Celebration Day

When Trish and I got married, both of our families got instantly larger.  She gained three sons, (without labor, delivery, adolescence or tuition) two daughters-in-law, (and another in September) and two more grandchildren.  I added two more children, (a son and a daughter) a daughter-in-law, and four and three-fourths additional grandchildren.

Last Friday we got to be with Trish’s son, Greg, and his family on a very special day.

Trish and Greg

Greg and his wife, Annette, are both career Air Force.  Much to our good fortune they are now stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

Annette is a Master Sergeant RAPCON Chief Air Controller.  Greg is an APG Section Chief supervising F-15 care and maintenance.

On Friday Trish and I got to be there for the formal ceremonies in which Greg was promoted to Master Sergeant.

Trish grew up in a military family, but I grew up with no experience like that.  This was all new to me.

Early in the day we got to go with Greg to where he works and see the F-15s up close.  I am amazed by the immense complexity of these planes and by the skill and knowledge it must take to be able to know and deal with every part of them.

That evening we went to the ceremonies.  There was a medal presentation, then an awards dinner, then a procession through crossed swords leading to the promotion presentation itself.  It was an impressive evening, especially to see the supportive relationships among all those who serve together.

So, for now, Annette no longer outranks Greg....but watch out, she is not to be sitting still for long.