Graduation Day

The day finally arrived- Mason's graduation from Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). The road to get here was a really long and difficult one, but we made it. I say we, because we both took this journey together. While there have certainly been ups and downs in the last year, I feel like Mason and I have grown even closer than ever before. It's the most amazing feeling in the world to see the person that you love be successful in their passions. As long as I've known Mason, he's wanted to fly. The Air Force National Guard was an option in high school, and then after 9-11 Mason decided he wanted a college degree, so he'd stick with commercial aviation. After flying freshman year in college, he decided that he wanted to fly jets and be in the Air Force, and so he joined ROTC. Now, years later, he has his commercial instructor ratings, and is now a winged Air Force pilot off to fly the B-52.

Life's path doesn't always take us where we thought we'd go, but Mason and I both feel that things happen for a reason. Friday night at the graduation ceremony, Retired 4-Star General Jumper, Chief of the Air Force, gave the speech, and said basically, there is no point in planning out your career in the Air Force. I think that makes total sense. Having goals is great, but planning will just set-up failure. Mason and I both came here, to ENJJPT, with the thoughts that he'd fly away with a jet assignment. As the course of pilot training continued over the months, less and less fighters were given out, and more and more variations were assigned. Initially we were disappointed about the B-52, but now we can't wait. We're looking forward to the lifestyle and new challenges. Through the whole journey, we're most happy to be together.

Our families were able to join us for the occasion, and we felt so blessed. Mason's mom and dad, and my parents and sister flew in on Thursday night for the occasion. Friday, Red Carpet Day, was so much fun. The families got to tour the flying portion of the base. Our families met Mason's instructors, and flight commander, got to see his flight rooms. We all took a bus out to the RSU where we could watch the T-38s take-off and land more closely. Families were given the opportunity to go out on the ramp and look inside a T-38, and we got to try on Mason's parachute and mask. (That was my favorite part- being hooked up to oxygen) After lunch, we toured the T-38 simulators, got to go to the Air Traffic Control Tower, see the radar station (RAPCON) and tour the inside of a B-52. What a challenge Mason has ahead of him!!!

Graduation began at 7pm , Friday night, and everyone looked smashing. After a year of flight suits it's fun to see the guys in their mess dress uniforms. It was especially nice for the Italians because they had just received their assignments that day and so it was nice that they all knew where they would be headed. During graduation, Mason was awarded a certificate of completion and his wings were pinned on. YAY! I'll admit I was misty-eyed. All the guys looked so happy and proud of their accomplishments. 14 months of hard work.

After the graduation ceremony, a reception was held at the Officer's Club. This was mostly a booze and schmooze, but we did get to watch the class video which was pretty hilarious (youtube link coming soon.) Overall, it was a great day/night. Mason's dad, and my family shipped out on Saturday morning and so we took Mason's mom up to the Wichita Mountains- great fun, but chilly.
For more pictures check out: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024078&l=1d383&id=77800450