On this date 27 years ago I began a transformation process that continues to reward me. I’ll never forget the events of that very long day:
Waking up at 3:00AM and going to MEPS for a final extensive physical.
Waiting at Albany County Airport with my mother, father, and several of my closest friends to catch my flight to San Diego.
Riding in the van from the airport to Recruit Training Command with a couple dozen other guys, all clutching the same brown envelope full of paperwork stamped 'United States Navy'
Standing on the painted footsteps uncomfortably close to the man in front of me while shivering in the surprisingly cold night air. (I'm sure it was because of the temperature and not being at all nervous)
Discarding my clothes and putting on dark blue sweatpants and matching sweatshirt that will be the only thing I'll wear for the next 72 hours.
Not knowing what to expect for the coming eight weeks but determined to earn the right to wear the uniform of the World's Finest Navy.
Waking up at 3:00AM and going to MEPS for a final extensive physical.
Waiting at Albany County Airport with my mother, father, and several of my closest friends to catch my flight to San Diego.
Riding in the van from the airport to Recruit Training Command with a couple dozen other guys, all clutching the same brown envelope full of paperwork stamped 'United States Navy'
Standing on the painted footsteps uncomfortably close to the man in front of me while shivering in the surprisingly cold night air. (I'm sure it was because of the temperature and not being at all nervous)
Discarding my clothes and putting on dark blue sweatpants and matching sweatshirt that will be the only thing I'll wear for the next 72 hours.
Not knowing what to expect for the coming eight weeks but determined to earn the right to wear the uniform of the World's Finest Navy.