It seems like so long ago and only yesterday that I was driving in Madison, WI with Cameron having picked me and Lincoln up from the airport. I was driving, we were talking about life paths, and I asked him, "Have you ever thought about joining the military?" His response was, "All the time." That was June of 2012.
The next month Joe and I were back in Madison for family vacation and we took Cameron to the Navy Recruiting Office to see what the deal was. Easily 3 hours later we were all sold. Lincoln even has a little blue Navy bear that still sits on his shelf.
Finally, almost a year later, Cameron went to and completed Navy Basic Training. A few weeks ago he was granted a phone call to notify my mom of a knee injury sustained during the final PRT that was preventing him from completing the rigorous final 12 hour over-night exercise called Battle Stations 21. We were all disappointed we weren't going to get to see him at graduation the following week, but more than anything we were concerned for the severity of an injury that may warrant release from the Navy. We had no idea how serious it really was if it meant he couldn't go through Battle Stations with his Division and it would delay his graduation! It's been a long two weeks waiting to hear any news at all.
(This video shows a little about what Battle Stations 21 is all about. It looks like an amazing training experience)
Earlier this week, my mom got a phone call that said his knee had improved and he was going to tell his Recruit Division Commanders that his knee was fine so he could go through the final test. He was so ready to be done and move forward. We waited Wednesday night with no news Thursday (where I talked my Mom down off a ledge of panic) and Thursday night awaiting news on Friday.
I knew on Thursday night/Friday morning that he was testing (it's a 12 hour all-nighter). I couldn't figure it out, what was going on with this night? as I was laying awake in bed at 5 am. Bella had already woken me up once to go outside and at 4am Lincoln was crying and Joe brought him into bed (Lincoln's new thing is to ask "Mama bed"). He is NO FUN to sleep with now and I was stuck awake with only my thoughts. I realized it as I was laying there that Cameron was awake too and he was enduring the final test. I felt so comfortable with my surety that he was going through the exercise that I was so excited for the news on Friday. It's called the "I'm a Sailor" phone call.
At 6pm Florida time, (the phone calls typically range from 1pm-7pm CST) I got an e-mail from my mom saying no phone call, he must not have tested... and that made me doubt my sister-brother connection and I was discouraged. Then 40 minutes later my phone starts blowing up with vague group texts between my parental family units. I was getting p.o.'d. Would SOMEONE tell me what they know?!
My brother is a Sailor!
(I wish I had picture of him in uniform!! This is RIGHT before he left for basic.
I can't WAIT to see the haircut he's sporting now)
He had indeed tested on Thursday night into Friday morning and had successfully completed the exercise with no further injury to his knee. What a success. I think it's even more amazing that he had to do it with people he didn't know. It's already a mental and physical test, you rely on your teammates to succeed, and he had to work with people he hadn't been spending the last 8 weeks getting to know. That's tough, but he will be able to apply that experience as a great leader. I know it only made him stronger. I wish I had a picture of him in his uniform to post!!
I'm so proud of him. Less than 1% of American's serve in the military. Many who try aren't qualified and can't get through the application process or they fail basic training. Cameron has qualified and now proven himself worthy of the rank of a Sailor in the US Navy. I know that moment he got to stand in formation after the exercise and trade his Recruit ball cap for the Navy ball cap will stay with him forever. I could cry just thinking about how special that moment is. I know because I cry at the National Anthem at ball games after having been in the Army and deploying to Iraq.
With his next school date so close, we don't know where or when we'll see him again. I'm hoping it's a LONG school and we can go to a graduation there after Chubby is born, but likely it'll be right around the due date and I won't be able to go anywhere. Bah.
This video from Recruit Training Command shows a little about the process recruits go through from arrival to graduation. I really enjoyed seeing a little bit of what he went through.
I know it's not completely over yet. He still has to attend and pass his specialty training school (mass communications?) and ensure that his knee gets the proper treatment and attention so it doesn't become a problem during his upcoming PRT's that could get him released, but bring on the Army/Navy football games!
