Airman Jordan Brinkle's Graduation Day 4

Day 4 was Sunday. Jordan only had base liberty on Sunday so we first went to church with him and then did stuff on base afterwards. Services began at 9am in the base's chapel. It was what I would call a typical, non-denominational church building. You walk in and to the left was the chapel and to the right was a hallway that had offices and meeting rooms. One defining feature for the building was it's incredibly high vaulted ceiling. I'd say it went 3 stories? It was tall. At the far wall, behind the pulpit were two stained glass windows and a cross hung in between them. This building was shared by many faiths and certain faiths had certain times of worship services. Oh, and the building was like a refrigerator. One senior sister missionary that sat near us gave mom an extra jacket and said, "Oh you'll definitely want this!" Mom took it without any hesitation! :)

Jordan had previously said that there weren't too many people in his congregation but this day when we went there seemed to be a lot. Not all of them were LDS either.

According to BMT rules, the men sit on one side of the church and the women sit on the other. Unless, the trainee was a graduate and had their family with them, then that group of people sat in the back. All trainees sat in the front rows. Tech school Airmen sat further back.

Sunday services were a little different than a typical LDS service. Sunday school was first, then Sacrament meeting. However, after the Sacrament was passed, people could attend a small Gospel Principals class, taught by the Elders and Sisters assigned to the base. Those not of the LDS faith or those who just wanted to, could go rather than listen to the talks that were given in the rest of the sacrament meeting. We stayed for the rest of Sacrament meeting and heard the talks, one of which was by one of the other graduating Airman.

After church was over Jordan introduced us to Elder and Sister Clark, the senior missionary couple assigned to the base. Nice couple. We then went outside and had family pictures taken.

Elder Clark

 (please don't judge these pictures too harshly. The weather was so humid and fogged my lens!)

 

Jordan was teaching us how to stand at attention. There's a specific way to hold your hands. I look like I'm being put under arrest!

 

Jordan got to talk to Holly, Marli, Michelle and Ada after church too. So in a way we were all together :)

After pictures it was lunch time. We went back to the Base Exchange that had the food court in it. But, sadly, after lunch Jason had to go :( He said his goodbyes and then Mom and Dad took him to the airport. James and I stuck with Jordan and we went shopping. We just looked around the store looking at sunglasses, backpacks, the video games, headphones...all the guy stuff. Then, when Mom and Dad came back we decided to try and find the base's bowling alley and play a few games. It was fun! I got a strike! James and Jordan made a few too. Dad got like, a million. But we all had fun.

After our bowling it was James and I's turn to say our goodbyes. I was so glad that we were able to come to San Antonio and see Jordan graduate. We are super proud of him for getting some fire under his feet and making a hard but wise decision to better his life's direction. He, in the 8 and a half weeks he was on base, became more mature, more confident and stronger physically as well as mentally. He stands a little taller. He's all growed up now! We sure love him and are very proud of him. I've got a dog tag and a car window sticker that says "My Brother is in the USAF" and a bear that sits in my car window that says, "I love the Air Force." I'm a little nuts maybe but I just want to show my pride! :) I'm excited to see where this future takes him. Thanks Jordan for letting us share in your accomplishments, we are proud of you, we love you and we're excited to see what adventures lie ahead for you! You are amazing!