It means I have come to appreciate what my father, uncle and grandfather did to secure our freedom.

It means I understand now what the mothers of our troops have gone and are going through.

It means that I will have a lump in my throat…..more so than normal…..when the National Anthem is played, when a flag is raised, or when I say the Pledge of Allegiance.

It means my son has willingly marched into the unknown with my full support.

It means I’m more aware than ever that our freedom comes at a price.

And it means that I am the proud mother of Airman John H. Swinney who has my heart, my love and my complete support. God Bless You, Son.

To the zero people who check this blog, please take time to remember the fallen soldiers this Memorial Day. And then, please think about and find a way to thank the young men who willingly protect our country now.

Airman John Swinney

Memories of BMT Graduation Trip – May 5, 2010 – May 9, 2010

1. John and Rikki in the backseat of the rental car. John says “I’m getting paid for this”. He’s never had a salaried job.
2. Being so close to John at the Coin Ceremony as he assisted his TI with handing out the coins.
3. That first hug after 8 ½ weeks; and knowing John felt the same emotions.
4. Of the thousands of people there, the first person I really “saw” at the Airmen’s Run was John’s father across the street. (I didn’t say they would all be GOOD memories).
5. The Riverwalk and John going into the “Life is Good” store and buying me a zip-up hoodie and a little necklace with a heart on it for Mother’s Day.
6. Calling John to come to our hotel room on Saturday evening for a really long hug. Lots of tears for me.
7. Meeting Rikki and her mom, Ronda, at the San Antonio Airport.
8. Laughing with John about the “gay” TI and listening to his impression of the guy.
9. Hearing over 700 young Airmen sing The Air Force Anthem……Off we go into the wild blue yonder…..
10. Sgt. Clevenger, John’s TI, and John getting pissed because John’s dad showed up at his dorm before us and presented himself and his wife as “John’s parents”.
11. Giving John and Rikki St. Michael’s necklaces and knowing that John wore his.
12. John giving Warren a “dog tag” that says “To a loving Stepfather. Thank you for your support and for being the proud parent of an Airman.”
13. John handing me a bumper sticker in the BX that says “My Son is in the Air Force” and saying “Hey Mom, I bought this for you”.
14. Sitting for three hours in the bleachers, facing the sun and waiting for the Coin Ceremony to start.
15. We all got sunburned. John had a “V” on his face where his AF hat covered part of his head. Rikki was so burned, she slathered her arms, chest, and neck with aloe.
16. John introducing Rikki to his TI as “my fiancé”; it was news to all of us, including Rikki.
17. Seeing John run by twice in the Airmen’s Run and Warren being able to get a couple of pictures both times.
18. Hugging John after graduation.
19. Seeing John’s dad and his wife searching for John after graduation and steering them to him; and knowing they would not have done the same.
20. Watching John try on watches and sunglasses again and again and again…..his graduation and birthday gifts. I finally said “Pick one!” I was getting exhausted by the heat.
21. Dropping John off after town pass on Friday and watching him make a “military turn” and start marching, by himself, to the dorm.
22. Eating not-so-great Mexican food at Acentar on the Riverwalk…..and I even researched it!
23. In the car, and being able to reach back and feel John take my hand.
24. Being amazed at how straight and tall John sat and walked. He had so much pride in his accomplishments, and it was obvious.
25. Leaving John………..

Airman John Swinney

I’m so proud of John for accomplishing this goal in his life. He’s headed now, even as I type this, to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX where he will attend Tech School to become a Munitions Expert (inspect, move, deliver and, in some cases, assemble guns, artillery and bombs).

I’ve learned that, at some point, it is highly likely he will be deployed to the Middle East for 4-6 months. Please keep John in your prayers as he embarks on this journey.