A Story I just have to share!
My second son joined the army in November 2009, during his senior year of high school. In May, 2010, he graduated.

In July, he was off to basic. Being raised an army brat gave me an advantage. So I knew things and of course my mom filled in the blanks.

We went to graduation at Ft Benning and of course I believed that would be the last time I would see my son for awhile. I do have to say that going to the Basic graduation is a must for any parent.

Then the most amazing thing, what I can only describe as a true blessing from God. It only happens like less than a half a percent. My son was stationed in his home state of Alaska. Not 40 miles from where he grew up. I was amazed and felt so blessed.
During his year at Ft Richardson he was able to come home on weekends and nights if he wanted. He also brought home the most amazing young men.Those young soldier who were far from home became part of my family. They would come out and stay on weekends. One of them was married and hiswife arrived here in September. She is like a daughter that I never had.

Anyway, I knew my time was limited, I knew this young battalion was going to be deployed this December. But it seemed so far away in the

summertime of Alaska’s long days. Then the days grew shorter.

Finally after many false starts: dates were set. Ceremony was held.

The first were sent.

Then came my guys turn.

That night in December is a night I will never forget. The pride, the fright, the struggle to keep it together. Not just for my son but for the other guys and my family who had grown to include not one but four young girls.
That night I watched my son became a soldier. I watched as he checked his gun and gear. And I wanted to yell and scream but I stood with pride. Because he was proud. Proud to be an American army soldier as his grandpa, my dad, was. All my guys were proud to be serving their country.
I’m so glad I had a year to watch this transformation to get to know the other four so far from home. Proud sons of proud mothers.
Now we walk through this thing called deployment. But for me, I still have fear, I still don’t sleep much waiting for that call. But I rejoice in the

blessing that I was given. I know God is in control.
God watch over the Task Force the Spartans. The 3/509th task force gold Geronimo. Keep them safe. But most of all keep them focused.

Please enjoy this slideshow of that night.