You Can!

That's right folks! Benj finally got his golden opportunity to join the National Guard. An officer position opened up and we snatched it! As of nowBenj is SPC Benjy Russell. Once he's done with training, he will be a Communications Officer with the 145th Field Artillery Unit. He does basic training starting July 5 for 10 weeks at Fort Benning in Georgia. It's gonna be loads of fun! Not only is he training in the humidity and heat but this is known as the toughest place to do training! Benj is tough too though, so he can do it! Luckily, he also secured a slot doing state-side training for OCS (Officer Candidate School). So instead of heading straight from Basic to another location for 18 weeks, he'll be home! Yay! He'll do that training 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks a year until he completes it, which is about 16-18 months. Then, he'll be doing his actual training for his job for 18 weeks out of state.

Here's Benj swearing in. That was loads of fun. The kids must've known what we were getting into because they were all throwing tantrums and crying. Good times!

This is Benj's "army" face. You fear him, don't you?


And, here's a smile; such a trooper for humoring me! We realize this will be a challenge for the whole family but we know that this is right for us and with the Lord's help, we can do anything! Or, as the National Guard puts it, You Can!