He Graduated!!

Ken graduated from Basic Training on June 4th. The kids and I got to Columbus,GA Tuesday (Jun 2nd) night. We were able to pick Ken up at Fort Benning around 9am for a family day on Wed., June 3rd. Richard & Patsy, Ken's parents, got up early and drove up Wed. morning. They got there around lunchtime. Ken picked the restaurant for lunch, Fuddruckers. Richard & Patsy were great about taking all 3 kids that afternoon so Ken & I could get some alone time. They met up with one of Patsy's old friends that lived in the area. The kids got to play at the park and drive around a little. We met back up aroun d 6pm for dinner at Chick-fila. Ken had to go back to the base by 7:45pm. The kids & I dropped him off and tried to get some rest before another full day on Thursday. Wed. night my dad, brother, nephew, and sister got to Columbus so they could be there for the ceremony on Thursday morning.

Blake & Cathryn at Fuddruckers on Wed. Ken (wearing his Class B Uniform) & Richard

Patsy & James

The ceremony was supposed to be outside, but it rained . . . and rained . . . and rained some more. So the families and friends of about 230 soldiers were crammed into the gym. It was HOT!! You might be wondering why they did not graduate in their dress uniforms (aka Class A's). Since it is a time of war, they graduate in their ACU's (aka camo) uniforms. There was some marching, standing for the flag and national anthem, a guest speaker, awards to the most outstanding Drill Sergeant and Soldier of the Cycle (which Ken almost got), and more standing for the Army song and Army Infantry Song. James was not satisfied with the guest speaker and tried to out speak him. Turns out he was just hungry and a Pop Tart took care of the extra noise. We got to meet a couple of Ken's buddies after the ceremony. After the ceremony, we had lunch at a little pharmacy called Dinglewood Pharmacy for hotdogs. All of the family parted ways after lunch. Richard & Patsy headed back to Saint Cloud, Daddy, Aaron, Thomas, & Bonnie headed back to Range, AL, and Ken, kids, & I headed back to the base to pick up Ken's pictures and r ing. We drove around the main part of the base. Then headed into Columbus looking for a movie theater. We couldn't find one so we went back to the hotel where Ken had a chance to play with the kids and have dinner with us before we had to take him back to the base.

Ken's face is between the guy holding the flag and the really tall guy just behind him.

Cathryn, Ken & me after the ceremony Heidi, Ken w/ James, SPC Byun, and his wife Elizabeth

Family pic insidethe gym. Combined family picture.

Cathryn, Ken, Richard, Blake

Friday we picked Ken up at 8am, went back to the hotel, and packed up the car. We were able to drive him to Fort Rucker. We had lunch in Ozark, then got to Fort Rucker shortly after. We drove around for over an hour, stopped and asked directions 3 times before finding the building where Ken was supposed to check in. After waiting in the car for Ken to check in for 45 minutes, Ken called. He was to get his stuff and say good bye to us. This was the end of the road (for now). The kids & I left Fort Rucker around 4:15pm and got to my parents' house in Range, AL about 6:30pm. We drove by the house where I grew up in Evergreen on the way.

The house where I grew up in Evergreen. It's changed a bit, but is basically the same.

We had a very enjoyable time with Ken & the family. The kids loved being able to see Ken and call him 'almost bald'. We'll get to see him again the second weekend in July, and the week after for James' first birthday. We can't wait to see him then!!
Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers during these last couple of months. We'll continue to keep everyone posted on how/what Ken's doing in AIT (Advanced Individual Training).