WEDNESDAY
Wednesday morning after we got everything ready, my dad and
I said goodbye to my mom, Emma, and Evelyn. I cried. The only time I’ve been
away from Emma overnight was when I had Evelyn and I had obviously never been
away from Evelyn overnight. So I was freaked out to say the least, but I made a
pact with myself that I would enjoy this trip and not be a nervous wreck
worrying about them. After an emotional goodbye we hit the road to Las Vegas.
We got to the gate and waited. I went to the bathroom right
before we were going to board and I get a phone call from Trevor. Now I thought
if I get a phone call from Trevor any time before graduation then that is a bad
sign and means he is getting recycled. So when I see that he is calling me my
stomach dropped. I mean I’m literally about to board the plane! But he says, “I
have 2 minutes to tell you that 1. I made Honor Grad and 2. I got Top PT Male
and this is where I’m going to be.” What a relief and so cool!
When I fly I’m always excited and nervous. We had some
turbulence that freaked me out but the flight went by super quick. My dad and I
were sitting across from each other in the back and he had been talking to some
lady the whole time and I was watching some videos on my phone. I then heard my
dad talking louder and then I feel a hand shake my shoulder and I look up to
see my best friend’s older brother Matt! It was so strange to run into someone
on the plane! He lives in San Antonio so he was flying back home with his
family. It was so crazy.
While I was waiting for my bag at the baggage claim I saw a
bunch of bags that said Air Force on them and it made me so excited! We got our
car and checked into our hotel.
It took forever to get to sleep. I had to wake up at 4 in
the morning (Texas time which is 3 our time!) so I wanted to get to sleep
early. I was waaaay too excited to see Trevor and waaaay to nervous about my
girls to sleep. So I only got in a few hours.
THURSDAY
It seemed like I blinked and it was 4. It took me a second
to wake up but once I was up the excitement hit. I’m going to see my husband
today! I was so frustrated because my hair was NOT cooperating. The ONE day I
want to look good my hair looked terrible. I blame the Texas humidity.
We then made our way to Lackland Air Force Base! I was
freaking out because I was so excited! Throughout the past 2 months I watched
soooo many videos and vlogs about BMT and especially graduation. So it was so
exciting to see in real life what I had been seeing on the screen.
We hit the gate entrance around 6am and since I have a
military ID we got in pretty fast. That thing sure came in handy! We
immediately headed to the Pfingston Reception Center (PRC) and got in line. At 6:15
they opened the doors and we waited for the orientation to start. It didn’t
start until 7 so they showed a video of the graduating class while we waited.
I saw Trevor a couple of times from when he had first got there. It was so
sweet to see his face. During the orientation they made the spouses stand up. So embarrassing.
After the loooong orientation it was time to go outside for
the Airmen’s Run! This would be the moment I get to see Trevor for the first
time in 8 weeks! Outside in this arena type place they had coned off a little
runway for the Airmen to run through. We all lined up on the sides and there was a
Sgt speaking on the loud speaker and she had us yelling and cheering while we waited for them. Then she announces that she can see them! Their dorms were in the distance and we saw a huge group running from it and in the front were some people carrying
flags. Then the Sgt announces the people running in the front and she says “Holding
the US flag and Air Force flag are this weeks Top PT athletes; Airman Basic,
Trevor B Thompson..” (You can hear it in the video). It was such a cool moment
hearing his name announced over the loud speaker.
They ran in cadence and different squadrons had different cadence songs. They all looked so sharp! When Trevor ran passed my dad and I screamed (I sounded like a fool as you can hear in the video. I just can't yell..) and Trevor totally glanced sideways at us but when we talked to him he didn’t even hear or see us! But in the picture he is definitely looking at us. They ran back towards the dorms and turned around and ran back again. Before they turned around Trevor handed off the flag to the guy who got 2nd PT Male. Which happens to be a guy that Trevor raced against in high school! How crazy is that!? He’s from Cedar City! After that they ran back to the dorms. We weren’t able to talk to them or anything. I was disappointed because in the videos they had a small presentation for the Top PT Male and Female but I guess they did that before just in front of the other trainees.
