Sacrifices for a Son

[Streakn1]

About a week ago in a reply to another thread I shared that we would be spending our Thanksgiving at Lackland AFB attending our youngest son's graduation. Well in this un-stable economy and hit and miss freight so many have been experiencing lately, to be directional is not a good choice, or is it?

We passed up a few good loads that would have taken us the wrong direction and caused us to possibly miss his grauduation. That was not going to happen. To put money ahead of our Son, NEVER! Especially when we know how much he wants us there. What we sacrificed is nothing compared to what so many young men and women do each day serving our country.I can't even justifiably call what we did as sacrifice, it is called support!

As we ate dinner in the restuarant last night at the TA in New Braunfels,TX, there was a bus load of new recruits, 39 to be exact. 34 boys and 5 girls. They were having their last civilian meal before beginning basic training at Lackland. As the wife and I watched them we could not help but comment "they are just kids". So young and about to take on such a huge responsibility in life, protecting this country. We spoke to a few and shared about our Son and wished them well on their own journey. I hope their parents will be able to be there for their grauduation!

 

[Angil82]

I was on the other hand of the support spectrum. I wasn't there for all of it, obviously. But, my father served 21 years in the US Navy. He still gets this weird smile on his face when I break out the US Navy sweatshirt and sweatpants, and put them on. He has been retired for about 10 years now. But, what does he do know? Works on the same subbase as a civilian contractor.

I think it is wonderful that you and your wife are there to support him. You can make money any day of the week, but that is one day in his life, that you won't see again. He did it, he is graduating, and nothing will make him happier, than knowing you are there.

Tell your son, that even though I don't know him, that I appreciate his sacrifice, and dedication to this country. It takes a strong person, and a strong family to make such sacrifice. I commend him.

My favorite place on Earth is Arlington National Cemetary. Just to be blessed to walk among so many heroes, from so many walks of life, that are all on common ground. One being my grandfather. It gives me chills.

God Bless both of you, and your son.

 

[LDB]

Congratulations to you both and to your son as well as another thank you to pass along. I guess technically calling this a sacrifice is accurate and correct but truthfully it's anything but that. It's your opportunity for another of what must be a lifetime of proud moments with a son strong enough and good enough to make the commitment he's making.

 

[Angil82]

Absolutely. I get goose bumps anytime I see a soldier in uniform, the flag, or hear the National Anthem. It's a sacrifice, but a proud one. One that will hold many stories, and many triumphs.

I am proud of anyone that stands up, and defends our great country.

 

[TeamCaffee]

I agree when it is an important family event you need to be there. Being on the road you do miss a lot so when a big event comes up you just cannot miss it. No dispatcher can sweet talk me when I am on my way to see our kids!

I had to laugh at your part of the new recruits just being kids! I am always amazed at how young they look with so much responsibility sitting on their shoulders that I might add most handle very well!

Enjoy your son and Thanksgiving!

 

[layoutshooter]

God Bless you for putting your Son first, that is what GOOD parents do. I thank your son for his service. Layoutshooter

 

[pelicn]

Enjoy the time with your son and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

 

[jaminjim]

Sorry to have to state the obvious, but what a great place to have your last civilian meal for awhile. I guess the Air Force pays the bus company to take them there so that the AF food seems better.

 

[dabluzman1]

Sorry to have to state the obvious, but what a great place to have your last civilian meal for awhile. I guess the Air Force pays the bus company to take them there so that the AF food seems better.

Thanks for the sensitive and timely insight Jim.

Getting home or to important events in our lives usually is costly.
One thing I have seen many times on this site is the dedication expediters have towards their families.
While we are not available 24/7, I doubt few if any wouldnt spurn the "muther load of loads"
if it conflicted with being with the ones we love.
The act of becoming a protector of our great country, in military or civil service,
is in my opinion one of the most honorable undertakings our sons and daughters would become involved in, I also tip my hat to you the parents for being there and teaching them,
by example, the meaning of family, honor and commitment.

 

[jaminjim]

Dab says:
Thanks for the sensitive and timely insight Jim.

That's just me a "warm and fuzzy" kind of guy. Never been accused of being "timely" thou.

 

[dabluzman1]

That's just me a "warm and fuzzy" kind of guy. Never been accused of being "timely" thou.

ja,
Of course "warm and fuzzy" is a self description.

And sorry, you have now been accused of being "timely".

Another one bites the dust.

 

[jaminjim]

Well I just hope that I can be called "timely" after tomorrow. I'm preparing the meal for the family.

 

[Benzoid]

As one who did just that ( Finish Basic Training at Lackland) 24 years ago... I wish you and your son well!

Thank you and your son for your service to our country!

-Mike

 

[ATeam]

Thinking of Thanksgiving, parents and sacrafices, I am mindful today of the parents who will celebrate Thanksgiving with an empty chair at the table and grieve the loss of their son or daughter who was killed in a war. Parents who lost their kids in Viet Nam do so to this day, as do those who lost their kids in subsequent conflicts and the current war.

Taking time off work and traveling to an event is a sacrafice happily made. Setting a feast table with an empty chair is not. Those parents do not often talk about their sacrafice because it hurts too much. This day, my thoughts and prayers are not with the joyous but with those who mourn.

 

[Streakn1]

We to took time today at Lackland AFB to mourn the fallen Airmen from Lackland as we stood with our Airman Son and an Airman friend from his flight. Both are graduating this week. We went to the parade grounds to see the personalized stones commemorating fallen Airmen from the Viet Nam, Iraq, and Afganistan wars. Its a very sobering experience knowing there are families out there that are not able to celebrate thanksgiving with their Airmen as we are able to with ours. our hearts and thanks for their sacrifices go out to them. OUR prayers go out to both the joyous and the ones that mourn.

 

[Streakn1]

Yesterday was spent at Lackland watching the morning run of our Son's Squadron and later attending the celebrated Airman's Coin Exchange. Afterwards was the first time in almost two months that we were able to see and speak with him. My wife was first to congradulate him after the Coin Ceremony. No amount of lost revenue to be there compares to the priceless moment below:

Today the Airmen had town passes to leave the base for the day. So we picked up our son and an Airman friend of his from his flight and spent the day in downtown San Antonio at the Riverwalk. What a wonderful day spent on the river cruise, walking along the river walk, shopping,eating, and spending quality time together. His friend had no family that was able to be there for his graduation and Thanksgiving so we adopted him as our own for the day! If they would have let us we would have adopted as many Airmen as we could have fit in our rental car!!!

I added the final C-130 Fly Over before the Airmen's Coin Exchange cause I thought it was cool!