FINALLY!!! We got to see our boy… wait… Strike that!!! MAN! And WOW has he changed! In this post you will find a link to some pic’s from our visit. I just threw it together to get them online and available to all so there is no commentary. When I find the time I’ll add info.
1st shots are of Devin and his “battle buddy”. This is mandatory for all leaving the base. Devin teamed with PFC Alan Buckalew (Buck) and it was a good choice. Cindy and I really liked this young man and feel that he embodies what a “dedicated soldier” and a buddy should be. His family wasn’t able to make the trip (they live in the frozen arctic somewhere in Minnesota, which I believe is just a little right of the North Pole!) but they should be proud as hell of their soldier! We bonded instantly, and he was a pleasure to have with us. He, like Devin, was not interested in “partying”, but rather indulging in their “freedom” by having a few good meals, shopping for needed items, and just relaxing. Both he and Devin are focused on their goal and, on a number of occasions, voiced their satisfaction with their decision and commitment to “be all they could be”! I wish they were going to be serving together after basic, but they are going on to separate stations, Buck to infantry in Texas, and Devin’s staying on at Benning for Airborne training. Whoever teams with “Buck Nasty” (his nickname in the platoon… I’m assured it is a good nickname) I am sure will be getting great “battle buddy”!
For a couple of weeks now Devin has been the platoon guide… “PG”. This has earned him the nickname ”papa golf”. He calls cadence when they are training in formation and has had to learn all those step keeping ditties you hear in the movies. His drill Sgt. has stated that he is “squared away”. I’m assured that is a good thing also.
Back to the pic’s… After the pic’s of the guy’s there is a pic of one of the Airborne jump towers. There was a cluster of three or four of these at the Benning training facility. ( As an aside, when he graduates he will walk across the street to a barracks for “Airborne Hold”, until a spot opens up. It could be one to three or four weeks.) Next follows their barracks, obstacle course and PT (physical training) facilities. Pic 027 is of the graduation field.
Last are the guy’s and a couple of our goodby schmaltzy stuff.
We had a GREAT visit and are as proud as parents can be. If these two guy’s are representative of the new group of soldiers coming up… the country is in good hands! (How’s THAT for patriotic rhetoric!)
Love y’all, and take care! PLEASE write a comment on the pics and contribute to the site often!!!!
papaj