Proud Parent (great kid)

[ToUtahNow]

As some of you are aware my oldest son is an Apache Pilot in the Army. He has served two tours in Iraq, one tour in Kosovo and is now stationed State side as an Observer/Trainer over Army war games. I received a call from him earlier this afternoon inviting my wife and I to attend his promotion ceremony to Major. I find myself both proud and humbled at the same time. You raise these kids hoping they will turn out okay and it is so rewarding when they grow up and far exceed your expectations.

Mark

[Drain Medic]

Congrats Mark....I know your a proud man right now, its such a good feeling to see the kids grow up (mine are alot younger) and achieve the things that they set their minds on, both young and old....Again, congrats Mark

Greg

[oldslowchevy]

some guys have all the luck, great job mark as i know it takes work to rasie kids.

[garager]

That is really nice, someday I hope I'm feeling just like you are now. :bravo:

[jbergstrom]

Congratulations Mark :cool:

I'm very glad your son survived his tours and is now stateside :)

Iraq is/was very hard on helo's, I'll bet you rest a lot easier these days ;)

[drtyhands]

Congratulations Mark.
It appears the son has reflected his father well.

[biscuit]

From your description of his tours, his promotion is well deserved. You have a right to be proud, and he should be as well.

[Frankiarmz]

Mark congrats to you, your son and family. I can't imagine his accomplishments and your sense of joy and pride. Hope the feeling lasts a real long time.

[ToUtahNow]

Thanks for the kind words guys. I am very proud of all of my kids but during a time of war Jaysen's service gets extra credit.

By the way I didn't post it earlier but when Jaysen was 5-years old he and his best friend both decided they wanted to be military helicopter pilots. Because of some sad twists of faith his friend spent some time growing up in our home. His friend is now a Major in the Marines and is an Osprey Instructor, soon Jaysen will be a Major in the Army critiquing and training helicopter pilots and ground units. It took 30-years but they are both living their dreams.

Mark

[JimDon]

Wow, Mark, You must be proud. You and your wife must have been a he!! of a good pair of parents. This kind of reward doesn't just happen by itself. Children, no matter what age, model their behavior based on what they have learned from their parents. Bask in the great feeling of accomplishment that you must be feeling now. You've earned it. Think I'll drink a toast tonight to you and yours, your son, and the best friend who lived in your house and picked up on good behavior also.
Jim Don

[Josh]

Congratz to your son and to you Mark. From what I have heard about your kids you have done a great job raising them. That's the cure to the generation Y worries... a solid and well grounded generation mentoring and molding the next generation into responsible and respectable adults.

[PLUMBER RICK]

As some of you are aware my oldest son is an Apache Pilot in the Army. He has served two tours in Iraq, one tour in Kosovo and is now stationed State side as an Observer/Trainer over Army war games. I received a call from him earlier this afternoon inviting my wife and I to attend his promotion ceremony to Major. I find myself both proud and humbled at the same time. You raise these kids hoping they will turn out okay and it is so rewarding when they grow up and far exceed your expectations.

Mark

mark, seeing that you told joey that you can watch me anytime:D
when are we;) going to your sons ceremony:confused:

congratulations to jaysen, brenda, yourself and the rest of the family:thumbup2::thumbup2:

i know what i will be giving him as a gift:rolleyes:. lets just say it's something joey didn't want.

congrats again, and fill me in.

rick.

[CWSmith]

Mark,

This is great news and I'm very happy that you have shared it with us. No doubt whatsoever that you are a very proud father and rightly so. Congratulations to you and all your family, and especially to Jaysen.

I am so grateful for his service and dedication and wish you all, the very best future possible. I'm sure this will be a spectacular Christmas holiday for everyone.

CWS

[MrsSeatDown]

Wow Mark! That is impressive. The happiest people are those being able to live out their dreams-what an achievement.

Now you sold me-I'm sending you and Brenda my "kid"-turn him into a grown-up. I must warn you. He eats a lot and turns his nose up at the sight of veggies. Maybe you guys could work on that too:p

[VASandy]

Congratulations!! I'm sure the promotion is well-deserved. It's great to hear about the good things the younger generation is doing.

Please send along my thanks to your son as well. I can't imagine how difficult a job it is as a soldier, but I do appreciate the things they do.

[ToUtahNow]

Wow Mark! That is impressive. The happiest people are those being able to live out their dreams-what an achievement.

Now you sold me-I'm sending you and Brenda my "kid"-turn him into a grown-up. I must warn you. He eats a lot and turns his nose up at the sight of veggies. Maybe you guys could work on that too:p

Oddly enough Brenda has never grown up but that's what I love about her. As far as vegtables that would be tough as Brenda won't eat vegtables either. However, we will do our best to turn your boy into a man.

Mark :cool:

[HVAC HAWK]

mark congrats and tell him thanks for keeping us safe

[DUNBAR]

Congrats!


My kids are still in the cell unification process; egglands best hasn't arrived at the present moment. :D

[ToUtahNow]

I just got a call from our local Congressman who has asked if he could attend Jaysen’s promotion ceremony. We go way back with the Congressman and I’m sure Jaysen will be excited to see him attend.

Mark

[ToUtahNow]

Okay today was the big day of Jaysen's promotion. I have included a picture from the promotion.

Left to Right

Brigadier General Pittard (Commanding General)

Major Jaysen Yochim

Congressman McKeon

Lieutenant Colonel Dragon

Colonel Brown

We had a whole bunch of extended family and friends there and a good time was had by all.

Mark

[PLUMBER RICK]

congratulations mark and brenda.

jaysen, you make your family very proud of your accomplishments.

you make america even prouder.

congratulations to the entire yochim family:bravo:

rick.

[ToUtahNow]

Thank you Rick.

Mark