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Serk
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« on: July 18, 2021, 07:05:36 PM » |
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Now that she's beyond our reach, figured I'd start a thread for updates and info on Kali as she progresses to and through basic combat training, then later to her AIT and wherever things take her from there. This afternoon we dropped her off at the recruiter station for final paperwork and for him to take her to the MEPS hotel for the evening... The Mommy and I were mostly okay since we knew we were gonna pick her up from the hotel later and have a final visit before she heads off for good, but for the triplets and the family as a whole it was a final goodbye to our civilian daughter/sister. Next time we meet she'll hopefully be a soldier. The same, but changed.  This change is hitting Kaelynn extra hard, she's always looked up to her big sister, and her big sister has always been there her whole life. (Although she is looking forward to getting her big sister's bedroom, but that's only softening the blow a little bit.)  Her Army recruiter was over an hour late from the appointed time to meet her at the recruiting station, and as it's hot and humid and we had small children with us, these friendly folks next door invited us in. Kali came very close to changing her mind and going with them but alas, the paperwork required at this late date would have caused too much of a further delay, and I do believe her Army recruiter was willing to have a fist fight with these other recruiters in order to protect his trophy recruit...   Eventually Kali's Army recruiter did leisurely saunter in and claimed his prize, bringing us back to the Army recruiter office. The triplets all gave their big sister a final emotional hug (There's three+Kali in there somewhere, I promise!)  So then we went home, leaving her in the hands of the Army recruiter, who finished the paperwork (Well, the paperwork is never FINISHED, but you know what I mean) then drove her and another recruit to the MEPS hotel for the night. Once she was settled into her room my mom, my mom's twin sister, the spousal unit and myself drove to the MEPS hotel, Kali checked herself out and we had a nice dinner together... (My mom on the right, Kali in the middle and my aunt, my mom's twin, on the left)  We delayed the inevitable as long as we reasonably could, but eventually it was time to take her back to the MEPS hotel...  One last hug from The Mommy...  ...and she's off...  I SHOULD get her official swearing in video tomorrow at some point where I'll share it here. She should arrive at her BCT base tomorrow afternoon and then, we're expecting a week or two of very silent silence, but I'll keep her VRCC family updated here as best I can... |
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« Last Edit: July 18, 2021, 07:09:29 PM by Serk »
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2021, 07:09:55 PM » |
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Thanks.
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Beardo
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« Reply #2 on: July 18, 2021, 07:14:34 PM » |
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Great job Kali. You’ll be amazing, whatever path you take.
Mom and dad look so proud, as you should be.
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #3 on: July 18, 2021, 07:17:02 PM » |
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I remember that whole process like it was a month ago only I enlisted from Hawaii and my family took me to the airport on Maui and that’s where we said goodbye. All the rest was alone and seemed overwhelming but I grew up fast.
Kali has a great start. She’ll do great things!
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f6gal
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Surprise, AZ
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« Reply #4 on: July 18, 2021, 07:21:43 PM » |
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Kali Strong!! The good-byes must have been tough for her though. Not to mention all the others.
How's her ass doing?
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DirtyDan
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« Reply #5 on: July 18, 2021, 07:31:33 PM » |
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I remember that whole process like it was a month ago only I enlisted from Hawaii and my family took me to the airport on Maui and that’s where we said goodbye. All the rest was alone and seemed overwhelming but I grew up fast.
Kali has a great start. She’ll do great things!
The apple doesn’t roll far from the tree (most of the time) Dan |
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #6 on: July 18, 2021, 08:05:50 PM » |
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Thanks for the update and pics Brian.  (man, they're all growing up so fast) 37 years ago, I just packed, hoped in my car, and reported for duty at Maxwell AFB AL (at 31yo). |
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« Last Edit: July 18, 2021, 08:50:19 PM by Jess from VA »
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f6gal
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Surprise, AZ
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« Reply #8 on: July 18, 2021, 08:43:09 PM » |
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Hmmm, if you're going to track her, shouldn't you start a little earlier? She's been a member of the Valkyrie family her entire life (and maybe a little earlier, if I remember right). Still love this pic! From this to helping rescue her last month.  |
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Valkorado
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VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #9 on: July 18, 2021, 08:54:21 PM » |
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Best wishes to Kali. She's gonna do well.
