I was honored to be at my son’s graduation today from Airborne jump school. He completed his 5 jumps and is now airborne qualified. I was even more honored to pin on his wings at the graduation ceremony. We’re here enjoying a weekend with him before he starts RIP (Ranger Indoctrination Program). That will be a 4 week course that will get him into a ranger regiment and then eventually ranger school. He will also be attending, after RIP, Special Operations medic training at Fort Bragg, NC, which is above and beyond his basic medic training he’s already received at Fort Sam Houston, TX. He’s been busy and still got a lot more to do. All this and he’s still a teenager at 19 years old. For more pictures, go here.

Thomas didn’t get to jump today — the plane had to be repaired. I guess that’s a good thing. He’s thinking they might do all of the last 3 jumps tomorrow but he’s not sure. I’ll update here as soon as I know.

Thomas has been at Airborne Jump School now for two weeks. He’s completed Ground Week, Tower Week, and is now in Jump Week. Monday, he completed two “Hollywood” jumps (no extra gear). Today, he is going to jump two more times (combat jumps — full combat gear). Tomorrow (Wednesday), he will do one night jump at 9pm to complete his 5 jumps and then be allowed to wear his Airborne Wings. We will be leaving Thursday for Fort Benning, Georgia for the Graduation Ceremony Friday. This father will have the extreme honor of pinning the wings on his uniform. When he completes jump school, it only gets harder. He then has to prepare for RIP (Ranger Indoctrination Program). He has to pass this to be assigned to a Ranger regiment and qualify to go to Ranger School. He’s already finished basic, combat medic school, and by Friday, jump school. All this and he’s only 19. Please keep him in your prayers. I thank God for these young men and women who stand in harm’s way for this country.