I know I blogged about this already, but I promised I'd write about it when it became official.

For those of you who don't know, my husband Lonesome Traveler and our fellow blogger Imajinit tested for the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6) back in April this year.  TSgt is reputed to be one of the harder ranks to make....and they both found out this week that they made the grade and are now officially TSgt selectees.  Out of all the Staff Sergeants that tested Air Force wide, only 21% were promoted, so they should be pretty proud of themselves.  The rank also brings with it a somewhat significant pay increase (almost $300 a month).

Lonesome called me earlier this evening to tell me that he got a visit at his dorm (barracks) from his squadron commander and a few other people, who presented him with a bottle of chilled champagne with his TSgt stripes tacked to it...and the commander had purchased a fifth of Jack Daniels that he gave Lonesome as well.  It's traditional for the promotee to fork out $10 a stripe for a tab at the local watering hole...so we had to cough up $100 for Lonesome and his buddies to have a drink on us tomorrow night.  I don't mind, it's a very special occasion...and like I told him, I'll make sure I get mine.  In fact, there's a puppy I've had my eye on......that could be my promotion gift!  I know I'm not the one wearing the uniform, but as any long-time married military person will tell you, the spouse sacrifices almost as much as the active duty member does sometimes...so in a way, this is my promotion too!

Lonesome, I'm incredibly proud of you.  You said that you had 2 goals when you went to Thule:  to finish your degree, and to make rank.  You've achieved both of those.  A l'dodi vie dodi l'ei.....ad infinitum.

MJ....good on ya!  I know this rank means a lot to you too.....now you have no excuse to not make an honest woman out of Em!