Columbia, SC: Army graduation

Today, my cousin graduated from US Army Basic Combat Training

AFTER

We got to spend the day with her, before she had to go back to the base.  Tomorrow, she leaves for Virginia.

The amount of respect and appreciation shown for even the new soldiers was amazing.  Friends on facebook were asking me to say congrats and thank you, and even random people on the street would stop and shake my cousin's hand.  It was pretty awesome to see.  

The soldiers came from all walks of life, and while most were young adults, there were many internationals, and older professionals training as well.

Columbia, SC: Family Night

Today was family night, where the families got to visit on base, but had to stay on base.

It was awesome being able to see the change in Ashley, as in many of the new soldiers.  What really got me, though, was how young so many of these soldiers were.  Many were 18/19 years old, and I pray that they never see war.  I am 25 years old, not much older, and it was strange how I felt sort of protective over them...  I felt that others there felt the same.  They are adults, and are being trained to fight, but they are still young, and need all sorts of support.  

Here are some photos from the night.

 

South Carolina... getting there...

On the way to South Carolina.

My next adventure… to see my cousin graduate at Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina.  I took off from the Ontario International Airport, and made a lot of friends there, interestingly enough-  It was the friendliest airport.  This flight was headed to Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, and was the connecting flight to other smaller airports around the country. So each person was heading to a different place, for many different reasons, and it was interesting hearing them. 

From Dallas, I headed to Columbia, South Carolina, on the smallest airplane I have ever been on. Apparently, flying into more rural areas, requires flights into regional airports, involving many connections. 

The airport was the quietest I have ever seen an airport, and there were random white rocking chairs everywhere.  It was a weird mix between nice and comfy, and a tiny bit creepy. 

Then, I took a taxi to meet up with my Cousins and Aunt, at the Fort Jackson Px… And here we are!!!!

Surf City 5k

Surf City 5k!!

I have completed a 5k obstacle course before, but this is my first time running (or jogging) a full 5k. 

My final time 45:56 minutes for 3.16 miles. 

I got nervous near the end, because I have never jogged beyond 2.5 miles, and so I slowed down.  

Update:  Now that I know I can do a 5k, I am working on getting a faster running time, and pushing towards a 10k.  The other day, I did 3 miles in 42:54 minutes. Slowly, but surely!