Tyler's Graduation/Commissioning

Saturday was Tyler's big day.  He graduated from the University of Idaho, on the Dean's List, and was also commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force.

 We are all SO proud of him!!  Saturday morning was the graduation ceremony.  They had predicted cold weather, rain, and possible tornadoes.  Good thing those weathermen don't usually know what they are talking about.  The weather was beautiful!

All 1500 graduates heading down the road.

Here come the ROTC cadets behind the Dean.

There's Tyler!

The color guard bringing in the flags.

Waiting for Uncle Tyler's name to be called.

And waiting some more.

Walking up toward the stage.

"Tyler Vern Merritt"

This is his photo from the overhead screens.

Tyler in front of the Engineering Building on the UofI campus.

The graduate and some of his favorite little people.

Saturday evening was the commissioning ceremony, which was held in Pullman, Washington at the WSU campus.  Tyler had asked Braison and Lilian to pin his rank on his cover (hat) during the ceremony.  They were thrilled to be involved and they will later realize what an honor it was to be a part of this.  Thank you Tyler for including them!

Grandad (USAF Capt. Retired) swearing in Tyler.

Again.

So Proud!

Dad and Mom pinning ranks on shoulders/Braison and Lilian pinning rank on cover.

Tyler pinning the parent pin on Mom.

Receiving his first salute.

Tyler and his girlfriend, Charley (she will graduate and be commissioned in two more years).

Our Officer - 2nd Lt. Tyler Merritt

Waiting for more photos.

Tyler, Sue, Dad

John, Tyler, Mom

Grandma, Tyler, Grandad

The whole lot of us.

Our two servicemen. 

Tyler was also accepted into flight school, another HUGE honor.  So, now he is off for the next year to Laughlin, TX to work on earning his wings.   

A note for Tyler:

I know I speak for more than just myself when I say how proud I am of you and how much I love you.  You have accomplished so much these last five grueling years!  It took guts; you got those.  It took brains; we all know you have an abundance of those!  It also took a lot of hard work, discipline, courage, dedication, perseverance, concentration, and determination; you have proven to have all of these things as well. 
My heart is bursting with pride and joy for all that you have accomplished, will accomplish, and the man you have become.  You are proof that dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them.  I am confident that you will continue to excel and reach any goal that you set for yourself.  Remember, excellence is not a skill, but rather an attitude.
Thank you for being you.  Thank you for the sacrifice you have made to keep us safe and free.  I could not have asked for a greater baby brother or uncle for my children.  You are the epitome of what a solider should be.
Good luck.  Stay safe.

It isn't over, in fact it's all just now beginning.