Posted: 4/18/2026 4:31:09 AM EDT
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My youngest son left for Basic Training at Lackland this Tuesday. We took him and his wife and two little kids to the airport about an hour away to see him off. Had lunch at Applebees and then took some pictures in the the airport lobby, with the kids and wife crying. I left for Lackland for basic 44 years ago, did a tour in the USAF, and then got out for 21 years and reenlisted in the US Army at age 43, retiring at age 60. Multiple deployments overseas and to combat zones. So proud of him. Wife and I will be spending a lot of time with the daughter-in-law and the little ones while Dad is gone to Basic Training and to tech school. Had a few early birthday parties for kids, that Dad wouldn't be here to attend. Already planning to attend the Graduation ceremony at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. |
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At graduation he will look like he’s hungry … go feed him. https://www.chrismadrids.com/ Casa Rio Mexican La Fonda Mexican |
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That we will do. Taking my wife, daughter-in-law and their two little kids to the graduation and taking him where ever he wants to go to eat. He has mentioned the Brazilian Steak Place Fogo De Chao. We will see when we get there. I have not been to Lackland AFB, Kelly AFB or San Antonio since 1983, so will study up on it a bit. My wife and the others have never been there. |
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Well, my son is in week 6 of the training and almost finished. He is going to the field training portion called PACER FORGE this week. Already completed the gas chamber and the tactical and first aid portions of training and the rifle range just a few days ago, and the pictures of those just came up online. I hope he is having a good time and we will see him in less than 2 weeks now. The Grandkids were excited to see pictures of Daddy at the range and at other training. I know his Mother will be crying like crazy and his wife too. I just hope it is not too dusty for Old Dad! Been a long time since I have been to Lackland and the parade grounds there. I do remember it being dusty a few times when I returned from long deployments overseas. Remember Memorial Day and those that gave all for the rest of us! They will really be excited when he comes marching in at graduation. Can't wait! |
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 I've been active duty for the last 22 years. About 5 years ago, I had the opportunity to watch a BMT graduation at Lackland, I appreciated it more than I thought I would. A buddy and I walked around "tapping" Airmen still at attention and helping them find their loved ones. Be sure to post pics! |
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It's actually good to hear that USAF basic is more combat relevant that when I attended in '71. We received two days of "weapons training" on the M-16. No other "combat skills" were taught. It was all basically learning how to salute and march. The instructions I received were based on the outmoded (WW II) ideas that airbases and their personnel would be well behind the lines and not subject to direct attack. You'd have thought that Vietnam (TET in particular) and to a lesser extent Korea would have taught the powers that be differently. I went overseas having fired the M-16 twice. No other training was given. It was all OJT. Heck, I didn't fire a handgun, in the military until after I got there. And that handgun wasn't issued, it was "acquired" based on the advice of my eldest cousin (Marine, three tours). Turns out it was very sage advice that kept me alive. Frankly, the USMC has the right mind set. Every Marine is a rifleman first. I strongly suspect that the USAF's mindset is still, every airman is a pencil pusher first. |
"Go low, go slow and preferrably in the dark", the old Sarge.
"Every man needs at least one good rifle and know how to use it," Dad.
"Every man needs at least one good rifle and know how to use it," Dad.