A few months ago my wife and I were invited to the Illinois National Guard Officer Candidate School Dining Out Ceremony. One of the class members had seen my book, LOST SURVIVOR, and brought it to the attention of the rest of the class. They all agreed to invite me as their guest speaker. The event is very formal, I had to get a tux and my wife a couple of evening dresses (ladies always like choices), dress uniforms for the National Guard members. Generals and officers displayed gold that ran from their wrist to their neck. Medals filled their chests. We walked through a receiving line of the Candidates and their wives and then were escorted to our table. The table settings were exact with every knife, fork and napkin in perfect alignment.
I spoke about the impact of combat and how it changed your life. Shared experiences of the lingering effects it has on you for the rest of your life. I emphasized the important role training has in combat. I also talked about how diverse the military is and they would be serving with men and women that held different beliefs, looked different but wore the same uniform and would died fighting by their side.
I was impressed by these young men and women who were being trained to be leaders. Some of them had served as enlisted soldiers and served in the combat zones of Iraq. Others had never left the country and the only view they had of military service was the time spend in the Guard in Illinois. Yet, they all stood tall to endure the training to become military officers. To be leaders among men and women. I told them I would attend their Graduation Ceremony to see them receive their commission.
That day happen August 24, 2008. I attended their Graduation Commissioning Ceremony. I could see their faces bright with smiles of happiness. They had made it! They were not candidates, they were Officers. The only emotion that matched their happiness was the proud look in their families eyes as they watched them walk cross the stage and receive their diplomas. I felt proud and honored to be a small part of this very special day.
I spoke about the impact of combat and how it changed your life. Shared experiences of the lingering effects it has on you for the rest of your life. I emphasized the important role training has in combat. I also talked about how diverse the military is and they would be serving with men and women that held different beliefs, looked different but wore the same uniform and would died fighting by their side.
I was impressed by these young men and women who were being trained to be leaders. Some of them had served as enlisted soldiers and served in the combat zones of Iraq. Others had never left the country and the only view they had of military service was the time spend in the Guard in Illinois. Yet, they all stood tall to endure the training to become military officers. To be leaders among men and women. I told them I would attend their Graduation Ceremony to see them receive their commission.
That day happen August 24, 2008. I attended their Graduation Commissioning Ceremony. I could see their faces bright with smiles of happiness. They had made it! They were not candidates, they were Officers. The only emotion that matched their happiness was the proud look in their families eyes as they watched them walk cross the stage and receive their diplomas. I felt proud and honored to be a small part of this very special day.
