Jonathan's Promotion

Friday afternoon my family and I had the opportunity to attend my brother in-law Jonathan's promotion ceremony in the United States Air Force. He was promoted in rank from Captain to Major. We packed up the family truckster and headed up to McChord AFB near Tacoma, WA for the event.

The ceremony was very nice. It started with the posting of the colors by the color guard and followed up with the singing of the National Anthem. The MC announced the family members and distinguished officers in attendance. Not being knowledgeable in the different insignias that designate rank made it difficult to tell who was who in the order of importance and position. Some wore their dress uniforms and some wore their BDU's. Of course us civilians were in our best street attire.

One of the Colonels took the stage and presented Jonathan's service record, schooling, and career accomplishments. It was all very impressive. Most of it I had not known of. I have never served in the military so like the insignias many of the designations and abbreviations were foreign to me yet they all sounded impressive.

The next step was the pinning on of his brass oak leafs. These are the insignias of a Major. The first step was to remove the two silver bars (aka railroad tracks). This process was done on his dress coat by his parents. The next step was to remove the boards on his dress shirt and replace them with new ones bearing the oak leafs. This was done by my parents, his in-laws. It was a very special time for the family. It is great to know that he respects and loves my folks enough to include them in this special ceremony. However as special as all this was, his 2 1/2 year old daughter stole the show when she couldn't handle sitting still anymore and ran up to stand next to her father as the Colonel presented him as Major. I almost cried... almost... it was after all a military proceeding... not for sissy criers.

Jonathan's father, Lt. Colonel retired, presided over his oath. That was a cool moment. This 72 year old man still fit into his uniform. His uniform was all white and he referred to himself as the ice cream man. All could tell how proud he was of his son. (Don't tell the ACLU but he swore his oath to God.)

When all was said and done there was food, and plenty of it. I got the chance to meet people Jonathan works with and for. They all spoke very highly of him and his work.

I have not spent much time with military personnel until Friday. After speaking with many of them it was clear that they are proud to wear the uniform no matter what their rank is and they are all proud to talk about what they do. I spoke with Airmen, Sergeants, Majors, and Colonels; all of them spoke about what they do with great pride and without hesitation. This room was a reflection of the melting pot that America is; Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Male, and Female.

After the meet and greet we were afforded the opportunity to tour one of the C-17's that calls McChord AFB home. These planes are huge. I spoke with the Airman that was watching the plane about the loading capabilities of the plane and some of the special equipment that is used to load the plane. He lowered and raised the rear loading platform which is the size of my living room. It is very impressive. These planes are called the Globemasters which is very fitting. They travel the world carrying cargo, personnel, equipment, vehicles, etc.

The rest of the time there we spent visiting family and swimming at the hotel. It was a great time and I was proud to have been there to be a part of it.

1 Peter 2:13a says: "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men..." Jonathan and the men and women of the military live this verse every day to defend the freedoms that we have. Thank you all.

Last but not least I want to give a shout out to my sister Jennifer who stands beside Jonathan daily in his service to our country. Jen you are awesome.

Next step... Lt. Colonel.