On Friday night I got a call from one of my best friends and Model UN teammate at school. In a place where it is sometimes 'cool' to be cynical or apathetic, my buddy is not afraid to recognize what a significant responsibility we will be given upon graduation and everything he does at the Academy centers around becoming a better leader. He frequently keeps in mind the soldiers he will one day lead and he is very concerned with whether or not he'll be the best Platoon Leader that his soldiers deserve. He's an awesome guy and I completely respect him. I can't wait to see him get his platoon and his future infantrymen are lucky to have such a dedicated 2LT coming to them.

So, on the phone, my buddy was disappointed; he had just gotten word that his mother would not be able to come to his graduation as she is very busy in another part of the world. Luckily his dad was going to be there, but it made me feel so much worse for not being able to be there. Anyhow, he wanted to tell me that he was saving for me the crossed rifles infantry insignia that he would wear to his graduation. That was a pretty special feeling. When the time comes, his will definitely be the first insignia I wear on my uniform!

Unfortunately I wasn't there and didn't get to see President Obama or all of my buddies graduate, but nonetheless, congratulations to the Class of 2010!

Geeves, Kyle, Concon, Issa, Sam, Sqeezeball, Emily, Jimbo, Dan, Sean, Joe, Ryan, Jon, Greg, and everyone else, congratulations and good luck!