July 1 PIR-The Navy did not change my son

July 1, 2011, the 100 year anniversary of the Navy Recruit Training Center Great Lakes, IL, my son graduated from a Sailor Recruit to Seaman Apprentice with his Special Operations division winning the most flags, including the honor division flag (best overall division) which will be displayed along with their pictures in the training center Hall Of Fame.  During the ceremony the pride I felt was indescribable.  After the ceremony, spending several days of quality time with my son, the pride became overwhelming.  I passed along the following sentiment to my son:  “If I had one word to describe you it would be WOW!  Since I am not limited to one word I will say you are honorable, impressive, polite, respectful, confident, god-fearing and appreciative.”  Part of his response perpetrated our only disagreement over the weekend:  He said: “As much as I hate to admit it, the Navy has really changed me.”  To this I wholeheartedly disagree.  The Navy has not changed my son, yet they have allowed him to discover who he truly is at least a decade ahead of when he would have discovered this on his own.  They have helped him discover the core values he has with-in himself and the importance of living by those values.  They have motivated his drive with-in to be this outstanding young man who stood proudly before me.  They helped him replace his often misguided cockiness with extremely justified confidence and pride.  They are continuing to help him comprehend who he can develop to be in the future.  I no longer saw a misguided teenager looking for direction.  I saw a man who had seized an opportunity as child, accepted the challenge and reigned successful.   I saw standing before me a future leader, father, spouse and role model.  Yes I am proud that he has decided to serve his country, but the pride that overwhelms me is seeing the man he has chosen to be.