Ryan is officially a Staff Sgt. today. We found out on August 20th that he had received a line number from the Staff Test (essentially meaning he passed the test). His line number was low enough that he did not have to wait very long to actually put his new rank on. For those close to us, you know that this day has been about 3 years coming and has at times been frustrating, discouraging and painful.
With that behind us, his promotion ceremony was Friday afternoon. His colleagues were there, as was our good friend Brian to celebrate with him. For those who are not familiar to military promotions, you have your stripes literally "punched on". Ryan chose his supervisor and the NCOIC incharge of his department to punch his stripes on. Both of these men have been very supportive of Ryan since we have been at the Academy. I am very proud of Ryan for persevering, pushing himself and remaining committed to a strong work ethic, no matter what rank he wears.
So, Ryan is asking me to be sure to call him Sgt. from now on...I don't know if that applies to everyone else as well or not. But maybe you could be sure to call him "Sergeant Struck" at least for this week.
