I'll admit, I knew nothing about the Air Force before you. All my friends are Marines, and that is what I'm familiar with. Thank you for taking me on the journey with you, and thank you for teaching me.

These last many months have been crazy. We were cut off for weeks during your basic training, and I always wondered about what was happening to you. Did you like your new friends? Were you even making any friends? How similar was your training to the ones my Marine friends went through? Were you sleeping at all? I found myself slowly gaining new perspective on my own life in tiny ways. On those mornings that I had to get up at 6am for work, I knew you were already out there running while I was struggling to rip myself away from my comfortable bed so I could sit at my desk. There were so many things I wanted to tell you about my life as soon as they happened, all while knowing a letter could take a few weeks to make it to your bunk.

And then basic ended. And I knew that, at least for a while, the worst was probably over. I finally got a text from you telling me how much you loved it. That it was hard, but worth it, and that you already felt like you had gained another family. But your break only lasted so long before you were shipped off again- this time to Tech School.

I wasn't afraid for you, anymore. I saw how much you loved it and how you fit in. I got snapchats of your base, your new friends, giant teddy bears, and twerking contests in your room. You were happy and so was I. All your friends and family from home were finally able to come alongside you and appreciate your journey with you every day. Still, three months away from home is a long time, and we were all eager for you to return. You're lucky enough to do the job you love in the city you love and grew up in.

I know you're ready for it. Tech school is over, and it is time for you to start another one of the many inevitable beginnings you will face in the military. I am so proud and lucky to be a part of it. I have seen you from the very beginning of this- from your swearing in as a high school senior to today. I am so proud to see the look in your eyes when people see your uniform and thank you for your service. You have matured into a new man right before my eyes. You are more focused and excited than ever about the possibilities that this life has in store for you.

Congratulations on all your accomplishments, and on taking down everything that has come your way. I am so proud to know you and be watching you on this journey. I couldn't have handpicked a job more perfect for you. You were made to do this. No one is more ready for it than you. Go be great, and be safe too. I need you, kid.