My dad and I got something to eat and then went back
to the PRC because I had a spouses orientation to go to. When we were done they led
us all out to the same arena as before for the Coin Ceremony and everyone was
already seated in the bleachers so my dad and I had to sit super high up which
was lame.
They had this revelry music playing for a long time while we waited.
I saw some trainees lined up on the side of the bleachers and I knew that was
the Honor Grad’s because of all the videos I had watched. Then the band started
playing the drums and the Honor Grad’s marched out in one long line. There is
something so fascinating about watching them march. Honor Grad’s consist of the
top 10% of the graduating Airmen so there were only about 30 this time. The
announcer said, “The Honor Graduate program permits up to 10% of each
graduating class to be recognized as Honor Graduates. This is both highly
competitive and extremely difficult to achieve. To earn the title of Honor
Graduate each Airman must excel in every aspect of Basic Military Training to
include: An exceptional performance in dormitory inspections, military studies,
drill, physical training, and above all - be recommended by their Military
Training Instructor and Squadron Commander.” I was so proud to hear Trevor’s
name get called again. They had a little presentation for the Top Honor Grad
and I guess Trevor was pretty close to getting that. Then they marched out
again and joined their flights.
Then the band marched out to the front and in the distance
by the dorms we could see the flights marching towards us lead by their MTI’s. I just can’t ever get over how cool it is to see them all marching together
and in sync. They all got to the front
and the MTI’s say “cover” and they all took tiny steps to line up closer. It’s
so weird and hilarious to watch.
They started off with a prayer and after some speakers they started the actual Coin Ceremony and the MTI’s handed out their Airman’s coin. (For every
achievement the Air Force hands out coins so Trevor got 2 that weekend. One for Honor Grad and the Airman’s coin. He also got a medal for getting Top PT Male) Then they said the “Airmen’s Creed”
which gets me emotional every time especially at the end when they yell “And we
will not fail!” and then sung the Air Force song. Then they announced that
we were able to go “tap out” our Airmen! The Airmen couldn't move until someone tapped them out so if their family didn't come then they had to wait until someone else tapped them out.
I was so nervous! We were on the top so I waited a little
bit to go down because I wanted it to be less crowded when I saw him. Plus I had to quickly fix my makeup and make sure I looked okay! Hah! I only
waited like an extra 30 seconds so it wasn’t like it was a long time. Walking
down there I was so nervous! I rounded the corner of people and I saw him and
we finally locked eyes! He wasn’t allowed to move until I came to him and when
he saw me he started smiling but was trying not to at the same time because
he’s not supposed to break form haha. It was so cute! When I saw him I couldn’t
help but run to him. Having him put his arms around me and squeeze me so tight
was the best feeling in the world. I can’t even describe how amazing it was to
be holding him again. We just hugged and laughed and said “How did we do
this!?” Trevor really teared up which made me tear up! He doesn’t cry often so
it was so heart warming to see him cry over seeing me.
After lots of hugs, kisses, and tears we went around and
Trevor introduced us to some of his buddies. He introduced us to the Dorm Chief
and his dad is a Colonel in the Air Force so Trevor was excited to meet him.
The Dorm Chief joked that Trevor really was the Dorm Chief because Trevor had
helped him so much!
Thursday was only a "Base Liberty" so we had to stay on base
for the whole day. We went straight to the Base Exchange (BX) and ate. It was
so nice to be with Trevor! We were instructed not to hold hands or show any PDA
but Trevor’s MTI told him a little bit is not too bad, but I was so paranoid
about Trevor getting in trouble! He obviously didn’t care and held my hand and
hugged me a ton. After we ate we went bowling and Trevor’s parent’s
arrived while we were there. We went to the mini mall after awhile at the
bowling alley. Lackland is such a big base! It seriously is like a small town.
The mini mall was pretty much the same size as the mall here at home.
Everything was a lot cheaper too which was cool. We looked around and ate again
and just hung out and listened to Trevor’s stories.
