as many here know,my son is a US Navy seal.. that alone, to me is a lifes accomplishment.. last night as i prepared to untie from the dock , my phone rang... it was my son... his job keeps us appart and him away from his family.. his dedication to his job and our country cost him his marriage and a great deal of his youth.. he went into the Navy fresh out of high school..it's the only job he has ever known.. from the time he was a little boy all I ever heard from him is how he wanted to be a Navy seal.. I do not hear from him often... he asked me if I would be having any time off in the near future... I replied I still have 2 weeks of vation left... he then said... Dad.. is there any way to make it to Andrews A.F.Base next month.. I replied, yea I guess.. fearing something bad....Imagine my surprise when he said he'd like me there when he gets pinned for his promotion to chief...I was stunned.. I know how hard he has worked for this. and the many, many sacrafices he has made to get there.. I told him I'd be there even if I had to walk... as a father of a 3rd Generation soldier... I couldn't be prouder... my only regret is his Grandfather who was a korean war vet in the CB's is not alive to see what a fine young man he has become...so I have to be proud enough for both of us...

Congratulations Joe, awesome.

That is AWESOME Joe :btu:
Congratulations to him and you
we want to see pictures
and ya, you absolutely have to go to that
I'm very happy for you

Awesome!!!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

That is AWESOME Joe :btu:
Congratulations to him and you
we want to see pictures
and ya, you absolutely have to go to that
I'm very happy for you

you bet..Ill take pictures..

First off, a huge thank you to both your son, and his family (you). Without their sacrifice, supporting these operators just doesn't get done. Couldn't be happier to hear this Joe. I know it is a BIG pin for those in that small crew of elite warriors. It speaks volumes of a man within the Teams. I also know how the family can do nothing but pray, trust, and worry when you don't hear and don't know....but that not hearing means you do know...

Congrats! That's great!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Awesome Joe!!!!!!!!
My nephew is also a SEAL.
When you see him at Andrews, please thank him from us for his dedicated service. :uhuh:

That's fantastic Joe. You must be beaming. I hope I am as successful raising my boys as you were with yours. Congratulations.

Wow that is awesome congrats to you and your son
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

First off, a huge thank you to both your son, and his family (you). Without their sacrifice, supporting these operators just doesn't get done. Couldn't be happier to hear this Joe. I know it is a BIG pin for those in that small crew of elite warriors. It speaks volumes of a man within the Teams. I also know how the family can do nothing but pray, trust, and worry when you don't hear and don't know....but that not hearing means you do know...

Thanks everyone... I consider this group of fine human beings an extension of my family..there isnt a one of you I wouldn't do anything for...I'll post pictures in this thread when I go to the ceremony ..

Ross.. you hit it on the head... it's huge for him.. he told me 3 or 4 years ago it was a goal of his... when he asked me if I could make it to Andrews...my first thought in that instant was he was injured and I was going to have to bring him home to live with me for awhile when he got out of the hospital... the relief i felt was over whelming... to the point where I didn't even go fishing.. I was shaking uncontrolably... my neck and back muscles tightened into a knot... I've competed several Iron man competitions... my heart never beat that hard ... I called my wife.. told her the news and that I would be home in 30 minutes...

That is freakin awesome! A big congarts to him and you and a big thank you for his service

That's awesome Joe, Congrats to your son...that is a hell of an accomplishment....and as mentioned before, don't forget to thank him for us

Congratulations to both of you and thank you very much!!
It must be amazing be the father to one of the best of the best this nation has! You and the Mrs are blessed
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

First off, a huge thank you to both your son, and his family (you). Without their sacrifice, supporting these operators just doesn't get done. Couldn't be happier to hear this Joe. I know it is a BIG pin for those in that small crew of elite warriors. It speaks volumes of a man within the Teams. I also know how the family can do nothing but pray, trust, and worry when you don't hear and don't know....but that not hearing means you do know...
Congratulations, no way I can add to what Ross said!! Thank him for his service.

Congrats,it is a great accomplishment.

Congrats to your son Joe. You done well. Enjoy your trip and look forward to the pics.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Double up on what Ross said, I don't know if a simple thank you for his service to his nation, and to you, suffices Joe, but thank you.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

hail to the new Chief

thanks for sharing that....

you must be "beaming" with pride

Congrats!!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Congrats, that's a huge achievement.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Ready to Lead, Ready to Follow, Never Quit!

Only the few make it, awesome.

Enter quietly, leave even quieter, never leave a trace, we all come home

Congrats to you and your family and thank you to all
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Congrats Joe!!!

That is truly awesome Joe. One tough accomplishment in a small & tough community! Please shake his hand for all of us.

I'm not sure on his (or your stance) on Adult Beverages but I would not mind pitching in towards a few rounds on the wetting down party (or whatever the Chief's equivalent is called these days)

A great accomplishment. You both deserve to be proud!

My congratulations and respect to you both.
May the Good Lord bless you both.

Congrats to your son for his promotion and to you and you wife for raising such an accomplished young man.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

That is truly awesome Joe. One tough accomplishment in a small & tough community! Please shake his hand for all of us.

I'm not sure on his (or your stance) on Adult Beverages but I would not mind pitching in towards a few rounds on the wetting down party (or whatever the Chief's equivalent is called these days)

I'd throw in!

How awesome. As a father of a young boy, I could only hope for something so great. Congrats to you both!!!

Everyone above summed it up! Pure Awesomeness!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Bravo. Glad it was good news you received.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

thanks again everyone... this has been a tough year... alot of loss in or near the family... it's great to have good news for a change...

congrats to your son and all our military vets out there you make us all very proud of you.

Congratulations Joe, to you, your family and especially your son. You tell a good story, too. You weaved a tale of ups and downs that had me choked up when you spilled the great news on us. Way to go!

Wow, that is really wonderful! Congrats to him and you and may God bless him for his outstanding contribution to our country.

Awesome Joe! Congrats to him and you, you must be very proud!

That is awesome news, congratulations to your son and your family. The last easy day was yesterday.