Thursday, August 2, 2012

Graduation Day

The morning started off great we had perfect seats again right in the middle, in the reserved section. We were able to sit here yesterday as well. They save this section for parents & family members of Soldiers who are getting awards as well as the Drill SGT & Cadre family members. The 282 Army Band played and shook things up a bit and got the crowd going. It was a smaller band but let me tell you they rocked it out. 
Here come the Soldiers all 6 companies broken down by platoon. 
Here are the top graduating soldiers & Drill SGT's of the cycle marching, in the center of the formation right behind the Color's. 
 I really did have good seat's and a great view but in order to get the entire formation in the picture I had to completely zoom out. 
 My love being presented with his award by the BC & SGT Major of the Battalion. Such a proud wife moment right there, even more touching that his father and grandpa were there to watch as well. With them both being former military themselves, having their son (grandson) follow in their foot steps is a big deal. This is by far not the first or last award for him but seeings as it was so unexpected & we didn't see it coming it's a big deal. 
 I use to hate the Brown Round, but I tell you it grows on you. I always get a kick out of the stories he tells about his privates. He holds nothing back!! 
After the awards were given, there was a guest speaker who did a awesome job. He was the father of one of the graduating soldiers, a retired marine vet himself. Talk about a proud dad moment. That was followed by the swearing into the United States as citizens of about 10 soldiers. These soldiers came to the US to join the army and become US citizens, they completed this process while going through BCT and were recognized at the ceremony. 
The entire Battalion formation did a pass and review in front of the bleaches marching back down to the end of the field were they came from. They had to wait there for there families to come find them. It's a pretty good walk down there, and I'm sure for some it was one of the longest walks ever.  
 I was able to visit & meet with a few more families before finding my Soldier!! I'm absolutely head over heels in love with this guys and couldn't be happier to be on this journey through life with him. It's not easy at times but we sure make the most of it when we can. 
I love you baby and am so proud of you. 

Three Generations of Gabriel's right there folks!!! 
The Hubbs, His Grandpa, & his dad. 
(he look more like his mom & takes after her side of the family more, with his height )


 Us with Grandpa Gabriel before they left to head back to AZ.                       So proud to be apart of this family!!
















~DAY 294~

4 comments:

Brittany said...

Yay for your hubs! Love the three generations pic...that's definitely one for the scrapbook. You look so pretty in your yellow dress!

Kate @ Daffodils said...

What an awesome post. Congrats to the hubs! I love the 3 generation picture, such a special moment.

whit | Black Little Button blog said...

WHOOT WHOOT! Congrats!
-wHiT

Janna Renee said...

Aww...That makes me fill with pride, and it's so special that you all got to be there together! I feel like Will's graduation was just yesterday!