Hooah! We have graduated! This was a day that none of us will ever forget. It took some pretty hard work to get here, but most of us made it. I can't explain the feelings and emotions that came over me. I had accomplished a goal that I had set out to do in 1994. It felt awesome!!

We all stood at attention, listening to our accomplishments and how we are all soldiers in the United States Army, even though some of us are only part-timers. There were Drill Sergeants and soldiers that received awards from each company. My buddy, Jokala, got an award for Soldier Leader of the Cycle. DS Smith from 3rd Platoon, received the award for Outstanding DS of the cycle. All of the companies in our Battalion marched around the track for pass and review. It was great!

Afterwards, family and friends got to meet our Drill Sergeants and we were able to leave on pass for a while. It was a shame that my parents could not come to see me graduate, or Mel's dad for that matter. I know what it costs to fly and they would have only gotten to spend 2 days with us. Those who did leave with family had to be back to the company by chow the next evening. I got to meet Jokala's parents. She is from Wisconsin. What a day!

Since our (meaning the females) last inspection had gone very smoothly, we packed up our belongings and were able to get our personal bags. We are shipping out to our AIT (Advanced Individual Training) units today. Mel and I won't be going far. Actually, we are practically going down the street to Charlie Company 369th Adjutant General Battalion.