Monday, June 30, 2014

BMT: PT & Top PT Award

BMT PT, Air Force BMT Physical Training, BMT Top PT Award, BMT Warhawk

It probably comes as no surprise that PT (physical training) was my favorite part of Basic Military Training. Yes, it's true, I was that trainee—my biological alarm clock would wake me up about 45-minutes prior to Reveille each morning because I was just that excited about PT. And considering my excitement, I'll advise you at this moment that this will probably be my longest BMT recap post, due to how much I enjoyed PT and how much I have to say about it!

PT at BMT is scheduled for approximately six days per week—give or take—depending on the week's activities. Some mornings you're out the dorms before it's light out and there's just literally no time for PT. Typically, there are three running days and three strength days per week. Each PT session lasts about 45-minutes to an hour from warm-up to cool-down, with about 30 actual minutes of exercise. I loved run days. Whether I was running on the asphalt with the rest of the trainees from our squadron, or off on the actual testing track by myself running my own pace (which isn't typical, but they allowed me the privilege due to my running times), I enjoyed each moment. I also did my own short 10-15 minute PT sessions next to my bed each night after lights out, focusing on push-ups, sit-ups, and other core exercises.

BMT PT, Air Force BMT Physical Training, BEAST PT
Working our abs with sit-ups during BEAST.

We actually ran a lot more than I thought we would. In fact, I had originally brought a pair of shorter-distance Brooks in lieu of my bright Mizunos for fear that they would stand out too much (see my post about that here). After two weeks of PT, I couldn't do it anymore. I had to make a visit to the pay phones to request that my Mizunos be shipped to me ASAP. I needed them... they were my running shoes, and boy—did they make the difference. They were the game changers!

To be honest, before we took our initial PT test, I really hadn't been noticed by our MTI's. I mean, I don't even think they knew I was a part of their flight. But—after our first PT test—it was all over from there. Somehow, I managed to run faster than all the females in my flight and all the males in our brother flight. Needless to say, not only did my MTI's know me, but my entire chain of command also began calling me out by name. Honestly, it was a blessing. I wasn't called out for uniform infractions or misbehavior, but instead I would hear, "Hey Rowe! How'd that run go this morning?" When you go to BMT, so many go with the desire to blend in with the crowd in an effort to avoid attention—but I have to say, that kind of attention is the kind that is worth getting. I was very grateful for it!

BMT PT, Air Force BMT Physical Training, BMT 5K Overall Female Winner
Receiving the 5K Female 1st Place Overall Finisher trophy from Colonel Liddick—"Take, shake, salute!"

During our 5th week, we were given a special opportunity to run a 5K with the rest of Lackland's trainees, MTI's, Airmen, residents, and civilians from the area. BMT hosts about four 5K's a year, so I was very lucky to be able to participate in one! Of all the individuals who ran, I finished first out of the females with a time of 19:17. When I received my trophy (which was huge, by the way!), it was announced that I was the third female in 25-years to win as a trainee... most female winners are typically civilians. So that was neat! That day was a huge morale boost and got me psyched up for our final PT test to follow two weeks later.

As the weeks progressed, so did my times. At my initial PT test, I ran a 9:30 1.5-mile time, did 38 push-ups, 62 sit-ups and 6 pull-ups. At week seven and my final PT test, I did 54 push-ups, 68 sit-ups, 7 pull-ups, and finished my 1.5-mile run in 8:47 (I achieved Warhawk). Little did I know, but I had just scored myself the Top Female PT spot, #1 out of the other 134 trainees in my week. In addition, I had just run the 5th fastest female time in BMT history (and BMT has been around since 1946!). To say that I was honored to receive that award would be an understatement! Not only did my achievements bring a cool plaque and special coin (which are awarded to every Top PT recipient), but I was also given a Commander's Coin from Colonel Liddick for marking my place in BMT history. The neatest part was that Colonel Liddick retired the Monday after we graduated, so I was the last one to receive one of her Commander's Coins... what an honor!

