You never know what a day will bring

[LaMonster]

Today started pretty much like every other day. Had nothing planned other than the usual grind and then my wife came in the office and everything changed. My son Alex has been training for a job in the Air Force and the plan was for him to ship out some time in the middle of January. Well the recruiter called and one of the guys dropped out and if he could get to his office in Johnson City before noon he could ship out today.

None of us was ready for that and it kind of suxs that it was just before Thanksgiving and we thought we would be spending Christmas with him too. Bottom line is he really wants this job (combat controller) and if he can pass the schools there is a 17K bonus waiting for him. I guess they have a 95% drop rate but so far he has passed all their test. Part of me wanted to ask him to wait but I know this is really important to him.

We get him there on time and said our goodbyes. It was really tuff to see him go as we now have three boys serving our country and we have a empty home. His two brothers are in the Marine Corp and Alex is now in the Air Force. I'm proud of them all but in a selfish way I wish they were home with us.

This is really hard on my wife as she can't stop crying. If you think about it say a little prayer for Alex and maybe my wife Chris too. Thanks

http://www.bigbikeriders.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=627

[laborman]

Thought and prayers are with both you and your wife. I know it is tough at this time of the year, and I'm proud to call you a friend - who can think of his son's wishes. Take care Lamont....tell you wife Laborman is thinking of her and praying for both of you, along with prayers for all three of your fine sons. We are all very proud of what they are doing. Take care my friend.

[Rescueroy]

Thinking of your family and you are all in our prayers. Kind of remember when we brought our son to the airport and he left just before christmas. Take care my friend. Roy

[Jack G]

May God bless you all during this holiday season. Make sure he knows we are all proud of him and his parents who raised 3 fine young men to serve their country.

[Michael P.]

Men and women like your sons who serve and defend our country are the reason the rest of us can ride motorcyles, live free and enjoy our lives. The parents of the men and women are to be thanked for raising children that they, and we, can be proud of. Their sacrifice benefits each and every one of us. So with that said, "A heartfelt Thank You Chris, Lamont and your sons and to all the other parents and children who have had the same experiences." May God bring them home safely to the arms of those who love them so dearly.

[Speedie Gonzales]

You and Chris hold your head high. We are as proud or your boys as yall are. It takes a special person to want to serve in the Armed Forces to defend this great country of ours..You and Chris have raised 3 outstanding young men. A prayer will be said for you, Chris, and the boys.
Happy Hollidays to yall.

Speedie

[LadyDraco]

Lamont & Chris... Prayers for strength to you both...

Prayers and good thoughts to your son Alex ...

May God bless all 3 of your boys and watch over them ...

Hugs to you all....


Don & Tracy

[V-MAN]

Lamont -

I saw your post a last night but couldn't reply ... I was lost for words. I truly feel and understand the emotions going on in your family circle. Our situations are not the same but the feelings would be. Proud, sad, scared, worried, wife crying which upsets you even more ... ARGH. Hang in there my friend you guys will work through it all. Thoughts and prayers for you, Chris and all the boys. Take care.

Don & Kim

PS

Take Chris down to Painted Creek ... it's a beautiful, peaceful place that let's you sit and think.

http://v-man.org/Gallery/albums/Trip-2005/Lamont_At_Painted_Creek_Fal.jpg

[Cattman]

Prayers for saftey and strength for all your sons for now and future. Praying for you and Chris for strength and a feeling of peace. With the boys not home get Chris involved in an activity/charity that will support our troops and specifically your sons in some manner. Quilts for children in combat zone? Quilts for injured troopers? Again you will be in our prayers for the indefinate future.

[shftr]

'

[hotglue]

Thoughts and prayers coming your way from Texas...God watch over the boys and give strength and love to Lamont and chris...fb

[R J]

Lamont, you received my reply via email on this............

Just happened to stop off here this morning.

BEST WISHES.

[Highlander]

Cheryl's closest freind, and our neighbor died suddenly from swine flue. We talked with her in the yard on Saturday and she told us she was almost well. Then, the police came by yesterday saying her sister could not reach her, she was dead. We know how sudden unexpected events can change your mood. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you and Chris. You have some special sons that we all are thankful for this holiday season. You have each other, and most importantly, you both have the Lord on your side. Every day is a good day when we place all trust in God. :thumbup:

[Strider]

I was lost for words as well last night when I read your post. God Bless you and your family for all you do. 3 lads all serving our country.

I know the holidays are going to be rough - but hang tough bro and relish in the pride you must feel.

You and Chris are in my prayers for strength.

Congratulations to Alex as well - sounds like he is doing great in his quest for combat controller.

Again, all three of the lads are in our thoughts and prayers through the holiday period and always.

[PIBIT]

Well, I am still at a loss for words...even though we are fighting a war too, the whole impact upon my family...my boys...is still totally foriegn to me...I send my prayers and wishes for a safe homecoming for all your son's...frankly, I don't know if I could deal with it myself.
PIBIT

[Yogi]

Lamont & Chris, in this day you and your boys are a unique bunch. There are so many young people out there with their hands out looking for someone to take care of them or give them that handout. But you and yours have made a great sacrifice for the rest of us.

Kelly and I truly appreciate it. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys to keep them strong and safe. Yes it sux that he won't be around for the holidays but I can understand his enthusiasm. He has a great adventure ahead of him with some great training. I worked closely with CC's when I was in the USAF, they are a great group.

[Capt. Morgan]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/shm2230/pw.gif

[TNT]

I'm at a loss for words also. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers Lamont. I am grateful to your boys for serving our country and pray for their safe return.

[TJ]

Thoughts and Prayers for you, Chris and all your boys...... :bow1:

[Big Joe]

Lamonster,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you my friend, Pat sends Hugs to both you and your wife.
Big Joe.

[LaMonster]

Thanks guys :doorag:

[Smilin Jack]

Sorry so long for the late post but really have been busy,
Lamont, you can be proud, Your faith in God and the prayers of the folks on this board and others will help you through these times. Were all proud of your son's commitment to this country and pray for their safety especially when we have a President who should not be in office.
I never served in the military due to the fact I was one of the ones in the lottery, I guess I could of signed up but I was in college at this time but at least I was ready to go if called. There have been many times I wish I had a military background. I am truly grateful for those who have gone and served this country.

I read all the times about the wars in Iraq and the other countries of the middle east and Asian areas. I hear that we are fighting a political war. Far too many have forgotten the Vietnam years where our soldiers were told to take certain areas then told to give them up. Except the
Gulf war to free Kawait from being taken over by Iraq, this country has been pussy footing around with wars. Limited engagements, not enough troops, and lack of the commitment of this government to go to war to win at all cost. If were going to send young men and women to war then
go and win and don't bow down to other countries. I am one perhaps wrong, but feel that we have not supported our troops with all the firepower we are capable of having.

I pray this administration is out of office fast. I pray for all our troops that are fighting a war that can not be won under the present rules of engagement.

sorry to rant.
Our love and prayers to your brave son's.

Smilin' jack

[escortbike]

Lamont,

Kudos to Alex for stepping up to the plate! :thumbup:
We are proud of him and his brothers serving,
as we are proud of you and Chris for having
such fine sons!
I will be saying the Rosary for ALL of you!

Bill