Trip to Lackland
Sunday September 9, 2007
Kim Drake, an avid reader of this site, recently returned from Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, where she had the proud privilege and pleasure of watching her daughter graduate from Air Force Basic Training. Kim was kind enough to tell us about her experience in this detailed article.
Comments
Well I sat here and cried while reading this. I just experienced the whole thing recently. My son graduated 6/22/07. Other than the day I had him I don’t think I have ever been so proud or cried so many tears. The person that went in was a wonderful son, but the son I went to see was wonderful, but changed-I really missed the playful side of him. That is all back now, and he is in school in Biloxi, and will go to Germany next January! I read the back of the pass, and lived on about.com-so I didn’t miss a minute of the activities. Congratulations to your daughter and your family. It is wonderful to see so many young people stepping forward to defend our home!!
Proud mom of Airman Cummings
I recently returned attended my son’s graduation from Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, July 27, 2007. I cannot express how proud I was of my son, too. Prior to his entering the Air Force, he was at a standstill in life. He wasn’t sure what direction he wanted to go toward but he finally made the decision to join and I believe it is the best decision he’s made in his life!
At the Coin Retreat Ceremony, I discovered a new respect for our American Flag. The words said spoken about the flag was so moving, it made me so proud to be an American. The uniform that our servicemen wear also had a new meaning to me. “Men have died wearing those uniforms…”, said the Colonel as he gave his speech. I felt so appreciative to all our military personnel who so courageously volunteered to fight for our freedom wearing these uniforms. Then, to see MY son wearing that uniform, how could a Mom not cry!
As the trainees graduated to Airman during the Graduation Ceremonies, I felt so honored to be in their presence. These men and women, who know that we are at war with Iraq, still willingly volunteered to take that oath to defend our country! I stood in awe of them!
My son is the first person in my family to enter the military. My whole family is so very proud of and has such a high regard for him. He has made us love our country even more. To all our soldiers in the military, we salute you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
A Proud Mom of Airman Sagon, Hawaii
Aloha!!!!
I also cried while reading this article my son will be leaving for basic Oct.7 so im reading everything,the article helped so much Ive really been emotional lately and this helped,I was also glad to know that the Holiday Inn I have already booked is a good place to stay.I would like to thank all the parents who share there stories because it really helps those of us who are starting down that road,letting our children leave is so hard,I know Im personaly so very proud of my 19 yr. old son for making such a huge decision that will most assuredly give him a life to be proud of himself and to know they fight for people they dont know is so awesome! I salute them! Fonda
Dear Fonda,
I felt EXACTLY the same way you did before my son left. I, too, read everything I could on Basic Military Training. In fact, it was an article writen by Mr. Powers re: his experience with his daughters at BMT that helped prepare me.
I was proud of him even BEFORE he left home but when I saw him in his uniform at BMT, I couldn’t contain my tears! Pure pride and joy!
The reason for responding to your article is just to advise you not to miss his graduation! This is an experience that you will treasure for a lifetime! Write to him as often as you can…letters from home mean the world to them! Their first week is the hardest. Most of the airmen said that they don’t remember all the details of their basic training but the first week is something they will never forget. It is that week that they want to quit and come home. They’ll ask themselves, “What did I get myself into?”, but when they get pass it, they will feel a sense of accomplishment and will wear that uniform with pride because they know they truly earned it!
So, whatever you do, don’t miss out on this moment! It will be well worth it! Bring your digital and your video camera!!!
P.S. I stayed at the Holiday Inn, too, and it was so close to Lackland AFB, so it was real convenient. Aloha, Alison
Thank you for sharing this story! I cried as I read it over and over. My son is enlisting this week and I am scared to death. I am very PROUD of him and respect his decision.
My son will be leaving for basic in August. I am so very proud of him, but I am also worried about him. My father passed away 2 years ago, and I so wish he could be here for this he would have been so proud of him. I am so glad to hear everyone feels the same as I do. Thanks so much.