Road Trip

My cousin Joseph has been stationed at Fort Benning (outside Columbus, Georgia) for the past 16 weeks for Basic Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Joseph's AIT consisted of Cavalry Scout Training. During the 16 week period, we have had limited communication as he had to undergo rigorous physical training to prepare his body and mind for the eventual physical and mental strain of (potential) combat.

Colton increased his "states visited" number to 6 this week as we took a quick road trip to Georgia for Joseph's graduation. We left on Wednesday morning, around 7:00am (Matt, Colton & I rode with my parents) and trailed a truck loaded down with my Uncle Pat, Aunt Teri, Mamaw, Papaw, Aunt Paula and Parker. We arrived at the hotel with plenty of sunshine left and were able to enjoy some time at the pool. Colton got to experience his first hotel stay and his first "swim" in a pool.

On Thursday, we visited the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning and attended the graduation of Archangle Troop - 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry. The graduation was at 9:00am and included acknowledgment of veterans, presentation of graduates, a guest speaker, presentation of awards and the soldier's creed. I have never been to an military graduation, so it was a different experience for me. Needless to say, I left there feeling very patriotic and extremely thankful for the men and women who make the decision to pursue military careers!

We traveled back to Tennessee following graduation, making the (almost) 800 mile round-trip a quick one. On the way home, we stopped several times to stretch our legs, do some shopping and of course eat. After 16 weeks of "Army food", Joseph chowed down on some Cracker Barrel.

I'm so glad that we were able to make the trip to celebrate this milestone in Joseph's life and I'm even more thankful to have him back home (for now).

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