BMT PT, Air Force BMT Physical Training, BMT Top PT Award
Receiving the Commander's Coin—and trying to keep my bearing—from Colonel Liddick.
BMT PT, Air Force BMT Physical Training, BMT Top PT Award
My name on the 322 Squadron's Top PT board.
BMT PT, Air Force BMT Physical Training, BMT Top PT Award
With my 5K trophy & Top PT plaque—the humble-brag, if you will.
BMT PT, Air Force BMT Physical Training, Airman's Run
Leading the pack at the Airman's Run.
BMT PT, Air Force BMT Physical Training, Airman's Run
B—M—T... in the lead! 

Though I developed many strengths throughout my time at BMT, it was clear that my greatest strength was found in PT. Not only did I make significant personal gains, but I was able to help and encourage several of my flight-mates through their own PT journeys. Some of my favorite PT memories involve finishing my PT tests and running back around the track to find my wingman so I could finish with her (love you, Funkhouser!) or doing sit-ups next to my other wingman Cummings after lights out each night. I was so grateful for each experience that PT brought with it, and the opportunity to train and push my body to the limits. PT was by far my favorite part of BMT.

See my other Basic Military Training experiences here: I am an American Airman │ BMT: Retreat, Parade & Graduation │ BMT: Graduation Weekend in San Antonio │ BMT: PT & Top PT Award │ BMT: Highlights & Final Thoughts

Thursday, June 26, 2014

BMT: Graduation Weekend in San Antonio

BMT Graduation, Town Pass in San Antonio, Mi Tierra at El Mercado
Visiting Mi Tierra in El Mercado.

After graduating Air Force Basic Military Training, you are offered the opportunity to explore Lackland Air Force Base and the San Antonio area with your family for a few days before you head off to Tech School—or in my case—home. Luckily for me, I was able to go off base Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and I enjoyed every moment (some people aren't able to leave the base Sunday—it's an earned privilege).

Thursday after Retreat, I got to see all of Lackland Air Force Base, visited each BX to do a little shopping, and enjoyed one amazing—and giant—ice cream cone. There was even time to sneak in a much overdue nap... what a luxury that was!

Friday after Parade, we were released to venture out to San Antonio. After visiting El Mercado and dining on the most delicious Mexican food at Mi Tierra (their bakery is insane—you must give it a shot!), we headed over to the River Walk for a few hours to take in the sights, visit the Alamo, and grab some more grub. The River Walk was unlike anything I have ever seen before, and I absolutely loved it!

Saturday, we did a little more shopping at the BX's, drove around the city, ate even more ice cream, and eventually found ourselves at Sea World. I've been to Sea World a couple times before, but riding the roller coasters in my blues was something I won't forget anytime soon.

Sunday was a treat—I got to take my family to church! The trainee church service at Lackland is something that I will always cherish. Each Sunday brought with it happiness—and occasionally tears—and my last Sunday was something I wasn't going to miss. After church, we once again drove around San Antonio, only to find that things didn't get going in Texas quite as early as we had expected. The mall and most stores were closed until noon, so I treated myself to a manicure (it was heavenly!) and a nap. Talk about a treat!

BMT Graduation, Town Pass in San Antonio
I'd been waiting 8.5 weeks for a treat like this... it was so worth it!
BMT Graduation, Town Pass in San Antonio, River Walk San Antonio
Overlooking the River Walk.
BMT Graduation, Town Pass in San Antonio, The Alamo in San Antonio
The Alamo.
BMT Graduation, Town Pass in San Antonio
Relaxing on the River Walk.
BMT Graduation, Town Pass in San Antonio
Enjoying Lackland with my mom.

San Antonio—such a beautiful city. I was very grateful for the chance to explore it over the course of my last few days at BMT!

Sunday evening, I bid my family farewell and returned to the dorms to pack my things. Unlike almost everyone else in my flight, I was headed home for a several month break before Tech School, so it wasn't a bittersweet goodbye for me... I knew I would be seeing my family again in about 12-hours. While packing and sharing stories, I was able to look back over the last 8.5 weeks with not a single regret and a huge smile on my face. Oh BMT, what an experience!

See my other Basic Military Training experiences here: I am an American Airman │ BMT: Retreat, Parade & Graduation │ BMT: Graduation Weekend in San Antonio │ BMT: PT & Top PT Award │ BMT: Highlights & Final Thoughts

Friday, June 20, 2014

BMT: Retreat, Parade & Graduation

Air Force BMT Graduation Parade

After 8.5 long—and honestly enjoyable—weeks at Air Force Basic Military Training, I had finally made it to graduation day. What an honor—and what a relief. It was finally here.

