileged to be able to attend Alex's graduation from Air Force BMT (Basic Military Training, AKA Basic Mom Torture!) from Dec 4-7. Upon arrival at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, you notice that ALL the buildings look pretty much the same. They are a sandy brown color and you'd never know if you were at the Reception Center, the Mini Mall, Bowling Alley, Clothing Issue, Burger King, etc... except for the name on the building. Even the fire hydrants are sandy brown! Fortunately, we were given a map of the base which helped tremendously.
We were privileged to be able to attend Alex's graduation from Air Force BMT (Basic Military Training, AKA Basic Mom Torture!) from Dec 4-7. Upon arrival at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, you notice that ALL the buildings look pretty much the same. They are a sandy brown color and you'd never know if you were at the Reception Center, the Mini Mall, Bowling Alley, Clothing Issue, Burger King, etc... except for the name on the building. Even the fire hydrants are sandy brown! Fortunately, we were given a map of the base which helped tremendously.
The first event of the weekend was the Airman's Run at 0900 on Thursday morning, December 4. Thanks to the great information on www.bmtgrad.com, I read about making a banner for the run. So, in celebration of Alex's birthday the week before, we made a banner and it turned out great! Rebekah and Victoria each held their own flag and one side of the banner while Kevin had the video camera and Danielle and I had our cameras as well. We learned that there is a lot of "hurry up and wait" over the weekend, so as we waited for the trainees to come over the bridge, we got to watch as brand new trainees, otherwise known as "Rainbow Flights," went in one door of the Clothing Issue building with hair and all colors of clothing (hence the name "Rainbow Flight"), and came out another door with no hair and matching clothes and duffle bags. We also saw flights of trainees in various stages of training throughout the weekend, marching everywhere they went, some better than others. They carry around messenger type bags and any time they are stopped and just standing, they are to have their study materials out and reading. We saw that quite a bit as well as MTIs getting on to trainees for one thing or another. It was great to see a little of what Alex had been doing the past 2 months.
Then, finally the moment we had been waiting for had come. The flights came running over the bridge, and the first glimpse was so exciting, knowing that Alex would be right in front of us in a few seconds. We tried to scan every face and then Danielle started yelling, "There he is!" Of course, I was panicked that I could not find him, but just as they passed, I saw the little bit of red hair on top of his head and there he was! It was such a great moment! They were going to pass us a second time and now I knew exactly where he would be. So, we stood ready and waiting, the girls with the banner and the rest of us armed with our cameras. Now, these trainees are not supposed to be looking around at all. They are running in step and "singing" their jodies and looking straight ahead, BUT, as Alex ran by the second time, he saw us and smiled really big and that was the best smile and the whole trip was worth it for that moment. Of course, for me, it was the most emotional moment of the whole trip, just finally seeing him again and knowing he had made it through adversity and challenge and had come through the other side victorious.
Then it was time for us to overcome a challenge. The camera batteries were dead, our extra batteries were back at the hotel and we discovered that there was no place to buy batteries on the base except the BX where you had to have someone with a military ID. Since we wouldn't see Alex until AFTER the next time we needed the camera, that wouldn't work. Anyway, I found someone to "sponsor" me, got the batteries and felt much relief!
Next was more waiting until 1100 for the Events Briefing so we would know all the rules and not get Alex in trouble. We learned things such as if we were to get a traffic violation on base, it would be charged to Alex; the times he could and could not leave the base; what activities he could and could not do (like NO driving a car or talking on a cell phone and walking at the same time). After the briefing, it was time for a picnic lunch out of the trunk and then at 1245, we headed to the Retreat Pad to grab a seat for the Coin Ceremony at 1330. The bleachers were already packed by the time we got there, but we were able to squeeze in and that even helped with the cold a bit. So, more waiting and watching. This time, the first glimpse rewarded us with seeing all the trainees in their "blues". They came marching down the street, flight by flight and it was quite a sight to see. Eventually they all made it to the Retreat Pad. During this ceremony, all the trainees received their Airman's Coin, meaning that they were now officially Airmen and not trainees. After that was the Retreat Ceremony where they lower the flag, fold it and secure it, signaling the end of the duty day. All of this ended at 1415 and we were released to go find our Airman. All the Airmen had to stand at attention until they were touched by one of their family members or friends. We were in the top of the bleachers so it took just a bit for us to get down there. I made better time down the bleachers than the girls, but they were protesting and informing me that I had to wait for them. Rebekah attacked Alex with a hug and the first thing he said was, "It's about time!" That was also a great moment, where we could hug him and talk to him. Then, we had the rest of the afternoon with him, until 1830, for base liberty.
After looking at some graduation ring choices in the "Mini Mall," we headed into the snack bar at the Reception Center. Alex offered to buy fountain sodas for everyone, and just being with him and watching and listening to his interaction with the clerk was wonderful. He was nice before he left home, but now he's got an extra maturity and respect for others in him, as well as a quiet confidence. Also, it was great to watch him make sure all the straw papers were thrown away, taking care of the details and cleaning up. And if you ever saw his room at home, you know that's a BIG deal! So we had our sodas and cookies Kevin had baked for the trip, and listened to some of Alex's stories. Kevin's parents and brother arrived around 1600 and we all visited for about an hour. Then we headed back over to the Mini Mall for the long-awaited Taco Johns. Soon, it was time for Alex to go back to his squadron at 1830 for OJT duty and the rest of us headed to our hotels.
