Posted on 10/29/2003 7:04:55 AM PST by Indy Pendance
If you have a moment, please consider this small favor. Being a newbie military parent, where else would I turn to but Free Republic?
Two of my kids will be leaving for the Army in November. Both will have their basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. One is leaving November 6th, has a couple years of college, and intends to complete her medical training with the Army, and is heading for San Antonio after basic.
The other leaving November 20th, has had some college chemistry, is heading into the chemical, biological and nuclear field, and will remain at Fort Leonard Wood after basic. At this point, it's still undetermined where they go after they are done with their AIT training.
During the beginning of the War with Iraq, there was a photo posted on many threads. I'm specifically looking for the photo of the woman pilot from the war in Iraq. IIRC, she had a microphone covering her mouth. Any photos that I could attach to their letters will be helpful. I've searched google and found quite a few great pictures, but I know you all have some great ones that just aren't readily accessible on the internet.
Their recuiting sarge said the exact same thing. He did mention to write funny stuff on the outside of the envelops, they get a little razzed for it.
Some things never change. d8^)
Do whatever it takes to make it to the graduation weekend. The kids need that re-bonding with their family after BMT.
Write every day. I just sent a far-side cartoon and a few lines about baseball and the family, but make sure you send your love and pride.
My daughter used the internet furiously when she knew her job was confirmed. By researching her next few months as much as possible she was prepared. They will have rare, if any, internet access for quite a while so now is the time.
Make sure all of your family writes while they are in BMT. Getting grateful letters from obscure mythical great-aunts and cousins can make a bad day good.
I think the most important step I took as a father was this. As soon as she passed all her tests and her intake was confirmed I made it my job to teach her what I could about The United States Constitution. The most emotional part of the graduation parade is when these kids stand proud and in a loud, clear roar pledge their life to defend the Constitution. It is wise that they fully understand the oath they will take.
Here is a small collection of some of my favorites
(August 2003) Shooting her M-16A2, Spc. Liana Bombardier, a U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit service rifle shooter, won the Service Rifle National Long Range Rifle Championship at Camp Perry, Ohio
Candy Gram for the Hussein Brothers!
An Iraqi family comes outside to wave to U.S. Marines patrolling in a western town of An Nasiriyah, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Brent Harvey
OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM -- (Clockwise from lower left) 1st Lt. Alison, Capts. Heather and Waynetta and, Senior Airman Lyndi, all from the 376th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, flew an all-female KC-135 Stratotanker air refueling mission over Afghanistan on Jan. 31. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Elizabeth Ortiz)
Check out the dents on the nose. This bad boy has been brawling!
Diego Garcia. This is a rare shot from the mysterious island airbase.
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