Basic Training Graduation Events Day 1

Okay I was totally bummed that we missed the Airmen's run. Traffic to get on the base was kill awful. So we left a message to Josie on the graduation Video, went to the parents briefing and then went back outside to wait for the Airmen's coin Ceremony. That's where the Airmen officially go from trainees to Airmen. Anyway, it was stinkin cold outside and we were sitting on Metal bleachers. So the chill ran deep. I keep looking and looking hoping to catch a glimpse of the little red headed girl. We all of a sudden I saw two females. it took me almost no time to say (probably louder than I should have) wait...that's my baby girl. I didn't cry then but, now as I type it I can't keep my eyes dry. I was so happy to see her. Not to mention incredibly proud.

About ten minutes later people trainees began marching into the area. John and I were of course on the wrong side of the Field. We couldn't have been further if we had planned it. If you click on the below pic to make it bigger you can see the hand pointing to her. I felt so bad for all the trainees, you could see the snot dripping from their noses and they couldn't do anything about it. Not to mention the were very wet.

This is the coin they received to recognise them now officially as Airmen.

Following the Airmen's coin ceremony we headed inside for the Honor Grad Ceremony. Josie was one of two females in her squadron that made it. To be an honor grad you have to score at least in the top 10 % of all the Airmen in her "Class" (793 people), score high on fitness tests, they had to show integrity, go above and beyond what is expected of you and show great potential.

This is the coin she received for honor Grad. She also received a ribbon (her dad missed getting that ribbon) for her uniform and a town pass for Sunday.

After that ceremony we were free to go about the base. We ended up going to the food court. That was ridiculous. There was no place to sit and eat and the other people were like wild animals trying to get a table. So we went and ate in the car. Josie didn't ind at all. It meant she could use the computer. After all she had to update her facebook. We spent the rest of base liberty walking around the mini mall. Till she had to go. So we parted eager to see her the next day.

After we dropped her off we went back to my grandparents house and met up with my mom (bio) and Kevin. We took off and went to dinner at ...I can't remember the name of the place. It was Chineese food. After eatting went back to Granma and Granpa's.