A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to the Chicago area to see my youngest brother graduate from Navy Bootcamp. Not only were we so proud of him, but we were eager to see his transformation from civilian to sailor. Needless to say, the anticipation at the ceremony right before the doors of the hangar/auditorium were opened to let in all the graduating recruits was a ridiculous thing. I was really good about holding back the tears...until...they opened those huge garage type doors. Seeing those sailors standing there, perfectly lined up in their sailor blues, well... I simply lost it. The families in attendance went nuts at that moment. Can you believe that I don't have one good photo of this? I was too busy blubbering and making my sister blubber, as well. I tried to shoot off a few shots as they marched in, but they were all a huge fail. They all ended up blurry from trying to balance on my tiptoes (yes, I'm short) and from trying to hold in my embarrassing crying fit, but I finally got it together.
Division 136. All these boys looked alike to me. Fortunately, because of his height, we were able to find him in the very back of his division sticking out above many of the others. Don't they look neat? There they are between all of those heads. Did I mention I am short?
The stripes indicate he is now a Fireman and he was so proud of his Sharpshooter pin. Notice the fuzz on his arm from his girlfriend's sweater. We were so happy she was able to make the trip with us.
My parents couldn't have been more proud.
Brother and Sis...Awwwwww.
And I think no one was more excited to see this sailor than his sweet girlfriend.
I'm so glad I made it and was able to get a few pics of this milestone. Go Navy!
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