MY BROTHER THE SOLDIER!

My brother Thomas graduated from the Army on 29th of May in Fort Benning Georgia.
On the 28th there was a "Turning Blue" Ceremony.....Sort of like a right of passage type thing; to signify they were ready to be called Soldiers of the United States Infantry. It was something I will never forget!

They all marched in from the woods divided into their platoons. As they came in they were all saying one of their cadences. It sounded majestic! I tried to video record it on my camera but it didn't work. I wanted to remember that sound!

Thomas was apart of the Echo company. I spotted him out of the crowd even when he was far away. He's 4th from the right....in the front row!

This is a closer shot!



At one point in the service they had one member of the soldier's family come and pin on the blue chord. (I snuck up there too to take a picture!!!!) We couldn't miss this! Look how proud my dad looks!
Yeah us! We all took turns taking a photo with our brother....Our nation's next Hero!
After the service Thomas had a few hours to where he could leave the base and hang out with his family. We all went to Applebee's for lunch. It was so cool to see the brother I knew as a goofy, slouching, all around fun guy turn into someone who opened doors, stood up straight, say yes mam and no sir....but still that funny goofy guy I love. He had a different way about him. One that showed respect and demanded it in return. It's hard to explain....All I can say is I was proud! After a few hours of story telling and pool time he headed back to the base....Tomorrow was GRADUATION!

The ceremony started off with a band; when they left the field you heard all kinds of gun shots and what sounded like bombs going off. The field before us filled with green and purple smoke. Out from the smoke soldiers appeared....they were equally spread through out the whole field. Eventually they made their way up to us....It was a demonstration of all the different weapons they had learned to use. Riffles, grenade launchers, and I can't remember all their names...but one was used to blow up a tank!

(Thomas said that was really fun to shoot!!!)

Next, they had the drill Sargent's come together with men who carried the flags for the National Anthem.
Here is a closer shot of Thomas standing behind and to the right of his drill Sargent. He really had a lot of respect for this man; Drill Sargent Larson.
After they repeated the Soldier's creed and sang the Infantry song each platoon marched by us so we could see our soldier up close. Unfortunately, I didn't get a good shot of this.

Afterward we all got to go out on the field....which by the way, was made from soil that was collected from every battle ground the U.S. has ever fought on. (cool huh!)



While Thomas went back to get his gear....for he now had a weekend pass....All of us sisters took turns taking photo's together. For whatever reason; this one of Connie and I was the only one that would upload. Don't we look cool in our sunglasses?
Once our free weekend with Thomas began....the fun never ended. Unfortunately once the fun started.....the photo taking stopped! I'm not the type to stop and remember to pull out my camera! We did get some shot's by the pool....but I'll spare you having to see us all in swimsuits! Besides swimming we did a lot of shopping at the PX (a giant military mall where they don't have to pay taxes!!!!) And lots of eating out! We also had a game night by the pool and got to hear many funny stories about Thomas's adventure!
This was the only "fun" picture I got. It was our last day when we were all hanging out; Dad, Me, Connie, Mom, Thomas, and Trisha.


It was hard to say goodbye....but it wasn't that bad since we know he gets to have leave to come home sometime in July! I can't wait! From there.....it will be a little more difficult for he will be moving to Italy for sometime and serving over in Afghanistan. But for now....he is in Airborne Training! I know he'll have a blast with that! It was a much needed vacation with much needed family time! I'm sooooo thankful my wonderful husband was ok with me going!