A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege and honor to attend my nephews son’s graduation from Airman Basic Training in San Antonio TX.  My grand-nephew had graduated from high school in May but had signed up for the Air Guard several months prior.  He received his papers and as summer slowly moved to fall he took a big step towards adulthood.

Future airmen arrive at their local airports and are placed in a room to await their flight.  The room is plain and there are a few chairs and they wait.  Having arrived between flights the wait for our future airman was about 3 hours.  I wonder what goes through a young man’s mind when he is left alone with just his thoughts?

While our future airman worked hard and was challenged mentally and physically his parents and I planned the trip to watch the big graduation event.

We awoke at o-dark:30 and headed to the base for the graduation.  Luckily we had a back-up plan for me entering the base as there of course was a name mixup, actually there were two mix-ups.  Our future neighbor rescued me – he works on base and walked over to “sponsor” me on base for the graduation.  I walked through the security gate about 60 seconds prior to my nephew and his wife coming through via their vehicle, they picked me up on the base-side of the gate and we were off to find parking and a place to view the graduation.

We had arrived a little early and so we had some wait time.  I played with my camera, it was a very hazy day and I apologize in advance for the photography.  At one point my poor nephew was feeling the humidity and Texas heat (which was actually quite mild).  I commented that at least he wasn’t in “dress blues” and he settled right down – it is all about perspective!

I would like to share a portion of the graduation ceremony.  They had handed the reins over to a visiting General who is retiring.  He has served our nation for his entire adult life.  His words to these young recruits as he passed the baton were right on target, I hope they were listening.

Remember we were up at 0-Dark:30 and drove to San Antonio in the dark, after we parked it was time to enjoy the sunrise.

Our view as we walked to the graduation field

My husband should’ve been here – he could’ve told me all the stats on these planes.

My husband should’ve been here – he could’ve told me all the stats on these planes.

No caption required….

The flag carriers getting ready for the ceremony

Is he late? For a very important date?

Waiting is hard for all ages, this young girl was so good and just precious.

How do they do that slouch and march?

The special dignitaries are arriving, including the Mayor of San Antonio

The festivities begin

Much pomp and circumstance

Honors went to our nephew’s squadron – they scored top in all areas.

Honors went to our nephew’s squadron – they scored top in all areas.

Honors went to our nephew’s squadron – they scored top in all areas.

The female contingent of our nephews squadron

The ceremonial march…..

The ceremonial march…..

The ceremonial march…..

The ceremonial march…..

The ceremonial march…..

The ceremonial march…..

The ceremonial march…..

The ceremonial march…..

Our airman waits for us to find and release him

Looking Sharp!

Thanks momma for the photo – I know all you wanted to do was hug your boy!

Momma is still in awe of the young man at her side!

Families take the opportunity for photos with vintage planes

And of course we took our turn too!

Dad wanted in on this photo!

Notice their posture and their feet!

So serious…..

Visiting the barracks

Dad takes a photo of the airman’s bed – he did not make it like that at home!

Our airman could not wait to hang up his jacket! For his weekend leave he will remain in dress blues sans the jacket

Caption this…

Always ready!

Thank you to all of our VETERAN’s for your service!

This class included 591 recruits that are now ready to carry the torch!

Be sure to thank a vet – not just today but every day.  My nephew and his wife were very impressed with the citizens of San Antonio – these citizens took the time to stop and thank their young man for his service!

Dee