Jocularity has returned to the Stuart home! We have missed Patrick so much this past week, and were so proud to travel to Camp Hansen to see his graduation ceremony today. My favorite part of the ceremony? During the Captain's remarks, when he told us the cadets had all been getting themselves up early and cleaning their rooms independently...and that they would be expected to continue to do the same at home. The Captain is my new hero!
This was a Marine-run school for the benefit of both JROTC programs on the island (Kadena High School on the Air Force base, and Kubasaki High for the Marines). They did all kinds of fun stuff...even though it rained most of the week and they had to cancel rappelling AND the Zodiacs, they still had a great time and learned valuable skills. Patrick's main requirement (shooting of firearms) was involved, so it was a successful experience in his eyes. He also informed us that he now really DOES know illegal ninja-moves from the government. Nice!
Beautiful people
Get a load of that military bearing...
Receiving his diploma
Our future leaders
With one of his Marine Instructors (who had lots of very nice things to say about Patrick)...
and with one of the Air Force instructors.
This was Patrick's barracks room. I cried foul, because it's not exactly the open squad bay experience his father and I enjoyed in bootcamp...but I guess that's difficult to come by anymore. Pictured here with Patrick is one of the real-live Marines whose work made this camp possible. I just love the Marines!
He seems so grown up now...
Seriously...doesn't this look like it could be boot camp graduation?
Isn't joint-service fun? ;-)
I'm sure it comes as no surprise, but Patrick was a little let down to come home. We took him to his favorite red-roof soba place for lunch, and then he got to go with some friends to the waterpark at Comprehensive Park this afternoon, so it was a fun day...but I remember all too well the emotions that come along with the end of an amazing experience like this one.
Congratulations, Patrick...the future of our country is in good hands!
4 comments:
You're right, Patrick does look all grown up!
you have such a cute family, Carrie!
Oh my goodness he looks just like his Dad! He does look all grown up and I can't believe it! Great pictures! :)
Bummer on the Zodiacs! Jorden said those were awesome!!! Too funny on the barraks, huh? Yeah, rough life, air conditioned too i suppose....? Boot camp might be a pretty harsh reality for these cute little future Marines!!! Yeah, they actually do look like the youngins we used to see every 3 months at Ed's graduations on the drill field! LOL Glad he had a blast
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