Ammon:
We woke up and then drove back to Fort Jackson. Watched Sam graduate from being a Trainee to a Soldier. Then went to a southern food place called Lizard’s Thicket. After eating we dropped off James, Ben, & Jacob at the airport. Then me and Sam went a Trampoline park. Then dropped off Sam at the base. Stupid car A.I. decides to go straight into a traffic jam to get out of the base. But we are smarter. Started the drive to Washington DC and stopped after 2.5 hours to sleep for the night.
LaReita:
Since Sam was Soldier of the Cycle for B Company, we got VIP seats in the middle section. We sat behind all the base leadership. (It also meant we didn’t have to get up at 5am to leave, get in line, to get a decent seat in the stands!) When they presented the awards for the Soldier of the Cycle – B company, I wondered how his name would be pronounced. Sure enough, “Berkeley” received the award. 🙂 All of us “Berkeley’s” in the stands glanced at each other and smiled. At the end of the graduation ceremony, the families of the awardees were invited to meet with the Commanding General of the Base – General Hood. His short speech also touched on the importance of reaching out to their fellow soldiers if they, or anyone else, was having suicidal thoughts. “You are now part of a big family who cares about you. We are a team, and we work together as a team to leave no soldier behind.” A grateful, emotional moment for me as a mother, and therapist.
Interesting to note that of the five Soldiers of the Cycle, two of them were members of the church. When I was speaking with Military Relations missionary couple, they said it’s really quite common for one member of the church to be a Soldier of the Cycle. A member of the church (or any church) who knows/shows respect and demonstrates leadership (which includes following rules), makes military life easier for themselves and others.
We had a delightful 3 hour lunch and gab with 2 of Sam’s battle buddies (Hidalgo and Cavazos) and their parents. Then we dropped off brothers (James, Ben, Jacob) at the Columbia, SC airport. Me, Dave, Sam and Ammon went to a trampoline park for just an hour before Sam needed to be back on base. It was fun to see big brother Sam having fun with little brother Ammon. Put them together and what have you got? Sammon!
Next installment: Sept 5-7 America history
* more about the points game if interested:
The main idea is ‘Go where and when the deals are’. This was through a particular travel group. About 6 months ago I upped the game and bought into their “Lounge” to learn more. I was spending about 3-4 hours a day learning and researching about traveling on cash (Rule 1) and points (Rule 2), and how to travel well, cheaply, AND wisely. Clarifying: When I say ‘cash’ that means purchasing the ticket instead of redeeming your credit card points.