Greetings all.
I promised to keep you updated on my daughter, Holly. She has just graduated Air Force Basic Military Training, So here goes.
My son and I spent 4 days in TX for her BMT graduation. A curious series of events made the whole trip possible.
We made it to the Parade Ground early and without incident. The ceremony was really something to see and hear. I had seen Holly's HS marching band and was very impressed, but Holy Cow! The Air Force band was jaw-dropping good. Holly's flight(the "Wolf Pack" how appropriate for a MN kid!) had the honor of carrying the Flags of the US. All the States, Territories, etc.. She ended up carrying the Wisconsin flag. I have a great photo of her carrying it. Believe me, she was raised a Vikings fan and the photo of her carrying the state flag of the hated Packers will earn her lifelong ribbing.
My first question to her was "Any regrets?". "None. I love it.". That was pretty much the answer I got from every airman I asked.
We toured the barracks and that is when I first started to hear from families and TIs what a great airman my kid was. I must admit the one thing I was dying to hear was if she got her Marksmanship ribbon. 40 rounds. Need to get 35 on target. She was 32 out of 35 when her M-16 jammed. She was pretty peaved, and still is, about that.
Her orders, as of today, are to report to the DLI and begin her language training. She was lamenting how she was just beginning to feel at home and comfortable now has to ship-out. I reminded her that she will be living in Monterey CA for quite some time. She's psyched!
I have to say, my whole experience left me with a huge smile! I have no doubt the best US ambassadors to the world are our military.
I could go on for ever, but I hate typing.
Thank you, God! I am truly a blessed man.
p.s. photos as soon as I get them scanned.
114 posted on 10/27/2003 6:39 PM CST by Spruce
Spruce, I wanted to bring your post from last night over to today's thread, because this also seems a most appropriate post for today. Thank you for the update on your daughter, and 'thank your daughter FOR us' for what she's giving to her country.
I have no doubt the best US ambassadors to the world are our military.
Agree! I love this quote.
Mornin', everybody ! Happy Tuesday !
Another terrific thread you've presented. Makes me want to wake up and salute the flag. :)
Gleened the following from a web site maintained by a cousin in Alabama. It was written last week...
Major Kevin Whitney, stationed in Iraq has been e-mailing letters from the front to his wife and brother which they have been sharing with us. They have given all of us who read them a close look at life for a soldier in a war zone. Kevin is a doctor. On october 22th he wrote about his feelings as the medical team awaited incoming ambulances with massive injuries. The first one to arrive had a young man who lost both arms as the tire he was changing on a helecopter exploded. The medics had already done a good job stemming the flow of blood. Soon blood was tranfusing and the patient was stable. Until the surgeon took over there was nothing they could do except talk to him and comfort him.
The second ambulance arrived closed. One of the other doctors pronounced him dead.
The next morning we read in the Mobile paper that the dead soldier,Paul Bueche was from Daphne. He was only 19 years old. he joined the Alabama National guard right out of High School. His sister is also serving. On Oct. 13th he had E-mailed his parents that he had won a lottery to receive a two-week trip back home in December. But he didn't accept the coveted prize, he gave it to an older soldier who had kids to return home to. Paul said,"A father needs to be with his kids. It's the right thing to do."
Today Dars E-mailed a message saying that his body was being brought back to Pensacola and that they would have an escort along Highway 98, which runs right by our subdivision, to Daphne and that we should all go out and line the highway as they passed. I would never have known if she had not told us and I don't think many knew. The body was to arrive at 3:30. At 4:30 I went to the highway and sure enough I saw the flashing lights in Foley. I stood all alone by the side of the road and waved my flag as the squad cars, hearse, Army escort and the news truck went by. I'm sure the people of Daphne were better informed and honored this very wonderful young man. I still have tears in my eyes.
It makes the baseball games seem very insignificant. Pray for peace.
Salute to Paul Bueche - May God bless and comfort his family for the ultimate sacrifice.
God bless you all ... and keep up the good work!