Trevor told us that everyone always asked him questions
during BMT and we laughed thinking it was a joke but seriously throughout the
day we kept hearing “Thompson” and people would be asking Trevor questions. It
was pretty hilarious. Also everyone called Trevor "The Machine" or "Cyborg" because he was such a good runner! One mom said her son refers to him as a "PT God". haha!
Trevor had to be back to his dorm at 8 (No, he wasn’t
allowed to stay with us overnight..) so we drove to the dorms and took
pictures. He looks so dang good in his ABU’s. I’m in love. Haha! It was lame
saying goodbye to him. The day went by too fast!
We then drove Trevor’s parents to their hotel. It was
ridiculous trying to get there. The streets of San Antonio are so incredibly
confusing! Once back at our hotel my dad got a phone call from my mom saying that my
grandpa was going to pass away any moment. My
dad really needed to be with my mom so we made the decision to have him fly
back home. We booked the flight for the next night. I was a little nervous to
be by myself but I was fine. I fell asleep pretty fast since I had woken up at
4!
FRIDAY
Friday means graduation day! My dad and I picked up Trevor’s
parents and went on base to the parade grounds. We weren’t late but we didn’t
get there early so our seats were terrible. The trainees were dressed in their
“dress blues” and were all lined up in formation when we got there. Trevor was
in the “flag flight” so he had to carry a flag which he wasn’t too thrilled
about because apparently its super uncomfortable.
They started out with a prayer again, recognized some higher
ups, and played the national anthem. Then the trainees marched down the “Bomb
Run” for the “Pass in Review” which goes passed the bleachers. Luckily Trevor was
on the end so we could see him clearly when he walked by the bleachers. He looked so sharp!
They played the Air Force song while they marched back into formation. Then
they marched forward and someone spoke. Then they recited the “Oath of
Enlistment” and were welcomed to “The World’s Best Air Force”. They are officially
Airmen! Then they recited the “Airmen’s Creed”. The ending gets me every time!
Then they announced that we could tap out our new Airmen! Since Trevor was in
the flag flight we had to meet them over by the flag shed.
This sounds so dumb but when I saw Trevor up close in his
“dress blues” I was a little star struck! He was so handsome! He was helping
someone pin on their ribbons onto their jacket – always helping someone.
We took some pictures and drove over to his dorm. The
families were able to go see where they had been living for the past 8 weeks.
Trevor told us he made his bed extra good that day haha! I was super impressed
how good it was made and how pristine his locker was. Apparently he was one of
the best ones when it came to locker checks which shocked me because he is not
normally a clean person! Hopefully that sticks!
Trevor showed us his Top PT plaque, Honor Graduate award
paper, Top PT paper, and performance summary. On the Honor Grad paper it says,
“Honor Graduate Ribbon awarded to Airman Basic Trevor B. Thompson in
recognition of outstanding performance in Basic Military Training. This award
is given to those Airmen who have consistently achieved excellence in Dorm and
Drill Performance, Physical Training, and War Skills & Military Studies.”
On the performance summary it has a section and it says,“1.
Military Bearing and Discipline – Exceptional recruit. Impeccable grooming and
uniform wear. Superb attention to details. Role model, inspires others. 2.
Motivation and Attitude – Outstanding self-started with a positive attitude.
Sacrificed own comfort to ensure team’s success. Consistently showed leadership
ability.” The next section is labeled “Instructor Comments” and it says,
“Airman was hand-selected for the position of BEAST Monitor and led 48 trainees
during various tactical deployment exercises. He was chosen for this position
because of proactive leadership and can do attitude. Most notably, he
distinguished himself by earning the highest PT score out of 337 graduating Airmen
and was recognized as the “Top PT Male in BMT” for his week group. He
encouraged the flight to come together and to earn the highest average EOC
score of 8 graduating flights, effectively earning “Academic Excellence”
accolades. He has become a model Airman and will be a productive and valuable
asset to the Air Force. This Airman has proven capacity to handle the most
difficult challenges and succeed beyond expectations. My recommendation…
Technical Training Student Leader. Finally, trainee was recognized as an Honor
Graduate and graduated within the top 10% of 337 Airmen.” Wow.
