I met my husband, Rich, in San Antonio, Texas. He was at Randolph AFB for P.I.T. (Pilot Instructor Training). We did not meet at the Auger Inn at the base (as some future spouses did), but at church.
He came into the young adult Sunday School class with a friend of his, also going through P.I.T. I noticed him and thought he was cute. Our class had decided to meet to play putt-putt golf. Rich shared with me later that he HATES golf (it’s too slow for him and he’s not that good at it), but thought it would be a good way to meet people.
He saw me, thought I was cute, and worked to get in my group as we were splitting into groups of 3 or 4. He cracked corny jokes the whole time, and I laughed, so he decided then that I was a keeper!
We started going out. Our first date was to see the movie “Princess Bride” in the theater. He had some friends, another pilot and his wife (Mike and Monica) that he would regularly get together for a meal with. So naturally he brought me along.
I sat at the table, enjoying a home-cooked meal, as military acronyms flew across the table like popcorn in a popper! I smiled politely, but had no idea what they were talking about. I eventually learned many acronyms, but confess that even now I don’t know them all.
When your child or loved one comes home from school or work for a visit, he or she might also use acronyms when he talks about his experiences. Fortunately, there are many resources available for those new to the military to understand the lingo (see list below).
Also, don’t be shy like me, just use your parental prerogative and ask your child. They will most likely be happy to tell you, knowing that they have one up on you!
http://www.militaryspouseprogram.com/military-spouse-lingo-ultimate-guide-new-military-spouses/
http://marriedtothearmy.com/army-acronyms-and-abbreviations/
http://www.operationwearehere.com/Parents.html
http://www.operationwearehere.com/MilitaryLifeDeploymentReintegrationBooks.html
(Wow! Wish I had read some of these when we were starting out in the military!)
Leave a Reply