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
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cookiedough
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« Reply #10 on: July 18, 2021, 09:11:24 PM » |
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was mommy a little teary eyed seeing her go out on her own? Dropping our daughter off at college campus 4-5 years ago mom was crying. I held it in but was as well a little choked up seeing the 1st one leave the house for good. 2nd child, a boy, 2 years ago was not as emotional for some reason on same college campus. Past 5 years or so now neither comes home but maybe 1-2 times per year is all tops and is only 3.5 hours north of us. We just got back today from long weekend from taking wife's mom to see them past 2 days up there she has not seen them for over 2 years now in person. Sorta glad today is over LONG ride home on interstate backed up in afternoon traffic jams stand still 3-4 times not moving.
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old2soon
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« Reply #11 on: July 18, 2021, 09:39:57 PM » |
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You Will recognize her when she gits back home BUT she Will have changed in ways you may not fathom. I went thru a similar process in Feb of 1964. And when she arrives at her duty station after basic might be awhile before you see her again. Her butt and the rest of her now Belong to the U S Army. This be Navy speak but-Welcome aboard Kali! RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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DDT (12)
Member
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Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #12 on: July 19, 2021, 04:20:47 AM » |
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Serk,
Good on ya for immortalizing this major milestone in her, and your, life! This will become a future treasure unlike any other... Nice touch Connie throwing in that pic of Kali & Psycho back in the day, too! Well, the cards are dealt now, so time to play the hand... Best of luck to all involved!!! Looking forward to following this story over the coming months and years...
DDT
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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Thunderbolt
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« Reply #13 on: July 19, 2021, 04:24:55 AM » |
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Thanks for the update. She will do well I'm sure. I wonder if they give ladies haircuts like the did us when I went to boot camp for the Naval Air Reserve?
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Farside
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Let's get going!
Milton,FL
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« Reply #14 on: July 19, 2021, 05:25:45 AM » |
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What a great send off Serk. She is a very smart young lady with great things on her horizon. I look forward to reading your updates as time marches on. 
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Farside
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Skinhead
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J. A. B. O. A.
Troy, MI
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« Reply #15 on: July 19, 2021, 05:58:56 AM » |
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I see no way she can fail, what with her personal drive and motivation, and the support of her family, both immediate and VRCC. I, and I'm sure you as well expect great things from her. Drive on, Kali! Thanks for sharing.
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« Reply #16 on: July 19, 2021, 06:30:11 AM » |
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My lady, Sandra, congratulates you. She joined the W.A.C. at age 18 many years ago.
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henry 008
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BRP
willard, oh
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« Reply #17 on: July 19, 2021, 06:56:40 AM » |
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Go Kali |
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Safe Winds... Brother  |
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Charlie McCready
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« Reply #19 on: July 19, 2021, 08:01:09 AM » |
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I doubt there's anyone in the VRCC that isn't a Kali fan. I remember her at several Inzanes running through the crowd delivering prizes at the ending banquet. Go Kali, we're all cheering for you !!!!
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Serk
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« Reply #20 on: July 19, 2021, 08:04:37 AM » |
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And she's officially US Government Property now.... Very back, far left: https://youtu.be/3R4nQ46aDQw |
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« Last Edit: July 19, 2021, 08:34:35 AM by Serk »
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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« Reply #21 on: July 19, 2021, 08:14:43 AM » |
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old2soon
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« Reply #22 on: July 19, 2021, 08:48:50 AM » |
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Sounds very much like the same Oath I took in Feb 1964. And to me That OATH is Still in effect. Happy GOD was part of that Oath.  I expect Good if not Great things from her! RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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bassman
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« Reply #23 on: July 19, 2021, 09:32:00 AM » |
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Hooah !
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VALKMAN
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ValkMan
San Jose CA
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« Reply #24 on: July 19, 2021, 09:48:53 AM » |
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Great for Kali and God Bless your family!!!!!
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Valk Man Valkyrie Rider and Buell Enthusiast AMA #319125 - http://www.amadirectlink.com/index.asp The biggest problem with the world is that most people can't get out of the way of their own ASS! |
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f6gal
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Surprise, AZ
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« Reply #25 on: July 19, 2021, 01:20:41 PM » |
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That one line had to be tough to say (you know which one). |
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Serk
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« Reply #26 on: July 19, 2021, 01:56:33 PM » |
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How's her ass doing?
So far it's proving to be not just strong, but...  Hmmm, if you're going to track her, shouldn't you start a little earlier? She's been a member of the Valkyrie family her entire life (and maybe a little earlier, if I remember right).
More than a little earlier, literally before her conception, which was because of a post on the old VRCC forums from Lamont... And yeah, we love that pic too, and the full circle he's seen of her life, from baby to rescuing her with a trailer... was mommy a little teary eyed seeing her go out on her own?
