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YourHub.com \\ Jensen Beach \\ Stories \\ Milestones \\ Military

My Son, My Hero!

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Contributed by: Laurie Andrews on 3/15/2006

Integrity, service before self, and excellence in every thing you do -- these are the core values of the United States Air Force. As a new military mom, I'm learning something new everyday, especially how impressed I am with my son, Thomas Andrews of Jensen Beach.

A 2004 graduate of Martin County High School, Tom often made our family proud in his sports days excelling in soccer, baseball, track and cross country. However, no words can express the heart-felt emotions I experienced at his Security Forces Graduation Ceremony held last week at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. The event signaled the end of his technical training and the first step towards his permanent assignment at Malstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana.
As the first member of our family to enter the military, I didn't know quite what to expect during my visit. I discovered a graduating class was made up of 117 young men and women who at great personal sacrifice, have pledged to defend their country at a time of uncertainty (to say the least).

During the ceremony, Tom was awarded the honor of Distinguished Graduate. The honor is given to the top ten graduates recognizing excellence in academics, personal training and weapons proficiency. I was humbled as he crossed the stage in his dress blues to accept his award, and then I watched in awe as he saluted the Lieutenant Colonel making the presentation. I will remember that moment for the rest of my life. It was at that instance, with tears in my eyes, that I knew my child had become a man. Not just any man, an Airman, and my personal HERO!

Laurie Andrews
Jensen Beach

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