The Big Step
3 weeks ago my #1 son took the Oath of Enlistment for the U.S. Army. It has taken me 3 weeks to practice stating this aloud before I could actually write about it. I am very proud of him. I am also very aware of the current situations around the world and would have preferred a different commander in chief making decisions regarding the life of all our sons. Anthony Jason Chen is only 17 and will not turn 18 until after he completes basic training. He reports to the MEPS station on June 13th. 4 years, 19 weeks of service, but he intends to make it a career with the army paying for his advanced schooling. He has goals and dreams. I have prayer. I just keep reminding myself that I am proud of him and he knows what he is doing.
There isn’t a 17-year-old in the world who knows what he is doing, although they would all argue that point. Least of all about joining the military. Anyway, good luck to him in his chosen profession.
Comment by Joe Shultz — January 4, 2007 @ 5:52 pm
I guess he hasn’t learned the proper way to stand at attention yet. I am sure they will correct that deficiency in basic training.
Comment by Mark Black — May 28, 2007 @ 9:08 am
Absolutely. I am Soooo looking forward to the changes they will undergo through military training. When both boys finish their initial enlistment they will just be turning 22. Imagine how their lives will change?!
Comment by Diane R. Chen — May 28, 2007 @ 9:53 am