Definitely... And my mom, and my aunt, and even my dad. I've gotten more than a little misty eyed a few times, but I got most "of that" out of my system at the closing gate of the last day of the ren faire this season, in the rain.... Kali's been not only my riding buddy but my Ren Faire buddy since she was an infant, so that last time at closing cannon, at least for a while, got to both of us pretty hard...  (I was kinda upset at the person that took this pic at the time, but in hindsight I'm very thankful they did and cherish memories of that moment.) You Will recognize her when she gits back home BUT she Will have changed in ways you may not fathom.
Yup, we've heard this many times from many places, and honestly is part of the reason we strongly steered her path in this direction. She's a very good kid, but a little sharpening of the rough spots could do her a world of good.... I know it woulda done me good, one of the biggest regrets of my life... That one line had to be tough to say (you know which one).
Indeed. She almost called the whole thing off after the national disaster that was allowed to occur on 1/20/21, but elected to stick it out and maintain faith that the system would right things. I won't go further than that here, but yeah..... Thanks again for all the kind words and comments and insight and everything else. I've been relaying it to her as we can. So far today she's gone through MEPS that one last time, was put in a squad of 8 that immediately insisted she be the leader ("Some say it's natural leadership ability, I explain it as growing up with a mother with an MBA" was her quote) and drove 'em to the airport. Not one of "hers" but they sent one guy home and immediately separated him for not wearing his mask. Evidently that's still "a thing" in the military, and they're not messing around about it. The USO at D/FW airport is closed for repairs..... until tomorrow... So they gave everyone a check with a maximum value of $23 to be filled out at the airport to get food (I'm guessing the airport restaurants are used to this and handle it okay) ...they then had to explain to most of the recruits what a check was, how it worked and how to fill it out. Evidently for many of them this was the first physical check they'd seen in their lives. (We'd made Kali fill out a check to give to us then we wrote one back to her to deposit it when she first got her account just so she'd at least have seen one.) So now they're sitting at D/FW airport waiting on their delayed flight (American Airlines, that's to be expected) to St. Louis. I'll continue to update as often as there's something to update... |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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old2soon
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« Reply #27 on: July 19, 2021, 02:08:32 PM » |
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The one they sent packing was for a Simple reason. He was NOT following ORDERS! As soon as he said I Will and they found out he Won't well THAT punched his ticket in the wrong direction. For the life of me they told us the chow hall didn't even open til 0400. So Why were we rolled outa our bunks at 0130? P T Is Why-Lotsa P T. You git a chance let her know It WILL git better after basic. She will let you know when she can No One Talks to them recruits. They holler at em with leather like lungs!  RIDE SAFE. |
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« Last Edit: July 19, 2021, 05:06:05 PM by old2soon »
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #28 on: July 19, 2021, 02:09:23 PM » |
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That one line had to be tough to say (you know which one).
Indeed. She almost called the whole thing off after the national disaster that was allowed to occur on 1/20/21, but elected to stick it out and maintain faith that the system would right things. I won't go further than that here, but yeah..... I took Connie’s statement differently. I thought she was referring to “far left”  |
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_Sheffjs_
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Jerry & Sherry Sheffer
Sarasota FL
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« Reply #29 on: July 19, 2021, 04:40:49 PM » |
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I never meet her however through the board I have surely seen her grow up and I must say I am proud of her and wish her the best. Even a tad emotional! I also bet she does not know how popular she is, sure with the ones she has meet at gatherings but a whole host of us that haven’t. Now changing the subject, Serk has anyone told you that you look like David Gilmore?  |
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f6gal
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Surprise, AZ
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« Reply #30 on: July 19, 2021, 04:53:55 PM » |
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That one line had to be tough to say (you know which one).
