Major | I am JuJu!

This week was Chris’ promotion ceremony to the rank of Major in the United States Air Force. It was truly an awesome evening with family and friends. We have a lot of family who were unable to be there so I thought I would do a recap of the ceremony in pictures.

First and foremost, I am so thankful for a husband who has devoted over 20 years to serving his country! I come from a long line of military service members and marrying military was a completely natural step for me. Being a military spouse isn’t easy, but I wouldn’t change a thing!

Chris asked my dad to come and perform the promotion ceremony. My dad is a retired Colonel who served 27 years in both the Marines and Air Force. He has been a tremendous mentor for Chris not only professionaly, but spiritually as well. My dad also commissioned Chris 10 years ago as a 2nd Lieutenant. I was extrememly emotional as I watched the 2 most important men in my life interact with one another. My sister snapped the picture below before the ceremony of the 2 of them discussing the order of events. I posted it on my personal Facebook page yesterday and a friend of ours said “It looks like they are planning an invasion!”

After talking about Chris’ military career, my dad administered the Oath of Office. My heart swelled as I listened to the words my husband spoke:

“I, Christopher Eli Coryell, having been appointed a Major in the United States Air Force do solemnly swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I about to enter. So help me God.”

The ceremony was held at the university where Chris teaches the leadership level course to the ROTC cadets who are Juniors. It is an elite, aeronautical university that has over 200 cadets. All the cadets were in attendance. I love the shot below of the cadets standing at attention as the Oath of Office was administered.

The girls and I then went up and pinned on his new rank. I was so proud of both of the girls and how well they did in front of such a large group of people! They both struggle with anxiety, but Chris was so great to walk them through the process before the ceremony and tell them what to expect. Skylar leaned in at one point and whispered “Mom, how do I do this?” I was so proud of her! For those of you with kids on the spectrum, you know this is HUGE!

After the pinning, Chris spoke for a bit. I love this shot of him below. It looks like he is trying to lead the group in a choreographed dance! He is so animated when he speaks!

Thankful for all of our family who was able to attend! Chris’ mom came all the way from Maine.

Her brother, Dick and his wife Bonnie were visiting family nearby and were able to drive over for the day. It was really neat to have them there as Dick retired after serving 26 years in the Army.

My sister and her family drove up from Phoenix. My niece Samantha had a HUGE smile on her face during the ceremony. She sure does love her Uncle Chris!

And her Grandpa!

My nephew Ben was a hoot the entire evening! First he chatted with the Colonel asking him if he had flown his plane during the war. Love that my dad is totally cracking up.

Then, Ben and Chris had a lesson on how to salute properly.

I love this shot of the Colonel, Chris, my dad, and the Lieutenant Colonel together.

Chris gave me a dozen roses for being a totally awesome wife and mother! (HA!)

On our way back to the car we came upon Ben and Hailey doing the Tango. I totally laughed that Hailey had a rose in her mouth! Who did she learn that from?