Officially An Airman!

Thursday morning was foggy and a little chilly.  We were bussed to the parade grounds where we chose a spot to stand right up front.  The flights came marching in.

And then emerged onto the field from the fog in front of us.  We couldn't see which flight was Caleb's but we had a map so we knew his general location.

All of the state flags are on display above the bleachers.  I had to get a pic of New Mexico for Caleb.

The fog started to burn off and the planes came into view.

This is almost half of the people who graduated that week.

The fog lifting from the field during the parade and ceremony made for an interesting atmosphere.

Here comes Caleb's flight.  He's the third one from the front all the way on the left.

Did you find him yet?

Now you can see him!  He's the one all the way on the left.  Don't you love their business expressions?

Then they lined up again.

The flights marched forward into one solid group and then the guidons(flight flags) were taken away.  They all took the Airman's oath together and became official members of the Air Force!

They had to stand at attention until someone came to tap them out.  I had to wait until all the photographers were ready before I could hug him.  I took that opportunity to tease him a little.  You can see the beginning of a smile here as I asked him if he was ready for me to tap him out.

What an amazing moment which I am so grateful to have shared with him.

I'm so proud of my son and thankful to have him as a part of my life. 

Then we were bussed back to the reception center and eventually made our way over to his dorm so he could show us where he had lived for he last two months.  He gave us a special lapel pin that my husband and I are wearing every day in support of him as he goes through Tech school.  I'll show you another day.

He had a top bunk.  Well, I should say he ended up on a top bunk by the end of training.  He was moved from two other beds to the back of the room.  Don't know why, forgot to ask.

Neat and tidy!  I forgot to get a picture and didn't even notice the laundry room where he spent many mornings washing clothes for his flight. 

This is the day room where they received mail each day.  They weren't allowed to sit on the couches until the last week of training.  You have to earn everything, even sitting on the couch.  We also checked out the cafeteria but were not allowed to take pics.  It was nice!

Then we took him back to the hotel where we had lunch, the young peeps went swimming, and then we had dinner.  He enjoyed relaxing and getting out of his uniform for awhile.

We all took lots of photos as you can tell.  It was so nice to be able to talk to him and just know he was there with us.

He had to be back on base by 8.  We got a few shots in before we headed out to drop him off.

He signed for 6 years so after Tech school he will be an E3.  Nice!

My parents with their oldest grandchild.  We call them Nono and Nona which is Italian for Grandpa and Grandma.  My brother is also in the Air Force and called to congratulate Caleb and welcome him the the Air Force.

Buddies. 

Caleb and friends.

Caleb and Jolene.  She is the same young lady who went to prom with him last year.  Aren't they cute together?

Super proud Nono!

My husband's brother is also in the Air Force and both of Caleb's uncles are Master Sergeants.  Cool, huh?  He's already gotten lots of advice and it's nice to know he has two someones to ask for help if he needs it.