One of our kids has officially signed up for the Air Force. I have mixed feelings. On one hand, we are very proud of his decision to serve and help his country out. Lord knows they need good people. On the other hand, I’m kinda terrified of the decisions he may be called on to make. This country already feels like it’s on the verge of another civil war, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s recent decision to give Presidents all of the power of the office with none of the consequences for breaking the law. Only three of the nine justices disagreed, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor writing in her opinion that the ruling now allows the President to be a king above the law and, “With fear for our democracy, I dissent.” But I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’m sure he’ll be fine.
Our son will be serving as a trauma nurse. He’s hoping to join a unit attached to either the special forces or the air trauma transport. For the next two months, he’ll be at Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. After that, he’ll be stationed for two years at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Which is perfect, because it’s both close to home and also where they keep all the alien bodies and captured UAV’s.
His commissioning ceremony was both humble and dignified. He was the only one taking the oath that day, but everyone still treated it (and us) like this was the most important duty ever, which, if I’m being honest, I have to admit it’s pretty darn important. I’m at that age now when I couldn’t help but be amazed that we’re entrusting the safety, security, and freedom of our country and way of life to a bunch of young kids. But we are, and I was reassured in seeing how they take their responsibility with so much respect, honor, and seriousness.
After the ceremony, we headed over to the National Air Force Museum, where they house hundreds (thousands?) of historic aircraft in four gigantic hangars. I’ve lived in Ohio my entire life, and I’d never been to this museum before. It’s one of those things I’ve always wanted to do but just never got the chance, like visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. <Sigh> One of these days.
Enjoy the pictures. Also, the next time you come across a service member, thank them for what they do and buy them some food or a cup of coffee. They are somebody’s kid after all.
“They are somebody’s kid after all.” As a father of three boys, that hit hard. Cheers to your boy–it is not hard to imagine the pride, among many other emotions, you must feel!
🥹 👽