Reed and Mollie had a dilemma. He had to complete an eight-week-long advanced training class at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He could go this fall or wait until his reassignment to Alaska next March. They figured it would be better to do it sooner rather than later even though Mollie is expecting Connor to be born in January. At least then Mollie could and did visit Reed by driving over from Kentucky, not something she'd be able to do from Anchorage.
So it was back to barracks life for the lad. He had a "squared away" instructor, Regimental Sergeant Major Benefiel, who he really liked.
Doing the grip and grin at graduation.
Reed was one of three soldiers with the best academic performance in the class. Additionally, he was given the Super Sapper Spirit Award. Class members voted on the award recipient.
As a consequence of getting that award, Reed said he was voluntold to lead the class in reciting the NCO Creed as well as the Engineer, Ordinance, and Army songs. He is now warm and cozy back home at Fort Knox. Unfortunately we will not see Reed and Mollie this holiday season but plan to get there in February to meet our first grandchild. Can't wait.