Indeed. She almost called the whole thing off after the national disaster that was allowed to occur on 1/20/21, but elected to stick it out and maintain faith that the system would right things. I won't go further than that here, but yeah..... I took Connie’s statement differently. I thought she was referring to “far left” Well, yeah, that too. |
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larue
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« Reply #31 on: July 19, 2021, 05:39:13 PM » |
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Tough separation indeed but she’ll grow even stronger. Hang in there dad. You can be any prouder. God bless you all
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Serk
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« Reply #32 on: July 19, 2021, 06:59:12 PM » |
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Now changing the subject, Serk has anyone told you that you look like David Gilmore? Actually, yes... Especially his pic on the cover of Ummagumma, at that age I looked a LOT like him... ...just wish my bank account looked like his! And the adventure begins in earnest. Her flight was delayed, delayed, delayed and now canceled. There's a group of a dozen or so recruits wandering around D/FW airport (Half from Dallas, half flew in earlier today from New Mexico), can't get a hold of anyone at the military, can't get anyone at American Airlines to help 'em (Imagine that, they're not known for their customer service, SO wish they could have flown a real airline like Southwest!) and basically a bunch of kids wandering around aimlessly. I'm having to ALMOST physically restrain the spousal unit to stop her from swooping in and rescuing her baby. They'll figure this out, and the worst that happens is they sleep on benches in the terminal at the airport. Who among us has traveled much and hasn't done that at least once? So that's the latest update for now... |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #33 on: July 19, 2021, 07:08:00 PM » |
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Sorry to hear that, but it's not like hurry up and wait is unknown to the military.  I've slept on airport floors and seats all over the US and Europe. One time in Ankara Turkey (USAF), a group of us abandoned the airport, took taxis a long way back to town, just in time (running) to get the Blue Train (all night) to Istanbul. But all flights from Istanbul to Germany were cancelled, so we slept in that airport instead. ( Chinese Turkish fire drill) What they should not do is go to some bar and party. Should have had that recruiter's C-phone number. |
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« Last Edit: July 19, 2021, 07:13:24 PM by Jess from VA »
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Serk
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« Reply #34 on: July 19, 2021, 07:12:44 PM » |
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Sorry to hear that, but it's not like hurry up and wait is unknown to the military. I've slept on airport floors and seats all over the US and Europe. What they should not do is go to some bar and party. Should have had that recruiter's C-phone number. Seeing as I believe they're all underaged a bar wouldn't be an issue... She has the recruiter's cell number, but is reluctant to call him for reasons we can't figure out. I'm having to keep the spousal unit from trying to micro manage the situation as it is though, so other than pointing out she should call him, I'm not pursuing that avenue any further. Last message from her was "I love ya'll but please stop you're blowing up me phone!" So I left her with a "Please let us know when anything is decided, and if you need anything from us we'll help however we can." so now just waiting... |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #35 on: July 19, 2021, 07:15:38 PM » |
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I'm not a big believer in Karma, but sometimes I wonder.
It'll work out.
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Willow
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Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP
Olathe, KS
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« Reply #36 on: July 19, 2021, 07:21:01 PM » |
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Marine Corps recruiter next door. I wonder how that would've went. |
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Serk
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« Reply #37 on: July 19, 2021, 07:24:31 PM » |
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Marine Corps recruiter next door. I wonder how that would've went. Technically two doors down, Navy and Air Force were the Army's next door neighbors. Although evidently only the Army and the Marines work on weekends, the Navy and Air Force offices were locked up tight with nary a soul in sight...  |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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f6gal
Administrator
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Surprise, AZ
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« Reply #38 on: July 19, 2021, 07:36:39 PM » |
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Now changing the subject, Serk has anyone told you that you look like David Gilmore? Actually, yes... Especially his pic on the cover of Ummagumma, at that age I looked a LOT like him... ...just wish my bank account looked like his! And the adventure begins in earnest. Her flight was delayed, delayed, delayed and now canceled. There's a group of a dozen or so recruits wandering around D/FW airport (Half from Dallas, half flew in earlier today from New Mexico), can't get a hold of anyone at the military, can't get anyone at American Airlines to help 'em (Imagine that, they're not known for their customer service, SO wish they could have flown a real airline like Southwest!) and basically a bunch of kids wandering around aimlessly. I'm having to ALMOST physically restrain the spousal unit to stop her from swooping in and rescuing her baby. They'll figure this out, and the worst that happens is they sleep on benches in the terminal at the airport. Who among us has traveled much and hasn't done that at least once? So that's the latest update for now... Now changing the subject, Serk has anyone told you that you look like David Gilmore? Actually, yes... Especially his pic on the cover of Ummagumma, at that age I looked a LOT like him... ...just wish my bank account looked like his! I take you haven't had luck with AA. I far prefer AA. I hate SW... I'd rather walk than get on one of their flights again. (That might be a slight exaggeration.) I think this pic looks more like you (when you were younger of course)...  |
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Sweet Cheeks
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« Reply #39 on: July 19, 2021, 07:46:49 PM » |
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Thoughts and prayers for Kali as well as for the family. My son joined the Marine Corps straight out of high school, so I can fully sympathize. Kali will be fine. Eventually, y'all (Mom and Dad) will be too. Letting our kids go is far from being the easy part of parenting.
Janice
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I am pretty sure my last words will be ... “Well crap! That didn’t work!”
2004 VTX 1300 (sold)
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