It will take a few days to get caught up on my sleep!
We got on the road at 9:45 a.m. and my head hit the pillow at 1:15 a.m. Georgia time.
Have you ever been exhausted and exhilarated at the same time?
But, we were able to get a few hours of shut eye!
We arrived early to Ft. Benning and were able to purchase a few souvenirs!
While we were standing in line my son's girlfriend grabbed my arm and said "Momma, there he is!" WHAT!! WHERE?? For whatever reason, I was expecting Kale to be in his dress uniform. So, I wasn't paying any attention to all the soldier's in their fatigues. As I perused all the faces - there, with the biggest grin on his face, was my son! A girl couldn't help but jump up and down!! After the longest separation ever - was my now, soldier! My cup runneth over with pride!
We then had a meeting with the Commander at 0800 and he briefed us on everything that our soldier's have been through over the last 10 weeks and 4 days!
We then went to view a demonstration of the marching skills that they have learned since being at basic training. This is the formation that we found them in - facing away from the bleachers and all the family members. One by the one the 4 Drill Sargent's called for their individual units to 'FALL IN'.
Commander Thomas G. Flook, Jr.
Is that my son! And with a rifle no less!!There was total individual and unit precision!
He was on the front row almost directly across from us. His Drill Sargent has nicknamed him 'Smiley' - so you can just imagine how hard it was for him - not too...
After the demonstration, and by the way it was a judged event and there was only one winner. For the other 3 units, they got to demonstrate 3 different types of push-ups as their punishment!
I still find it hard to believe that that is my son!
His little girlfriend and I joked about who he would hug first! I warned her that if he went for her first I would have to take her out, take her down! Thank goodness, I didn't have to resort to violence!
He was on the front row almost directly across from us. His Drill Sargent has nicknamed him 'Smiley' - so you can just imagine how hard it was for him - not too...
After the demonstration, and by the way it was a judged event and there was only one winner. For the other 3 units, they got to demonstrate 3 different types of push-ups as their punishment!And then it was back to the barracks to change into their dress uniforms.
Kale's unit did a Gomer Pyle cadence - I sure wish I could remember the words!
I still find it hard to believe that that is my son!
His little girlfriend and I joked about who he would hug first! I warned her that if he went for her first I would have to take her out, take her down! Thank goodness, I didn't have to resort to violence!Best Hug ever!
Stay tuned.
Our adventure continues!
Hugs,
Cindy
I am so happy for you. I bet you can still feel that hug. You must be so proud of your Smiley son. Although I am Canadian I do appreciate all of your sacrifices.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you got to see Kale and had a good weekend. Matthew got his cell phone so he called alot over the weekend and also sent a picture of him in his class B's. He looked so good. Him and a few soldiers stayed in a hotel for the weekend and saw movies, and went out to eat and shopped a little. Where will Kale be stationed at? I emailed you a couple of times but not sure if you got them. I am glad you had a safe trip, can't wait to hear more.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kathy
Hi Friend! We all stood here and looked at the pictures of Kale. It's so good to see him. I know you all had a wonderful time. Can't wait to hear every detail!
ReplyDelete