Army Cadets

Just had a busy few days in Otterburn Army Camp. (A statement I never expected to make in this life time!)

Our son Paul is in the military and Barbs and I and his sister, Sarah are hugely proud of him. Before he went to Afghanistan he made a DVD. A collage of stills and videos of him growing up from infancy to the present, set to music. Very moving. We couldn't watch it whilst he was in the war zone. We could only pray for his safe return. Our hearts go out to those parents whose sons have returned in a flag draped coffin.

We stepped into Paul's territory recently when we visited him in the USA. He is on exchange to US Air Force for 2 years and is Flight Commander running the combat and technical training school on a large Airbase in Georgia. My little boy whose first 3 words were "Mummy, sweeties, football" (not necessarily in that order!) is now this 6ft 5" commanding character who calls forth respect and trust from his men. He made the right choice of career and it has been good for him though not without its moments of anxiety for us!

So having a son in the military has made me think of young people who set their sights on a military career. They often begin in the Cadets. Part of sabbatical exploration has been to see hundreds of these young people at their annual training camp. I've met energetic, enthusiastic young people full of hope and high ideal. I've met some great volunteers including the chaplains who endeavour to meet the spiritual needs of these young people and lay a foundation of faith.

Army food takes no account of calories! Sugar, fat and carbohydrates were in plentiful supply!
Also sleeping in an Army billet meant encountering men who could snore louder than me! Life is a great and constant learning experience!