A Reason to Celebrate

For the past 15 months my husband has been training to be in the Army's Special Forces. The first phase of this training is to go through a grueling 3 weeks at Special Forces Assessment and Selection. After being selected, JB went to the Army's Captain Career Course in Fort Benning, GA. We got married in November 2009 during his time in GA and then he moved back to NC when he was done in December. January 2010, JB began the second phase of SF training, six months of language training. He did very well during this phase and enjoyed learning Arabic. I even learned a few words and phrases! Phase III consisted of Small Unit Tactics and SERE school... all which was done "in the field"... which meant 3 months without a husband this past fall. The first couple weeks were definitely the hardest, but thankfully I kept busy and the time went by quickly. Phase IV was the Military Occupational Speciality(MOS) phase, so JB had his Captain leadership training for this duration. This phase also had spurts of "field training." The next phase, Phase V, was Robin Sage; a month long cumulative field exercise to test the trainees on all of their training. 


The past 15 months have been challenging, but this weekend when he graduated and earned his green beret it was truly a reason to celebrate! 


Graduation was on Thursday, so family & friends began to arrive on Wednesday afternoon. JB's parents and brother all came on Wednesday, as well as their long-time friends from their past home in Connecticut who surprised them here in NC. We had dinner here at our home on Wednesday night, and then rested up for the fun weekend ahead. 


Thursday was graduation day! We all got ready here and arrived at the arena to get in line early for good seats. My family (who lives here in town) met us there. It was a warm, spring day and a perfect day to celebrate such an accomplishment. We were seated and had time to look over the program before the bagpipes started playing, "Scotland the Brave." The 103 graduates filed into the arena as the family, friends, and members of the Regiment stood to applaud their efforts about to be rewarded. Noted members of the Regiment were introduced, the guest speaker spoke, specific awards were given, and then the newbies officially graduated - each walking across the stage as their name was called. I am proud to say that JB graduated in the top 20% of his class, earning a spot on the Commandant's List! The members of the Regiment that were present toasted to the new graduates and then they were ordered to don their berets for the first time. What an honor to put on the green beret that is held in such a high regard. 


This was not my first Army ceremony, as I have been to a few of my brother-in-law's.. but it was my first ceremony as a military wife. I have to say, I have never felt prouder than I did when he put that beret on his head, looked over to where we were seated, and smiled. Although the training was challenging and difficult, and many great soldiers didn't make it to graduation -  I knew in that moment that this is what he & I were both destined to do. 
During the past months,  I have been forced to rely on my faith and I have grown more independent in all aspects of my life. This training process has helped me prepare mentally and physically for upcoming deployments with his new group, and for that, I am thankful that we both went through these 15 months of training! 


What do you to make memories last?? Take pictures of course! Pictures, pictures, and more pictures! 

JB graduating (hate that it's blurry!)

"Gentlemen, don your berets!"

Proud wife of a Green Beret :)

After many more pictures, we headed to my parents' house for a graduation celebration. My family had dinner, drinks, and desserts for all of us which was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day! My sister even made a cheese ball in the shape & color of a green beret! Too cute.. 

The next night, Friday night, was our turn to host the party. About 25 of us gathered at our home for BBQ & the dressings, drinks, and a good time. I made a memory tree (like we did for Dad's birthday) but JB's had pictures of all of his military life... West Point events, Jump Team photos, USMA Graduation, Ranger School + Honor Graduate Photos, Deployment pictures, and now SF Graduation. A trip down Military Memory Lane..

The party went off without a hitch and a good time was had by all. We are both very thankful for the friends and family that supports us both! 

Another great creation by my sister! JB's graduation cake!

Two new Green Berets, Tim & JB

JB and I at his party

One of my favorites, Jennifer (fellow Army wife)

A fabulous weekend was had by all of us, and we couldn't be more proud of JB and his accomplishments. There are surely more challenges ahead, but we are looking forward to what this next leg of our journey brings us!