Silver Shiny Wings

Off we go into the wild blue yonder,

Climbing high into the sun;

Here they come zooming to meet our thunder,

At 'em boys, Give 'er the gun! (Give 'er the gun now!)

Down we dive, spouting our flame from under,

Off with one helluva roar!

We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey!

Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

Today was one of the proudest moments I've ever had.  Mr. L graduated from pilot training today and earned those silver shiny wings :)

The day started out with a nice sit-down breakfast, followed by the Vice Wing Commander giving us a bit of history about pilot training.  Then, an IP showed a slideshow of the history of Columbus Air Force for all the guests.  We sat with Mr. L's parents (who made the 16 hour car trip down for this momentous occasion).  We also sat with Kyle, his parents and Jen.  They're our closest friends here and it felt really nice to share the day with them. 

After breakfast, we all headed to the auditorium on base for the actual ceremony. 




Mr. L receiving the Distinguished Graduate Award!  He worked so hard :)





Here he is receiving his wings and aeronautical rating.  So exciting!!



Mr. L and his class getting ready to break their first pair of wings, per AF tradition.

  After the ceremony, we walked to the Smith Plaza (it was a gorgeous day!) to do the formal pinning of the wings.  Due to time, magnetic wings are secured on the jackets and the real wings are handed to them as they leave the ceremony.  Then, family members can actually pin the wings on and it can be photographed and you can take your time.




It's not as easy as it seems, that jacket is really thick!





He's pinned!

 The rest of the day passed like a blur.  We took his parents to the simulator, where both were able to "fly" the T-1.  We were able to go to the flight room, talk to the instructors and purchase some really cute flight and plane memorabilia.  I got a set of wings and a C17 charm (both hang on a necklace) while Mr. L got a shot glass and a coin.  After a serious dress crisis (I had to go out shopping 1.5 hours before the formal dinner!!!) it was time for the banquet...the total end of pilot training.



Mr. L in his mess dress and me in my last minute purchase!



The Air Force has some wacky traditions, including kissing your wife (crazily) in front of everyone!



The class spouses...we've stuck together through a hard year, I'm sure going to miss them!

  Mr. L walked away with two more awards (4 in total, including the prestigious Commander's Trophy) and we had a wonderful time meeting everyone's families and reminiscing about the past 54 weeks.  Then it was time to leave and say goodbye to the most crazy, hard, long, exciting, and memorable year we're sure to have in our lives.  It was fun, but now we're ready for the next adventure.




CONGRATULATIONS 11-01!!!! YOU DID IT!! :)