8/31 Up Date on Mate Matt

[CaptBob]

July 18 my son and Mate reported for Basic Training at Great Lakes for the Navy. Matt was studying Engenering in College and was accepted into the Navy's Nuclear Engineering Program.

We just received a letter from him yesterday, Matt was nominated by his Division Commander to compete for one of several awards given by the Navy.

12 Recruits were chosen from the 1100 to compete. After reviewing his physical performance, Inspections, Academic scores and leadership Matt was awarded the "Military Excellance Award". as the #1 recruit. At Graduation he will lead all 12 Divisions, and recieve a Commendation from the Admiral.

Could Not Be Any Prouder!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gerry Zagorski]

Wow Bob.... You have to be beaming from ear to ear.

Congrats to Matt and kudos to you and the wife for raising such a great young man.... These sorts of things don't happen by accident... Nice to watch an arrow hit it's target.

[tropics]

Great job Bob raising him to a very high standard, you and the misses should be proud.
Tell him I said Congrats keep at it.

[tautog]

Great job.

[shrimpman steve]

you must be very proud! My son, although only 15, is seriously considering the militay. He spent two weeks at a camp in TN. this summer that duplicates basic training, he flourished.

I can only hope he follows in your sons footsteps of excellence!

[joec]

Good ol Great Mistakes. Congrats to the Seamen Recruit! That award will look great on the eval, like a guaranteed advancement. What week is he in? Please thank him for his service.

[CaptBob]

Joe,

He is in last week....PIR on Fri 9/14....waiting now for the I'm a Sailor call after Battle Stations..........

[bunker dunker]

Please Tell Him Congrats!!!!!!

[CaptBob]

Watched Matt's Class Pass In Review this past Friday, most amazing experience. Proud to see all those young Men & Women step up to Protect our Freedom.

Meet the Most Amazing Man John Spadaro "Sarge", originally from Brooklyn, relocated in Chicago. Sarge served 20 years in the ARmy, for every Graduation he and his wife host a Meet and Great Dinner for the Recruits families at no charge, he does this every week. A True American Patriot.

Matt received a Citation from Admiral John Steindl for Military Excellence, a Gold Watch and the Admirals Personal Coin, So Proud....what a way to start a career.

MAtt is now stationed in Goose Creek, SC for his Nuclear Engineering training for the next 16 months........

[joec]

Man those pictures bring back memories (unfortunately not the ones of individual awards... i did a few extra push ups in boot). That kid has a great start to a promising career and many great memories! Thanks again for his service. I wish my wife would let me go back!