{NCOA Graduate}

About a week ago, I ventured through Texas, into Oklahoma, and then back into Texas again. Don’t ask how that all happened because our "genius" plan to meet after a few weeks of separation turned out to be one of the not so smartest plans we’ve ever thought of! However what started out as a "what were we thinking" moment, actually ended up turning into a pretty incredible week.

I think I mentioned before the utter mass of confusion that hit our front door prior to Jason leaving for the NCOA (non-commissioned officer academy). The final "yes you are going, here are your orders" came just 2 days before he was scheduled to leave. Two days notice is better than one...right???

I wish I could explain specifics but I can’t.

I wasn’t the one who went through 6 weeks of additional stresses, added pressures, and the apprehension that came from the unknown.  

I wasn’t the one who dedicated 6 weeks of hard work, discipline, and pure determination to make it through.

I can however take a moment to brag

Why?

Because that’s my job!

Jason went through the academy at Sheppard AFB. His class was the first to tackle the new curriculum that was introduced this year. It was challenging, demanding, and at times made absolutely no sense. For 6 weeks, we hardly spoke because he was busy studying, writing, planning, and studying some more.

But,

He battled his way through it all and was able to walk across the stage to receive the recognition he fully earned and completely deserved!

Sheppard NCO Academy

Capt. William A. Robinson (Ret) & CMSgt Mihol

Instructor of Class 12-1

Fox Flight

MSgt Wiggers

Class 12-1

Fox Flight

My Jay 

(I don't get to see this very often so I get very very excited when he dresses all fancy)

  TSgt Mall

The guest of honor for class 12-1 was Captain William A. Robinson. I had the honor of being able to meet and shake hands with this incredible man. I was completely speechless when he took my hands into his own and thanked me for my service to our country. Listening to him speak was by far one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced. It’s absolutely amazing to watch a man like him talk about his service, the men and women who defend our freedom, and our beautiful country. The pride he has for the Air Force and the United States of America is absolutely mind blowing!

This was what Jason had to say about Capt. Robinson.

Today, my class at the NCO Academy had the honor of hearing a briefing from Capt. William "Bill" Robinson, the longest held enlisted POW. He received his commission from President Nixon after his release. The chopper he was on was shot down on September 20, 1965 and he was finally released on February 12, 1973, that's 7 1/2 years of hell. I can't even explain the feeling in the room as he was telling us his story. He focused on how the prisoners kept each other strong and how they kept faith that they would come home. He also told us how he eventually got to a point that time was measured in three days, “yesterday was the day I was shot down, today is today, and tomorrow I get to go home”. I was extremely humbled by listening to him speak. Six month deployments, or remote tours that take us away from our loved ones for a year suck, but I get to speak to my family and am able to see pictures. Here are a few numbers that we received from Capt. Robinson- 7 million people served in the military during the Vietnam war. 3 million people served a tour in Vietnam. 58,000 military members lost their lives fighting over there. 39,996 of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that freedom lived were 22 years old or younger. He finished the briefing quoting Article VI of the Code of Conduct:

"I will never forget that I am an American fighting man, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America" and the last two lines of the Airmen’s creed “I WILL NEVER FALTER AND I WILL NOT FAIL!”

        Graduation Reception

So EXTREMELY PROUD of My Airman!