The Salute

For four days last week I enjoyed a sort of “homecoming” at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. My son-in-law, Dan, graduated from Air Force Basic Military Training, and it was a rare honor and privilege to witness the events of his graduation.

The last time I stood on the Parade Grounds at Lackland was a bit more than twenty-seven years ago when I marched in a similar Graduation Parade. Since then there are minor differences in the uniform, big differences in the gender composition of the graduates, and even bigger differences in the welcome accorded the Graduating Airmen’s family members.

In 1981, at the end of my first full day of training, Staff Sergeant Berger, my Military Training Instructor (MTI), ordered us to write our parents and/or spouse and instruct them not to come to our graduation.

Those family members who attended were allowed to sit a few uncovered wooden bleachers, were not given much direction or cooperation, and were barely allowed to see anything but the Parade Grounds.

In today’s Air Force, the very same Reception Center where Dan checked in on Training Day One, is used as a Reception and briefing Center for the Airmen's Graduation Guests. Paperwork is sent to the family prior to arrival.

We enjoyed watching the “Flight Run” - an event where each of the Flights run by you in formation and step, loudly belting out their Flight Song.

The Airmen’s Coin Ceremony is a new wrinkle. It has become a favorite of the Airmen, is the true mark of Graduation, and is a solemn and meaningful experience.

At the Parade Grounds, we sat on decently kept bleachers under a canopy. There were speakers to ensure you didn't miss anything. And there was one addition to the Graduation Parade, barely noticed by most, but with deep meaning for me. I’m not sure I can find the words to describe what it meant to me, but I will try.

The Air Force has learned a bit more about public relations these days and they had public affairs types on hand to give explanations of the event, its history, meaning and the order of events. Buried in their instruction regarding our expected behavior for the passing of the American Flag during the “Pass-in-Review,” was the unexpected and much appreciated change.

“Military members on active duty and in uniform,” droned the Public Affairs Officer Type, “are expected to stand and render a hand salute.” He continued, “Military, Retired military and Prior Service members not in uniform should stand, and those who wish may render a hand salute or place their right hands over their left breast.”

I barely heard the the rest of the instructions.

You see, I did not retire from the service like my Father, Brother, Uncle, or Great Uncles. There is nothing to indicate I spent a decade of my life in the service of my country.

I understand. I don’t expect any different. That is just how it is.

Being able to render a salute to the Flag of this Country I love last Friday morning was the first real indication since I left the inactive Reserve in 1991 that I gave anything to my country at all.

In that brief moment as I reverently lifted my right hand to the corner of my eye, and as my eyes clouded, I was honored, humbled, and overwhelmed all at once.

I felt like a Veteran for the first time in my life.

Like my sons-in-law, Daniel and Jacob (Air Force E3 and E5), and my future son-in-law, Nathan (Navy E3), I love this Nation of Ours. I love its valiant Servicemen and women, and its courageous history and rich tradition.

And I especially love its sometimes selfish and greedy, often forgetful and ungrateful, and always fickle citizens, who built this great Nation under God. I was proud to serve them. And I’m damn proud of my sons-in-law who serve us today.