Shortest Recruit Ever

Grave Disappointment #1 (GD1) became Private First Class GD1 this afternoon, having taken her oath for the Minnesota National Guard. Although it is certainly not a scientific assertion, it is believed - by me primarily - she may be the shortest recruit in Minnesota National Guard history.

The ceremony took place at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal building on the grounds of historic Fort Snelling, located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. As an aside - according to Wikipedia, Fort Snelling began taking weather records in 1820, providing the most complete records in the country.

PFC GD1 was one of five recruits taking the oath today, and the only female in the bunch. Many members of her family, 13 in all, were in attendance to show their support.

She has wanted to join the military since she was 12, and announced that decision shortly after Sept. 11, 2001. My Dearly Befuddled and I thought it was a phase she would grow out of when she discovered the phone, but it never happened.

Rather, the years since have only served to strengthen her resolve and she speaks often not about the money or educational opportunities, but going to a place like Iraq and helping people secure freedom and peace for their own children.

She ships out for Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in mid-June for basic training and is destined to be a computer specialist. After her specialized training she will be in the same unit as her uncle Sgt. Major.

We are very proud of her today.