Sean’s Basic Training Graduation (Day 2)

For "Sean's Basic Training Graduation (Day 1)," click the previous link.

Both of Kim’s brothers showed up with some of their family last night. We all converged on Lackland Air Force Base this morning for Sean’s official graduation from Basic Training.

The first time we saw Sean this morning was as his flight, and all of the other flights, took the field for the ceremony.

As they took the field, a ceremony ensued to make it clear that this was a special occasion in the life of these young men and women.

After some speeches and pageantry, all of the graduating airmen (753 young men and women) paraded before us. Once again, just as we did yesterday, we easily identified Sean. At the 1 minute and 30 second mark in the following video, you’ll see Sean on the far side, second from the front. (He’s behind the short guy in the very front.)

After the parade, they resumed their place on the field as they took the Air Force Oath.

Then, they recited the Airman’s Creed.

Afterward, we made our way onto the field. I “tapped Sean out” with a hug from his Dad. And then we took some family pictures near the parade grounds.

Then, we headed to Sean’s dorm where he had spent the past 8 1/2 weeks in Basic Training.

Then, Kim’s brother, Kevin, did something really special for Sean. Yesterday, Sean received his Airman’s Coin. Today, Kevin (who is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force) gave Sean another coin. It’s something that only a Lieutenant Colonel can give to a recruit when he believes they exemplify some standard of excellence. When Sean realized what Kevin was giving to him, his facial expression said it all!

After leaving the base, we had lunch and headed to the house. It was the first time Sean had been off of Lackland Air Force Base in 8 1/2 weeks.

After getting a little bit of rest, we headed out to visit the Alamo. You can’t come to San Antonio without visiting this historic Texas place.

Then, we headed across the street for supper. Kevin wanted to give his nephew an incredible steak dinner after eating on base for two months. The smile on Sean’s face made it all worth it!

And the view of the Alamo through the third story window was pretty incredible, too!

This has been such an wonderfully fun extended weekend with Sean. We’ve still got two days with him before he begins tech school and we probably won’t see him for at least 3 months.

So, we are going to make the most of the next couple of days. I probably won’t blog about them since the military ceremonies are over for now.