Proud Mama

Proud Papa

Tommy giving Blood Wings

Proud Sister

Monday, October 31, 2011

Thursday morning Tommy and I hit the road for what we thought would be the final time this year. We were mistaken, we will  be on the road again very soon. Once to Homestead, FL for the final NASCAR race. And Secondly to Charlotte, NC for Thanksgiving.

This trip we voyaged in the direction of Fort Benning, GA. Kyle was graduating from Air Borne school and it was imperative to be there for him.  We arrived just previous to dinner time. We resided in the old barracks on the base that were rehabilitated into ‘hotel’ rooms. They were entirely restructured and are beautiful. They are  set up as mini suites, with a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom. Very, very charming. The cost was $45.00 a night. Excellent! (This was cheaper than some of the camp sites we stayed at during our trip out west).

Renovated Barracks

Barracks

The astonishing thing about staying in these hotel rooms was the fact that 45 years ago Tommy lived in the same exact building while he served  in the ARMY. His old room was just a few doors away. Who would ever think you’d return to the place that help guide and mold your life choices. Ironic. It was pretty interesting for him to drive around base  - 45 years later -  and see the changes that were made, and to have complete freedom with no yelling in your face 24/7!

Much earned Red Barrette

The night before the graduation we all went out to dinner together. Kyle’s Dad and sister had driven up to the base a couple of days prior. We settled in at a sports bar on base. We played pool, watched the World Series game on big screen TV’s, and had a lot of laughs.

Special Forces Emblem

Best Friend Jackie got him good!

The following morning we proceeded to the field for the big ceremony. The weather was gorgeous. There was a light breeze, it was sunny and the temperature was a comfortable low 80 degrees, with no humidity.  We stopped at the vendors along the way and purchased several memorabilia items.

Right coin -LOG Warrior Hero Award

Left coin-special coin made in Kyles Honor.

One made every 10 yrs.

To start things off Fort Benning had a demonstration of  4 jumpers land on an “X” in the middle of the ceremonial field. The were dead on! They were HALO (High Altitude Low Opening), jumpers and descended from 10K feet. HALO jumpers usually jump from 65K-75K feet. Yes, outer space.  In a typical HALO exercise, the parachutist will jump from the aircraft, free-fall for a period of time at terminal velocity, and open his parachute at an extremely low altitude. The combination of high downward speed, and forward air-speed, serves to defeat radar detection, enabling a stealthy insertion. They are equipped with oxygen and everything else they need to survive in any circumstance possible. Their motto is; ‘Death From Above‘. They are copiously trained and are an intricate part of warfare. To be a HALO jumper, you must first complete Air Borne school. Then Air Assault school. Air Assault School is a ten-day course of instruction that teaches Air Assault techniques such as repelling from a helicopter into enemy territory.  It's also one of the most physically challenging ten days in the Army. After graduation of Air Assault there is Path Finder school. The object of Path Finder school is to scout out safe, yet strategic, areas for ARMY personnel to invade and attack with the least amount of detection and the most effect possible.  Then, finally, be ‘asked’ to join the Green Barrettes. All of the above mentioned schools are privileges and you have to EARN ENTRY. You cannot simply just sign up.

jump training tower

 This is one of Kyle’s aspirations. To be a HALO jumper. His next feat, now after Air Borne, is Special Forces Unit in Fort Campbell, KY. He was asked to become part of this elite group and is very honored. We, of course, are full of pride! He is very humble about this and dislikes very much that I tell everyone about his accomplishments.

Medal = Distinguished Honors

The ceremony was wonderful. It only lasted approximately 30 minutes but was well orchestrated. I was allowed to actually pin Kyle with his well earned Air Borne Wings. They celebrate this action with what they call ‘blood wings’. One by one, family members are to punch the wings into the soldiers chest - therefore stabbing them - the soldier is to withstand this as many times as there are family members present. I did not enjoy that part, but everyone else seemed to love it. Except Kyle of course! LOL

second row from bottom - center

We arrived back home Friday late evening. It was a long, rainy ride. Over 1100 miles round trip.  We followed each other back for the most part. Saturday, Kaitlyn and I hit Costco. We had a BBQ in honor of Kyle’s achievements on Sunday and there was a lot to be done. Kyle had his choice of menu for his friends and I had mine for our friends. It was a lot of food but a lot of fun.

The weather was not cooperative by any means for us. It not only rained all day and night, it was torrential at times. We  had water recede behind the bar. All in all it was a success. I, the proud Mom, circulated Kyle’s medals to all our guests, to his disliking. Again,  he is very humble about his successes. This totally perplexes us because he is exceedingly confident within himself and sometimes is cocky about it. We love him anyway!  The ARMY really does change a person. LOL

He is now home with us for 10 days. We are extremely overjoyed to spend time with him. Especially his sister. She is over the moon that her baby brother is home.  Thanks so much for reading and for following our journey this year. I will be posting a final blog with a recap of our adventures shortly.

And thanks to ALL the men and women who serve our country and give us the ability to close our eyes at night to sleep safe and sound!