Proud of my young man !!!!!

[laidback50]

#2 son, 18 years old, joined the army in December last year. He has joined REME to be a vehicle mechanic.

He has been based at ATR Pirbright for his basic training and square bashing and he had his passing off parade last Friday.

Ann and myself went down to see the event and it was a very interesting experience. Ann, who is not his mother, was moved to tears and said she was very proud of him. I had a lump in my throat most of the time. It was the first time I have seen him in his dress uniform. Peaked cap with the REME insignia on the cap and his jacket lapels, white belt and gloves and boots you could see your face in. About 100 new soldiers marched onto the square accompanied by a brass marching band from the RAF ~ not sure how they got roped in ! Unfortunately it was peeing down with rain so they all got absolutely soaked but I don't think they really noticed.

On one of the march passes he was on the outside of the column on our side. He saw me and started to smile and that was it, I was nearly in tears. It was really strange as well afterwards when I took a couple of photos of him and he stood to attention. Never had him do that before ! Whatever the army has done to him I should have tried years ago In the short time he has been in the army he has changed so much. He is suddenly very focussed, he walks confidently and I can understand what he says when he talks to me. Amazing.

The top and bottom of it is that he has blossomed into a striking young man and I'm ferociously proud of him.

I'm glad that he is going to see a lot of interesting parts of the world and end up with very usefull qualifications but I only hope he doesn't find himself somewhere where they are shooting at him. I can appreciate how harrowing it must be for parents whose kids are out in the hotspots like Iraq and Afganistan.

Isn't it great to have kids who can still give you tears of joy when they are 18 and setting their course in life ? #1 son did it to me when I went to see him get his Masters Degree at Loughboro Uni.

I'm hoping I am going to get them both together this wekend. A few beers down the pub could be on the cards.



Graham.

[Beavis]

well done to your lad you must be very proud make sure you get that beer with them both

[Harry]

that is excellent, sounds as though both your lads have got their heads srewed on right - credit to you and your parental skills

[soulman]

congrats ....you and the missus must be chuffed to bits

[ditchp]

congrats to all the hard work done by all, and enjoy those beers

[chunkster]

well done to all of you, its great to see that young lads today actually wanna make something of theyre life and are focussed on what there doin- and enjoying it. enjoy your beers and make sure that they pay for them!!!!!!

[Meriva OPC]

well done to all, your son can look forward to some good times with the army.

[mick307]

I know that feeling, no 1 son is also in the Army, doing the same thing, he's currently at Bordon doing his training. He joined in Sept 2005 aged 16, his passing out had me in tears, and it rained!!!

Surprising just how proud the little sods can make you feel, good luck to your lad, the Army is a good life and sets you up for the future in my opinion.

Mick

[armoured farmer]

FANTASTIC mate, i joined the REME in 82 (arborfield) did my trade training at Bordon, then off to Germany, came back to Pirbright to assist recruits on Pre-trade training.
You must have been proud as punch...
Hope it sticks at it, when he gets to BORDON, get him to go down the "QUEENS" pub, its fantastic......

[NAYLAD]

I did my 22 with REME as electronic artificer from 1956 onwards. The trade training is second to none and of course, meeting and mixing with so many different people was great. I am sure it will set your son up for an interesting life. Congrat`s to him and you. Love to see his future Vectra!!