Need a Ride?

Last night Richard casually said "A Blackhawk is picking me up for work tomorrow.  At the park." 

I stopped fiddling with the laundry and stared at him. "What are you talking about? Tomorrow? Our park?Huh?"

"Yeah, tomorrow.  It's for a mock disaster exercise.  It'll be here around 9:30."

I stared some more.  "What are you talking about?  Our park? What?"

He tried not to laugh at me as he explained that, in case of a state-wide disaster, major roads would be closed and the key military leaders would need to be able to get to work to take care of disaster-solving stuff.  So, if he couldn't drive to work, the National Guard would come to him, via a Blackhawk helicopter landing at the park not two blocks from our house.

I questioned him a bit more and then said, "you're just NOW telling me this?"

Turns out he didn't really want us to know any time in advance 'cause he knew we (the kids and I) would get so excited.  I said we needed to let all the neighborhood children know because that would be oh-so-cool to watch through their little eyes.  He told me "no."  I wasn't to tell anyone because, and I quote, "I am NOT a spectacle."

Well, I convinced him that at least a few neighborhood children would need to know, so I told a couple of OUR children, and they helped to . . . ahem . . . spread the word, if you will.

Also, as a side note, he was leaving for Washington D.C. today, from wherever the mock-disaster-headquarters would be and so he would need to take his suitcase to the park and it would ride along with him.  As we left the house this morning I assumed we would walk the 10-house distance to our park, but he loaded the bag and the kids into the car.  I insisted we walk because it was a beautiful morning.  He used the "spectacle" word again.  I told him Coop could pull the rolling suitcase a few paces ahead of us on the walking trail and no one would be the wiser.

It was still a no-go.  The kids happily rode their bikes to the park, and we followed "inconspicuously" in our very-large, seats-eight vehicle.

We hadn't been there but a couple of minutes when it came flying in.  Loud and windy and awesome. Friends that I had leaked the news to stood around.  People from the surrounding houses flowed out wearing their pajamas and jutted their chins toward the sky.  Children pointed.  The air churned. Adults cheered.  The blades thundered above. We all waved.

It was quite a spectacle.

THREE Peas in a Pod?

Although Cooper likes playing Army, he's not consumed by it.  However, when his brother is around then Cooper's more "into" Army stuff than usual.  And big brother got it from daddy of course.

And no, his mother does not approve of the weapon. 

Newest Soldier in the Family

Austin arrived home after nearly five months at Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  He was happy to be home . . . and tired.  He especially liked not having to get up at 4:00 a.m. any more.  The kids were sooooo excited to see him. It was the first time he had seen Maia with her short hair, and he wasn't very happy about that.  It wasn't long before he had hair on his own head again though.

Black Nights

is the name of Austin's platoon at Basic Training from which he just graduated! He has now moved on to 5 or 6 weeks of AIT (Advanced Individual Training) in his MOS (Military Occupational Skill), which is something to do with shooting howitzers. 13 Bravo - for those of you who know the artillery stuff. I live with guys who do, but I certainly don't retain the info.

Richard and I flew to Oklahoma this week for the graduation - and it was wonderful to see Austin and be there to celebrate his accomplishment. He has wanted to be an American Soldier his ENTIRE life - and now he is. He has great regard for our country, and a great desire to help protect it.

So enjoy the pictures and video clips below.

FAMILY DAY

When we first arrived on Wednesday, for Family Day, we pulled into the parking lot and were met with this sight. I jumped out of the car and aimed my camera - and started searching for my son. The soldiers were singing cadence and marching in rhythm . . .it was so cool. But I couldn't find him.

They circled around the parking lot and stopped not far from us. Richard found him in the crowd first, and as I turned to see - I confirmed it was Austin by the scar on the back of his head (from a heavy metal hook he had flung from a rope years ago). I ran to be in front and snapped the picture. He spotted me, but never moved his head.

(On the subject of scars, the Soldier you see behind him immigrated from Vietnam directly before Basic Training. He speaks no/little English. He has a ghastly scar nearly the entire width of the back of his neck. I imagine it is from something much worse than a childhood accident.)

Although the main battery waited outside the building, the families gathered inside for a briefing from the leaders and demonstration of some of the training the Soldiers had gone through.

