Update on Nate’s JROTC program
I have mentioned Nate’s involvement in JROTC in posts before. He is really having a wonderful time in this program and it has benefited him greatly. He loves school more this year than I have ever seen him enjoy it in the past. He had a cold recently and was actually frustrated that he had to miss. The program has given him events to compete in that he is well suited for, and it has given him a chance to exhibit his leadership skills — he has some skills tucked away inside of him that we were unaware of.
He is the youngest of the three guys. At 17-years old he is learning valuable lessons in higher levels of responsibility than he would have learned without the program. He is learning not only how to care for his appearance in a way that passes a much higher scrutiny, but he is also learning how to prepare other students to do well in the areas in which he has excelled. That is the military way. When you do well in an area you exhort others to the same high standards, and when you need that exhortation you can find it in someone nearby.
Nate has earned a promotion this year from an E1 to an O2. That is a huge jump in rank, and he is handling it well so far. His Major has told me that he believes Nate is Academy material, and I agree. Nate, however, has pretty huge hopes and dreams of doing many things. He has not decided yet what he is going to do. One day he wants to be a Navy SEAL and the next he wants to go to West Point. Regardless of what he decides he knows we will support what he is set to do.
Here’s a quick peek at him in his new uniform. It’s amazing how fast they grow from boys into young men.
It seems like just yesterday…
Good to hear positive changes from Nate’s involvement in JROTC.
Are you forwarding your message to Berkeley by chance?
Very handsome young man and congratulations to him on the promotion!
Cathy, I am so tired of hearing about Berkeley’s behavior and childishness that I decided I would re-focus on the good things I can purport about military programs. I do know that all 3 of my guys have participated in JROTC and it has been a great program for them. Thank you for the compliment… I think he is a pretty handsome fella, too! He has his first formal Military Ball coming up this weekend.
One handsome young man Claire. I know that you are very proud of him. Heck you can’t help but be proud.
Wow he looks so grown up and handsome……you sure do make pretty kiddos! Hugs, Heather
Miz Claire,
Lock that boy up!!!! He is way too handsome to be let loose on these young girls of today. Congratulations to him though. You and Mr Hooah must be extremely proud…
I know what you mean when you say “It seems like yesterday”. The years zip along without us even being aware of them being gone.
Congrats to Nate and you all too!!!!
Hi Claire, it’s Nancy from the Gap! Your sons are stunningly
handsome!! I know how proud you are of them. I love your
site and try not to miss a day. I have learned so very much
from you and I’m not a very young pup! Keep blogging, I’m
keeping Mike in my prayers daily.
Scott is doing just fine, his unit has moved as of today and will
write to you on your private site about his movements. It’s so
terrific to have someone who’s in the know! Thanks for sharing
your knowledge and your life experience. Nancy
Stacy — Yep, definitely think he is one handsome guy! It’s wonderful to see him growing into such a fine, young man who is responsible. Yeah!! I know that you know exactly how that feels! :)
Heather — He is not a boy any more, is he? It’s hard to let go in some regards, but it’s such a blessing to see them walk away with the Faith and values you raised them in (with God’s grace alone of course!)
KY Woman — You know it’s hard to lock them up when they are over 6 foot tall and you are stand at a measley 5′3″! ha ha! It’s hard to buy a cage that big! Yep, the years truly do vanish like a vapor, don’t they? It’s a good thing that our faith is in an eternal God!
Kristen — Thank you, and Congratulations to you all too. I will have to give a huge congrats out loud when the time is right. Until then *wink* :)
Nancy — Thank you! I have enjoyed getting to know you too! I am praying for Scott, and I will check my messages ASAP. If you ever need to chat you know where to find me. I am here — I know how scary those moves can be. Mike went from Baghdad to his current location and it was a hard adjustment for me. I am praying for you both. (((hugs)))
Claire,
What a wonderful son you have. Pass on congratulations to him from all of us.
Military can really instill some great values into men and women here in the US. Its nice to see some one who, even at 17 is learning some of those core values that are so good to have later on and for the rest of your life.
Its true, we all grow up to fast. My mom still has not accepted that I am turning 20 in June and going into my third year in college. :) Pretty wild how time flies.
Blessings,
Jade
Nate looks great in his uniform; Congratulations to him on his promotion!
Claire, it’s nice to see such a handsome young man in AF Blue! If your son is academy material, why not suggest the AF Academy. My daughter is a grad, and although it was tough, she’s not regretted it.