Jesse's ROTC Update
A lot has happened with ROTC for Jesse! Let's recap…
1. He is now the cadet wing commander… Cadet Col. Lanham. He prepared all summer to make sure this semester will run smoothly! He is busy all the time and works so hard. I think he is the perfect leader for the det. He is a great example of hard work, leadership, and respect.
Giving his presentation at new cadet orientation
Hanging out with his wing staff
2. He got his flight suit! And he loves it. And it's adorable.
3. Sept. 11th flag vigil was extremely memorable for him. I'll need to have him write about all of this and explain it more.
4. Stadium clean ups began again… woop-dee-do!
Just doin' his thing… inspiring the wing and stuff.
The first stadium clean up (sept. 11) consisted of me making hot chocolate and meeting new wives, J cleaning, and us riding a golf cart around BYU campus at 3 am.
5. I saved the best for last… The Euro-Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training program (ENJJPT) board happened on September 12th. And guess what? ……. JESSE GOT IN!!!
So, this is the world's best pilot training program. It is obviously extremely competitive to get into and produces the most fighter pilots. Since beginning ROTC, Jesse's main goal has been to get into ENJJPT. Finally, after 3 years, we found out what our future would be. We knew the board was happening on that Friday and we were anxious all day. That day, Jess had heard from people that live across the country that they had found out the results already. Anxious to find out, he talked to Capt. Pinegar but he said he hadn't heard anything.
That night was the ROTC opening social! While everyone was eating, the colonel got up to give a little speech, as he usually does, but at the end of it, he said, "If I could please have Cadet Colonel Lanham and his wife come up here…." In that moment, I knew what was happening. I knew we were going to find out! Jesse didn't, though. He thought he was just going to have to give an impromptu speech or something. When we got up in front of everyone, the colonel handed Jesse a little toy airplane and that's when Jess knew!! He told him he was accepted to ENJJPT training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Witchita Falls, TX.
We were ecstatic! I got tears in my eyes (which was obviously embarrassing in front of like 50 people…) and we just hugged and were soooo happy!
Jesse has worked so incredibly hard and I am so happy that it payed off. We are more than excited to start our Air Force career in Texas. The year of flight school will be hard for both of us, but we are looking forward to it.
But, we know without a doubt, that none of this would be happening without the Lord. As soon as we got home from the BBQ, we knelt on our knees and prayed together. We are so grateful for this huge blessing. We now know that Texas is where we are supposed to be. Throughout this process we kept telling each other that if he didn't get it we would know that the Lord needed us somewhere else. But now that we know Heavenly Father is sending us there, we are excited to see what the future holds.
To my wonderful husband, I am so proud of you, Jesse. You are truly remarkable. You are able to make and reach goals like no one I've ever met. I hope I can always be a support system to your crazy life. Thank you for working hard and chasing your dreams. I love you, forever.
Jess and the colonel! We truly love this guy. He is such an awesome leader. Det 855 is lucky to have him!
After all the excitement, everyone played kickball!
Then, of course, we had to go home and tell our families the good news!
And social media, too.
Jesse also applied for this really amazing scholarship that we are waiting to hear back from. He had to send in a picture for it, so of course me and my amazing photography skills (cough, cough), helped him out. ;) Isn't he handsome, though?
A couple days ago a PJ from the Air Force came and lead the cadets' PT! Jess said it was one of the hardest workouts!
So, all in all, I would say that Jesse is going to have a wonderful last year in ROTC.
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