Last Friday night, it all became official.

For those familiar with the story, allow me a brief summary of the last two years. When we decided to attend Optometry School, we also decided to pursue fulfilling that course through the military. Our initial decision was to go Navy...that was a never ending roller coaster...Brandon received notice in the spring of 2009 that he was first on the list to receive a Naval Scholarship and then found out in the fall of '09 that the Navy would still have enough Optometrists in 2012 (his graduating year) and would not be offering ANY scholarships to students in his class. So, we RUSHED to fill out the Air Force application...I should mention that the Air Force only gives out a total of 7 two year scholarships of this kind nation wide a year...by the time we decided to give it a shot, there were only 4 of these scholarships left. Just a little pressure there. But we got all our stuff in before Christmas and come early February, Brandon received a phone call that he had received one of these scholarships. AHHHHH!!!! And to make it even better, our good friends (and next door neighbors, I might add) Shawn & Kristina had applied for and ALSO received the scholarship.

Both Brandon and Shawn were sworn in as Air Force Officers last Friday night. It was a very simple ceremony...they were able to have Dr. Smith, one of their current professors and a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force do the honors in one of the rooms right there at Pacific University.

This commitment means that Brandon will serve in the Air Force Reserve for the last two years of Optometry school while they pay for all of his educational expenses and our family living expenses. When Brandon graduates, he will attend Officer training, we will be stationed at an Air Force Base, and Brandon will enter "Active Duty" status where he'll serve as an Optometrist for three years (or longer if we really like it...:)

"I, Brandon Michael Reed, having been appointed a Second Lieutenant, United States Air Force do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, so help me God."

Brandon and Dr. Smith in the process of saluting each other after the official swearing in.

Brandon and Shawn.


Dr. Smith, Brandon and I.

We went with the Skinners to dinner afterward (with no kiddos in tow) to celebrate the AwEsOmEnEsS of our husbands. (I can now OFFICIALLY say, I love Thai food. :)

We might be a little nervous about this commitment and what it means for our family, but overall, we are really excited to be a part of the United States Air Force and the services they provide for the country we love.