This is Coop's favorite picture - but he was disappointed to learn that I hadn't been able to see them fired (or the live grenades launched).





When the demonstration was over we went outside where the troops were waiting to be released to their families for the day.





Austin found me this time in the crowd. And then we found Richard (who was trying to stay inconspicuous 'cause the eagle on his uniform makes Soldiers uneasy) His buddies had worried for days about whether or not they were supposed to salute his dad when they met him. He told us later he was nervous to see his dad! Can't count how many times Richard had to tell the Privates "at ease Private" as he chatted with them. Some of them looked like they were going to pass out or throw up.

ROAMING THE POST (Ft. Sill)

Richard's father graduated from OCS (Officer Candidate School) here.

We stumbled upon this road and had to have a picture.

TAKING HIM BACK TO THE BAY - ON TIME!!!!

Austin made sure we had him back at the Bay EARLY! We had spent some time at Richard's friend's home (on post, he is a Col. over much of the training at Ft. Sill). When it grew late, Austin worried about not making his curfew. I smiled and said that Col. Fant could write him a permission slip. Austin didn't think that was even a tiny bit funny.

Here he is with his "Battle Buddy" Troy Milton. They had to go EVERYWHERE together. (I asked Austin, "what about the bathroom?" He said, "mom, everywhere means everywhere!") However, even when Austin was on pass to attend church, he took his buddy with him.

Austin was the Platoon Guide for the day, so when the Battery (4 platoons) were assembling at the Bay for formation (roll call) he had to get his platoon ready. The video is fun to listen to, although it's very dark. Here's a picture of what you can't clearly see in the video.

That's Austin in front and his voice you hear calling out cadence.

GRADUATION DAY

The families had to wait in the misty rain outside of the auditorium while the Soldiers finished practicing. When we were able to sit (in the second row, thanks to my husband's rank - a nice perk) the Soldiers were all sitting at attention. This time I found Austin quickly and tried to get him to smile for me. This is the best he would do because he was at attention. But he knew I wasn't going to get out of the aisle until I had a good picture.

This next picture is for all you mothers of boys (especially Mason and Ian). THERE IS HOPE!! Boys DO have the potential to sit STILL for an hour! (Can we get Drill Sergeants to patrol the aisles at church?) They sat this way - without talking or moving their heads or hands - the entire time. It did my heart good. (Note to self: enlist Cooper in Army the day he turns 17)

Reciting The Soldier's Creed





These are all of the drill instructors. Austin's are the three at the far end. He actually liked his.

The Graduate




Taking the Oath of an American Soldier

(Austin's is the last forehead on the right)

As the Soldiers filed out of the room, the Drill Sergeant led them in cadence. It was one of my favorite parts. Both of these next two videos are of that scene. On the second video, Austin's the tall one on the right after the first row leaves.

Austin with Elder and Sister Woodbury - the senior missionary couple over the military members on Post. (Half a smile from the Private)

Parents and son. One with frizzy hair and the other two with not enough hair to frizz.




With his Drill Sergeant (evidently DS's don't smile either)

CHECKING OUT THE BAY

Austin listed his hometown as SLC because he said no one knows where Highland is. This is the sign on the front of his locker.

I examined the drawers in his locker - as I was so EXCITED to see them perfectly organized - but, alas, he had already packed up since he would be leaving the next day for AIT (on the same Post, but different barracks). All I found was a sandwich - which he assured me he would eat later that night. gross.




Private Miller's bunk - neatly made!!!!!!!!!!!






I became positively giddy when I saw the corners on his bed so I HAD to snap a picture. He didn't want a picture, however, because he said this was not well made, as it was his last day and wouldn't be inspected. This may not be up to Army standards, but to this mother it is a MIRACLE and a testament that boys CAN BE neat!!!!

The long line of bunks. I had asked his buddies the night before who snored the most. They pointed out a guy, and then assured me that Austin, although he doesn't snore, does talk in his sleep. That was not news to me. So does his father - and his little brother!

Another detail I was excited about. Germ control. Makes my heart happy. (Do you think they actually used it though? I don't.)

Outside his barracks - with the solemn face again. "Mom! I'm not SUPPOSED to smile."

