Well,

The time has come for her. This Sunday my youngest daughter will embark on a journey to Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo for Army basic training. She will enjoy a 65 day leisurely stay near America's heartland learning how to be a soldier for the Virginia National Guard.

Recognizing how expensive college is and the financial drain that her being in school was placing on her mom and me, she joined the guard to earn some money and help pay for college.

After basic training she'll qualify to apply for the GI Bill for school assistance. During her time in the guard, she'll be an MP. Next summer she'll go to AIT in the same location and she'll be back in time to attend her fall semester.

Then she'll contract with the regular active duty Army as she chases down her commission.

Her drive and maturity are humbling.

Thanks for indulging a proud dad.

 

Brag away buddy and good luck to your daughter. Sounds like she has a very bright future ahead of her.

 

And shameless kudos to her, and parents. Your pride gives me goose bumps, Tim.

 

Everything else you do in life takes a backseat to your kids! Sounds like "the apple" didn't fall far from the tree!!!!

 

I wish her the best.

Brag away.

 

Good ol' Fort Lost In the Woods... Hope she has mosquito repellent. That program is pretty cool and I hope she stays in and makes it a career.

 

Thanks guys.

In anticipation of her commissioning in May 2016, my old retired uniform will be brought back to life, cleaned and properly adorned with all of my military hardware that I earned so that I may not only pin her butter bars on but I may also be the first enlisted person to ever salute her.

 

And with that first salute, she will likely see the glistening eyes of a proud father.

 

That would be [effing] incredible! I hope you get to do that.

 

Don't forget to take it to the tailor for letting out
I'm certain that your chest will be swelled with pride.

It's great that she is going to be all she can be!