~ Zach Says Goodbye ~

Zachary left home today. He got on a plane that flew him to San Antonio where he will begin his new life in the Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base. Saying goodbye was both easier and harder than I imagined. There are few words to describe the emotions we all felt as we watched him swear in, get on the bus, and leave. My camera saved me from breaking down completely, so I will let the images do what they do best - tell the story better than I ever could. :~)

I, Zachary Charles Warner, 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, and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

After he is sworn in, Zach completes the final paperwork with Capt. Flores, USMC. The different branches all work together to get the recruits processed on on their way.

Zach and his girlfriend Audra spent a few last precious moments together before he leaves.

Boys will be boys and Zachary proves it by playing around with little brother Mikey.  Some things never change.

Horseplay and laughter come to an end when everyone realizes it's time to say goodbye.  Brother Andrew gives Zach one last hug before he leaves.

This is the moment I've been looking forward to and dreading for almost a year.  On the one hand, I'm so excited for Zach to start his great adventure, but on the other hand, I don't want my little boy to go.

Zach gets a hug and kiss from Dad.  The boys have all been taught that you're never too old to kiss your parents and they're never too old to be kissed.

Audra pauses for a moment for one final look into Zach's eyes.  They won't see each other until July when he graduates basic training.

Mikey watches the bus carrying Zach as it leaves the parking lot and heads for the airport.  Due to scheduling conflicts, Mikey won't be able to attend Zach's graduation from basic training and the boys don't know when they'll see each other again.

Arm in arm, everyone heads back to the car for the long ride home as Zach heads to the airport for the long flight to Lackland.











To see more images from this series, click this sentence.


There are no words to express the range of emotions that I'm feeling.  Today was a monumental day in our lives and the day that I will mark down as the day my boy became a man.

~ Jody ~