08 November 2011

Mission Complete

Graduation. Finally. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: This year of UPT has been both the slowest and fastest year of our lives. Slow because sometimes the obstacles have felt insurmountable and the days have crawled by. But fast because I can’t believe it’s already over.

UPT Graduation is not just a single event – it’s more like a festival. We began with the arrival of family on Wednesday afternoon. The following day was “Red Carpet Day” – a day for family. We started bright and early at the squadron breakfast, where we enjoyed a feast of donuts and coffee, followed by a presentation by the squadron commander and flight commander. Here, the family learned a bit about the ins and outs of daily life and we were thrilled to learn that C had been selected for the Flight Commander’s Award for outstanding performance, attitude, and dedication.

C with his proud parents
From there, we were able to tour the base, including the squadron, RAPCON, and sim building. We learned a new perspective from the air traffic controller students and even had a chance for all of us to fly the T-1 sim.

C & his dad in the T-1 sim
On Thursday afternoon, we had a huge surprise when C’s squadron flew in for an unannounced visit. Our friends and family were able to tour his future plane and meet his crewmates.

KC-135
That evening, we all piled into cars and headed to the class party at our favorite BBQ place. It was a great chance to meet the students’ families and let off a little steam.

Blowing off steam
Friday morning welcomed the winging ceremony – probably the most awaited event, short of Assignment Night. We enjoyed a short and sweet guest speaker, followed by the presentation of awards. Once again, the proud family applauded as C was called up for the Distinguished Graduate award and the AETC Commander’s Trophy – the two most prestigious awards in UPT.  Finally, H & I joined C at the front for the anticipated pinning of the wings. My husband officially became a United States Air Force pilot.

Wing pinning

C's Bling

Proud family
After a bit of downtime to primp and preen, we may our way to the formal graduation banquet. Even mediocre food could not dampen the electricity of the night. The students, dressed in their spiffy mess dress, were thrilled to be students no more and the glamorized, beaming guests provided testament to the trials and triumphs of the past year. C rounded out his trophy case with the receipt of the T-1 Leadership Award and even I was recognized for my contributions as a spouse during this difficult program.

I couldn't be more proud!
When the feast was cleared, the ties came off for a late night of frivolity – a much-needed release and a true celebration.

C and our dads at the post-party

Graduation has felt much like a wedding: endless planning, the joy and chaos of visiting family, and an event that is over before it has even hit you. It’s hard to believe that we are done – that the routine will be broken and the people who have been like family to us for so many months will be leaving. The urge to rejoice the end is tempered by the reality-shaking acceptance that we must all move on. But one thing I know: though the class of 12-01 may never be reunited, the bond that they (and we as spouses) have formed is eternal. You can’t go through the worst and the best together without coming out stronger and united.