A big day for my son!!!!
Well I don’t talk about much of my personal life on this blog. Something I’ve been holding back talking about is that my son has been working hard over the last 6 months to become a Naval Seal. To become a Seal you have to first endure a 6 month program that only about 10% to 20% of the guys that start the program finish. It’s the BUD’s program. (Basic Underwater Demolitions/Seal Training) It’s one of the toughest programs that a person can go through in the military.
I wanted to wait to see how he did before I mentioned it. Well friday was one of the proudest days in my life as a parent. My son Travis made it through BUD’s. He graduated on Friday. It is such a big accomplishment for him to make it through BUD’s. He’s one of the youngest in his class. He just turned 20 last month. He has been training for this for years. It’s been a goal of his since he was in high school.
I couldn’t imagine going through what he has been going through the last 6 months. He loves every minute of it though. One of the biggest tests of BUD’s was hell week. They make you stay up for 5 day’s with no sleep. 24 hours a day training for 5 days straight. Many of the guys who signed up for BUD’s drop out during this week. That is just one of the many extreme tests they put him through.
So like I said I’m so proud of Travis. He never ceases to amaze me.
Now that he has finished BUD’s he goes on to more advanced training.
Monday he starts jump school. He’ll be jumping out of planes at very high altitudes. I’m not sure exactly how high. But I do know that he will have to where an oxygen mask when he jumps out of the plane because they are so high.
Congratulations Travis!!!!!! You are an amazing son.
Myself with Travis and my daughter Korynn
I love this certificate they give the guys for graduating BUD’s.
February 17th, 2008 at 5:15 am
Awesome! Congrats to Travis and to you for raising some seriously impressive kids. As a guy who appreciates a good story of hard work and achievement, requiring physical and mental toughness, I can’t imagine any sort of greater accomplishment. It’s been fun following along from afar and hearing you brag so much about Travis, so freakin cool!
February 17th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Congratulations! What an amazing thing to accomplish. I have so much respect for anyone that is or is willing to serve our country. Tell Travis thanks! I can’t wait till my boys are old enough to accomplish amazing things like that. I can see why you are SO proud.
February 17th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Congrats to Travis! — That is a serious achievement! — You can tell you’re a proud father!
February 19th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I’m the other proud parent, guess we didn’t do so bad after all?
One down one to go. Any chance she’ll go into the military (ha)!!!!!
February 19th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Jim…
Thank you for sharing that…and congrats to Travis for his stunning accomplishment and your service to our country.
Best,
Paul
February 20th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Wow! Congratulations, Jim! That is honestly incredible- you have reason to be so proud. Your son obviously has the determination to accomplish amazing things… a trait he undoubtedly has because of his father!
February 20th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Congratulations to your family! What an amazing accomplishment. Best of luck to your son in the next stage of training!
February 21st, 2008 at 10:50 am
so awesome! your son is a bad ass! i guess the days on putting him over your knee and giving him a spanking are long one!
February 27th, 2008 at 10:41 am
I’m stealing the pictures.
) I sent him a text and let him know how proud of him I was as well. That’s my nephew! Awesome!
March 1st, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Great pics Jim, Travis we are so proud of you, and love you so much…
oxooxox
The Ellis crew
March 9th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Congrats to Travis! Had to come and check it out after you told me about it last night. What a huge accomplishment.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:47 am
You Go Travis!!!! Congratulations!! I have great respect and admiration for all the troops, and support them in every way! You are another unsung HERO!
God bless,
SG from Oregon