Congratulations Blair

For the past five weeks Blair has been ALS (Airman Leadership School). It's a school for Airmen to learn, well, how to be leaders. It's something they have to do so they can make rank also. This allows Airmen to become NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers). Last May, Blair tested for his Staff Sergeant and this class is kind of like a prerequisite to putting that extra stripe on.

Anyway, Blair and I have never been to a "formal" Air Force event, so I was a bit nervous. We got there super early, of course. Because of that, I had about thirty minutes to stew and fret as to who of Blair's bosses would be there and are they nice? What if I screw something up and embarass Blair? Argh! However, I was very, very pleasantly surprised. We had in support of Blair Chief Jones, Major Vattioni, and Lt. Colonel Mongeon (who just happened to be a woman, thank God!). They were all super nice! I definitely breathed a huge sigh of relief. Major Vattioni was the one seated closest to me and he asked me at the very beginning if I'd ever been to 'one of these things.' To which, I said no. He promptly told me not to worry, he'd let me know what to do, which ended up not being too much, thankfully.

We had a very nice dinner and pleasant conversation. Shortly after dinner, they called out the nominees for the Leadership Award. Blair was one of these nominees. However, sadly, he did not get the award. I think, though that its an honor to be nominated! (The guy that actually got the award is someone I like so it's ok.) Next came the guest speaker. He was a retired Chief who graduated from a high school in Columbus, GA (where my dad is from). When he got done, the graduates did their 'walk.' The people that handed Blair his 'diploma' were really great about family and pictures. They are the commanders of the base and were super nice. If they thought the family member didn't get a good picture, they made the graduate stop, come back, and let the person take a good picture. It was hilarious. But it let me get a couple good pictures, so thanks, guys!! Haha.

*Oh, I forgot to tell you about 'roll call.' The emcee called out all the shops in attendance. Major Vattioni shouted out MUNS and Blair, the Chief, the Lt. Col., and I yelled FIREPOWER! It was pretty cool.*

After the graduates walked, it was pretty much over. All the graduates got together for pictures and I got a good one of Blair with his class.

All in all it was a really good night. And not just because I got to buy a new dress and pair of shoes for the event!!

I have now been initiated into an Air Force formal. Go me.

Here are a few pictures of the night...

This is the emcee and the Legacy (something the class leaves behind) that Blair designed.

Blair with the base commanders

Blair saluting the base commander.

Lt. Col. Mongeon, Blair, Chief Jones, Maj. Vattioni

Blair with his graduating class.

Blair and me

**Congratulations Blair! I love you!