Pride

[P95Carry]

Or how a step dad can see his ex punk step son become a man.

Cody my step son ...... 19 1/2 years old - graduated fron Navy Boot Camp 6th April (Great Lakes IL). The change in this young man was staggering.... perhaps not too surprising seeing as basic is pretty tough in all services - lot of discipline. He sees things from a much less selfish perspective, thinks of others and all in all has simply matured.

I just got off the phone after a long enjoyable chat - hearing how things were and what he is doing. He has been in Pensacola since graduating and tomorrow graduates from his first month as apprentice aircrew. Today he did his shooting qualification (Beretta 92) - and easily managed sharpshooter - that's my boy

Monday he starts 150 days of some serious and involved learning for his job and expects at the end of that to be flying 6 to 12 hours a day. Not sure yet what platform.

Why do I write this? - simple ....... unmitigated pride and the joy of at last knowing a young guy properly. A ''kid'' no longer a kid ... who I always cared for but with whom no real relationship had been possible.

That is all changed - it is a thrill.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Miggy]

Feeling old not so bad after all, huh?
Congrats!

[Gunnutty]

Proud for ya Chris!!

[p8riot]

Give him a heartfelt well done from the old chief. I remember my time in Uncle Sam's Navy as one of the proudest episodes of my life, it has definitely help make me what I am today. Let him know that you are proud of him, it will go a long way toward him keeping a positive outlook on his career.

Bravo Zulu,

P8riot

[P95Carry]

Let him know that you are proud of him, it will go a long way toward him keeping a positive outlook on his career.

Oh he knows that alright! I have almost had to ask him if he is tired of hearing it.

I told him again on phone today - and he added ''I am proud of me too" ... can't be bad!

He has a career and a mission to be proud of that's for sure.

[havegunjoe]

That is something definitely worth bragging about. Good for him.

[limatunes]

That is fabulous, Chris!

Good for him for making something of himself! I hope your relationship does nothing but flourish.

[ron8903]

Brag on, Proud Dad.

[ELCruisr]

Amazing how some respond to purpose, focus and discipline isn't it! Brag on and never stop rewarding him with the compliments that are deserved.

[PaulG]

OUTSTANDING!

We always seem to hear about the ones who go bad.

Nice to hear about the successes.

Keep a supply of replacement buttons to sew on your shirt; the originals must be popping off about now.

[dr_cmg]

Chris, are we not surprised to find out that they were really listening sometimes? It's great to hear about him. The pride you feel comes across in your writing and I'm sure he won't get tired of hearing it.

[DodgeFB]

You sure have good reason to be proud of him. It is very nice to hear something good about a young person.

[QKShooter]

Great news Chris.
Punker turns Navy - neat transition.
I'm sure that you're very proud that you were instrumental in helping him go down a better path.

[DaveT]

Probably the EXACT same way my stepdad felt about me 39 years ago........ Excellent post, Chris, thanks for sharing with us.

[falcon1]

Congratulations to him and to you, Chris! Outstanding!