Wow! It has been awhile and I kinda left y'all hanging on the whole graduation thing. So, I'm gonna try to catch up and get back on track again. Oh and this all seems like it happened forever ago even though I've only been a 2nd Lieutenant for 5 months.
Tuesday of Grad Week was another huge day! To start things off that morning, I marched in my last cadet parade EVER! It was great to think that I'd never march again due to the lengthiness of parades, the weather, the uniforms, etc. BUT, at the same time it was kind of bittersweet. In the graduation parade, all of the firsties leave the wing via the Echelon formation. There are only ever 2 times when a cadet marches in Echelon formation: Acceptance Day Parade and Graduation Parade. My time (a long four years) would come to a close once I left the wing on Tuesday morning. Crazy to think about. Exciting too! I just remember being so completely excited and emotional and unbelieving all in one moment. As we marched onto the parade field for the last time (MY last time) lots of different memories and emotions kinda washed through me. And then leaving the wing was so crazy and surreal, especially when our squadron marched passed us, we saluted them, and they were all on their own now without us. My entire crew was there for this parade, so it was pretty special for me! Here are some pictures from the morning!
Mom and Dad ready to watch their last parade!
CS-15 in the front and CS-16 in the back leaving the wing!
Proud Chickenhawks!
Turning to take my place at the front of the field.
That looks like a little bit of a smile on my face. I was having some trouble with that whole military bearing thing.
An overview of some of the firsties in the Wing.
Happy to be done!
Looking for my family
My whole crew! I am blessed to have all these supporters!
Aaron and I...we've been through it all!
Nanny!
Aunt Sandy, Alisha, and Riley
Uncle Neil, Aunt Beth, Jodi and Colton
Kyleigh and Wayne
Mrs. Hope
Natalie, Dad, and Mom
Mr. Tom Redfield...dear friends of the family and Aaron's dad!
Mrs. Lorrie Redfield...my mom's best friend and a dear friend and Aaron's mom.
With Dan and Janelle...Dan and I have been through everything too.
Being silly while I take my family on a quick tour of the Academy.
Checking out the chapel
Making my family stand on the footprints...hahaha!
Explaining what happens when you first arrive at the Academy
The family!
Standing with my Class Crest in its new permanent home!
Another shot!
After the parade was over, we were off to another event. I was nominated for the 1st Lt. Roslyn L. Schulte Cadet Character and Leadership Award, an award that recognized one cadet from the class of 2014 that exemplified character and leadership in their lives through their work with the Center for Character and Leadership. Lt. Roslyn Schulte was a cadet that graduated and was killed in Afghanistan making her the first female USAFA graduate to be killed by enemy action and the second female graduate killed in action. During her time at the Academy, she was an outstanding leader in all aspects of her life as a cadet. I was truly honored to even be recognized as a nominee for this award and was so humbled by the group of nominees that I was in. My fellow squad mate, Emily Bohnenkamp, ended up winning the award and I was so happy that she won! Here are some pictures from the ceremony!
Last minute fix on the uniform!
Waiting for instructions with fellow nominees.
Ready to go!
Getting recognized with Col Sanders, director of the Center for Character and Leadership Development.
Receiving my plaque!
Shake, take, salute!
With my plaque!
All the nominees and winner!
With Samantha and Courtney; there was no way I would have even been standing at that ceremony without the help and guidance from those two!
Sam!
Sam and the parentals. Samantha has pretty much been adopted into our family even though she has a wonderful one of her own!
With the best AMT and AOC in the wing! MSgt Simon and Maj Maymi!
After the ceremony, I finished up a tour of the Cadet Area with my family before it was time to get ready for commissioning! So, here's some more pictures!
With my exemplar's case in Exemplar Hall
Jay Zeamer!
Super excited that this is here...it means I'M GRADUATING!
Letting Riley play with my tassels.
THUNDERBIRDS!
Love these birds!
More to come to finish up graduation week!
