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November 08, 2007
Turning Blue
By way of introduction, here are my sister Lindsay and her husband Casey.
They got married in the middle of the summer, and I had not met Casey until yesterday. They made the long trip from Portland, Oregon, for the same reason we did.
To show our army pride.
Today was the "turning blue" ceremony for my brother and the other members of his battalion. During the ceremony, which happens the day before they actually graduate from basic training, the soldiers are presented with their Infantry Blue Cords, which are worn on their right shoulders and which signify that they are members of the Infantry.
The families waited with anticipation.
Suddenly, a thick blanket of smoke filled the area as Metallica's Enter Sandman began to play.
The soldiers appeared, yelling through the smoke, and arranged themselves in formation.
My brother, who was named a leader in his battalion, stood at the front of the formation.
There was a speech, and then the soldiers were given ten minutes to spend time with their families.
Here he is, PFC John Alexander Cook.
PFC John Alexander Cook giving his mother a big hug.
My sister Lindsay showing her appreciation for PFC John Alexander Cook.
Here is my brother's dad Jack attaching the Infantry Blue Cord to my brother's shoulder.
Casey, mom, my grandma, and I made up the Army pride t-shirt brigade.
My brother with a couple of his closest friends from the battalion.
After the informal family time, the soldiers got back into formation. Apparently, they had left their barracks messy, which compelled their drill sergeant to exact some last-minute punishment.
To his credit, the drill sergeant joined his men in the drill.
It was clear that my brother had made a positive impression on his two drill sergeants.
After the ceremony, I volunteered to carry my brother's pack. It weighs 40 pounds.
Robbi felt compelled to try.
It was a failed experiment.
Alex showed us some of their training facilities.
Including Eagle Tower, where they did all sorts of rope climbing and rappelling exercises.
After the Turning Blue ceremony, Alex was granted an eight hour leave. So we headed to a barbeque place to get things started in grand fashion. Casey and I got competitive about ribs.
We both rose to the occasion.
But, ultimately, I think, both of us lost.
Right across from the restaurant was a Babies R Us, not exactly Robbi's favorite store.
I have, of late, become fascinated by the abundance of baby furniture options, available in a wide array of colors and configurations.
Baby clothes are so damn cute.
I'm fairly certain I wouldn't have written that sentence six months ago.
It wasn't until much later on tonight that Robbi and I remembered that today is our four year wedding anniversary. It was my mother that reminded us. Neither of us is very good with dates.
So we took this picture to commemorate the day.
And this picture because the statue was so strange.
And this picture, because from a certain angle, this sculpture of a little girl catching raindrops on her tongue is downright terrifying.
But today belongs to PFC John Alexander Cook. We are so proud of you. Tomorrow is graduation. I hear that there is going to be a tank.
Posted by bogenamp at November 8, 2007 09:54 PM
Comments
I've never been quite so afraid of a statue in my life, frankly.
Posted by: Nick at November 14, 2007 12:51 PM