Friday morning came bright, early and COLD. We arrived at the base at 0730 and walked to the Parade Grounds. Alex was in the 320th, and there were no buses running from where we had to park for his squadron. By the time we got to the bleachers, we were frozen, and it was still at least an hour until the graduation at 0900! But the time finally came. If we hadn't picked up a map of where his flight would be standing, we wouldn't have been able to tell because they were so far away. During the parade though, each flight marched right in front of the bleachers and we could see them clearly. Alex's flight got a perfect review and they also received a streamer for their flag for being the top squadron in drill for the month of November. (They had it for October too.) All the ceremonies were over at 0945 and once again, they had to stand at attention until a family member or friend touched them. Rebekah was excited to attack Alex with another hug and we were ALL excited at the prospects of getting inside some place warm!
We walked back to Alex's squadron and we were able to see inside his dorm at 1015. We got to meet his MTI and we liked him very much, even though I was in trouble for stepping on the chrome threshold! We saw Alex's bed and locker. The beds were very close together and the lockers were around the outside of the room. Tori thought they were lucky though, because she also has a bunk bed with Beka, and Beka's top bunk is closer to her than the top bunks in Alex's dorm, so Alex had more room than she does above her bed. Each trainee also had his own chair close to their locker, and that's about it. There was no room for anything else! Alex told us that the MTIs were the rainmakers and that it was always raining when they were around (crying or sweating!) We saw the latrine, and our girls were shocked to see that everyone took a shower with everyone else, and if Danielle wasn't already convinced that she wasn't joining the military, that did it right there! We also saw the Day Room. Alex says this is where they might get yelled at, have mail thrown at them, or even have a few laughs once in awhile. We took our family picture in here.
When they kicked us out of the squadron area, we took Alex to order his graduation ring, then at 1200, Kevin, Alex and I went to the Airman/Parent briefing where they talked about Tech School and a few other things. Then we all had lunch (Taco John's and Popeye's again!) and at 1400, we left the base for Town Pass. We went to the hotel where Alex enjoyed getting on the computer and reconnecting with some of his friends and eating lots of candy and cookies. It was nice to have a hotel suite with an oven and Kevin surprised Alex by making one of his favorites for dinner...Kevin's famous Chicken Pot Pie. Alex had to be back to his squadron area by 1900 for more OJT duty and on the way back he was finishing the last of the Hot Tamales out of the peanut butter M&Ms bag and he asked, "Where do you keep your trash in here." Neither of us laughed, but when I think about it, it's so hysterical to hear that from the child who was one of the worst about throwing trash on the floor of the van, or having tons of candy wrappers all over his room! Quite a change in two months!
Saturday is Town Pass for everyone, unless they are being restricted for some reason. After open ranks inspection, Alex's flight had a special "blues" photo taken with their MTI, so we didn't end up leaving for town pass until a little after 1000. It was worth the wait though, and I was even able to get a picture of Alex and his MTI alone, which is not really something you do! But it was a special circumstance. Anyway, we headed out for the Alamo and then a nice lunch at Chipotle, which we were ALL looking forward to as you don't find those restaurants at BMT OR in Pensacola, FL! After that, we just hung out back at the hotel where Alex did a little more computer time and then took a much needed nap and had to be back in the squadron area by 1930.
Kevin's family left Sunday morning and we headed to the base where we were to be with Alex for base liberty. We were going to start the day with the chapel service for his squadron, but there was a mix-up on the times and since you are only allowed to attend the service for your squadron, we missed it, so we just started with running errands. Alex got advanced rank for his college credits, and that means he already gets a stripe for his uniform, so he needed to have stripes sewn on several more uniform pieces. Also needed was a garment bag (required for Blues) and a backpack, not to mention a Krispy Kreme donut from the BX! So, we did the shopping and other errands, picking up some special Air Force gear for ourselves too. We also headed across the base and found a park where the girls played and Alex took a nap in the van. He was so tired after 5 nights in a row of OJT shifts and not much sleep. Then we had a picnic lunch again, but at a picnic table this time instead of the parking lot! The sun was out and it was much nicer outside than on Friday. Later, we went back to the smaller Mini Mall and had Baskin Robbins ice cream. That was a nice treat, but there wasn't 31 flavors to choose from, only about 12, but when you haven't had dessert for 2 months, anything with sugar seems to be a hit! For dinner we went to Godfather's Pizza. It was surprisingly quiet and not crowded, so it was nice to sit down and have dinner one last time with Alex before he had to be back in his squadron area at 1800.
It was an amazing trip and I'm so thankful we were able to share this time with Alex and celebrate his accomplishment and step forward into the future. We are very proud of him, and it was neat to see the pride he takes in his uniform and to learn that he has a system to keep track of his receipts so as to NOT overdraw his checking account!
He left at 0100 early Monday morning on the bus to Keesler AFB, MS, to start his technical training and Mom has to let go a little bit more.
~ Patience
~ Patience
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