Then as we were walking out we passed Trevor’s two MTI’s and
I think Trevor was unsure if he should introduce us and one of his MTI’s, TSgt
Williams, got “offended” that he didn’t introduce us to him and MSgt Maghamez! So
Trevor brought us back and I was super nervous haha! These were the two men who
had been yelling at my husband for 8 weeks! But they just went off about Trevor
which surprised him because he said they never compliment anyone. They both said
that he is one of the best trainees they have trained academically and
physically. They commended him on his willingness to learn and how he came in
as a leader. MSgt Maghamez told us that because of Trevor they are implementing
a new program for trainees that come in with exceptional PT scores, academics,
and leadership skills to be recommended for the more important jobs like
Pararescue, etc . I thought that was such a compliment. He just continues to impress me!
While we were walking around a huge plane flew right over us!
It’s so fascinating watching all the different planes flying around. I really
enjoyed being there and I could honestly see myself living on base. I just felt
good and safe.
That day was a “Town Pass” so Trevor was able to leave base.
That was only the second time since he had been there. On Thanksgiving people
can “adopt” a trainee and so he was able to go to someone’s house to eat. We
went to Whataburger because it’s Trevor’s favorite. We had one in Arkansas and
we missed it so much! My dad had to catch his flight so he dropped Trevor
and I off at my hotel and he took Trevor’s parents to get their rental car. It
was so nice to be with Trevor and hang out just the two of us. We were there
for a few hours but it seemed to fly by. I missed just being with him.
Trevor’s parents picked us up and we went to Mamacita’s for
dinner. Dang Texas sure knows how to do Mexican food. It was so good. The
restaurant was so cool too, I wish I would have taken a picture. Then they
dropped me off at my hotel. Trevor, always the gentleman, walked me to my room.
It felt like we were dating again while he was dropping me off! I was fine
sleeping alone in the hotel room, but I may or may not of put the chair in
front of the door!
SATURDAY
In the morning Trevor and his parents came and picked me up. We went over to the mall next to my hotel and shopped around. The first store we went in was the Disney store because Trevor wanted to get Emma something. Aww so sweet. While we were in there I got a phone call from my mom telling me that my Grandpa Louie had passed away only 20 minutes before. It was heartbreaking to hear. At the same time I was happy for him knowing that he would be back with his parents and brother and no longer in pain. I loved him so much. Although It was expected it was still extremely hard, but I felt at peace for him at the same time. I was so grateful that I happened to be with Trevor in that moment. He was so good at taking care of me. I still tried to enjoy my time with Trevor because knowing my Grandpa he wouldn’t have wanted me moping around.
SATURDAY
In the morning Trevor and his parents came and picked me up. We went over to the mall next to my hotel and shopped around. The first store we went in was the Disney store because Trevor wanted to get Emma something. Aww so sweet. While we were in there I got a phone call from my mom telling me that my Grandpa Louie had passed away only 20 minutes before. It was heartbreaking to hear. At the same time I was happy for him knowing that he would be back with his parents and brother and no longer in pain. I loved him so much. Although It was expected it was still extremely hard, but I felt at peace for him at the same time. I was so grateful that I happened to be with Trevor in that moment. He was so good at taking care of me. I still tried to enjoy my time with Trevor because knowing my Grandpa he wouldn’t have wanted me moping around.
After shopping for a bit we went to the movie theater and
watched “Thor: Ragnarok”. It was so good and so funny. Definitely made me feel
a little better. It was a super fancy movie theater! It was so nice to sit and
cuddle with Trevor while we enjoyed the movie.
Then we headed to the San Antonio River Walk. Wow that place
is so amazing! We walked around for a while and decided to eat at another Tex-Mex
place. Ughhhh so good. Trevor kept holding my hand and hugging and kissing me!
