Single Greatest Moment?

[GreenGate1]

For all those parents or guardians who have had a DD or DS journey through the 4 years of USAFA, any single, powerful moments that you can recall?

For me, it was seeing her stand and take the oath at the commissioning ceremony. Still brings a tear when I think about it.

Lots of traditions, fun when you see them full circle.

 

[flieger83]

My father told me it was him standing in front of me in his mess dress uniform, with all the bells and whistles of a very senior officer, looking at "his little boy" in the same mess dress uniform, about to become an officer in the USAF...he told me that in only a moment, he saw my entire 23 previous years pass in front of him and that he had to really work hard to "keep decorum for the ceremony we were about to perform."

I remember the intense look in his eyes as he asked me: "Cadet...are you ready to take this oath and to take on the responsibilities that come with it?" I said I was...

And the rest, as they say, is history.

We talked about this last weekend when I was up to see the AF v Navy game.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

 

[Christcorp]

For me, it was probably watching my son as his mom pinned on his bars. Then when I gave my son his first salute as a commissioned officer. And then he flipped me a silver dollar which I caught without thinking.

Of course, the look on his face when I said "Congratulations Sir". He knows I addressed most officers by their rank. Very few did I address by "Sir". Only those very high on my respect list. When I said "Sir" to him, his eyes got a bit glassy. Very proud moment.

 

[Finsup]

These stories are great motivators. Thank you for sharing.

 

[OldRetSWO]

Then when I gave my son his first salute as a commissioned officer. And then he flipped me a silver dollar which I caught without thinking.

I never thought to have my dad give me the first salute and had my cousin (3/C midshipman) do the honors.
However, I did reenlist my father on the stage at the end of my USNA graduation right after my cousin gave me my first salute.
Dad had 37 yrs in at the time and this was his final enlistment.

 

[skismuggs]

Watching that blue box proudly lifted high above my new second lieutenant's head together with the biggest smile I have ever seen in four years. That smile. The bestest (sic) and proudest moment of my life!