Zack's Wings

For the last six years, Zack has worked very hard to get these wings. First, getting through ROTC and being selected for pilot. Then moving on to UPT at Vance on the T-6. Then moving on to SUPT-H at Rucker on the TH-1. After all those academics, sims, flights, and countless hours of studying, Zack has reached his goal and is now a winged aviator of the United States Air Force! (he also is commercially rated for both fixed and rotary wing-so its just a matter of time before he gets to take me up!)

 

Graduation Day

zack teaching us about the huey

so long huey...

...hello pavehawk

Zack and Zach checking out their new ride
 

just a boy and his dad



the 60 cockpit



miles, mom, zack, and me

All these pictures are from our morning activities. We had a meet and greet at the squadron, got to try out night vision goggles, and took a peek at the TH-1 and HH-60G. We have to wait for the professional pictures of the actual ceremony because ours turned out so dark. But the ceremony was short and sweet. LTC Denehan, the 23rd FTS commander, spoke, as well as, COL Thomas McCarthy. Zack's class gave out some great gifts, then they were given their wings. I got to pin Zack's wings on and give them a good first punch. Zack had quite the crowd on stage to give him his wings--a great part of being from a large family. Zack was then awarded the AETC Commander's Trophy, the Military Leadership Award, and was the Distinguished Graduate for the class of 13-09. We are so proud of all his hard work. He is deserving of these honors.

 

 

can you see his shiny wings?



Zack is pretty happy with his graduation present!

 

 

Congratulations to SUPT-H Class 13-09

 

 

 

A Trip in Pictures

The rest of Dad's visit.

 

checking out the huey

with the pilot right before drop

our bellies!

Pensacola food. yum!

 

exploring ft pickens

 

We also did some sushi, Ft. Rucker museum, Mother Rucker's, Dothan Botanical Gardens, and a class dinner. Oh, and a little something called Drop Night.

What We've Been Waiting For!

Since the beginning of UPT the question has always been, what are you going to fly? After a year and a handful of months we finally have an answer. He is no longer a pilot training for the possibility of any aircraft. Zachariah is going to be an HH-60G Pavehawk pilot assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nevada.

 

We could not be more excited to have Zack's number one choice of aircraft. The whole reason he wanted helicopters was to be a combat search and rescue pilot-the main mission of the 60s. We are also beyond stoked to be moving back west to my home state. We have one stop in Albuquerque for about 7 months before we get there, but sometime next year I will be back in Nevada and a heck of a lot closer to home. We simply just cannot wait!

 

 

My dad flew down for Zack's Drop Night. We got to show him good 'ole Rucker and give him a taste of 'bama. It was a wonderful visit and fun to have someone share in the Drop Night festivities.

P.S.-Congratulations to Zach and Scott who also got amazing assignments. And a big thank you to Scott for putting together the best drop night video ever. hilarious!

 

waiting for it to begin

the game they played to see who got their assignment first

zack trying to get the one lonely skittle that made it all the way

nervous face

relief!

SUPT-H class 13-09



new patches

one really happy guy



The End of UPT

Last Friday, Zack had his final check ride as a UPT student. It still hasn't hit us yet. After a long year and a half since we left Seattle, he has successfully completed IFS, fixed wing, and rotary wing training. Just two days until we find out what kind of helo he will fly and where we'll go after Albuquerque.

 

Training ended with night flying. It went really well and was our favorite schedule. We both worked late nights (Zack's much later than mine) and then slept in till the afternoon like teenagers.

 

I wanted to share with you the layouts that Zack's mom has created over his Air Force career so far.

 

Zachariah, we are so proud of all that you have worked hard for and accomplished. This is just the beginning of an amazing career ahead! You are going to make one hell of a pilot...one more week and you get those wings!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baby Elliott

It's officially a BOY! And boy, oh boy, are we excited for this little man. Every step of this pregnancy makes it seem more real. Now we know we're having a son and we can call him by his name. Originally we were going to keep names a secret...but, as you know, my husband has a hard time keeping his mouth shut with all his excitement. Also, we've had our names chosen for years now so it's hard to not use the name we're so in love with on the baby we're even more in love with.

 

Meet Elliott at 20 weeks

 

Not the greatest profile shot, but this little guy does not like taking pictures. He was so completely comfortable lying on his front that for 30 minutes, pretty much all we saw was his back. We would see his face from time-to-time, but he'd quickly cover it with his little hands. And he would NEVER let us take a peek between the legs. So, somewhat disappointed after awaiting this ultrasound for so many weeks...we gave up. After my appointment with my doctor, they squeezed me back in one more time to see if he had moved. I had sent Zack on a quest to find me pop. During my check up I drank some pop hoping the sugar and the caffeine would make him roll over--he did! We got a good look and a definite answer. This kid is already testing my patience and has a mind of his own. I think we're in trouble...

:)

Baby Boy or Baby Girl?

I am now halfway through my pregnancy, which is unbelievable in different ways. On one hand, I can't believe that time is going by so quickly. On the other, I can't believe we have to wait another 20 weeks +/- to meet our little one. But this week we get a sneak peek and will be finding out what we're having. We can't wait to get a look at the active little one I keep feeling.

 

We have dreams that we're having a girl and we have dreams we're having a boy. We have people tell us "it's definitely a boy," and we have people say "we bet it's a girl!" We don't really have hunches one way or the other...but what do you think we're having?

 

A mini Zack?

 

 

 

Or a mini Rachel?