Great Trip to Ft. Bragg

18C Dad · 05-29-2006, 12:01

Greetings and Happy Memorial Day to All. We just returned last night from NC where we attended my son's graduation from SFQC. I must say I already miss that North Carolina sunshine as Seattle is characteristically cloudy and cool. We drove to Ft. Bragg the morning of the First Regimental Formation and spotted our son by accident as we were trying to locate our accomodations. He walked over to the car and said, "...this is not the right time for hugs and kisses." I looked over his shoulder and saw that all of the other graduates and other "officials" were gathered in the shaded area about 50 yards behind the magnificent statue of COL. Simons.

The First Regimental Formation was great as the new SF soldiers marched onto the grounds and took their places behind the markers noting their respective groups. I enjoyed seeing the representatives from past Wars and especially liked the vision of one older man dressed in his green blazer. Though his hair was sparse and his belly had grown a bit over the years, I could see the sharp eyes, the firm handshake, the sense of fraternal brotherhood and the quiet confidence with which he carried himself. While I neglected to catch his name, it was a pleasure to see him warmly welcome the other SF soldiers gathered. When the new guys donned their berets for the first time, it was almost surreal as my mind did a quick time-lapse back over the nearly two years since my son left for Basic Training. It was an amazing event to witness. A couple of my son's friends from the 82nd Airborne attended the ceremony and, for the first time, I saw first hand the respect that other soldiers have for the Quiet Professionals. I also met mtngoat and made arrangements to meet for dinner later in the week.

The graduation ceremony the following day at Crown Coliseum was tremendous as the new SF soldiers gathered by MOS dresssed so smartly in their Class A uniforms. I thought the speeches were frank and to the point and the entire ceremony was the epitome what I imagined a Quiet Professional ceremony to be. It's incredible to watch your son walk across the stage to receive their certificate and Yarborough knife. And speaking of knives, when my son opened the box containing his serial -numbered Yarborough, the words that came to mind were those uttered by character Mick Dundee, in "Crocodile Dundee" ....... "no mate, THIS is a knife." Nice work by Mr. Harsey and Chris Reeves.

There's probably more but I don't wish to bore you. The two SF museums (Ft. Bragg and Fayetteville) were wonderful and a must see. We did not make it to the Green Beret Club but did have dinner at the Texas Roadhouse with mtngoat, wife and kids. (Thanks for spending an evening with us mtngoat and for the mentoring of our son).

For those of you with sons in the Pipeline stay focused on the short-term goals. The SFQC begins a long journey, but when your son has earned the opportunity to join the Quiet Professionals, it is an experience not to be forgotten.

18C Dad

**Kyobanim** · 05-29-2006, 12:56

18C Dad,

Congratulations to your son and thank you for guiding him through childhood and encouraging him in his commitment. The coming years will be a challenge, not only to him, but to you. Sending your son into harms way is a hard thing to do, even when they constantly tell you they're doing okay. But rest assured, your son has received the best training available and will be serving with the finest soldiers on this planet.

I know this because of what I see here on this board. I look forward to further updates on your son and hopefully, he will have the time to come here himself.

Congratulations!

Curt

NousDefionsDoc · 05-29-2006, 13:28

Glad you enjoyed your visit.

Go For Broke · 05-30-2006, 22:24

Congrats sir.

I am sure that he will enjoy the 1st Group - as long as he does not decide to reside in Tillicum

. If he has any question about the Group, Lewis, or the AOR, please feel free to PM me...I know he is on here as well, doing the recon of what his graduation gift was going to be

.

I envy him, as it will be a couple of years until I can hopefully head back that way myself.

V/R,

MtnGoat · 05-31-2006, 20:22

18C Dad

The Wife and I had a great time with you and your family. Glad we here at Bragg could make the event better for you, your son and your family.

Like Kyobanim said - you have done great. Just like most parents do with their son's and even their daughter's that come into the Military.

