Basic training graduation weekend

I just wanted to share our experiences from attending our son’s graduation from basic this last week.

We arrived late on Wednesday evening and were blessed to be able to stay on base for 3 nights only a few blocks from our son’s dorm. One day when we were talking to our son on the phone a few weeks before he said that Lackland AFB has rooms you can rent if you want. Well not being a military family until now we wondered about that but we didn’t know how to go about getting into a room there so, I sent an email to the couple missionaries serving in the branch there and they sent me a number to call to make reservations. The only scary part of it is you can only call 3 days before the graduation to get the room reserved which makes it scary that you might not get into any place on such short notice if they don’t have a room available. Well we called the Sunday before and were able to get the room but only for 3 nights so we did have to move to a place off base for 2 nights. We loved being right there nice and close though. Thursday morning they have a briefing that explains how things will be for the remainder of the weekend. We went to the fun run and cheered on all the 600 + men and women at basic. A couple of hours later we went to what is called the coin ceremony, where all the men and women march in in their flights and receive this really nice coin for completing basic training. We were allowed to go find our Airman and take pictures of him. Luckily after that we were invited in to watch our son receive an honor grad award which is only awarded to the top 10% of the airman and our son was the only one from his flight of 48 men to get this award. The Airmen are graded on their physical scores (sit ups, push ups and running the mile and a half), a written test and on recommendation from their MTI (military training instructor). After this ceremony we were free to enjoy the rest of the day with our son on base, we went to eat, shop and go bowling before he had to be back in for the night. The next morning we headed over to the parade grounds which was just across the street from our room and watched the parade and graduation ceremony. Our son’s flight was privileged enough to carry the US flags and the flags from all the other states. After graduation which is a very emotional and thrilling event we were able to take our son off base for a nice slow dinner at Texas Roadhouse, something my son has been waiting for for a long time. On Saturday we were able to pick him up early and spend the whole day together until 7:30 in the evening. We went to Sea World San Antonio, to dinner again and moved to our other hotel. Sunday morning we were able to take him off base again since he was an honor grad then returned to base at 2:30 to attend church with him. What a delight to attend the branch, meet the leaders there, meet the missionary couple that corresponded with us and to feel the spirit. I will treasure this experience for my whole life. We are proud of our son!!