Last Friday, Ryan got his wings pinned. He is now officially a military rated pilot. Pretty cool. When he was 17 years old, he signed up for the Air National Guard. He had one goal: to become a pilot for the Air Force. From there, every decision he made had that goal in sight. He chose electrical engineer, he got an internship (and then a job) in the defense industry, he worked as an Avionics technician on F-16's, we moved to Tucson to get to a different base where there were more opportunities.....9 years later, those wings were pinned on!
9 years of some amazing experiences. I've been a part of it for 6. The amazing part is...this is only the beginning! So many years lie ahead of us, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
The weekend went perfect. Everything from our time spent with his family to the ceremonies was just perfect. It was wonderful to have both his parents there. It was also really cool to see his Dad give him his "blood wings".
A little military history for you...."Blood Wings" dates back to WWII, where when a military pilot got his wings 'pinned' on, they didn't just simply "pin it". They placed the pin, and punched that pilot in the chest HARD. Often times, the punch was so hard that their chest would bleed. Hence, "blood wings". Regulations about "hazing" has calmed this ole tradition down.
Where was I? Oh, yes...his Dad! Ryan's Dad had an important impact on him growing up, who retired from the Air Force several years ago. So it was cool to see his Dad get to do that. His Dad drove 12 hours to be there for this!
I will let the pictures do the talking for the weekend.....
It was an emotional day, I must say. It was just full of lots of happiness and excitement. I really felt like my heart was pouring over with blessings.
So, I am writing this blog post to you from HOME. Not home, as in hotel room..but home as in HOME in Arizona! I will be doing a follow up post soon, just recapping my reflections on this experience. I will also be pouring my heart out on how much I can relate to Dorothy (Wizard of Oz, Dorothy), who said "There's no place like home...."
This week is pretty dang crazy though. Got home, cleaned the house and got it back in order, preparing for a dinner party Thursday night with Ryan's old boss, then a party Saturday night where we will be having about 40 guests. Oh, and I returned to work after my LOA and got put on a huge product....and was told "Oh, the bulk of your research needs to be done by Monday."
Life is full! Life is good!
9 years of some amazing experiences. I've been a part of it for 6. The amazing part is...this is only the beginning! So many years lie ahead of us, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
The weekend went perfect. Everything from our time spent with his family to the ceremonies was just perfect. It was wonderful to have both his parents there. It was also really cool to see his Dad give him his "blood wings".
A little military history for you...."Blood Wings" dates back to WWII, where when a military pilot got his wings 'pinned' on, they didn't just simply "pin it". They placed the pin, and punched that pilot in the chest HARD. Often times, the punch was so hard that their chest would bleed. Hence, "blood wings". Regulations about "hazing" has calmed this ole tradition down.
Where was I? Oh, yes...his Dad! Ryan's Dad had an important impact on him growing up, who retired from the Air Force several years ago. So it was cool to see his Dad get to do that. His Dad drove 12 hours to be there for this!
I will let the pictures do the talking for the weekend.....
Ryan and his Dad after the ceremony. Don't they look alike?!
Ryan and I prior to the luncheon. I find him to be very handsome in his dress blues.
Ryan getting his "Blood Wings". Chris was too nice to give him any blood though ;)
Ryan and his Mom!
So, I am writing this blog post to you from HOME. Not home, as in hotel room..but home as in HOME in Arizona! I will be doing a follow up post soon, just recapping my reflections on this experience. I will also be pouring my heart out on how much I can relate to Dorothy (Wizard of Oz, Dorothy), who said "There's no place like home...."
This week is pretty dang crazy though. Got home, cleaned the house and got it back in order, preparing for a dinner party Thursday night with Ryan's old boss, then a party Saturday night where we will be having about 40 guests. Oh, and I returned to work after my LOA and got put on a huge product....and was told "Oh, the bulk of your research needs to be done by Monday."
Life is full! Life is good!
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