Congratulations, Ryan!

Yesterday the listing for SSgt promotion results came out. For us it was at 6:00 AM and it was a day we had been anticipating since May 2nd. Ryan had an early promotion for SrA, which you may remember my post from here. Since he was promoted early he obviously was able to test early for SSgt. He wasn't really sure what to expect going in, but we hoped and prayed for the best and said it would be okay if he didn't pass his first time testing.

after BMT graduation

Ryan started studying back in January for an hour or so a night and then prior to the test he took 16 days off of work to hit the books. Like I said we were hopeful since he really truly did work so hard and did put so much effort into studying. It would have been fairly disappointing had he taken all that leave, put all that effort in and came up short (which DOES happen).

His test was May 2nd and after he was finished he sent me a text letting me know he had completed. I asked how he thought it went and he couldn't even really tell me, but it was much harder than what he had thought. He went through his books again since the test was so fresh in his mind to see if he could get a better idea. He thought he had done fairly well on one portion and decent on another. So from there the waiting began. Thankfully, we have great family who has been praying for (Ryan) us. I kind of let it slip to the back of my mind until recently.

Last week Ryan let me know that the selection rate had dropped something like 12%. He told me he didn't think he had a chance with the new numbers MAYBE with the old, but definitely not with the new. We were disappointed, but it is what it is. He put his best effort forward and we both knew that. He was preparing to start studying again and start the process all over. I wast trying my best to tell him not to count himself out and that it could still happen.

after the promotion ceremony for SrA

Well yesterday at 6:00 AM we found out that Ryan actually MADE Staff. His name WAS on the list and it was a complete and udder shock. Yesterday at 6 in the morning Dominick and I had a small dance party, there were high fives, clapping and a lot of cheering happening in the Boutwell house. His line number is in the 9000's, which is to be expected. He scored the 7th highest in his career field and beat out 97% of others that tested Air force wide. We were on a complete high yesterday (him more than me).

RyRy,
I am so incredibly proud of you! Your work ethic, hard work and determination are a few of the things I love the most about you. You so deserve this and it's super, super exciting to watch you succeed with your career in the Air Force. I never imagined this life that we are living, but I am so glad that I get to experience this all with you. You are destined to do great things and I'm so glad I get to cheer you on through all your accomplishments. Dominick and I love you and are super proud to be able to call you my husband/his daddy.

Love,
Al