Sunday, March 1, 2009

(H)all hats off to Chris!

Training Squadron 320, Flights 189 and 190 snapped to attention. Orders were barked and the five American flags in front and all others bearing the insignias of the US states, lined up and fluttered softly in the early morning breeze. Airman Christopher and his flight had been honored by being chosen to lead in the other flights in the graduation parade, Friday morning at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX.
It was cool and perfect outside, with just a light broken overcast and about 65 degrees. Despite the fact that it had gone to 80 yesterday and the forecast was for 91 on Friday, the residents of that fair southern state continued to complain of the cold, content to console each other that spring was just around the corner. The marching band began to play and for the better part of an hour parents, spouses and extended family members alike, held hands, smiled and beamed with pride for all the fine young men and women graduating that day.
Graduates were granted base liberty til 1400 (2:00 pm), then town pass til 1930 (7:30 pm). Plenty of time for Mr. and Mrs. Hall to tour the static displays of planes on the parade grounds, snap photos and visit the various museums on the base. Then, it was off to San Antonio downtown, where the happy party indulged in the famous Riverwalk water taxi tour and checked out the Alamo. As evening fell, sunburnt and exhausted and full of barbeque, soda and Cinnabons, they delivered Airman Christopher back to his dorm in time to hook up with a wingman and check in on base. Next stop for Chris- departing Monday morning 0100 for a 16 hour bus trip to Kiessler AFB, MS. Good luck and God speed!

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