An Air Force Graduation!

Just recently I was so fortunate enough to head to Texas for my brother's graduation for the Air Force Basic Training. This is an 8 1/2 week program to weed out the weak and give all Air Force members a basic knowledge to then move on to their specialties.

The trip kicked off with a 4 AM wake up (let me call out that this is CENTRAL time, not a good time change for a west-coaster). We headed to Lackland AFB for an early Airman's Run and a later Coin Ceremony to kick off the graduation weekend.

Let me begin by saying that this was the first time that we had seen my dear brother since he entered the physically rigorous program 8+ weeks earlier. An hour or so after the Airman's run and on the way back from concessions, my mom and I walked past a line of Airmen in their dress blues when one smiled at her with a formal "Good morning, ma'am." After a quick passing, I stopped my mom who had continued to casually walk back to our seats to say "That was Scott!" With utter disbelief and a confused look on her face, this was the moment it became clear to me that my own mother had not even recognized her own son as he had marched by. Maybe it was the uniform, the shaved head or the unbelievable physical transformation - but it happened. And I laughed.

We sat through the Coin Ceremony rich with Air Force traditions as they played the National Anthem, gave speeches and handed out specialized Air Force coins to all the trainees turned Airman.

After the ceremony, the Airman were ordered to remain at their position until family members had met them. That first mutually tearful hug made the entire trip. And a very sincere and direct "I'm so glad you're here" broke my sad attempt to keep it together.

After greeting everyone, we headed into the auditorium for the Honors Graduate Ceremony - because, yes, my little brother graduated with honors! This requires being in the top 10% of 611 Airmen/Airwomen graduating from this round of basic training.

Afterwards, there was some serious business to be taken care of. This involved tracking down a Reese's cup and Snapple and consuming them at record speed. See, a huge part of Basic Training involves very strict rules. A trainee cannot go anywhere or do anything without being directed to do so by their Military Training Instructor - a new pretty term for Drill Sargent. So when an Airman gets free reign to eat, drink, or go anywhere else on base besides dorms and drill pads, they go a little crazy!

Exhibit A:

Post-scarf and with Base Liberty for the day, we toured around Lackland AFB to check out the several Mini Malls on the base as well as a comprehensive tour of all the various places the squadron has had to run, do drills, complete crazy tasks, etc.

The next day consisted of the Graduation Parade where the Airmen and women were sworn in. The ceremony consisted of a marching band, flags, more traditional AF songs, and speeches from some very decorated Air Force members.

Post-graduation parade, we were able to meet up and explore the Squadron's dorm to see where they've been sleeping for the last 8 1/2 weeks and to see what they've been cleaning daily. :) I do have to say there is nothing like the military to help a fella get organized. Check out this tidy space!

After exploring base, we were able to abscond with our newly graduated Airman on his Towne-Liberty pass for the day portion of two and a half days. We explored several off base military stores, did some shopping and OF COURSE visited the Alamo and the Riverwalk nestled in downtown San Antonio, TX. All very amazing. Here are some pictures from those ventures:

Likely in part to the several 4 am wakeups, the trip seemed to be a long break from reality. It was so amazing to see family and to be able to witness this graduation which is so symbolic of all the hard work and effort dedicated in the last 8 weeks. To see how it's transformed my brother in such a great way is so amazing. I'm so proud of my little brother for having the drive and dedication to not only make it through this training but to pass with flying colors!

Congrats, Scottie and I wish you the very best in your upcoming technical training.