Natan's Big Day

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Today was the day that has brought us to Madison, Wisconsin-- the graduation of our godson, Natan Micah Cohen, from the University of Wisconsin, and his commissioning as a Second Lieutenant into the U.S. Air Force.

The day began auspiciously, with no rain! We prepared for “scattered showers beginning at noon,” however, by dressing warmly and taking rain ponchos. We also packed into our car Natan’s violin and guitar, both of which we’d transported for him from New Jersey, and a walking cane for Joe, realizing that the distances inside the graduation venue (Camp Randall Stadium) might be lengthy. We had written ahead, however, and obtained special parking permits and tags for those with physical limitations, so we hoped to be close to our destination.

It took about 20 minutes to drive around the lake to the stadium, and of course there was a lot of

pedestrian traffic once we were in the immediate vicinity-- hundreds of graduates clad in black and red gowns crossing toward the stadium as we crept slowly up to the parking deck. Sure enough, we were in great shape, being able to park right next to the elevator in the corner of the deck closest to the door we were entering. Although there were mobs of happy families, we didn’t have far to walk at all to get inside. Once upstairs, we found our way to section W (where the rest of the Cohen family was already sitting). We sat in the top row, however, so Joe would not have to climb up too many steps once the graduation was over. Amazingly, Natan was able to see us, and he took a photo from his seat down on the ground. Maybe it helped that we were defiantly wearing our Michigan State sweatshirts, and the green stood out in a sea of Wisconsin red.

The commencement ceremonies began promptly at noon, and ran according to schedule, ending in just about the 90 minutes that we’d been prepared for. The graduation speaker, journalist David Muir, was pretty good, and we enjoyed the opening performance by one of UW’s a cappella groups. The most fun part was a brief “Jump Around” approximately 3/4 of the way through the ceremonies, one last opportunity for the graduates to experience the famous 3rd quarter UW football tradition.

Natan and Ruby

When the graduation was over, we wended our way through the thousands of others to get back to our car, and then to Natan and Ruby’s apartment only a few blocks away. While Natan got his degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ruby was getting her Master's in Social Work. We had a bite to eat at their place, and met Ruby’s parents, Katie and Paul. They were very lovely, and we enjoyed our break in the action. Natan had less time, of course--he had to hurry out again, dressed in his beautiful uniform, to get to the base ahead of us. The rest of us--Ann and Steve, Noah, Adam, Katie and Paul, Ruby, and Joe and I-- arrived at about 3:30, went through the security at the gate of the Truax Field Air National Guard Base, and then into the building, which was basically an airplane hangar set up with a stage and rows of chairs for all the guests.

The ceremony was very moving, very special, and we were all so proud and moved by it. There were 34 graduates of the ROTC program and I didn’t count but I think about 25% of them were women. All four branches of the armed services were represented. First, of course, was a Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, and then an address by Major General James Jacobson, who was very personable and spoke well about how these young men and women were trained for leadership, and how important that is. Then the entire group repeated together their Oath of Office. After that was the actual presesntation of their commissions.

They went up in groups of four, each one being called by name and handed his or her certificate. They spaced themselves evenly across the stage as they came up. Then we were told what each one would be going on to in the next step of their journey-- everything from immediate duty on a naval ship in San Diego, to training in Military Intelligence, or as an Ordnance Officer, or the Basic School at the Marine base at Quantico, or as an Engineer, or even an “Educational Delay” in one case, for the candidate to attend the University of Pennsylvania Dental School, before becoming an army dentist! Natan, and several other young officers in his program, has been selected as a pilot. He will be going to Enid, Oklahoma in September until his pilot training program begins.

As each officer’s name and assignment was announced, it was also announced who would pin their insignia on them for the first time, and who would offer them their first salute. Ann and Steve went up onto the stage to stand on either side of Natan, and pin on his Second Lieutenant bars. He then received his first salute from an officer who he had selected for the honor.

First Salute

During this entire procedure--which lasted probably about a half hour, because 9 groups had to go up and go through the whole thing--the room was almost silent! No one spoke, everyone was respectfully quiet, and you could sense the pride and respect all of us had for these new young officers and the commitment they were making to the country and to their futures. It was amazingly moving and just a true “wow” moment to contemplate.

Afterwards, of course, there was celebration-- the ceremonies ended with the playing of all four service anthems, and then came the hugs, the photos, and all the laughter and smiles and introductions and joy. Needless to say, my camera battery had died long before (isn’t that always the way?) but fortunately Joe’s camera worked okay, and Adam and Noah took good photos for Ann and Steve during the pinning, and I have gotten good photos from all of them.

Then we all went back to Natan and Ruby’s apartment and had pizza for dinner, before Joe and I had to leave to come back and attend to poor Cassie. And shortly after that, the thunderstorms started again.

All in all, it was a truly wonderful and special day, and we are so hugely proud of Natan’s accomplishments and commitment. Joe and I were thrilled to be able to drive out here and be here for it all.