Ryan & The Board

I can not tell you how proud I have been of Ryan these past few weeks. He has juggled so many things...and done them so well! First of all, Ryan has taken the opportunity to take some college classes - thanks to the Army's dime! :) These classes have been in addition to his full time work. Not only has he proven that he can handle many things at once, but he has also proven that he is a little smarty pants! He has gotten an A in his American Government class and is working towards another A in his Sociology class that ends later this month.

As if a full time job and 2 college classes wasn't enough, he was told that he was going to the Promotional Board - which has been a long time coming. This Board is where he has to basically prove to his higher ranking officers that he deserves to be promoted to Sgt. As any soldier knows, this can be a brutal phase of pressure, studying, and stress. You have to be both physically and mentally ready to show them what you've got. Ryan did his best to prepare with the time given and his hard work paid off... he passed the Board!! He is well on his way to getting promoted next month. All we have to do is wait to see about the point system at the end of the month. If he has enough points (which he should) then he will officially be Sgt Ryan T. Larsen next month!

I have had to sit by and watch Ryan working so hard for all of these things. I have tried to help him study some, encourage him, and support him...but nothing beats helping him celebrate his accomplishments! With all the good news he has had, how could we not splurge a little?! I tried to surprise him with some festive decorations at home, cupcakes (chocolate), AND Mario Kart for the Wii (he has wanted this for awhile now...). He totally deserved it all and more!