The Jackson 9: Michael - Graduation from boot camp

We flew to Chicago on the 23rd of October, went to dinner and hit the hotel. We woke up early the next morning and headed out towards Great Lakes, or so we thought. The road system there is so confusing with not many signs, so we realized we were heading the opposite direction. Luckily we had left early, so we had plenty of time, but it was very frustrating and stressful.

We arrived at the Naval Base, where all the cars were herded into lines for security checks. We sat there for probably 15 minutes, waiting for permission to go. We finally parked and walked to the hall where the graduation ceremony was going to take place. We found where his division would be standing and found seats right above him, where we would be able to see him.

Arriving at Great Lakes Naval Station.

Mike was in Division 398. This was their division flag.

Mike is in the 2nd row from the right, the 2nd person back.

Here, you can see Mike 3rd row from the left, 4th person from the left.

This was Mike's division marching in to the hall.

Division 398 marching into the hall - they were the first ones to enter

The sailors marched in, in formation, with some fancy moves and then when they were all in the right places, the ceremony began. It was a really nice ceremony with the Navy Choir singing a few songs, the Navy Band playing, the base commander saying a few words. The sailors did different things like singing the Navy Anthem, and saying the Sailors Creed. They stood at attention or parade rest during the entire ceremony. You could see the swaying motions as it would be hard to stand completely still.

The sailors singing "Anchors Aweigh"

Hip Hip Hooray!!!

The entire ceremony lasted about an hour and a half. We couldn't wait to get to Michael when it was over. His dad Frank was there for a few minutes, but had to get to the airport to catch his flight home. We were able to spend about 10 minutes in the hall with Mike, before he had to go back to his barracks and pack his stuff. He met us for another hour or so at the Navy Exchange (NEX), where he bought everyone a t-shirt that said, "United States Navy ____(insert - Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister). He then had to board the bus and head to Midway airport, where we also headed to meet him.

Mike in uniform, at attention

Mom, Mike, Martin

Mom and Mike

Mike and Frank

At the airport, parents were given passes to go through security. Michael took us out to dinner at an Italian restaurant in the airport. We then went to the USO and looked at the blog, so he could catch up on what had been happening while he'd been gone. We just talked and called grandparents, brothers and sisters, etc. It was so great to spend that short amount of time with him.

Mike and all those bags, you should feel those muscles now!

Mike's flight was delayed about 2 hours, because the plane hadn't arrived. He left at 8pm, with a connection in Atlanta, and would arrive in Pensacola around 1am. Mom didn't fall apart until after the plane backed away from the gate. Okay, I cried all the way to the car. We probably won't see him until March, but at least we can talk and text him every day if we want, which we want.

Mike boarding the plane