It was unbelievably hot that day.

But then again, it was the middle of summer in Texas.

Every trainee stood at attention out on the field in the blistering sun. We glanced up toward the stands, hoping to catch a glimpse of our loved ones who had come to watch the ceremony. Even though it was a happy day, we were still exhausted.

And honestly… pretty miserable.

The military band played the National Anthem, which was followed by several speeches from military officials.

As the ceremony continued, my mind started to wander. At one point I remember thinking, “Okay… let’s get this done”.

After all, our flight would be the last one recognized.

But just as the announcer reached our flight and began calling the names of the graduates, something unexpected happened.

It started to rain.

Hard.

And after weeks of marching, sweating, and training under the scorching Texas sun, that rain felt incredible.

For a moment we weren’t sure what to do.

So we just stood there.

Perfectly still in formation.

Then we noticed something.

Our training instructors were laughing.

They turned and looked back at us, and for the first time since we had arrived at Lackland, their expressions weren’t intense or demanding.

They looked proud.

We glanced at one another and couldn’t help but smile while the rain poured down as our names were called.

Finally, the announcer said the words we had all been waiting to hear.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in congratulating the graduates of the 737th Training Squadron… your newest United States Airmen.”

At that moment the band began playing the Air Force song, “Wild Blue Yonder”.

Before I even realized it, tears were streaming down my face.

We had done it.

We had officially crossed into the blue.

We were no longer trainees.

We were Airmen.

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Excerpt from Chapter 3: Into the Blue
“Supernova: How the Hardest Seasons Teach Us to Shine”
By Sonya Summey Miller