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3riversBob · 10-02-2006, 06:37 PM

Army Basic Training Graduation? My wife and I are flying next week to Georgia/Fort Benning for our sons graduation. What can we expect? How many parents show up for this? Will it be easy to find our way around?

We're really looking forward to going and seeing how the boy is doing. Can we take food with us? Like jerky/cookies?

Thanks,
Bob

Hell-B · 10-02-2006, 09:16 PM

well..in 1968 we marched around a field then stood at attention while some speeches were made. Spectators were in a grandstand. We were released to mingle with them afterward, then actually had a couple days off. That's all can remember.

dixiefisher · 10-03-2006, 06:02 AM

You'll sit in the grandstands...while they march around, form up and listen to a few speeches...no big deal really, you might even get to see his barracks.....congrats!!!..you'll enjoy Columbus.....Fort Benning???....Is he Infantry??Ranger??....

Myles · 10-03-2006, 08:52 AM

We did this about two years ago at Ft. Leonard Wood in southern Misery. The biggest shock to me was the respect you're treated with from a bunch of young adults

.
Lots of parents show up, and all kinds, from cowboys to gangsters. As for finding your way around, you'll be directed on base. After the ceremonies he had a weekend pass and stayed with us in a hotel and watched movies, could not get enough junk food. He's in Iraq right now but leaves for home for two weeks on the 11th.
One of his buddies may not have a parent around so be ready for possibly a couple of hungry guys.
Myles

Rakkasan · 10-03-2006, 08:52 AM

I graduated basic and AIT at Fort Benning back in 1986. The families got a chance to see the berracks and things the day before we graduated. You might want to go a day in advance and go check out the post. There are a lot of things to see such as the museum, Airborne school and the jump towers. It is easy to find your way around. Good luck and have fun.

David Banaka

reeldick · 10-03-2006, 09:54 AM

Columbus, Ga. is no vacation retreat. It is a military town servicing Ft. Benning. Not much to see in town.
Bring the kid some treats. Bring stuff he can't get easily at the local store or PX on base. He will appreciate it.
Easy to find your way around. Ft. Benning is known for the jump school. Don't miss it.
Not too many parents show up for graduation. Many times the guys graduate and get their orders to leave for their next assignment the following day.
I went through NCO school there many years ago.

3riversBob · 10-03-2006, 01:56 PM

We plan to be there the day before Graduation for the Blue Ceremony? Where they get a blue braid on their shoulder or something and Mom gets to pin it on. He will have I think four hours after that ceremony to show us around. On graduation day he will only have about 15 minutes afterwards for pictures then starts processing for jump school. His goal is to be Air Borne Ranger. We plan to take along Tillamook Jerky and Pepperoni and home made cookies. Looking forward to his alot.

Bob

REEL TIME · 10-03-2006, 03:18 PM

Congrats Bob on your boys decision to serve his country you must be pretty proud of him. I'll be their in November sometime around thanksgiving to see my own sons graduation.
I've been looking for cheep air fair now in preperation for the event. I've found that FT. Banning has travel lodging for parents to stay at on base and will be making reservations soon. We are planing on arriving the day before to look around and spending some time in Atlanta. Again Congrats.

3riversBob · 10-03-2006, 03:37 PM

REEL TIME............be aware that you can't book at Ft. Benning until something like 45 days before. We called a few days after and they were booked up already. Call early! When we return I'll let you know how it was. Thanks to your son as well and I'm glad to hear you are going to be there when he graduates. I firmly believe that what ever our feelings are about the military or the war we HAVE to be there for the young men and women that have chosen to serve. Our support means much to them.

Bob

REEL TIME · 10-03-2006, 08:20 PM

Quote:

I firmly believe that what ever our feelings are about the military or the war we HAVE to be there for the young men and women that have chosen to serve. Our support means much to them.

Bob you are sooooo right.
My folks hated to see me go to Nam, but their support meant the world to me. I really didn't know how much it meant to my mom until just last month some 35yrs later.
My mom past away last month and as I was going thru her purse I found this folded up news clipping tucked in her wallet. This newspaper clipping was a copy of my enlistment photo from the local paper where we had lived. Talk about a proud Mama.

Among my family and friends, we have three solders in Iraq right now and maybe soon to be four. once a month our families gather for support and pray for those in harms way. I would like to add your son to our prayers. What is his name?

Any info that you think I could use please pass it on. Thanks, Kim

DAB · 10-04-2006, 07:02 PM

Bob.
Don't wear a hat as it will get mighty tight, and don't for get the nose rag for the eyes.
DAB

3riversBob · 10-05-2006, 08:59 AM

Quote:

and don't for get the nose rag for the eyes

Yep, Don I'll be needing that for the wife. I'm sure she will blubber like a baby. Me however being the manly man that I am will simply grin and say, "yeah, what ever".

Gonna be a great day!
Bob

jvp · 10-05-2006, 09:41 AM

Quote:

and don't for get the nose rag for the eyes

Yep, Don I'll be needing that for the wife. I'm sure she will blubber like a baby. Me however being the manly man that I am will simply grin and say, "yeah, what ever".

Gonna be a great day!
Bob

common bob squirt a few and congrats and safety to your family from mine.