I was so paranoid he was going to get in trouble! Come to find out that another
Airmen got in trouble by an MTI that was at the River Walk that day for holding
his girlfriend’s hand! Haha we lucked out!
So if we bought tickets to this hockey game then Trevor was
able to stay out past curfew so we went and watched The Rampage play. It was
actually really fun! I think we all enjoyed ourselves! Trevor was being so
silly and I loved seeing him be his normal self! He makes life so fun. It ended
around 10 and so they dropped me back off at my hotel with Trevor walking me to
my room again. So sweet.
SUNDAY
Last day. I was so sad waking up. Trevor and I planned on
going to church and since I was staying pretty far away I just got an Uber so
that Trevor’s parent’s didn’t have to come get me since they weren’t going to
church with us. It was my first Uber! The day was so foggy and rainy. Pretty
indicative of how I was feeling. Since I was checking out that day I had to lug
my big suitcase around. When she dropped me off I just sat there on my suitcase
waiting for Trevor because I was too embarrassed to wheel it around. All the
Airmen look the same so it was hard to find Trevor but thankfully he came
walking up to me shortly after. It’s a good thing Trevor is never embarrassed
so he wheeled around my suitcase for me. Again, such a gentleman.
We went to the BX and had breakfast and bought a few things.
Then we made our way around the base trying to find the church. Trevor's MTI (He happened to be LDS too!) invited us to go to his ward so we didn't go to the building Trevor usually went to so we had trouble finding it. We seriously
walked miles trying to find it (with the heavy suitcase and all) and finally
gave up because it was about to start and we still had no idea where it was. We
came upon some kind of clubhouse and just hung out there and talked until
Trevor’s parents came and got us. We had a good chat. Our talk just reaffirmed
my love for him even more. He’s so good to me.
Once Trevor’s parents came we headed back to the BX so that
his parents could pick up some things. Then we headed to SeaWorld! We got there
right when it opened and hardly anyone was there! It was so fun to see the
dolphins, penguins, and killer whale shows. The most fun part for me was the roller coasters! Although I’m not a huge
roller coaster fan. Waiting for it is what kills me so since hardly anyone was
there we had barely any wait. Every roller coaster we went on we went on twice
in a row so I really enjoyed myself. I just enjoyed being with Trevor, to be
honest. Then the time started ticking away and my stomach started to hurt
thinking that I would have to say goodbye soon.
We went back to the base and ate. I was in a very somber
mood. I just couldn’t say goodbye again. We headed to the designated drop off
spot and I just held onto Trevor the whole time. I just could not do it again.
I’m such an ugly crier and I felt it coming on quick. Trevor cries at happy
things (like our wedding, sealing, when we saw him at the coin ceremony, etc)
and I cry at both haha but mostly sad things. So I was a mess. I couldn’t let
go of him again! I miss his heart being next to mine. I miss holding his hand
and hearing his voice. It sucked closing that door and watching him walk away
while we drove away to the airport.
During the trip Trevor kept singing “I’ll be home for
Christmas” because he won’t be able to come home for Christmas and when we
arrived at the Las Vegas Airport that song was playing and my heart hurt so
bad. I was like, really!? It was so good to see my girls but I felt like my heart was being pulled
in two directions. I just can’t wait until we are all together again.
I had such an amazing trip and I’m so grateful that I was
able to go. I’m so grateful for my mom, my niece Taylor, and my friend Dawnett
for watching the girls and for my dad for coming with me part of the time! And also my in-laws for being there with us! Couldn’t
have done that without any them.
I’m just so incredibly proud of Trevor and I’m so grateful
that he works so hard for our family. I love that he is so ambitious and that that he
is never content with being at the bottom of the totem pole. That he wants to
keep bettering himself and keep growing. I’m so proud of all of his accomplishments
but I’m honestly not surprised by any of it. I had faith in him completely. His two
goals were to get Honor Grad and Top PT and he achieved them and more. I’m so
happy for him and I’m so excited to see where he takes us and how much he will
grow. I sure love my Airman!
