Wow!!!

[George Pacheco]

Wow it seems like an eternity since Julian left. Young absent minded with no idea of what his future would bring him. He was the kind of young man that would sleep till noon, one or maybe two in the afternoon. Nonchalantly get out of bed, say whats up and start his day as if he'd been up for hours. He would stroll around as if no worries in the world until I hit him with the dose of reality, go find a job (not that there are many out there) or we can have a discussion with the recruiter. Gave him some time, just to see how he would process the notion of heading off to boot camp or having to work for a living. He worked for a short time but not until after he decided to go and talk with the recruiter. He was truly proud of himself when he took the ASVAB test and scored fairly high. When I asked what he was thinking about doing he mumbled something like, maybe go the nuclear field... I dont know.See having served myself in the US Army for three years I knew about the adventure he was about to embark on and I made every attempt to guide him but ultimately it would have to be his decision. After all he would have to live with it, then he told me Dad I will be in the Nuclear field with the US Navy. The sense of pride I had with in me was overwhelming to say the least.Now he is in his 3rd week of basic and even though I havent received a letter from him I know he is all right, see he has a girlfriend and apparently she has received a letter all ready. Well I am glad he has his priorities straight and is at least writing her. She is a very beautiful young lady with a sweet demeanor and she has told him, I will wait for you. If they choose to marry one day I will be proud of them both but they are still to young for that (listen to me I sound like........my dad).I know he is home sick, as I was when I left back in 1982 but I will never regret one day I spent with Americas Guard of Honor the 82nd Airborne Division. I know when he finally finishes boot he will hold his head high, be proud as he has just become a sailor with the US Navy. It will definitely be funny to hear our household when he comes to visit and Army is playing Navy in football.I am proud to call him son and thank God for the opportunity to have him. May God Bless all our troops at home and abroad. Till the next blog, take care.

[Randy Bloom]

George, I'm right there with you, I too was an Army boot in 1982, and did the same with my son, he had a few odd jobs, and kept getting layed off, he tried the Coast Guard first, but they would not give him the time of day, we were sitting around one weekend, and I told him, lets go talk with the Navy, He did, and it was game on from there.
My son don't have a girl friend, which I'm kinda glad, so he can keep his mind on the subjects at hand, after boot camp, he's off to LS "A" school in Mississippi, and then onto Submarine training school, I hope he gets some leave in there some place.
I too, am very proud of my son, as you are of your's...thank you for sharing your story...I'm right there with you!!
Thank God, they built us Dad's Army Strong...LOL

[George Pacheco]

Sure will thanks for the feedback!!

[blondie]

George, thanks for sharing your story. you have someting to be proud of.
my daughter is an IS and stationed in the ME, for the last 18 months. when she decided to go to BC we all stood behind her and was so Proud. but when i say her for the first tiem in uniform WOW! it's just unbelievable, there's no words. i mean we love our children and are proud of each of them, but seeing her like that, so different, so grown up so, so the way she holds herself, commands attention and Oh it's so hard to put into words. am i scared, no more than for my other children, this world is a different world in which we grew up! But when i hear and see her smile, and she tells me "I'm making a difference, I'm keeping our soliders safe." there's no words for the Pride and Love in my heart.
God Bless all our military where would we be without them. Thank you son for me and give him one BIG hug.