The 7 months in Florida were in great anticipation to this special ceremony. Because the Flight Surgeons learned how to fly, they received gold wings. Their gold wings are different than pilot gold wings. The career pilots have anchors on their wings. The flight surgeons have an acorn. Here is a short summary of the meaning of the Winging Tradition.
"The wings awarded to the Navy Medical Department officers who have completed the prescribed course of instruction are modeled after the wings worn by other US Navy designated flight personnel. The distinguishing feature is the central corps device. Flight Surgeons' wings have the Medical corps insignia as the wing centerpiece with an acorn superimposed on the oak leaf. The significance of the oak leaf to the healing art precedes the appearance of the more traditional caduceus by centuries. The awarding of the "Wings of God" is a symbolic milestone reserved for those who have successfully completed both a stringent academic syllabus and a demanding program of Navy flight training. The wings represent the ultimate sign of credibility to the line community these officers will serve."
Kevin's father, Neil, placed Kevin's wings on him. It has been great to be by Kevin's side and support him, but its not very often that he will get awards like this, so we felt it was important for his parents to take part of it too.
On stage, left to right: CAPT Richard A. Beane, Joey, Me, Emma, Kevin, Jean, Neil (Kevin's parents).
On the other side of the stage, Kevin received his a Certificate of Completion. Left to right: CAPT John Heil, Me, Joey, Emma, The Honorable Juan M. Garcia III (Assistant Secretary of the Navy), Kevin, Jean, and Neil.
This is Brennan. He is the cutest kid. He and Joey were good friends. They had their moments but they always looked forward to playing trains together. Brennan is now in Oahu, Hawaii while his Dad is a Flight Surgeon there for 3 years.
Our great friends came to support Kevin (Lacey, Ayden, Me, Joey, Kevin, Emma, Neil, Jean, Rhiannon, Tyler, Scott).
Proud Father and Son! These two are two peas in a pod. Its great to see them together. They get along so well and can pretty much finish each others sentences.
You know, I didn't even take a picture up close of the wings cause I am a loser, but if you look up close to his uniform, you can see them above his ribbons.
Every Thursday, we got together and scrapbooked for the last 7 months. It was great because our kids would play and we would be a great support to one another. I will deeply miss these amazing women.
Now its off to the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Arizona. Kevin will be the Flight Surgeon for roughly about 200 Marines. They are his primary patients. He will keep them fit to fly, go with them on deployments, and be a support to them. He is now condsidered an Attending Physician! We are so pleased with you, Sweetheart!
1 comment:
Doorly, you are amazing and so is your husband! I am so glad you had such a fun time in Florida. Good luck in Arizona. Everyone you meet is lucky to have met you as you have so many talents and so much love to offer!
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