Sunday's Internet Edition, July 06, 2008.
Begins Technical School for Texas Air National Guard
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By Lisa Scroggins
December 27, 2007. It was on that bright, cold morning that Tom Scroggins, a 2007 RHS graduate, ran in formation as part of a demonstration as the final USAF Basic Training graduating class of 2007 performed a 2.5 mile Airman’s Run so their family and loved ones could witness the unique uniformity that comes to USAF trainees. This was the first of several programs scheduled as part of the United States’ Air Force Graduation Ceremonies at Lackland Air Force Base.
The trainees were all in great shape, having completed slightly over six weeks of basic training, which consisted of physical training, mental preparedness, marksmanship exercises, classroom academic training, various levels of teamwork, etc.
“I was amazed at how they could keep their formation,” Al Scroggins said. “At the point they came by us singing out their cadences, they had already run at least a mile, and they weren’t even winded.”
Following the Airman’s Run, family members attended various event orientations, waiting anxiously to visit with their sons and/or daughters. During this time, the trainees were preparing for the Coining Ceremony, which was to follow later in the day.
The air had an almost electric charge – full of excitement as finally, several hours following the run, the units began marching in unison, outfitted in their ‘blues’ toward the pavilion. We knew in advance where Tom’s unit would be on the pavilion, and Tom had told us exactly where in the unit he would be. We were lucky because he was in the second row from the front, so we could easily make eye contact with him. While he wore the serious expression similar to other trainees, Al and I were beaming with pride. Tears slipped down my face as I recorded Tom receiving his Airman’s Coin from his drill sergeant. Full of tradition, the ceremony was both patriotic and moving, at the end of which Tom was officially an “Airman,” and was no longer classified as a “trainee.”
Immediately following the coining, family members were encouraged to greet their Airmen, who were standing at attention in unit formation. As Al and I approached Tom, we didn’t know if we could touch him.
“You must touch me to unfreeze me.” Tom whispered through clenched teeth. Al & I both grabbed him for a big group hug. At this point, Tom was free to roam the base with us, and we visited for hours. It was hard when the time came for us to leave.
The next day was Tom’s official graduation ceremony. The entire 799-member graduating class marched onto the parade field in unison, as a C-130 cargo plane slowly flew over in their honor. The Airmen wore their full “dress blue” uniforms, this time with the addition of graduating stripes and ribbons.
We were happy to learn that Tom graduated with two stripes thanks to the college hours he earned during high school. Many graduates graduated with only one. Additionally, Tom wore three ribbons rather than the traditional two, having earned the third as a marksmanship award.
While most trainees had members of their immediate family in attendance, and some had no-one attend, Tom was well represented. In addition to Al, Allie Jo, and me, Tom’s visitors included his brother Tyson and his family (Carrie, Tanner, and Carson), Cade Cottle, Raphael and Sebastian Franco, and Jerry and Kyle Jones. What a great turn-out!
It was at the graduation ceremony that Tom’s unit was formally announced as Honor Flight for the graduating class. This is a distinction given to the unit that earns the most points during the six weeks of training. Points are awarded for various reasons, including inspections, marching, academics, etc..
In addition, his unit also won the Warrior Challenge, which is presented to the top unit of the year. (Wow!) Perhaps the neatest part about Tom’s unit earning this distinction is the fact that the Spring/Summer units have additional point-earning opportunities through participation in football, baseball, and track events not offered to Fall/Winter classes.
Once again Tom was ‘frozen’ until one of us touched him. Having been told of this in advance, Kyle and Jerry approached Tom, being careful not to touch him.
“Dr. Pepper, Dr. Pepper, Dr. Pepper,” Jerry said, knowing that was one of the vices Tom had missed most. Kyle laughed as I told Tom that I thought we’d just stand close by and look at him. As the Airman directly behind Tom began to loose his composure and break out laughing, Jerry & Kyle finally touched Tom, releasing him to join the rest of his entourage.
We were able to spend several days with Tom. He had off-base liberties for two days following graduation, but had to return to the base each evening.
In addition to talking 100 miles an hour trying to fill us in on everything he had experienced, Tom also wanted to eat – everything from healthy meals to sugary snacks, it seemed nothing could fill him up!
Although Tom had been in basic training at Lackland AFB, which is a suburb of San Antonio, he might as well have been on the moon. Regardless of the fact that he was only a few hours away from home, he was sequestered with other trainees, under strict rules which denied visitors of any kind.
Needless to say, we were ecstatic to see him, and are very proud of his accomplishments.
On New Year’s Eve, Tom set off for the next step of his induction into the military – he is currently at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, where he will remain until May, 2008. Should you wish to write him, his address is:
E-3 Thomas A. Scroggins
1672
527 Avenue # 1872
Sheppard AFB, Texas 76311
As a member of the Texas Air National Guard, following the completion of tech school Tom will be attending UTSA in San Antonio.