B.C.T. Graduation

It's been quite a weekend for the Godfrey Family.

We just got back from Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Ross had his graduation ceremony on

Thursday, July 23rd. David, myself, Ben and Matthew drove the nine hour trip. Melissa

arrived the night before us.

It was so cool to see Ross in his uniform and witness the culmination of his achievements.

Each of us that know him so well could see and feel the dramatic changes that have taken

place in him. His countenance has definetly changed for the better. He is happy and confident, structured and disiplined. The effect has been so wonderful that he is now

influencing Matthew in a possitive way.

Our prayers are even now being answered concerning both Ross and Matthew.

And we are extremely grateful.

It has been one of the highlights of my adult life to see this day come.

Truly nothing can bring more joy to a parent than seeing a precious child become a successful,

happy adult. Words alone cannot express the depth of feeling of pride, love, and hope that

we have for Ross. Our love and hope for him has always been there, the pride part is a new

thing.

After the graduation ceremony we got to spend the rest of the day and on into the evening

with Ross. We went out for a nice dinner and just enjoyed visiting the rest of the time.

And we made sure to take a lot of pictures.

We got to talk with him tonight. He's moved into another barracks for his A.I.T. He's in a

room with two other guys. It's more relaxed and he has a little more freedom. Monday he

starts his classes in Bio-Chemical, Radioactive, Nuclear, Biological stuff... It sounds like he's

ready and rare'n to go. One other thing he did mention during our visit... he wants to go to

airborne school and jump out of airplanes...

Date with Chipper

Hello:

I had a date night with Chipper, The Happy Punching Bag.

I'm getting better at this... no, really.

You just can't tell it from this picture.

Another note about Ross:

Ross passed his PT test with flying colors.

He was very excited about that.

We were worried because of his sprained ankle.

But it is healing nicely. And graduation is

definitely as scheduled.

He'll be 4 days in the field doing urban warfare exercises.

He's been made a team leader.