It's finally here! BMT Graduation!!!
After enduring 8.5 of the hardest, loneliest weeks of my life, I FINALLY got to see my United States Airman. Airman 1st Class Andrew M. Shavlik to be exact.
I cannot describe the emotions of this day (or entire weekend!). Let's just say I was able to wake up at 4:45 am without an alarm... that should tell you something! I have never been so excited for something. My stomach was FILLED with butterflies. I had waited for what seemed like AGES for this day.
Our first glimpse of Drew was during the Airman's Run early that morning. The flights of guys and girls run by in their PT clothes during their 1.5 mile run. Seeing Drew for the first time, making eye contact for the first time, was absolutely amazing. I think it goes without saying that I cried!
After the run, a few of Drew's flightmates commented, "I couldn't see my family, but I saw Shavlik's!" We were apparently overly excited!
After enduring 8.5 of the hardest, loneliest weeks of my life, I FINALLY got to see my United States Airman. Airman 1st Class Andrew M. Shavlik to be exact.
I cannot describe the emotions of this day (or entire weekend!). Let's just say I was able to wake up at 4:45 am without an alarm... that should tell you something! I have never been so excited for something. My stomach was FILLED with butterflies. I had waited for what seemed like AGES for this day.
Our first glimpse of Drew was during the Airman's Run early that morning. The flights of guys and girls run by in their PT clothes during their 1.5 mile run. Seeing Drew for the first time, making eye contact for the first time, was absolutely amazing. I think it goes without saying that I cried!
After the run, a few of Drew's flightmates commented, "I couldn't see my family, but I saw Shavlik's!" We were apparently overly excited!
That's our first glimpse of our new Airman! Look at his expression! It was a priceless moment.
After the run, we hurried up and waited for the Honor Graduate ceremony to begin. We were extremely proud of Drew for working exceptionally hard during his 8.5 weeks at BMT and graduating in the top 10% of the 681 graduates. Not only was he an honor grad, but he also got 4/4 ribbons! (And was the only one in his flight to do so!)
When Drew walked out in front of our bleachers, we were all in shock. He looked HUGE! We later realized he was standing in between some pretty short people! But still, he looked so different from when we'd seen him last!
After the run, we hurried up and waited for the Honor Graduate ceremony to begin. We were extremely proud of Drew for working exceptionally hard during his 8.5 weeks at BMT and graduating in the top 10% of the 681 graduates. Not only was he an honor grad, but he also got 4/4 ribbons! (And was the only one in his flight to do so!)
When Drew walked out in front of our bleachers, we were all in shock. He looked HUGE! We later realized he was standing in between some pretty short people! But still, he looked so different from when we'd seen him last!
The Honor Grad Ceremony took what seemed like forever. Next was the Coin Ceremony. Where each trainee received their Air Force Challenge Coins and officially became Airmen. This also took forever. Probably because I'd already waited 8.5 weeks! But if you have never been to a military graduation, it is an amazing experience. There is so much tradition involved and it really makes you proud to be an American.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't tear up during the National Anthem.
I can't wait to attend another Air Force ceremony. And hopefully I'll have some more Shavliks to send through Lackland years down the road!
If you see the Airman on the far left, is smiling. Now look at Drew's face! They were talking.
"Hey Shavlik, do you see your family?" "Mmhmm."
I'd be lying if I said I didn't tear up during the National Anthem.
I can't wait to attend another Air Force ceremony. And hopefully I'll have some more Shavliks to send through Lackland years down the road!
If you see the Airman on the far left, is smiling. Now look at Drew's face! They were talking.
"Hey Shavlik, do you see your family?" "Mmhmm."
FINALLY, after so much waiting, it was time for the Tapping Out! At the end of the ceremony, one family member or friend of each Airman walks over to them and touches them. Until they are touched, Airmen must stand at parade rest. Drew's dad tapped him out. He made him wait for it! He stood right in front of Drew, talking to him, before finally giving him a hug. This was an incredible moment. Watching Drew hug his parents for the first time in 8.5 weeks was amazing. Such an emotional experience.
Also, look behind them at the Airman holding a baby. That is Drew's flightmate and good friend, McCreary being reunited with his 6 month old son.
Also, look behind them at the Airman holding a baby. That is Drew's flightmate and good friend, McCreary being reunited with his 6 month old son.
And then, it was MY turn! I honestly don't remember much from this moment. I just know that it was perfect.
We got to spend the rest of the day on base with Drew. Although we were not allowed to kiss, hold hands, or hug for longer than 3 seconds at a time, it was a great day. Spending time just walking around and hearing all of the BMT stories was great. And just staring at Drew was enough for me. I'd missed that face!
We spend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with Drew as well.
Friday was the graduation ceremony. Mostly marching and lots of tradition. It was really neat to watch!
We spend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with Drew as well.
Friday was the graduation ceremony. Mostly marching and lots of tradition. It was really neat to watch!
After the ceremony, Drew was able to leave base for the first time! He wanted to change into basketball shorts, a tshirt, and BOXER BRIEFS instead of WHITEY TIGHTIES! After that was accomplished, he slept. A lot. And ate Chipotle :)
Saturday was an all day TOWN PASS! We spent time in San Antonio at the River Walk. And also relaxed at the hotel. Drew still needed to catch up on his sleep!
Saturday was an all day TOWN PASS! We spent time in San Antonio at the River Walk. And also relaxed at the hotel. Drew still needed to catch up on his sleep!
Sunday was another town pass, but a sad one. It was our last day together for 9 weeks. It was rough. So much emotion piled into one short day. We cried. We talked. We cried again. I kept crying. I didn't stop crying. And then we said goodbye.
It was the best weekend of my life. I relive it in my mind every day. I look through pictures and can still feel the emotions from that weekend.
And now, we hurry up and wait to see him again.
It was the best weekend of my life. I relive it in my mind every day. I look through pictures and can still feel the emotions from that weekend.
And now, we hurry up and wait to see him again.