A year ago I tried my best to talk my son out of enlisting in the Army and to follow in his fathers footsteps after high school. I wanted my son to go to college instead of enlisting in the Army during a war. I enlisted during Vietnam and he enlisted during the current wars Iraq and Afghanistan. He said he will take college classes during his off duty hours and do his military service at the same time.
I thought about doing that but it never really worked out that way, too much field duty made classes impossible all except correspondence courses, in the 70s the internet was a dream. I did go to college but it was not until I left the Army in 1982 and was working at Rohr Industries painting aircraft parts at night and RCC in the morning, on the GI Bill.
Like most parents I wanted better for my son, due to being a totally disabled veteran, my son is eligible for Chapter 35 benefits from the VA and since I am rated at 100% P&T the state of South Carolina has a complete scholarship at any state University or state funded college.
But in June 2010 Kevin enlisted in the Army and reported to Fort Jackson for his basic training about 10 miles from my home. He then went to Arizona for his AIT in September and he graduates this week, last night he told me and the rest of the family he has been selected as Honor Graduate of his class.
I realize every class the military has names an Honor Graduate, it is easier to obtain in the shorter courses like the 2 and 4 week classes for Primary Leadership Classes and Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Class, I was lucky enough to be awarded those back in the late 70s, the Army was a lot easier and I was in the Infantry.
Kevin took a analyst class which was a lot of classroom and tests, he can now choose to stay in the Army or he will have an easier chance at getting hired by government agencies or private defense contractors after his enlistment is up. That is a choice he will have to make, despite becoming totally disabled the military has taken care of my family financially
Kevin Dale Bailey
Out of 17 people between our class and another's graduating AIT, only 2 people qualified for Honor Grad....and I'm one of them :DDD
Friday at 6:15pm ·UnlikeLike · · View Feedback (33)Hide Feedback (33)
small class but to be top of the class after 6 months is still an achievement, he has made me proud, be the best at what you attempt do not ever just give it a half measure.
For some sour news those bugs that show up every 13 years made their first appearance here in South Carolina tonight A Brood XIX Periodical Cicada Primer
March 12, 2011
A Brood XIX Periodical Cicada Primer
Filed under: Brood XIX,Magicicada — Dan @ 4:45 pm
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What are they?
Magicicada is a genus of periodical cicadas known for emerging in massive numbers in 17 or 13 year cycles/periods. The cicadas emerging in 2011 have 13 year life-cycles. Magicicada are also organized into broods. There are 3 broods of 13 year cicadas, and the brood emerging in 2011 is Brood XIX (nineteen).
There are 4 species of 13 year Magicicada: M. tredecim, M. neotredecim, M. tredecassini and M. tredecula. The adults of all four species have black bodies with orange markings, and red-orange eyes. M. tredecim and M. neotredecim are very similar, and you can only tell them apart by their song in areas where their ranges overlap (or by looking at DNA). They are however, larger than M. tredecassini and M. tredecula, and have a noticeably different song.
Visit this Magicicada.org species page for detailed information, including photos and audio.
Here is some video and audio of 17 year Magicicada, which look and sound remarkably similar to the 13 year variety. This will give you an idea of what to expect:
I hate these bugs already they are LOUD
Kevin on the other hand I am very PROUD of SALUTE and in 10 days he leaves for the safety of South Korea, I am glad he is not going to Iraq or Afghanistan he was 10 years old when we went to war in Afghanistan in 2001, I pray his children won't have to worry about going to serve in Afghanistan 20 years or more from now.
Selfish I know but our family has served in every war this nation has had their hands in since 1775, it's time we can miss some.