Day 68 of BCT
Graduation Day!
I was up at 0430 and beyond excited for the end to be here! Just have to survive the ceremony and then I am out of this place! :-) Official wake up was at 0500, but I think all the females were up before that. We cleaned our bay, packed our last few items (I threw away the few things I had kept for the night) and then headed to formation at 0630. We marched to the DFAC for our final meal there. Our last march as a platoon! After breakfast they handed out packets to those of us leaving today. I had hoped to not have to return to the company area after the ceremony, but I had to leave my packet in someone's locker. At least our company area is on the main road to head off post.
We were then bussed to the graduation field and spent quite awhile standing around waiting for the ceremony to start. The 4th platoon DS said that they voted and our platoon was voted the best platoon. Hooah!
The ceremony was long and warm, but knowing that the end was right in front of me made it easy. We completed our pass and review and then marched to the far end of the field. This was the first graduation ceremony for our company commander so he started to lead us the wrong way, but our DS fixed it. :-)
While we waited on our families to make their way over to us, our platoon wanted to do pushups together one last time. Our DS joined us and we did a quick set of 10. We then gave each other farewell hugs and best wishes before looking for our families in the crowd. It took quite awhile for me to find Mom, and then we had to call to hunt down Dad, but we were soon headed to their truck.
We stopped at the company area to grab my packet and then headed off post. It was fantastic to finally be free!! It was too early for lunch yet, so we drove a ways and found a Walmart. Since I lost so much weight, I knew I wouldn't have any clothes at home that fit, so I bought an outfit.
We then found a Mexican restaurant. I had been craving Mexican for weeks and this hit the spot. The nacho appetizer we had was especially delicious. As we were leaving the restaurant, a lady chased me down to tell me thank you for serving. I told her I hadn't done anything yet, just finished Basic, but she said thank you anyway.
It was definitely different being in the outside world while in uniform. People just look at you differently. Most seem to give a look of appreciation. I know I was always thankful for every service member I saw, and felt much respect for the sacrifices they were willing to make for me.
We then tried to find a museum to kill time, but all we found was a cemetery. Lol. Since it was only a few hours before my flight, I decided just to head to the airport and let Mom and Dad head on to Florida.
I bought a couple of newspapers and magazines to read while I waited for my flight just to catch up on what was happening in the world. I shared them with another soldier after I finished. He had also just finished Basic. I greet a Sergeant Major that was on our flight and we chatted a minute. He frequently went to Fort Sill.
My connection in Atlanta ended up being in the international terminal. I found a Starbucks right away! Yum! I was early enough that I asked someone to confirm that I had the right gate. I noticed lots of soldiers in the new camo, so I'm guessing they were headed home from deployments. My last leg of the trip was with one other soldier from Oklahoma. We talked why waiting for our flight.
I had ants in my pants to get off of that plane when we landed in OKC! When I walked out of the terminal I was greeted by my siblings (my little brother wore his ASUs for me!), my cousin (a surprise!), and almost all of my LifeGroup! They had made signs and posters that said Welcome Home. It was very cool. If I hadn't been so exhausted at that point, I probably would have cried!
I hugged everyone and talked with them all while waiting for my bags. I had no trouble getting help carrying them. We then all went to I-Hop. I had some yummy crepes before we headed home. I pretty much collapsed into my bed. Ahhh! It felt sooo good! I slept until about 10am the next morning. :-)
