Retrospective

Every once in a while I get in the mood to writing about something.  So I thought I would take a break from the house updates and write about one of the Air Force's newest recruits, then Trainee and now Airman.

Last week Monica and I had the privilege to watch our daughter's fiancé graduate from Air Force Basic Military Training.  For those of you that have not had the chance to witness all of the graduation activities, it was much different than it was 27 years ago of me.  I remember graduation parade, but that is it.  Festivities began on Thursday morning with the Airmen's Run.  All of the graduating flights ran from their barracks to the new Basic Military Training Reception Center onto the drill pad while singing Jodies.  Corinne and Monica were able to see Corey as he came running by in his flight.  Later that morning they had the Coining Ceremony.  This too was pretty cool.


The Airmen were then put on Base Liberty for the rest of the day.  Airman Farmer's Flight won best PT Flight so they not only got Town Pass on Friday afternoon and Saturday, but also Sunday.  We enjoyed dinner downtown with Corey's parents and then some home cooked food at our house on Saturday.

Needless to say, we are VERY proud of Corey Farmer.

Listening to all the ceremonies and watching the young Airmen really got me to reminiscing.  My friend John G. framed it very well.  It is the joy of having served my career and knowing what young Corey has ahead of him.

Things like getting my 5-level, making Senior Airman and Staff Sergeant and going from the new guy on the block to being trusted by my supervisors to training those that came up behind me.  I remember the camaraderie among my friends, tacking on the stripes of my friends and getting mine tacked on me. There is a certain brotherhood (or sisterhood) among the military that I don't think you have in the civilian workforce.  Something can only come from months of training and knowing that you can count on your wingman.  He or she has the same training that you have, and are there to make things happen.

Half of my assignments were overseas.  I always found those units to be closer-knit units and you did things with your coworkers on the weekends too; you looked out for one another.  Stateside assignments seemed to be more like jobs and folks went their separate ways at 1630 on Fridays.  I really value the friendships I made over the years.

I remember making Technical Sergeant and thinking that it is time to start studying for Master Sergeant so I could achieve my career goal of becoming a First Sergeant.  Up to this point I only had one assignment over 3 years.  I always tried to keep working on the next goal.  I had a supervisor when I was an Airman that told me to ALWAYS take each opportunity as it presents itself even if it doesn't seem that attractive.  I kept that in mind throughout my career.

Earning my diamond was another special time to me.  Here is another group that I felt was pretty tight and we looked out after each other.  Becoming a First Sergeant was the highlight of my career.  It was long hours and hard work, but well worth it.

These are just some of the highlights of my career.  We are very excited for Corey and the prospects that lay ahead of him and our daughter Corinne.  We wish them the very best as they embark on their life together in the Air Force.

Here is a link to the pictures from graduation week.

Pictures and Videos

Thanks for listening.  Talk to you next time!