My morning began at 6:00 a.m. with my first text from Trent asking if I received login documents he sent minutes before midnight last night for his online accounts. I immediately responded knowing his phone was scheduled to be turned off and was surprised I was receiving a text at all. Further text message communication ensued with me telling him how proud of I am of him and how much I love him. One of the most heartwarming texts he sent read "I can't believe I'm finally doing it 11 years later".
His "Good Luck" party was a huge success that his Dad and Anna threw for him on Saturday night. I wish I would have been there to celebrate with him! His buddy Brad drove 8 hours from Kentucky to surprise him and returned back the next day for work. All of his best buddies, family and friends showed up to rally around him providing love and support.
Trent and his Dad (Jeff) 4/9/16
Sunday he arrived at the office for a briefing at 11:30 a.m.. Originally he would have left leaving on the shuttle following the meeting for Lansing but his buddy Tom agreed to drive him there. First stop in Lansing was to spend some time with his cousin Niki and her family. He loves seeing them, especially her two boys, William and Andrew! When it was time to leave their house for his 5:00 meeting the reality was setting in along with a bit of anxiety. Thankfully they were able to squeeze in a picture.
Andrew, William, Jason, Trent, Niki
I learned he will be traveling with 3 other recruits and a buddy system was put in place; his buddy will also be his bunk mate in boot camp. The shuttle arrived at 6:30 a.m. to transport him to MEPS for the final preparation before leaving for San Diego. His Dad arrived by 8:30 a.m. to accompany him through another swearing in ceremony, airport departure with final hugs and well wishes! He completed his swearing in at 10:00 a.m. and signed his contract. I received a text from him from his Dad's phone. It read: "It's me mom. Dad took a bunch of pictures. I'm not a civilian anymore"... WOW!!!! Followed by, him telling me there is no reason to cry, I explained they are tears of happiness and pride. I said, "You are starting to live your dream" and he replied "that I am".
April 11, 2016
This young man is off to begin living his dream, to make a difference and to serve his country.
Honor, Courage, Commitment - Semper Fi
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