Airforce Graduation

Two Months in Three Days

We had not seen him in nearly 2 months. The Airforce allows a call every 14 (or so) days and some of those calls are only seconds long.  Nothing more than a few minutes.  

Of course, we had letters, but one can only pack in so much to a letter.  So, we arrive for graduation, six of us trying to get a piece of him before he heads off to his next stop - tech school. Jacob gracefully and prideful took it all in stride. 

3 days.  Actually, parts of 3 days.  They still have responsibilities, inspections, and a curfew. We were lucky, due to a holiday, we got an extra part of a day.  In most cases, it is 2 days, a total of about 13 hours.  We got to meet some of his friends, and because of the extra time, we got to spend some time with them too.

We listen to the stories and ask the questions.  We absorb the moments. We witness the pride.  Not just with our airman, you would have to be blind not to see each and every one of them standing up straight, head held high - yes ma'am, no sir.  Every thread in the right place.  Each rule and regulation respected.  I looked around, watching the families of the ither airmen. Everyone's expressions looked the same.

Growth and Change

Stark change hits you over the head.  Subtle change tickles your senses.  I am not sure how to describe the changes I saw in Jacob.  They were both bold and nuanced.

Jacob The Sponge

Jacob has always been the one that can do anything he wants.  He sucks up information better than anyone I have ever seen - anyone!  And when he is interested in something, he blows your mind.  But with this, my mind was blown to another stratosphere.  BMT is physical, mental, emotional, stressful, and memorization.  And Jacob excelled.

Then there is teamwork. 

“Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.”

I had 3 people who told me “without him, I could not have gotten through this”.  

One of those who said this was Conner Chin.  In a matter of minutes with Conner, you realize that without a doubt, he is brilliant, but they worked together and leaned on each other to get through.

I also noticed a respect for the MTIs (maybe not Sgt Beaty).  There was a reverence in his voice when Jacob spoke of them.  He always used their complete titles (which I'm sure is a regulation, but he was very consistent).  Jacob recognized their human side even though they were pressing hard.  He recognized the blue braid that signified their accomplishments (top 10%).  This is respect

The most remarkable thing I saw, the most awesome story, the thing that impressed me the most was Jacob and Elliott Alston.  Alston had a leadership role.  A responsibility that took some if his time away from his RLA responsibilities and his study time.  Jacob policed Alstons area and help him pass inspection, allowing him time to study.  This surpasses everything.

During BMT, Jacob did a fabulous job of writing letters to us.  The letters came with a bit of fanfare.  I would announce in a loud, bold voice “You've Got Mail!”, and My Lovely would read the letters. 

There was little time for writing, so we were truly impressed that he wrote as much as he did.  

When his letters were about his accomplishments and excitement, proud momma was happy.  With despair, she suffered a bit and prayed more, but she lived with each of his letters.  

Sam perked up with each letter as well.  It was a double whammy for Sam.  He was hearing from his brother, whom he truly missed (he downplayed this, but it was undeniable), and he got to hear about airforce life.

So, in our letters to Jacob, we had asked us to include in his letters to us a list of short phrases to serve as reminders for when we got here.  This worked out well.  Many of the phrases sounded like episode titles for a sitcom (“14 walruses and a trench coat”).  It is safe to say that there wasn't a dull moment.  

Sgt Beaty

The overwhelming story was about Sgt. Beaty and his overzealous squeaky voice. 

Alston

In Jacob's letters, he mentioned his buddy Alston several times.  Elliott seems to be a truly great guy.  We truly hope that the friendship endures.  Their paths are not likely to cross again unless they put an effort into making it happen.  Jacob will serve alongside many new faces, but 20 years from now, he will look back at his career and see that this was the most trying time.  A time he weathered with Alston.

The Texas heat is real.  I’m sure it wiped them out.  Lack of time and extreme demands.  Reveille, study, PT, inspections, stresssssss, lack of sleep, punishment for other people's mistakes, excellence as the only standard, OH and did I mention the Texas HEAT.

I truly expect t that this has changed his life.  I asked him first thing if he felt the experience as a badge of honor.  He said something to the effect of “No, I'm just glad it is over and am ready to be somewhere else”.  Connor Chin said he never wants to come back to Texas.

We are incredibly proud of him.  There are truly no words.  My Lovely is amazing.   I don't know how she weather's it so calmly.  I see her heart leaping out of her chest, but I had to work hard to hold back the tears many times - especially every time I prayed.Read more