No Result
View All Results
Reserve & National Guard
SUBSCRIBE FREE
No Result
View All Results
Reserve & National Guard
SUBSCRIBE FREE
Reserve & National Guard

The journey of a young soldier

Nancy Craker-Yahman
by Nancy Craker-Yahman
July 26, 2019
Pfc. Yahman, pictured with his mom Nancy, after returning home from AIT. Submitted photo.

Pfc. Yahman, pictured with his mom Nancy, after returning home from AIT. Submitted photo.

As a new military mom, I am quickly learning a few things. The Army has a lot of acronyms and nothing compares to the moment your soldier comes home.

Our soldier graduated from Army Advanced Individual Training — AIT for other newcomers — at Fort Lee, Virginia, early this year. He was happy to leave his memories of basic training and successful completion of AIT behind him for a little while. For the next month or so, he would be able to take a much-needed break from grueling workouts, intense training, class sessions, rushed meals, ruck marches, instant push-ups, constant screaming and a lack of sleep.

The arrival screen. Submitted photo.

The journey he started on January 16, 2019, was complete for now. Our soldier, a proud member of the Massachusetts National Guard, knows that at any time he could be called upon to lend his helping hands and newly-trained skills. Throughout the morning and into the afternoon, he kept us up to date on his arrival into Logan.

The time had finally arrived! Our second opportunity to reunite with Zachary and we couldn’t wait to take him home.  As we made our way inside the terminal, we immediately found the flight arrival screen. Making our way to the correct hall, we were not successful in locating him right away. My husband and I decided to split up and head to different sections of the airport in order to try and locate him.

As my eyes scanned the area for our son, my husband called me on my cell phone to say he found Zachary. My feet did their best to keep up with the rush in my head.  As I turned the corner, there he was. Our very own Pfc. Yahman. His bright smile could be seen from a mile away and on the evening of his homecoming, it lit up the airport.

Pfc. Zachary Yahman returning home from AIT. Submitted photo.

As we embraced, I could feel his newly found confidence and strength, and his need to hold on for a little while longer. I did not object. His stuffed green duffle bags were the first items to fall from the conveyor belt. I was surprised at how full and heavy they were. He picked those bags up like they were 10-pound weights and swung one onto the front of his chest and the other onto his back.

During the car ride home, he took it all in. He appreciated being able to get comfortable in the front seat of the car and stretch his legs. He took pleasure in sipping a large coffee on the long ride home. I observed how he was able to relax and that he enjoyed being in the company of his parents. He engaged us in conversation and asked questions. How had the weather been? How was his brother? His grandparents? His faithful dog, Buddy? He looked forward to seeing their faces, giving each of them a hug and a firm handshake.

Upon his reentry into the civilian world, we often hear him say, “Ask me a question or two.”During the past couple of months, we have tuned into his stories like a long-anticipated radio program. He recalls certain situations, stressors and what it takes to become a competent 92Y.

He’s also skilled in the art of humility, shying away from bragging on his victories of completing AIT training. Though, he often speaks on the success of his fellow soldiers.

Ever since he was little, Zachary has been known for his storytelling skills. His latest chapter is about balancing life as a full-time university student along with being a proud member of the Massachusetts National Guard.  His upcoming field work and missions will have him creating new life experiences that I look forward to following through his words. Grateful to have a son that serves, we will continue to proudly follow our young soldier’s journey every step of the way.

Read comments
Tags: AITFort LeeMassachusetts National Guardmilitary moms
Nancy Craker-Yahman

Nancy Craker-Yahman

Nancy Craker-Yahman is a fan of all things education. She has spent most of her career teaching abroad and called Hong Kong, the Dominican Republic, and Malaysia home. Her passion for sharing aspects of her life as a proud National Guard mom prompts her to write. Her writing offers readers perspectives and insight into people, places, and things they might not otherwise experience. Nancy and her family are committed to doing good. They are active volunteers in their community. Through their participation in volunteer work, they can give back, so it came as no surprise when their eldest son Zachary, enlisted in the Massachusetts National Guard. Nancy is more than a proud mom; she is a proud Blue Star Mom.

Related Posts

Navy Seabees build home for Native Americans in need

by AmeriForce Exclusive
3 months ago
0
Seabees

Seabees put the finishing touches on a dwelling built for a family in need as part of a partnership with...

Read more

2023 Warrior Games Challenge athletes praise competition amid recovery

by Christopher Adams
3 months ago
0
Warrior Games Challenge

Two reserve component athletes are among those who medaled at the 2023 Department of Defense Warrior Games Challenge.

Read more

Are You Minding Your Mind?

by AmeriForce Exclusive
3 months ago
0
YogaFit

YogaFit Positive Psychology training practices awareness, creating new neural pathways & learning easy skills to shift habits in our minds.

Read more

5 ways I balance being a reservist and a mom

by Emily Solberg
4 months ago
0
balance

As both a mother and an Army reservist, I'm always striving to find balance between each role. And sometimes that...

Read more

YogaFit’s warrior’s program aids those dealing with trauma

by AmeriForce Exclusive
5 months ago
0
YogaFit

YogaFit for Warriors is a trauma-informed program designed for those who have PTSD or a desire to help those with...

Read more

Guardsmen, reservists would get expanded parental leave under Senate bill

by Military.com
6 months ago
0
Parental leave

After the expansion of parental leave for active-duty, a bipartisan Senate effort would give guardsmen and reservists comparable benefits.

Read more

Ads

Let's get social

The RNG Drill

News delivered directly to your inbox

Let's connect!

ABOUT US

  • OUR STORY
  • OUR TEAM
  • OUR WRITERS

MAGAZINE

  • GET PRINT
  • GET DIGITAL
  • GET THE NEWSLETTER

ADVERTISE

  • GET OUR MEDIA KIT
  • PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT

SUBMISSIONS

  • SUBMIT YOUR STORY

Never miss out on the latest stories.

© 2021 Reserve & National Guard by AmeriForce. Privacy Policy | Terms | Site by Swiss Commerce

Thank you for your interest in The Reserve & National Guard Magazine!

Thank you for your interest in The Reserve & National Guard Magazine!

No Result
View All Results
  • NEWS
  • YOUR CAREER
    • UNIT TRAINING
    • DEPLOYMENT
    • PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    • RECRUITING & RETENTION
    • ENTREPRENEUR
    • TRANSITION
  • EDUCATION
  • MILITARY LIFE
    • MILITARY SPOUSES
    • MILITARY KIDS
    • PARENTING
  • OFF DUTY
    • ENTERTAINMENT
    • TRAVEL
  • HEALTH
    • FITNESS
    • MEDICINE
    • MENTAL HEALTH
  • SPORTS
  • OPINION
  • HISTORY
  • MONEY
    • PERSONAL FINANCE
    • BENEFITS
  • GET THE MAGAZINE
    • PRINT MAGAZINES
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINES
    • GET THE NEWSLETTER
  • ABOUT US
    • MEET OUR TEAM
    • OUR AUTHORS
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
    • SUBMIT YOUR STORY
    • PITCH US
    • CONTACT

© 2022 Reserve & National Guard by AmeriForce. Site by SCBW