Maria's graduation from basic combat training was a stirring tribute to 650 new soldiers. We shook hands with America's volunteer Army, a most impressive group.
Choice opposed to induction has resulted in an Army of intelligent, engaged, physically fit soldiers from diverse ethnic backgrounds and geographical locations. Eighteen-year olds were predominate however age spanned to forty years.
On family day we awaited our soldiers in a stadium facing the sun. The program was delayed one hour giving testament that the old Army adage of "hurry up and wait" hasn't changed. About ten minutes prior to the ceremony the audience began buzzing. Six hundred fifty soldiers had been camouflaged in a tree line during the entire wait time. Smoke bombs flashed as they charged the field, ending in formation. Quite a dramatic show of force.
They can march in precision as we witnessed the next day.
The Army has become much more health conscious, no nicotine, no alcohol, no caffeine, no junk food. Maria celebrated mastery of ten grueling weeks by indulging in decaf coffee and a bag of potato chips.
Maria is buff, excited about her medical training and has made a wealth of new friends. We're proud of her seven minute twenty-three second miles which was better than her drill sergeant. Also can't resist boasting on her captain's taking the time to stop by our dinner table to compliment Maria's intelligence and self motivation.
All in all, I'm most impressed with Maria's ability to change her disdain of youthful follies displayed by eighteen year olds to acceptance of their capabilities (yes, her platoon did screw up so much that they received phone privileges only twice--a total of forty minutes--in ten weeks).
Yes, we did overhear a few parents profusely thanking drill sergeants for shaping up their kid.
Spending two days immersed in civility was amazing. "Sir and Maam" prefaced all speech. No one pushed, shoved or cut off in line. There was none of the "ME" attitude on display.
As we awaited our flight home from Charlotte, North Carolina, we were pleasantly surprised by U.S.Airway's tribute to soldiers by boarding them before first class among a spontaneous round of applause. Maria reported that soldiers received the same recognition on her Delta flight as they were given priority to deplane upon arrival in San Antonio. Thankfully the American public has matured since our disgraceful era of spitting on and cursing of soldiers.
Graduation was euphoric tempered for parents by the reality that some will make the ultimate sacrifice.
FROM THE KNOTHOLE: I left my knothole long enough to go to Fort Jackson, S.C. The primary mission of the post is Basic Combat Training. I retired from the U.S. Army, so I am not unaccustomed to the military milieu. Nonetheless, I was overwhelmed at the superior quality of the training, leadership, and personnel that I encountered during my visit to Fort Jackson.
a parting shot from bbman: I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American soldier. the last two lines of the soldier's creed.
I met Maria briefly when she came to the Mesa recruiting station for home town recruiting. She came to my physical fitness test and ran with me while i struggled to run the two miles. Then i found out that she was one year older than I am ( as myself being old compared to those 18 yr olds). She truly inspired me and made me realize that I could do this. I will be going to Fort Jackson for my basic combat training in August 15th, 2011.
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