You have guided him well through childhood and encouraging him in his commitment with the military. Now your there for him along with your wife in his new walk in life. The first time he packs up to go off to some far away land will be your time in school. How do I and Mom handle this one? Your son maybe in harms way - or not, but keep in mind that he is one of the best trained soldiers in the Military and is ready. You did well and believe me, my parents still teach me many thing. Be proud of what you and mom had done.

Now what did he (you) get (him) as a firearm?

VG

PeteyMcPete · 06-01-2006, 04:25

Congratulations 18 C Dad

For him to obtain that level of Qualification is a testament to the way you have raised him as well as his unbelieveable level of personal commitment and determination.
I wish him a long a honorable career in your country's Special forces.

Congratulations again.

Nonna · 06-01-2006, 07:16

18 C Dad,

Your vivid descriptions brought back such memories, even though my son's graduation was only 2 months ago. Our son's probably have crossed paths during their training. I was able to hold it all together until they played the Ballad of the Green Berets, and then the waterworks let go. As a single parent, the process of "letting go" and letting him grow up has been especially hard, but my son's determination to make it through and the training he has been through have changed him in ways I was unable to fathom when he was 18 and just starting the process. The depth of discussions we have about finances, and education and being socially responsible are not the type of talks I would have even dreamed of having with him prior to all of this. My son is settling in with his first team, and the life lessons are still continuing.

I am smiling as I write this, I just got one of those international text messages asking for family pictures for his wall, including a copy of a photo of his grandfather in his uniform when he was the same age. Family will always remain important, they just don't realize it at times.

Congratulations again,
Nonna

gtcrispy · 06-01-2006, 07:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtnGoat

Now what did he (you) get (him) as a firearm?

VG

I pretty much have a pool of money I can use from various family/friends I can use to purchase whichever firearm I would like. I might look around here but time is kind of running out so I might just wait till I'm back in Washington to buy one. I'm definetley looking at 1911's though. Kimber Warrior, Springfield MC Operator, Sig Sauer GSR.

Mom & Dad. Thanks for coming down.

**Team Sergeant** · 06-01-2006, 08:30

Welcome to the Brotherhood.

You have big shoes to fill and serious work to do.

De Oppresso Liber

Team Sergeant

CoLawman · 06-02-2006, 08:04

Congratulations Proud Parents. Congratulations to you GTCrispy. Best of luck to you in your service to this great nation.

**Peregrino** · 06-02-2006, 08:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtcrispy

I pretty much have a pool of money I can use from various family/friends I can use to purchase whichever firearm I would like. I might look around here but time is kind of running out so I might just wait till I'm back in Washington to buy one. I'm definetley looking at 1911's though. Kimber Warrior, Springfield MC Operator, Sig Sauer GSR.

Mom & Dad. Thanks for coming down.

Congratulations - to you for accomplishing your initial goals and to your family for supporting you as you worked your way through the first part. Your perseverance and their support will be even more important as you as you "get your feet on the ground" and figure out the rights, privileges, and responsibilities that go with your new status. Now that you have your "liscense to learn" much will be expected of you. (But the rewards for doing it well last a lifetime.) Now - put on your "plays well with others" T-shirt, go forth, and do great things. When do you leave for 1st Gp? BTW - despite some of the prejudices of other members, I like 1911's too. I got my first one as a present to myself for graduating Ranger School back in 1980. I'm glad you're looking at a pistol with a rail, it's worth the extra money. I recommend the Kimber, it seems to have a broader range of readilly available holsters. And Shooter's has a couple in stock

. Send me a PM. Peregrino

Warrior-Mentor · 06-03-2006, 17:59

That's great! I really appreciated that my folks took the time to come to my graduation. Wonderful that he has supportive parents like you behind him.

Now go give him a kick in the ass and let him know he's not TOO COOL to give his old man a hug and a kiss.

Congrats again,
JM

gtcrispy · 06-07-2006, 10:17

Alrighty here is what I put my graduation money towards.

Kimber Warrior.

**Pete** · 06-07-2006, 11:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtcrispy

Alrighty here is what I put my graduation money towards.

Kimber Warrior.

The two of them look right good together.

**Kyobanim** · 06-07-2006, 11:30

Very nice!