A Trip of Pride and Patriotism- Part 3

Webster defines......

PRIDE-the quality or state of being proud; delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship <parental pride>

PATRIOTISM-love for or devotion to one's country

Two words that come to mind as our trip to Georgia continues!

Excitement was the feeling running through all of us as we arrived on base Tuesday.  We thought we would go early and check it out so we would know where to go that evening for the Meet & Greet with the Drill Sergeants. We did not know where Chris actually was on base yet, we just knew the general vicinity. It was exciting to know that we were so close to him again, we were checking out everyone that we could see. The funny thing was that they ALL looked alike!! We knew that we weren't allowed to actually see him or be anywhere close to him until, possibly, the following day, but it sure was fun trying to guess if we were close to seeing him or not.

Drill Sgt. Crissman and Drill Sgt. Ryan

Meet & Greet night is designed for families to meet the leaders of your soldier's unit. They explain what has been going on the past 8 weeks and what to expect when we do get to see them and what the events are for Family Day and Graduation Day. As family members were arriving and taking their seats, the soldiers were coming in after a run.  They could not stop, or look or say anything to anyone. They had to run in and go directly up the stairs.  It was exciting and frustrating all at the same time, knowing that we were sitting right under all the guys up in their barracks and could not see or touch them.  A few of the guys were caught peeking out the windows at people down below. Luckily, our guys, (Chris & Vincent from Alaska) did not, those that did were reprimanded.

After our Meet & Greet, we had dinner at Red Lobster with our new Army Family Friends, the Cottle's.  Their son Vincent, became a good buddy to Chris during BCT, now there are two new friendships! :)

Big Sis is coming to join us!

Later that evening, a trip was made to the airport to pick up Chris's older sister, Mandy.   Because she wasn't able to ride down with the rest of the family, she flew into Columbus Airport to join us for the remainder of our visit and to take part in Family Day and Graduation. Another family member to show pride for our soldier! Our family count was now up to 6!!