First to all the other parents out ther YOU (WE) can be justly proud of yOUR young men as they begin and continue this journey to receive their beret.
Many of us who have been through the process -albiet over 30 years ago- sometimes tend to forget how much the support of our families and friends really is and was in getting through this program.
Your support [at times] may seem to be overlooked and the sacrifices that you make forgotten. However, the letters [now E-mails and Cell phones] make a total POSITIVE difference in the attitude that the students must be able to maintain. A 'CARE' package of cookies * or anything else from home makes a day that might have otherwise been a total &$$%^$^^%$ look less like a failure and more like 'Just another challenge that has to met'.
I was fortunate enough to be able to see my son make his five jumps at Benning, to be honored to be the graduation speaker and to pin on his wings [my 'Blood' wings]. If your son has not been to Benning and you can make it, there is nothing greater than to see your kid jump and then get to pin on his wings. [Parents are encouraged by all branches to be there and to pin thieir sons and daughters]
Yours in no small role.You are the unsung hero's of this and every other program in the military. Without you the challenges would be insermountable obstacles.
From all of us that hve been through the pipeline to all of those that support us, THANKS.
Big Mitten
PJ 66-78

* I got 'smoked more times than I care to remember by MSgt Vigare and the other PJU Instructors who had to carry more than one large, partially crumpled box of cookies, brownies and a Birthday cake, from the mailroom to our formation for mail call. But I remember that there was never a shortage of hungry appreciatve mouths [PJ student, Go-Fer and INSTRUCTOR!]to assure that there were no crumbs left within fifteen minutes of the arrival of those packages. THANKS MOM

I am not a pararescue parent. My son is a Navy SEAL. However, one of my brothers did go to Benning where he was once a blackhat himself to pin my son's jump wings. It was pretty special for both of them.

My son is going through Indoc now and I was wondering if there is a graduation after Indoc that parents attend? Thanks in advance.

There is a formal ceremony the day of graduation and friends and family are invited to attend.

Back in the day-parents at graduation would put a significant drag on the celebration, especially at Lackland at conclusion of Indoc (no formal graduation ceremony at Indoc back then). PJ School graduation although party time was however a bit more parental units friendly.

Thanks TE & YUKON for your response. Do the guys get together and do something as a group? We certainly don't want to be a 'drag' on 'their' day; just want to show support if we are able to attend. I was in the AF back in the day and I certainly respect what you guys do. Thanks for everything you guys do to get 'future pj's' ready!

Don,

It should be no problem for you to attend...if the guys are doing something later you may or may not be invited .

You should definitely plan on being at the Kirtland graduation...that is the big one with a guest speaker, banquet, team awards, etc.

Best of luck to your son.

TE,

Thanks a lot. We'll do that.

Don