It was a sad day when Andrew left to go to Duluth to leave for the Navy. He went to Great Lakes for his basic training. While there the Navy turned him into a Sailor and when we saw him on his Graduation Day you could tell how much he had grown. From there it was off to South Carolina for his "A" School. He has spoken highly about his training and has done a very good job and has graduated near the top of his class. The Naval life seems to be good for him and he has learned about his future job and also has had time to do things on the weekends. One of the things he did was to get qualified to sail smaller sailboats. Sounds like he has had a lot of fun getting certified and now he can take out the sailboats with another friend when ever he is at the lake.
The real part of his job right now is to go to school and learn his trade in the Nuclear Program he is studying and learning about at this time. On Friday he graduated and is now a Petty Officer. His is a Mechanics Mate 3 and begins more training sometime around the first of the year. Until then he will be working on the base doing maintenance and other duties.
After almost 13 difficult hours his plane finally landed in LaCrosse last night at approximately 6 PM. I could see a difference in him as he walked towards us from the arriving station at the airport. His sister Jessica, brother-in-law Micheal, Uncle Jerry, a former Naval Officer and I were on hand to meet him. He looked sharp in his Dress Blues and had a new set of glasses not the ones he wore at boot camp. After his luggage was grabbed we headed the two blocks home from the airport.
After a short visit, he headed to his room to change into his civilian clothes. Neala and Jenelle, who cared for mom when she was home, joined us for a super dinner that Micheal and Jessica cooked up. Uncle Jerry provided the Ham and the snacks and his "world Famous" dip for the chips. A lot of laughter and teasing took place as the dinner cooked. Jessica was in charge of entertainment and she did her job well. After dinner Micheal and Jerry gave the girls a ride home and Jessica started planning the rest of the evening.
Papa Stu headed downstairs to sleep and Uncle Jerry started to pack for his trip back to California for the week. He did leave around 830 AM and I was the only one moving.
Jessica got everyone moving so we could stop out to see mom. She was happy to see Jessica, Micheal and me, but when Andy said "Hi" she said "Boy have I been waiting for you." We visited for a while and she should off her room. It was then time for church so we left then. I know she was so happy to see everyone and I know it made Andy happy that she still recognized them.
Jessica and Micheal left to go home and Andrew drove me home and he got ready to head north to start his visits. He left about noon and as we said good bye it really sank in how much he has grown in to a man. I know he will have a good visit with friends and family. He will be back late Saturday and will leave very early to return to South Carolina. I am so proud of him and excited that he enjoys the service. He will be an excellent Sailor like cousins, uncles, aunts,and grandfathers before him. I know for sure that Grandpa Stuhr would have been so proud to see him get off the plane.
Godspeed Petty Officer Stuhr and keep up the good work.
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