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.