Fort Knox

Lots of people are in Louisville for Derby Week.  We're here to see grandson Tony Hinkle's graduation from cavalry scout training at Fort Knox. The festivities started with dinner at the Fort on Wednesday evening.  Matt, Suzy, and Andrew had arrived.  Sister, Kaci, is not too far away in Cleveland, but she had a show opening and couldn't come.

Here's Tony's official picture.

Big crowd at dinner -- soldiers, families, and friends.  Took about three hrs. to get everybody through the serving line, so we had a good visit with Tony. 

Graduation was Thursday morning.  The Cavalry Scout's function is to be the force commander's eyes and ears on the battlefield.  First in, last out is their motto.  Their heritage goes back to the horse cavalry days. They've still got the hats and spurs.

Now they travel by humvee and Bradley fighting vehicle.

A big concern was whether Tony's Drill Sergeant would release the troop after graduation, or continue to work them on barracks clean-up.  Tony got to sleep from 3 to 330 am Wednesday night; the rest of the time was spent on clean-up -- cleaning bathroom tile with toothbrushes, e.g.  Inspection passed and we soon headed back to our KOA campground, with lunch (Tony's first civilian food in 16 weeks) along the way, for some R&R 

In Tuzigoot we watched a video about his training -- obstacle courses, etc.  A lot of this was done in very cold winter weather.  Something like 30% of those who started dropped out along the way.  Tony's rightly proud of what he's accomplished and learned about himself and we're all very proud of him.

From the KOA the Hinkle clan headed to the airport and the flight home.  Tony has 10 days leave, then reports to Fort Hood for further training. 

We're flying to Raleigh on Friday for a visit with Mike, Karen, and Jason.  Back here Sunday and then depart for Sioux City, IA on Monday.

Cheers,

Susie and Rob