Chasing the Wind

News. Faith. Nonsense.

You're in the Army Now

My son Alex (he posts here under the initials A.M.M.) is currently at Sam Houston State University studying Criminal Justice with a minor in Halo 2.

As of June 15th, he reports for Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. That’s right – Private Alex has joined the Army Reserves.

He tells me his mild color blindness will keep him from combat roles (though he’s well aware that doesn’t keep him out of actual combat). After 9 weeks of Basic (+11 more weeks of specialized training for his field), he’ll be reassigned back to Huntsville as a paralegal specialist.

I’m very proud of him and his decision. Nervous, but proud. You can tell him, too, in the comments section below.

* Updated the number of weeks of training based on Alex’s comments below. What do I know about military service? Nothing at all, but I’m about to find out. 😛

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Michael's avatar

Posted by:

Michael

Follower of Jesus, conservative, freedom-loving patriot.

23 responses to “You're in the Army Now”

  1. John Louis Avatar
    John Louis

    Great job in knowing, for now, what you want to do in life. It is a great achievement for a man to know himself.
    Regards,
    John Louis (Singapore)

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    Reply
  2. A.M.M. Avatar
    A.M.M.

    It’s actually 9 weeks in Basic, and I have another 11 weeks for specific training for my field.

    Like

    Reply
  3. Dean Seime Avatar
    Dean Seime

    Alex,

    I am surprised at this decision, but not in a bad way at all. I think it is great for you to know what you want to do and have the courage to go for it. Good luck and God Bless!

    Like

    Reply
  4. Stephen Avatar
    Stephen

    H.U.A.!!!!!

    Like

    Reply
  5. A.M.M. Avatar
    A.M.M.

    Aww. Shortly after my post, my dad has to change the information I was commenting on. (He originally said it would take 6 weeks of training.)

    Like

    Reply
  6. uncle joe Avatar
    uncle joe

    An interesting development, Alex. Best o’ luck to you, and remember to duck.

    Like

    Reply
  7. Diane Avatar
    Diane

    I’m proud of you #1 and I will continue to pray for you regularly.
    Do they have Halo in the Reserve???
    See ya Saturday.

    Like

    Reply
  8. Jo Avatar
    Jo

    Good on ya, Alex.

    Like

    Reply
  9. Auntie Carolyn Avatar
    Auntie Carolyn

    3 said the army was Halo without a great story line. I guess you’ll have to invent your own. Like Uncle Joe says, “Duck”.
    Love to you.

    Like

    Reply
  10. Kathy P Avatar
    Kathy P

    Alex, wow – you’ve grown into such a wonderful young man. I pray that God will watch over you and keep you, and that His grace may fall upon you. Take care! Kathy P

    Like

    Reply
  11. Tomina Avatar
    Tomina

    Alex
    Contratulations on your decision. It just goes to show how time flies and those flies look good on you, uh I mean time looks good on you. Yeah that’s right. Know that I will keep you in my prayers and the God would continue to lead and guide you in this new adventure in your life.
    Love Tomina

    Like

    Reply
  12. John Brossack Avatar
    John Brossack

    Alex,
    You are to be commended for your decision to join he military. I am sure that your Dad is proud. I know he will be a nervous wreck, just like he said. My son was a Marine and I know how he feels.
    Good job.

    Like

    Reply
  13. Patty Avatar
    Patty

    Wow! I’m very impressed with your decision, Alex. I wish you all the best in your endeavor.
    Patty
    PS Happy 19th!

    Like

    Reply
  14. A.M.M. Avatar
    A.M.M.

    Thank you, one and all. I’m glad to know I have your prayers.

    Like

    Reply
  15. Courtney Avatar
    Courtney

    Good luck Alex! Glad to know that people like you are protecting our country.

    Like

    Reply
  16. Sallie Avatar
    Sallie

    Alex I will be praying for you. What you did is really commendable. Thank you.

    Like

    Reply
  17. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    I appreciate all the well wishes toward my son. Thank you all. 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  18. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Hi Alex,
    I knew you when you were much younger, living in Broken Arrow, OK. It’s hard to believe you’re 19! It’s very nice to read about your immediate life plans. I know your Dad is so proud he’s about to bust.
    My son, Peto, whom you may remember, is working for the Dept. of Defense in D.C. He is 25 and completed his MS in computer science in Dec. 2003 at the Univ. of Tulsa.
    I’m looking forward to reading your posts here to see how you’re doing.
    God bless,
    Roger Blanton

    Like

    Reply
  19. GiGi Avatar
    GiGi

    Alex, I wish you the very best of everything in life. You already know that life is 10% of what you make it and 90% of how you take it. I am proud of you. I will always pray for you. I love you and hope your birthday is one of the best. Love, GiGi

    Like

    Reply
  20. Your Great Uncle John Avatar
    Your Great Uncle John

    Welcome to Columbia,home of your great uncle John.We’ll have some cookies ready and old stories about your dad.By the way,I thought your dad was still 19.See ya this summer.

    Like

    Reply
  21. Amber Avatar
    Amber

    I am so proud of you!!! WAY TO GO!! Don’t worry, they have a saying for Fort Jackson, “Relaxin’ Jackson” It’s like summer camp. Have Fun!!!
    Happy Birthday!!!
    Love You!!!!

    Like

    Reply
  22. Monique Fernander Avatar
    Monique Fernander

    You go Alex. We’ll say our prayers for you. Be good to your Dad.

    Monique

    Like

    Reply
  23. Aunt Bobbie Avatar
    Aunt Bobbie

    Alex, I’m your great Aunt in Camden S C. Your Uncle Stephen visited me
    when his son was at Fort Jackson. If you can get off the base, I would love
    to take you to lunch….let you visit my farm……whatever you have time for. Let me know……Aunt Bobbie

    Like

    Reply

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About Me

Michael, a sinner saved by grace, sharing what the good Lord has shared with me.

Solomon, in the book of Ecclesiastes, said, “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”

If you’re not living for the glory of God, then what you’re doing is meaningless, no matter what it is. Living for God gives life meaning, and enjoying a “chasing after the wind” is a gift from God. I’m doing what I can to enjoy this gift daily.

Got questions? I’m not surprised. If you have any questions about Chasing the Wind, you can email me at chasingthewind@outlook.com.

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