Again with the berets. (The Adjudant General of Utah just changed policy so they get to wear their patrol caps with their ACU's (camo uniform) in Utah! I'm unreasonably happy about that.)

The drizzle has turned me to complete frizz - but still happy. And LOOK !! a smile on my son's face.

This experience has been so good for him, in many ways, and I'm proud of him. He worked HARD to accomplish his goal and is setting more worthy goals for himself. He's an American Soldier.

I Shouldn't Laugh, But . . .

I am! Austin just texted Richard from his first drill. This drill is for all the new guys to learn some simple routine stuff before they head for Basic Training in Oklahoma next month.

Anyway - Austin said that his BUNK was chosen to be the "example" after he made it. The sergeant ripped off the bedding and had him do it again.

There IS justice for mothers!!! (I think I have a crush on that sergeant)

Flashback: A New General

On October 12, Richard was "pinned" a Colonel in the United States Army. It is a promotion he has long worked for. It's been 21 years since he was commissioned an officer, and since then he has fulfilled duty and obligation and schooling to climb the ranks. The neat thing about promotions are - although they happen on paper in government offices at the Pentagon, are approved by Congress, and are signed by the President of the U.S. - that the final act of pinning the new rank or emblem on the uniform is done by a person of the Soldier's choice. In this case, he chose his family.

The Soldiers stand at Attention to Orders as Colonel L. Schmidt reads the Promotion by Order of the President of the United States.I get to pin the eagle on his uniform.
Cooper gets to pin the eagle on his hat - with help from mom and Austin.

Richard speaks to family, friends, and Soldiers gathered there.

Cooper's first in line for the cake at the reception following the pinning on. The chaplain who helped me set up the table and get everything ready to serve said he is the "acting Relief Society President" in the battalion.

The Proud Family (minus Austin who had to leave early).

This daddy deserves this honor!

Richard was commissioned an officer - a Second Leiutenant - on his birthday in 1987. At that time, the spouses of all new officers were invited to a luncheon at the State Capital by the Govenor of Utah. Since I would be his spouse in less than two weeks' time, I attended. We had a wonderful meal and then listened as the Govenor spoke of the Soldiers' responsibilities. He then reminded us of our important place - and even told us to keep in mind that we would always be one rank ahead of our spouses. That makes me a GENERAL now! And don't think that I let the Colonel forget it!

A Private Affair

You know how, when you're laying beside your child at bedtime, he whispers that he's going to grow up to be a fireman and all the next day and week and month he insists on wearing the yellow jacket and dousing your furniture with real water? And then, suddenly, you're lying beside him again and he's going to be a dinosaur digger when he grows up. And all the next day and week and month he studies his dinosaur books and arranges the stuffed varieties and talks non-stop about Rexes. Then he's older and you're driving somewhere and he mentions how he's going to fly those giant airplanes that zoom overhead and leave the white trail behind. And for months he watches the sky and points and then lines up his die-cast models carefully on his shelf. And it goes on like that for years. He's going to be a teacher and then a crane operator and then a police man and then a doctor and then a tall-building builder and then a race car driver and then . . . .





Well, I never really experienced that with my son. He was itsty bitsy when he began to talk. Not even two years old. We would lie on his bed and he would explain how big semi-trucks had giant engines to pull their weight and he would tell me that black really isn't a color. It's just that it doesn't reflect light, but sucks it up instead. He would "read" his books to me - reciting every word from memory after hearing me read them just a few times. He was a smarty-pants boy. But each and every night, and every day, and every week, and every month, and every year, and every decade (and at least 8 Halloweens), he insisted that when he grew up he was going to be an Army Guy. Not once did he change his mind or even consider other possibilities.





This morning he walked in the house with his newly issued uniform and boots and socks and hat in his hand and announced "I don't have to dress up like an Army Guy anymore. I am one." This afternoon he raised his right hand and spoke the oath to defend this country, with his life if needs be, and to be a faithful and loyal supporter of America always. The United States Army Officer who swore him in is his father.




The smiles were permanent on both their faces. And mine too. My little boy is big. His new boots are larger than the ones he used to slip on and clomp around in the house with as soon as his daddy took them off. He was chosen long ago to be a warrior. It was in his blood and in his heart the day he was born.

Private 2nd Class Austin Richard Miller and

Colonel Richard Gary Miller