A significant event in this old cranium's life

Bullet

10-Year Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2008
Messages
986
1. Lose a little weight so my Dress Blues fit again -- Check
2. Shave the beard, get a haircut so I don't look like an idiot wearing it -- Check
3. Check over the dress blues to make sure I got everything -- Check
4. Index card with the Oath of Office on it (as a "cue card") -- Check
5. Hanky for Pima, the grand-patents, and DS's GF (probably need another for me as well) -- Check
6. Chest swelling with pride that the next generation of my family is ready to start serving his country in the USAF-- Check
6. Ready to Commission my son DS tomorrow -- Ugh. :eek: More like hoping I don't make a complete idiot of myself. How can I read the index card if my eyes are full of tears of joy and pride? Guess I'll have to do it by memory...

It's been a long journey for Pima and I on this forum, started waaay back for us when we were just like some of the newer parents here -- searching for answers as our son considered going to an Academy. Nearly 5 years, and many friends made later, this part of his journey is nearly complete. But we will stay for a while longer, helping others get through those steps, and keeping the friendships we made here close.

Through it all, this old AF flyer had one dream in mind -- the dream of the day I would be able to stand in front of him, tell him to raise his right hand, and repeat after me...

This father couldn't be prouder to be the one to officially welcome his son to the Brotherhood of Airmen that I have been a part of for over 25 years now. To welcome him to the second family I have come to love as close as my first, with all my heart. Words cannot express how excited Pima and I are for tomorrow, and how proud we are of him.

Aim High, my son. Fly, Fight, and Win! And welcome to the Big Blue family!

Your loving father, and fellow Air Force officer (ret),
Bullet
 
Congratulations to your son.

Went through this 2 weeks ago, make sure your buttons are sewn on tight for when you swell with pride, a great moment in a parents life.

Good luck and God's Speed to your son.
 
make sure your buttons are sewn on tight for when you swell with pride

Trust me, I've already checked to make sure the buttons are triple stitched on. I've been "swelling" ever since I retired from active duty, and it ain't been from "pride". :eek:

Oh well, some pride was involved, as in -- "I'm so proud of myself for eating that whole box of cookies. And even prouder I blew off the gym and took a nap instead! :shake:
 
1. Lose a little weight so my Dress Blues fit again -- Check
2. Shave the beard, get a haircut so I don't look like an idiot wearing it -- Check
3. Check over the dress blues to make sure I got everything -- Check
4. Index card with the Oath of Office on it (as a "cue card") -- Check
5. Hanky for Pima, the grand-patents, and DS's GF (probably need another for me as well) -- Check
6. Chest swelling with pride that the next generation of my family is ready to start serving his country in the USAF-- Check
6. Ready to Commission my son DS tomorrow -- Ugh. :eek: More like hoping I don't make a complete idiot of myself. How can I read the index card if my eyes are full of tears of joy and pride? Guess I'll have to do it by memory...

It's been a long journey for Pima and I on this forum, started waaay back for us when we were just like some of the newer parents here -- searching for answers as our son considered going to an Academy. Nearly 5 years, and many friends made later, this part of his journey is nearly complete. But we will stay for a while longer, helping others get through those steps, and keeping the friendships we made here close.

Through it all, this old AF flyer had one dream in mind -- the dream of the day I would be able to stand in front of him, tell him to raise his right hand, and repeat after me...

This father couldn't be prouder to be the one to officially welcome his son to the Brotherhood of Airmen that I have been a part of for over 25 years now. To welcome him to the second family I have come to love as close as my first, with all my heart. Words cannot express how excited Pima and I are for tomorrow, and how proud we are of him.

Aim High, my son. Fly, Fight, and Win! And welcome to the Big Blue family!

Your loving father, and fellow Air Force officer (ret),
Bullet

Congrats to your son on his dream. Congrats to you and PIMA. You are great parents and have helped a lot of us along the way. Definately need some tissues. My son got his bars two weeks ago. I thought that meant he would stop asking for money. I was wrong.
 
A sincere and heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to you and Pima. The insight, wisdom and humor you both have shared have made many of our paths easier. Much success and good fortune to you son!
 
Congratulations!

1. Lose a little weight so my Dress Blues fit again -- Check
2. Shave the beard, get a haircut so I don't look like an idiot wearing it -- Check
3. Check over the dress blues to make sure I got everything -- Check
4. Index card with the Oath of Office on it (as a "cue card") -- Check
5. Hanky for Pima, the grand-patents, and DS's GF (probably need another for me as well) -- Check
6. Chest swelling with pride that the next generation of my family is ready to start serving his country in the USAF-- Check
6. Ready to Commission my son DS tomorrow -- Ugh. :eek: More like hoping I don't make a complete idiot of myself. How can I read the index card if my eyes are full of tears of joy and pride? Guess I'll have to do it by memory...

It's been a long journey for Pima and I on this forum, started waaay back for us when we were just like some of the newer parents here -- searching for answers as our son considered going to an Academy. Nearly 5 years, and many friends made later, this part of his journey is nearly complete. But we will stay for a while longer, helping others get through those steps, and keeping the friendships we made here close.

Through it all, this old AF flyer had one dream in mind -- the dream of the day I would be able to stand in front of him, tell him to raise his right hand, and repeat after me...

This father couldn't be prouder to be the one to officially welcome his son to the Brotherhood of Airmen that I have been a part of for over 25 years now. To welcome him to the second family I have come to love as close as my first, with all my heart. Words cannot express how excited Pima and I are for tomorrow, and how proud we are of him.