Graduation weekend is divided into two parts, Retreat (which takes place on Thursday after the Airman's Run) and Parade (which is on Friday). Retreat began with the Honor Graduate Ceremony, which I was grateful to participate in. Out of 586 airman in our week's graduating class, I was chosen as part of the top 10% as an honor graduate. Honor graduate selection is based on several different factors, including final EOC (end of course) test score, PT (physical training) points, leadership points, and a personal rating and recommendation from your MTI. All points are added and compared and the top 10% are the ones that make the cut. I was very fortunate to be included in that group—and I took home a very neat coin, certificate, and uniform ribbon for my achievement.

After the Honor Graduate Ceremony, all of the flights march onto the retreat pad for the Airman's Coin Ceremony. After a few songs from the band flight (which I was in!), the MTI's give each new airman a coin in commemoration of their BMT achievements. Immediately after the Coin Ceremony, the new airmen are released to their families for base liberty for the day.

Air Force BMT Honor Graduate Ceremony
During the Honor Graduate Ceremony—I am in the middle (directly to the right of the MTI).
Air Force BMT Coin Ceremony
All of the flights assembled for the Airman's Coin Ceremony.
Air Force BMT Retreat Ceremony
With my husband and his brother, who joined my mom in traveling to Texas for my graduation.

Friday morning brings with it the Parade Ceremony. Parade is the last group activity for the flights, and is a formal ceremony to pay respect to the commanders and to signify our completion of BMT. We lucked out, we had a beautiful and not-too-hot day and the ceremony was amazing. After Parade, each flight returns to their dorms for an open house to show the families our living quarters before being released to explore San Antonio. 

Air Force BMT Graduation Parade
The playing of the National Anthem during Parade.
Air Force BMT Graduation Parade Band Flight
The band flight walking down the Bomb Run during Parade. I'm the last cymbal player next to the snare drummer.
Air Force BMT Graduation Parade
After Parade... no longer a "trainee," now I'm Airman Rowe!
Air Force BMT Graduation Parade
With my biggest supporter & best friend, my mom.
Air Force BMT Graduation Parade
One very proud Technical Sergeant husband with his new wife & Airman.

The last couple days at BMT were absolutely unforgettable. The time spent with my family, the last moments with my flight members, and the memories made really topped off my BMT sundae with a nice, juicy cherry. I have a couple more BMT posts to come—don't worry, I won't share every detail (I need to leave some element of surprise for future trainees!)—and I can't wait to share them. Stay tuned.

See my other Basic Military Training experiences here: I am an American Airman │ BMT: Retreat, Parade & Graduation │ BMT: Graduation Weekend in San Antonio │ BMT: PT & Top PT Award │ BMT: Highlights & Final Thoughts

Monday, June 16, 2014

I Am An American Airman

Air Force Basic Military Training Graduation Parade
Air Force Basic Military Training Top PT Award
Air Force Basic Military Training Retreat Ceremony
Air Force Basic Military Training Graduation Parade
Air Force Basic Military Training Airman's Run
Air Force Basic Military Training Guideon Bearer

I am an American Airman.
I am a warrior.
I have answered my nation's call.

I am an American Airman.
My mission is to fly, fight and win.
I am faithful to a proud heritage, 
a tradition of honor, 
and a legacy of valor.

I am an American Airman.
Guardian of freedom and justice,
my nation's sword and shield,
its sentry and avenger.
I defend my country with my life.

I am an American Airman.
Wingman, leader, warrior.
I will never leave an airman behind,
I will never falter, and I will not fail.

The Airman's Creed

... Standby for more to come! Thanks for all your long-distance support over the last two months while I was at BMT training to become an Airman in the World's Greatest Air Force. What an honor it has been!

See my other Basic Military Training experiences here: I am an American Airman │ BMT: Retreat, Parade & Graduation │ BMT: Graduation Weekend in San Antonio │ BMT: PT & Top PT Award │ BMT: Highlights & Final Thoughts

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