[MaryJo]

I can't believe that 2 weeks has gone by already. It just seems like yesterday that he was getting home! And now tomorrow morning he leaves us again!!! I so enjoyed him and we had so many laughs and talks it was great.
He was really struggling with his new orders when he returns and a wonderful SG helped us through it all! She was so encouraging and helpful , I don't think she even knows it! But, he decided to re enlist for 5 more years and he is taking the Drill Sgt. post!!! I am so excited for him. He'll be stationed in Missouri I don't remember the name of the Fort, but its closer than Colorado and we hope to see him more often! I was only in Missouri once and I was 12 or 13, so I'm looking forward to going back again....
I just wanted to let everyone know that SG's is the best place and the members here rock!!!!

[Sara Arell]

Aw, Mary Jo - I know you hate to see him leave again - but I know how very proud of him you are and he is obviously proud of what he is doing for his (our) country. What an awesome son you have! Remember you can still fill his hand with kisses to take back with him so they are with him always. I will be thinking about you all.

[jeschaff]

Wow! That sure went fast! Enjoy your remaining time with him, MJ, and again thank him for all he's doing for our country.

Missouri isn't so very far away, and you'll be able to visit him there as well as flying him home for the occasional weekend. Until he get there, though, I'll be praying for his safety. God bless you all!

[SandiC.]

Time really does fly doesn't it? And he's coming to Missouri! Is it Ft. Leonard Wood? That's actually on the other side of the state from me, but who knows, maybe we can arrange to meet after you've visited him there. I will probably be working in St Louis a few days a week and that wouldn't be too far. Being a drill sgt. is very hard work, but so many young men and women grow into real adults under the guidance of their drill sgt. It was in 1974 that I went through basic at Lackland AFB and I'll never forget Sgt Hagan. I know you'll miss him after he leaves, but you will be closer. I'm just glad you had such a great visit.

[KarinaS]

That did go fast, Mary Jo! I remember when you posted he was home and it seems like yesterday. Glad you had a nice visit and got some insight!

[Sara Arell]

scrappin, on 09 February 2010 - 02:12 PM, said:

Time really does fly doesn't it? And he's coming to Missouri! Is it Ft. Leonard Wood? That's actually on the other side of the state from me, but who knows, maybe we can arrange to meet after you've visited him there. I will probably be working in St Louis a few days a week and that wouldn't be too far. Being a drill sgt. is very hard work, but so many young men and women grow into real adults under the guidance of their drill sgt. It was in 1974 that I went through basic at Lackland AFB and I'll never forget Sgt Hagan. I know you'll miss him after he leaves, but you will be closer. I'm just glad you had such a great visit.

Oh, my Lackland seems soooooo long ago - I wonder if Rich remembers the name of his drill sgt? Hmmmmmmmm

[elibar]

The time sure flew. Best wishes and prayers for you both!

[mbc72]

That was fast, but I am glad to hear you had a nice visit.

[Sherry Lynn]

Aww MJ I'm glad to hear you had a good visit BUT sorry it went by so fast, so I'm sending you lots of hugs AND here's one for Jonathan, too!

[MaryJo]

Yes Sandi it is Fort Leonard Wood !! I'm sure we can meet, as a matter of fact, I am going to make a point of it!!


And you all are so sweet and your words so kind!! I know he has to do what will make him happy and I know he'll be an excellent Drill Sgt. He's mean enough thats for sure, I've talked to some of the men that are under him now. They say he's hard but always fair and would never ask them to do something he wouldn't do himself! I'm very proud to hear those words, to me that makes a real man!! I think anyways

[Sara Arell]

....and I am sure that Jonathan is proud to have such a strong Mom, MJ -

[MaryJo]

Oh Thanks Sara, that is so sweet! But, I'm not feeling very strong right now, actually pretty vulnerable !

[MaryJo]

Well It looks like his flights out of Syracuse are all CANCELED for tomorrow!! It looks like I will have him here for a couple more days!!! He's on the phone right now with Rear D letting them know the news! I am so happy I can't stand it. He's very upset right now and I feel so bad, but I just love having him here!!!!!!!!!!

[angleigh]

I'm sure your excited about the few extra days. Let me know when your in Missouri...I'm up by Sandi, i'm sure we could figure out a way to meet up

[MaryJo]

Oh wow that will be so much fun. I will make sure I get your number and we will make a date!!!

[Smiles]

Who said snow never brought anything good?

That's so exciting he is reenlisting! Tell him congratulations and Hooah! from us!
I had the honor of administering the oath a Soldier takes when reenlisting for a number of NonCommissioned Officers over the years, and it is a significant emotional event for the officer, as well. I hope his reenlistment ceremony is very special for him.
For those of you without military experience, he will be swearing an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers (commissioned and noncommissioned) appointed over him, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It is a major life commitment.

The Drill Sergeant mission has matured over the years. From the way his subordinates describe him, I'm sure he'll be a great one. It is a unique opportunity for leadership, and to shape the future of New Soldiers.

I know you'll miss him tremendously when he does have to go. We certainly will hold good thoughts for him for the remainder of this tour.
hugs,

[catinkeri]

WOOHOO!! An extra couple of days!! Yahoo!! I have to say, that up until I read this post I was wishing that the snow would stop ... now I'm sitting here hoping it won't end where you are!! Thank you both for all that you continue to do for this country!!
Make sure you get plenty of hugs and chats in while the snow lasts!!

[CRS]

The time flies, doesn't it? Dh had been to Ft. Leonard Wood many times and I don't think it's that far from St. Louis. It's definitely closer than his deployment or Colorado. Good luck to him in his new assignment!

[KFiasco]

Actually, Ft. Leonard Wood is about 1 and 1/2 hours from St. Louis. It is a pretty drive as well. I am sure you are very proud of him and I'm glad he will me coming to Missouri. Being a Drill Sgt. is a demanding job but it sounds like he knows what he is getting in to.

Gayle, I never thought about how the officer giving the oath felt about the ceremony. I was lucky enough to be a photographer at a few and I was personally involved a few times. It was always very meaningful to me.