Fort Knox

Last week, my parents surprised me with a trip to Fort Knox, Kentucky! Matt is joining the Army ROTC and had to complete the Leaders Training Course there. It's a 29-day long camp to qualify for entry into the senior-level ROTC program at university campuses across the nation, where the students have a crash course in Army. It was the longest 29 days because we only got to communicate through a few text messages per day, if the service was good. While I had difficulty with the separation though, it was nothing compared to the physical challenges that Matt faced! From ropes courses to rappelling to shooting to swimming to a 10K ruck march, he was exhausted at the end. But, he loved every second and definitely rose up to the challenge.

Matt is the second one back; a race on the obstacle course.

Standing with his platoon; second back, far left.

High ropes course.

At then end of 27 days, there was Family Day and Graduation. On Family Day, my mom and I were able to go on the base at Fort Knox, have a brief orientation and tour, and pick up our cadet (my favorite part). I had never been on a military base before-- it's like another world! The base is like it's own little city, completely self-sufficient and self-contained. I was so impressed by the amenities offered there to the servicemen and women and their families. The Army has really stepped up its game when it comes to helping and supporting the families of our soldiers. Not to mention, Fort Knox in itself is such a beautiful setting. Finally, we got to pick up Cadet Green from his barracks and get of base! I was so happy to see him. The last time we had been together was the weekend he proposed (June 1), so our reunion was long overdue. Not to mention the fact that the next time we're together will be the middle of August, less than a month before our wedding! Needless to say, we were two very happy people to be together again.

Me, Matt, and a cadet from Weber State

The day was very fun and relaxing. We had lunch, took a swim in the hotel pool, lounged, got the cadet a haircut, and went to dinner and ice cream. Nothing too fancy, but Matt and I were just happy to be together! I'm so thankful for my parents who could put up with spending time with us!

Graduation the next day was a really interesting and exciting event. It was a full-on military graduation ceremony that really put into perspective how big of an accomplishment it is to go through the course successfully. Army bands played, awards were given, salutes were made, cannons were fired, and hearts swelled with pride. Especially mine. I'm so proud of Matt and his decision to join the ROTC and find a way to serve our country. He is such a hard worker, and that will take him so far in whatever he chooses to pursue. Not to mention he looks adorable in his uniform.

Bravo Company, 2nd Platoon

Congrats, Cadet Green!

**For more information on this course, check out leaderstrainingcourse.com. They have some awesome photographers that go out with the Cadets and take live-action film and pictures.