I figure Weston is wearing some kind of outfit involving khaki by now….
This is Weston with his recruiter. We were stopped at a rest area somewhere along I-79 in Pennsylvania, not far from Pittsburgh. After we left home Monday morning, we went to Morgantown, to the recruitment center, and Weston rode up to Pittsburgh with the recruiter and a couple of other recruits. I followed behind in my car. Coincidentally, another Army guy was stopped at the same rest area, and right after this picture was taken, Weston’s recruiter started telling the other Army guy about how they call Weston “99-20” –he took the ASVAB (military entrance exam) in 20 minutes and scored a 99. (I think they have like three hours to take the test. If only Weston hadn’t rushed, maybe another five minutes, he could have gotten a 100, ha ha. Edited to add: I just discovered that 99 is actually the highest score you can get on the ASVAB.) Weston is very shy about his brains, so he wasn’t enjoying this story, and then I piped in, “And he’s a National Merit Scholar, too!” and then Weston decided he needed to pee, after all, and went into the rest area. After he warned the recruiter that he was going to end up on the internet because his mother has a blog. I took the opportunity to grill the recruiter on what I can and can’t say about Weston. I can say he’s in the Army and he’s in boot camp at Fort Sill, but I can’t say what his job is going to be in the Army because it’s too secret squirrel. At least the Army will be taking advantage of his brain power.
I stayed at the hotel where they keep the recruits and took Weston out to dinner. Tuesday morning, I headed over to the federal building where they do the official swearing-in.
Pittsburgh is a very nice, pretty city, by the way. I’ve never been to Pittsburgh before and I liked it–though I was there less than 24 hours.
I spent a few hours waiting around, and then got to watch Weston sworn in to the Army.
This, above, is the real swearing in. Afterward, they do a sort of mock swearing in for picture-taking.
I got a 15-second phone call, which is all they’re allowed, after he arrived at Fort Sill. Not sure when I’ll hear from him again–he said 7 to 10 days. I don’t have an address yet to write him, but will write him every day just like I did when Ross was in Navy boot camp. And he’s been warned that he better write me back!
He’s in the Army now….
P.S. We had big storms and a power outage that prevented me from getting back to posting yesterday morning. The grass is growing and it’s too wet to mow. Make it stop!
GA_in_GA says:
Thank you, Weston, for serving our country. And thank you Suzanne for being his supportive mother.
On May 15, 2014 at 8:25 am
cindyinohio says:
Way to go Weston! We are proud of you and proud of your momma for raising such a fine young man.
On May 15, 2014 at 8:35 am
fowlers says:
Awe, congrats to Weston….with those brains….maybe he’s going to someday….rule the world….lol…good luck and best wishes…
On May 15, 2014 at 9:04 am
cabynfevr says:
My son got the nickname “Big Country” in boot camp. He was 6’5 and 220 lbs! Congratulations Weston and God speed.
On May 15, 2014 at 9:54 am
copgrrl says:
Congratulations Suzanne!!
I served 21 years in our US Army, twelve of those years on active duty and nine in the Reserves. Like Ross, Weston will come back a changed man!! Make sure he takes advantage of the GI Bill. Even with all the training let the Army pay for his education!! Also, as soon as possible start looking up information on how he can either use the Green To Gold program to go to University, have his education be paid for and received a commission as a 2LT or have him look into the OCS or even the Warrant Office Program. He is too smart to remain a grunt!! Put those brains to work!!
On May 15, 2014 at 10:20 am
Joell says:
:happyflower:
Many thanks to Weston for choosing to serve his country.
I grew up in a military family and I have to say it was an amazing education, we lived in many places throughout the world and made many friends and learned about other cultures, things I could never learned from books.
If Weston choose a speciality career in the Army, he will receive training that he could never receive anywhere but the military. I am happy to have had the pleasure of watching him grow from a boy into a strapping man that has made his Mama proud, as have all of your children.
On May 15, 2014 at 10:39 am
angiemay says:
Suzanne, you did a great job raising your children and should be so proud, which I know you are. Always look forward to reading what is going on. My dad was in the Army well over 25 years (we didn’t have a relationship most of my life, so not sure exactly). My husband was in the Navy (he can tell to the day – LOL) over 21 years. Wonderful men you have raised and God bless them!
On May 15, 2014 at 11:19 am
JanetOK says:
Thanks to both of you! And Good Luck Weston!
On May 15, 2014 at 12:43 pm
Cousin Mark says:
Good luck Weston!!!!
Several old songs come to mind…..
He is in the Army now and not behind a plow…… and
How are we going to keep them down on the farm after they have seen gay Pariee ?? Cousin Mark
On May 15, 2014 at 3:17 pm
jodiezoeller says:
So excited for this new chapter in Weston’s life! He’ll do well whatever his job in the Army. Looking forward to seeing Ross back home this year. And your baby girl is graduating HS! What a time of change for your family!
On May 15, 2014 at 5:27 pm
catslady says:
I enjoyed your post and big congrats to your son! I live outside of Pittsburgh and it’s too bad you didn’t have more time to visit. And it hasn’t stopped raining her either.
On May 15, 2014 at 7:06 pm
jan n tn says:
Ross = Navy..
Weston = Army..
Morgan = come on girl, there’s two left to chose from???
Good luck Weston
God bless all of our military
On May 16, 2014 at 8:46 am
AnnieB says:
God Bless Weston, and you too Suzanne, for your support. With his brains he’s got such a great future. Aren’t we lucky here in the USA to have young men like Weston & Ross? And young ladies like Morgan too 😀
On May 16, 2014 at 11:49 am
Ann W says:
Weston looks so grown-up in that top picture. What a great son to be proud of! You will have to add “Army Mom” to your list under “About Me.”
On May 16, 2014 at 12:09 pm
Madeline says:
Proud Mama! As you should be! You’re a great MOM. Watching your kids grow through this blog is a pleasure.. and like another poster, I am wondering if Morgan is looking into ..the Marines?? Navy?? Air Force?? Why not!! ?? Thanks to your two boys for serving our country,too!!
On May 16, 2014 at 3:06 pm
Pat says:
Congratulations, Weston! Thank you Weston and Ross for serving our country. Suzanne, you have done an incredible job raising your children. An amazing family all around! :yes:
On May 16, 2014 at 10:53 pm
Glenda says:
Best wishes to Weston! He looks very proud standing there and I know you are proud of him. I know he will take full advantage of all the resources available to him with the Army. I hope they also take advantage of his intelligence! This country needs all the “Westons” male or female they can get.
On May 17, 2014 at 6:52 am
Lois says:
Congratulations, Weston! Great job with the ASVAB! My son spent some time as an Army recruiter and he was disgusted at how many high school and college kids couldn’t even pass the test, much less score well on it! What an accomplishment, for him and the momma who raised him!
On May 19, 2014 at 7:51 am