Aim High, my son. Fly, Fight, and Win! And welcome to the Big Blue family!

Your loving father, and fellow Air Force officer (ret),
Bullet

Thank you, Sir! for all you have done, for your service and your contributions to this forum community. Best wishes for your DS as he embarks upon his career. Best Wishes to you and all your family. :thumb: :thumb:
 
7. Hanky for breadcrumbs- Check......but had to get it myself after reading Bullet's heartfelt post.

Big hugs and Congrats to one and all!
 
What an amazing post! I'm with breadcrumbs...hand me a tissue!

Congratulations to all of you!

Kat
 
A loving, moving, tribute to your son. His achievements are a reflection of your parenting...congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful day. Thank you for serving.
 
The one thing Bullet did not mention is what to me is something that will live in my mind forever. Not the oath, not the pinning on, but the 1st officer our DS will salute will be his father. Since Bullet is retired now it will probably also be the last salute Bullet ever returns. That is a memory as a parent you can never forget.

Funny how when Bullet retired the thought of the last salute didn't really come into my mind, but now it being DS's 1st salute and his last salute it is all that much more than I can ever place into words.
 
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What a special day for your family.
I think sunglasses and extra boxes of tissue are in order.

Congratulations! :thumb:
 
Bullet and Pima,

Congrats on your son's graduation and commissioning. You both deserve to be very proud.
Also, thanks for taking the time to help the candidates and parents on this site. I have learned a lot from both of you.
Hopefully I'll be able to repay some of that help when your son gets to Laughlin.

Stealth_81
 
The one thing Bullet did not mention is what to me is something that will live in my mind forever. Not the oath, not the pinning on, but the 1st officer our DS will salute will be his father. Since Bullet is retired now it will probably also be the last salute Bullet ever returns. That is a memory as a parent you can never forget.

Funny how when Bullet retired the thought of the last salute didn't really come into my mind, but now it being DS's 1st salute and his last salute it is all that much more than I can ever place into words.

Have someone else get that photo -- you'll be to busy using the tissues...:wink:

I have nothing orginal to add, but also wish you and your family an amazing day and thank you both for the countless post here to help us all catch a clue about what selfless service really means.

Take care and enjoy every minute!!
 
Step 8 - Commission my son on a beautiful late Spring day at the Air Force Memorial - Check.

Lead him in the Oath of Office in front of the black granite walls depicting Service, Integrity, and Excellence. 25 years to the day from when I was Commissioned myself (from the same ROTC detachment). In front of family, friends, and a surprised crowd of tourists who just happened to be checking out the sights during the Memorial Day weekend.

Me? Nervous, excited, and Oh-so-proud. Him? Nervous (he was late getting there -- don't ask! -- and the Det's full ceremony was getting ready to start), but happy to have his Dad read him his Oath. HUGE round of applause afterwards, as I accepted his first ever salute as an officer, and the hand shake HE wanted to give gave way to the heart-felt bear-hug this proud father gave him.

Pima? Crying through it all. And Oh-so-happy!

Got to give it to his ROTC detachment as well, they did a FANTASTIC job on the "official" ceremony afterwards (Guess they deserve that recognition as the top AFROTC unit in the nation this year). 26 newly minted 2nd Lts, with proud families and friends sharing the special day.

The photos are already printed and displayed proudly in our home. My favorite? The two of us, right hands raised, with the black granite reflecting our images and the images of the family, friends, and excited tourists in the background. Beautiful not only because of the reflections captured, but beautiful because of the special moment it captures between a father and son.

Step 9 - Recover - long day, but a happy one. One filled with a sense of awe and cherished memories. Really looking forward to following his career every step of the way, proud he is my son.

Step 10 - mission complete.
 
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Congratulations to your son and congratulations to you and Pima on a job well done!

As usual, a great series of post by you, Bullet. Really enjoy what you choose to share as it is always informative and often thought provoking.
 
As you can all clearly see my avatar has changed. This picture was shot just seconds after Bullet pinned on DS his butter bars.

To me that picture says it all, not only about the pride Bullet was feeling as a parent, but the joy our DS felt having his father share that unique minute in time.

For parents if you wonder what it will feel like that day, there it is in color. To me the only other time I really can compare it to is the 1st time you ever held your child.

The funny thing is I was thrilled when DS asked if I would mind if his GF pinned on the other butter bar. He was concerned I would be upset by this, I told him that I thought it was perfect sense. Bullet represented his past and GF is his future. Honestly, I knew emotionally I would be not able to see through my tears. GF is about 6 inches shorter than him, so it was funny to watch how he had to twist his body so both of them could pin on at the same time. GF of course was trembling through it, and afterwards, DS said to me "I get it now you were happy to have her do it because your knew how emotional it would be...nice Mom you are to let her suffer! :shake:"

As Bullet said I did cry, but they were tears of joy from a lifetime of memories created to get him this dream.
 
Where is the 'Like' button when we need it?

Great thread!

Congrats to all!
 
Well, if Pima is changing her avatar, I'm changing mine, anonymity be damned...

A moment in my life I will treasure forever. Right up there with my own commissioning and retirement. Amongst many other happy memories, such as the birth of my children. And so many more memories to go, such as all my children's (eventual) graduations, their eventual weddings, and the first time I get to hold my future grand-children. Dear Creator, I ask it in your heart to make sure I am there to share these with them, and Pima.

I am surely a blessed man....
 
Where is that box of tissues? Congratulations to you all.
 
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