Swearing In Tuesday, October 12, 2010 Day 1

MEPS DENVER

From Wikipedia here is the oath of enlistment that Zach just took:

I, Zachary Adam Ziegler, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

While I'm standing outside waiting for this ceremony I hear a father say on his cell phone, "He's grown up about five years in the last 20 minutes!" Later, I got to meet that family so emblematic of all of the families of these young men. (Earlier groups had young women in them too.) Good people. Proud of their son, happy at his decision. Concerned about what may happen and placing their faith in God that things will work out well for their son.

Zach was pretty serious - as he should be.

Lt. Brown, US Army, did a wonderful job of speaking to the enlistees of all branches about their oath and what bootcamp would be like for them, "This isn't like the movies. In the movies the only things you see of bootcamp are negative, people yelling, beating on you, and other horrible images of life in bootcamp. Yet, our people often tell us that bootcamp is one of the most positive experiences in their lives. Make this a postive experience in your life!" Words to live by.

Proud Papa!

How appropriate:

‎"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Chris and Emily Wood's son with Zach and Lt. Brown. L.T.'s (pronounced Ell Tee) smilin'.  The kids are not! (Emily took these photos!)