Letters from Air Force "1"

I received my first letter from Air Force "1" last week and it was so great to hear from her. I'm so happy that my sweet niece has found something she believes in and has committed to. This girl, this rebel without a clue (sometimes), this buck the system because life isn't supposed to be this way strong willed young lady. This "I don't like rules and being told what to do" girl is now expressing frustration with other girls in her group who are not following proper procedure. To hear Air Force "1" talk about her frustrations and how she is overcoming them is truly awe inspiring. I remember when she called Sister Y and I was there and we listened to her on speaker phone. It is indescribable the level of enthusiasm and excitement contained in the voice of Air Force "1", while she is at boot camp, for goodness sakes! She sounds so amped, so positive, and her quality leadership skills sprinkled everything she talked about!

Prior to Air Force "1" departing for basic training, she expressed concern about being brain washed and losing her identity, and I can only imagine that she had heard her fair share of horror stories of basic training. But after reading her letters and hearing her voice, I firmly believe she has tapped into the deep well of who she truly is. Those young adult years are so challenging and I'm so grateful that both she and Mr. P have found their purpose while serving our country.

Like Mr. P, Air Force "1" was a little lost and fumbling her way through life as many 19 and 20 year olds do. But in such a short time, five or six weeks now, she is more expressive about what she's learning, what she's doing, and what she's overcoming, than I think she has ever been about anything! She graduates basic training soon and I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I can't wait to hear what Sister Y feels the very first time she sees Air Force "1" and spends time with her. I remember what I felt when I saw Mr. P at his basic training/AIT graduation after 5 months. He was a man now, dedicated and committed to a purpose that brought him great happiness. I so wish I was able to attend with the rest of the family, but I'll be there in spirit, for sure!

I'm so thankful to my niece for her commitment to our safety and freedom as she serves our country. I'm so proud of her, but more importantly, I'm more happy for her than my own words can express!