Day 5 – August 26, 2004

{Photos} Airmen’s Run and Retreat {Home}

Today was an unusual day for us as we ride only to drop off Diamond at the Pet sitters, she had to be there at 7am, and to the base to see our son in what is called the Airmen’s Run and then at the Retreat. For those of you not familiar with these terms, the Airmen’s Run is when the graduating airmen run their 2.5 mile run for the amusement of their parents and family. After the run, we had a few hours to kill before the 4:30 pm retreat, so we went for lunch (breakfast really) and they to pick up Diamond from the sitters. The Retreat is basically an informal ceremony to indicate they have finished their training and are allowed time with their families. This gave us an opportunity to see and talk with Cory for a couple of hours, get his graduating pictures and just generally visit. He had to be back in barracks at 7 pm, so we left him for the day and will pick up again tomorrow for the formal graduating Ceremony. Even though I went through a similar experience in the Marine Corps many years ago, it still amazes me that these young men and women can stand at attention in the hot sun on hotter asphalt for hours at a time, and not even seem to have noticed. After the ceremony, he wanted to go to the Burger King on base for some junk food and walked us a mile and a half to get there. He didn’t even seem to notice the distance, but I can tell you I sure did. Guess I am just getting old. Still a year ago I probably couldn’t have made it so I’m not complaining. Tomorrow though I think I will keep the bike handy just in case. I guess that is about it for today, but until then be safe and, I’ll see you on the byways…