Why the acronym you ask? Because in February we were in Milton, FL (near Pensacola) staying at NAS Whiting Field at the BOQ to watch Taylor (the Sailor) get his wings! Taylor, we are so proud of you! This is quite the accomplishment and we are so grateful we got to share it with you. Here's a recap of our adventure with as much military lingo as I could insert: Pre-Flight Plan
Thursday, February 4 17:00 hours
We got the good news that Taylor had finished all of his requirements and would be graduating February 12. Wally and I decide that we only live 750 miles away and that we will go to Florida for the winging. Kids are excited to be MIA from school for a couple of days.
Thursday, February 11 04:45 hours
Weather reports show that winter weather is heading toward the DFW Metroplex. We "detach" from Frisco with clear skies, sleepy kids, a dozen sandwiches, lots of snacks, juice boxes, caffeinated beverages, and movies to placate the troops for the 11 hour drive.
Thursday, February 11 05:00
Light snow falling in Plano. Roads are wet but not too bad.
Thursday, February 11 05:15
Heavy snow falling. Roads are slick and Wally's knuckles are white as he tries to grip the steering wheel and keep us from sliding on (or rather off) the overpasses. He's already concerned about us "not making good time."
Thursday, February 11 06:30
Finally get out of the heavy snow. Somewhere between Texas and Louisiana I take control of the cockpit so Wally can close his eyes. We decide this is the craziest thing we have ever done but that we are way past the point of no return. After making it to Shreveport, we stop at a gas station to stretch our legs, fill up the car, and use a filthy restroom. I teach Kelsie the fine art of making a t.p. toilet seat cover.
Thursday, February 11 16:30
Arrive in Milton, FL at the BOQ (Bachelor's and Officer's Quarters). We have driven for nearly 12 hours in the snow and rain. We've seen the swamps of Louisiana, crossed the Mississippi River, saluted the Confederate Flag (ha ha! But we really did see one flying!), saw a billboard advertising the abolition of slavery, and introduced the kids to the likes of Garth Brooks and Alabama. The kids are doing great and are excited that we actually departed and arrived on the same day (as opposed to driving to Utah!)
Thursday, February 11 17:30
Wally attends the PG-13 rated Soft Patch Ceremony (it is the Navy and Marines after all!). Kelsie, Jack, Chloe and I freshen up, stretch our legs, and rejoice that we made it and are out of the car. After watching movies for 11 hours we turn on the tv. Pretty sad, huh.
The Winging
Turns out the storm we drove in for 12 hours the day before wasn't finished. Pensacola was anticipating it's first snow in over 17 years and we were there to witness it! (Lucky us!) Due to the weather the winging was scheduled for 08:00 instead of 13:00. Following the winging, the base was closed to non-essential personnel, which made us a bit nervous since we were staying on base and we were most definitely non-essential! Luckily we were allowed to stay there despite our civilian status. Attending the winging was one of the coolest experiences! It started out with a video depicting the training that the "wingers" went through. Jackson was enthralled as he watched the jets and helos and especially the missiles. He is such a boy! I have to admit that I was secretly thinking "don't you get any ideas, Jackson. Being an accountant is an honorable and not very dangerous profession." I am such a mom! One by one each "winger" was called up on stage with their family. One family member (usually a spouse or parent) put the wings of gold on the winger's uniform. I was so impressed with how the entire family was recognized because it truly is a family effort. My sis-in-law, Sherrie, is AMAZING. I'm pretty sure I couldn't do what she does! As if the constant moving weren't enough to drive me insane, I think the worrying would do me in. She just handles everything in stride. What a gal!
What a memorable adventure! We got to see new places, experience new things, and spend time with family. What can be better than that?
