My Big Trip To San Angelo, Texas...

This post is just for me, and is gonna be boring to y'all, so just move on along, unless you've got nothing better to do.

As I had told y'all, I was out of pocket some of last week traveling to San Angelo, TX to see my oldest son, Dean, graduate from what I discovered is the "Consolidated Chinese Cryptologic Language Analyst Course" at Goodfellow Air Force Base.

Let me take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your kind wishes for our safe travel, and for our son. It means more than you can know. (And Paul, I did not get a chance to eat at the restaurant you recommended. I was back home before I read the comment. You'll have to e-mail me the details about that establishment, because you have piqued my curiosity.)

It was quite an experience!

It had been over two years since The Mrs. and I had seen our eldest son. He has been in Monterey, California earning his Chinese Linguistics cred at Fort Ord. Not only is Chinese over my head...the idea that you've gotta learn more junk about cryptology in Texas to actually go to work really stumps me. But then again...that ain't really nothing new.

San Angelo is only an 8 hour drive, so we took the opportunity to be there for this particular graduation.

When we hit town we found our hotel, and got him on the phone. We were told to meet him and his graduating class in about an hour at The Shogun Restaurant for their "Graudation Dinner." We were there early, and stood outside visiting with the class instructor. She told us how excited Dean was that we were coming, and when he approached across the parking lot...well...I cried. Of course, I cry easily...but that's another subject for another time. I told his instructor, and his fellow students waiting there that they would have to excuse us...

As God is my witness, I don't believe a hug has ever felt better to my scrawny old frame! He's a bear of a man...broad shouldered, and thick. He was always affectionate, and "huggable." But that was one I won't forget. Just completely natural, with no timidity in front of his fellows, or instructor...

Like I said...I cried.

He's aged in these last two years. He only recently started wearing glasses, and he's picked up about 25 pounds. Actually, he had gained about 40...mostly due to trying to eat away the stresses in his personal life. But, as his personal issues are clearing up, and some of the pressures of "passing these eternal schools" have melted, he's back on the fitness train.

He has always struggled with his weight. Believe it or not, he gets it from me. If you knew me in my younger days you can attest.

I was worried that he may have trouble with his PT evaluations, but not so! He passed his last one with flying colors, even in less than top shape. He's a moose...a big, fast moose!


The dinner was good. It was one of those entertaining Jap joints where the Jap cooks right in front of you. He was good (flipping shrimp tails, and spinning eggs on the spatula & all), as was the food, and fellowship. The course Instructor was a lovely young woman, who sat right next to me at dinner. She brought her two young children...very bright kids...one is named after me, btw. She was so kind (knowing some of Dean's personal struggles) to thank me as a parent for my support of my son.

I was taken aback, slightly. I thought, "well...doesn't every parent support their child?" Then my 50 years of experience kicked in, and I chastised myself, "Stupid question, Andy! Of course not..."

After dinner, the Instructor gave out some special awards to students. She awarded Dean the "Captain Obviously Award," for being able to repeat something as an original thought that someone else just said 5 minutes before. (That's my boy!) Everyone just guffawed! He looked at his mother and asked, "Do I do that?" She just hee-hawed! "Yes, Honey. You do."

His Instructor asked me, "Has he always done that?" I answered, "Oh no, not always...only since he learned to talk." She got a giggle out of it.

We were to be at the auditorium the next morning about 7:30-ish for the 8:00 am graduation. They do things early in the military. Now, that was an experience. It seems that the graduation is held in a "secure facility." We had been required to provide our personal information, SSNs, etc., a few weeks before for a background check. No cell phones, fancy watches, etc. were allowed in the building.

Upon arrival, our camera was taken by a young Marine. I assume it was inspected, and it was returned to us right before the ceremony began. We were given "security badges" to wear, and told that we had to be escorted at all times...and by no means were we to take a photograph of anyone wearing a "security badge." At one point, youngest son & I needed the rest room. A young Marine was dispatched to walk with us the thirty feet down the hall, and stand outside as we did our business. They were serious about that "being escorted at all times" thing.

The graduation commenced, and it was (as all military graduations are) quite moving. If you are ever invited to one (of any kind), make the time to go. You won't be sorry.


There were 6 Airmen, 3 Marines, and 1 Soldier in this class of Chinese Linguists headed to full-time duty. The short Soldier in the middle was the top graduate in the class. You might notice...he's Chinese... I'm guessing from his accent that he is likely an immigrant, not even first generation. During the ceremony, each branch repeated their particular service's creed. He was the only Soldier, so it was easy to discern the thickness of his accent.



It was an impressive, and moving ceremony. The Instructor, and the Lt. Col. who is the head of the whole deal spoke about the highly specific, and sensitive nature of the job...the challenges that Intelligence personnel face...and the importance of their work to our liberty and way of life.

This guy was one real sport! Before the ceremony, he made his way around the auditorium. He introduced himself to each of the family members & friends that attended. He thanked each of us personally for the support we had given. He then spent a good bit of time with each of the graduates. He congratulated them...asked each where they were being stationed...provided some insight about the destination, etc. (I know, because I was sitting one row back from the graduates.) You could tell that he has a true affection for the men and women that serve.

During the ceremony, all of the graduates received their "Intelligence Patch," which is no insignificant thing as I understand. Then, one graduate took center stage. Yep...my boy!

Of those 10 graduates, Dean was the only one to receive his "Wings." He is the only one that will be "airborne." He had asked his Momma to pin his "Wings" on during the ceremony. I cried...probably why the picture is a little blurry.

I found out later that that is why he's being stationed in Nebraska. His other 5 Air Force fellows drew the miserable assignment of being stationed in Hawaii, because they will be serving on the ground.

The Air Force has a special place to send "Airborne" Chinese Linguists...Omaha, Nebraska. Go figger! But I reckon he'll spend plenty of time in the Pacific anyway. I for one, am glad he'll be close enough to come home for Christmas.

It was funny. The Lieutenant Colonel told Pam after the graduation, "Ma'am, I should have told you that it would be okay if you wanted to give your son a hug during the ceremony. I could tell that you really wanted to." (Like I said, he was a real sport).

She looked at him and said, "Are you kidding? I was doing my best to just not break down sobbing. That's my baby. If I had hugged him, I'd have 'lost it.' " He smiled knowingly...

So, none of the graduates wanted to leave after the ceremony. They stood for what seemed an eternity visiting, laughing...I guess you get pretty close with folks when you're all just kinda "out there alone." They knew that there were new-found friends that they'd not likely see again...and weren't in a hurry to say "so long."

The gathering finally broke up...they took my camera away again (but gave it back when I got outside). Then we spent the rest of the day with our son in town, and at the base. We parted ways about 9 pm. He had to be at work at 7 the next morning (even though he's finished with school, he's got a temporary assignment until he leaves in two weeks), and we had to get on our way back to real life as early as possible.

It was a good time. He's a good man. He and his fellows are our best. I'm grateful that we have such people standing between us and those that would destroy us.

Well, thanks again to all of y'all for your prayers, and blessings. We felt them as we traveled, and passed them along to one of our heroes. Y'all have a great "what's left of the" weekend...