Some things have changed

[The emperor has no clothes]

And some haven’t. My nephew is graduating boot camp tomorrow. I had hoped to travel up to Great Lakes and watch. But as they say, sometimes life throws you curveballs. Evidently they stream these things on YouTube nowadays. I checked the link to make everything was good for the livestream in the morning. I watched a few minutes of last weeks ceremony. It’s weird the things you remember, and you don’t.
 I’m very proud of him. He has been dealt a tough childhood. He came to stay with us a couple years back, after my sister died. I hate to say it, but I didn’t have a lot of faith in him at the time. I’m glad my instincts are not 100% correct. Once more my faith has been restored. He has really turned into a fine young man. Due to circumstances mostly, we are two opposite natured people, who converged a cross roads at the same point in their life.
 Watching a bunch of young people finish boot camp brought a wave of patriotism and pride. In them, and me. I’m sure I will experience much more watching Layne in the morning. Im going to have to restrain myself from telling my Mom and Brenda how it was different “in my day”. It’s funny how differently I see a 40 year old Chief now. They were grizzled, old men back then. Now they are young family men.
 I’m very proud right now. And I’d like to ask everyone to remember there are a lot of fine, patriotic young men and women still to this day. I think we are in good hands.

[Savago]

Congrats to your nephew!

I always say that we must respect the men and women on uniform serving this great country as also appreciate our veterans.

[Skinhead]

Unfortunately those that choose to serve are in the minority.

[f6john]

I pray that the leadership from the Pentagon on down will be worthy of the investment our young people are making in the country and their own lives.

[da prez]

 My wife's granddaughter is an Airforce Major currently in intelligence , currently in Germany. 32 years old and we are V E R Y  proud of her. Bonnie is in heaven watching and keeping her safe.

             Congratulations to the young man! We need many ,many more like him (and her).

                                     da prez 

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

Thanks for sharing that story! As we all travel the journey of life, external influences constantly shape and reshape our perceptions and expectations for the future... At times things can appear almost hopeless, then we receive inputs that give us great hope... The details of our experiences vary widely, of course, but the net effect is essentially the same. I know of the feelings you've been having, as I've shared similar events along my own path. They're worth celebrating for sure, my friend, so... hoist a Corona or three in a symbolic toast and I'll join you! Again, thanks for sharing another of your revelations and joys...

DDT (12)